Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards each had separate news conferences today in Baton Rouge. The National Federation of Independent Business announced its endorsement for Vitter and then the Senator told those in attendance there’s a clear choice to make on November 21st……:
CUT 5 (12) “…to guide us”
Democrat John Bel Edwards had a press conference at the headquarters of the Louisiana Sheriffs Association. who endorsed him earlier this week.

A flash flood watch is in effect tomorrow for southwest and central Louisiana, and Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service, says this rain event could be similar to last weekend’s..:
CUT 12 (06) “as well”
He says there’s a potential for tornadoes and 2-4 inches of rain.

State Police says a 13-year-old girl from Monroe died in crash when the vehicle she was traveling in failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by another vehicle. They say 47-year-old Florence Nash was did not yield to the stop sign at an intersection at US Highway 165-B and was hit by a truck. Investigators say Nash and several of her passengers were taken to a hospital and 13-year-old Cassy Nash of Monroe died.

Even though they had their liquor licenses suspended this week, a judge in New Orleans has ruled that four strip clubs in the French Quarter can stay open for now. A temporary restraining order was issued. Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Troy Hebert says if authorities really want to clean up crime in New Orleans, everyone needs to work as a team…:
CUT 9 (09) “are not”
An undercover ATC operation found prostitution and drug sales happening at the clubs.

The two candidates for governor held press conferences in Baton Rouge today. Democrat John Bel Edwards was joined by sheriffs from the around the state as he received the Louisiana Sheriffs Association endorsement. Edwards says a recent Vitter ad that claimed he plans to release up to 55-hundred inmates if elected, is untrue…:
CUT 3 (12) “incarceration rates”
Republican David Vitter is holding a rally at a restaurant in Baton Rouge where the NFIB has announced they are endorsing the US Senator to be the next Governor.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Corrections says certain OMV offices throughout the state will remain open tomorrow from 8am-4pm in continuing efforts to address concerns over the auto insurance fee letters. The state says they are trying to clear the records of people with dings indicating they owe a fee because they let their car insurance lapse, but in many instances the letters were sent as a result of a glitch.

Looks like we’re in for another wet weekend and the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for southwest and central Louisiana through Halloween night. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says this weather system will hit almost every corner of Louisiana but some areas more than others…:
Cut 11 (10) “overnight hours”
Speaking of those overnight hours, daylight savings time ends this weekend so don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour before bed Saturday.

The State Department of Health and Hospitals says the deadly amoeba found in an Ascension Parish water system this summer has now been eradicated. Officials have been working for weeks to treat the water with chlorine into the lines outside Donaldsonville. Since 2011, three deaths in Louisiana have been attributed to the harmful strain of amoeba, prompting the Department of Health and Hospitals to order the state’s water systems to raise their chlorination levels.

WVUE-TV reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of rape and sexual assault. Emelie Gunn reports…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Officials announced at the state capitol in Baton Rouge today that Louisiana’s general fund for 2014-2015 fiscal year is short by $117 million dollars. They said the big part of the gap was caused by larger than expected tax credits and refunds. The Governor’s office says they are working on it.

Four French Quarter strip clubs who had their liquor licenses suspended by the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will be able to sell alcohol and cigarettes this weekend. A New Orleans judge has issued a temporary restraining order against ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert’s suspension order. Hebert says this sends a horrible message…:
CUT 8 (11) “were served”
A hearing on the temporary restraining order is scheduled for next week.

A flash flood watch is in effect for south west and central Louisiana throughout Halloween. Forecasters say we could see as much rain as we saw last weekend.

WVUE-TV reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of rape and sexual assault. New Orleans state Senator JP Morrell has been an advocate when it comes to legislation requiring college campuses to do a better job in reporting sexual assaults. He says many universities find the issue overwhelming…:
CUT 13 (09) “not an issue”

The two candidates for governor are in Baton Rouge today holding press conferences. Democrat John Bel Edwards got the endorsement of the Louisiana Sheriffs Association and Assumption Sheriff Mike Waguespack says Edwards will bring integrity to the governor’s office…:
CUT 4 (12) “of Louisiana”
Vitter is expected to announce this afternoon he’s been endorsed by the NFIB.

A flash flood watch is in effect for south west and central Louisiana throughout Halloween. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a lot of rain is moving in from the west bringing at least two to four inches of rain along with the chance of severe weather, including tornadoes…:
CUT 10 (09) “Saturday night”
He adds that it’s good that many parishes changed trick or treat to tonight just in case the severe weather drags on.

LSU has released the Tigers 2016 football schedule and it features seven games in Tiger Stadium. LSU begins the season September 3rd in Green Bay to take on the University of Wisconsin. The Tigers will welcome Jacksonville State, Mississippi State, Missouri, Southern Miss, Ole Miss, Alabama and South Alabama to Death Valley. The team will face Auburn, Florida, Arkansas and Texas A&M on the road.

The two candidates for governor are in Baton Rouge today holding press conferences. Democrat John Bel Edwards was joined by sheriffs from around the state as he received the Louisiana Sheriffs Association endorsement earlier this week. The Amite Representative says a recent ad by Republican David Vitter claiming Edwards is going to release 55-hundred inmates if elected is not true…:
CUT 3 (12) “in incarceration rate”
Vitter is holding a rally this afternoon and is expected to announce he’s been endorsed by the NFIB.

Cops say a gymnastics coach from Jefferson Parish has been arrested and booked with video voyeurism and possession and production of child pornography. Kenner Police say they executed a search warrant at the home of Brian Townsend and found several images of female juveniles engaging in sex acts. Townsend worked at several dance studios in Kenner and Metairie.

Four French Quarter strip clubs who had their liquor licenses suspended by the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will be able to sell alcohol. That’s because a New Orleans judge has issued a temporary restraining order against ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert’s suspension order. Hebert is not pleased…:
CUT 7 (08) “over there, now”
A hearing on the temporary restraining order is scheduled for next week.

Weather this Halloween is looking a little spooky…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The New Orleans NAACP chapter is asking David Vitter’s gubernatorial campaign to take down a TV ad that uses the word “thugs” inside the commercial. The commercial claims that Democrat John Bel Edwards’ proposal to release thousands of criminals is dangerous and irresponsible. New Orleans NAACP President Morris Reed says not only is the commercial offensive, but it might not be factual…

cut 12 (12) “the street”

The Vitter campaign has said they will not remove the ad from television.

Severe storms and heavy rainfall is expected across Louisiana this Halloween. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a good thing many parishes have moved Trick or Treating to Friday, because heavy downpours are expected Saturday….

cut 6 (09) “in flood”

He adds that there is the potential of tornadoes with this weather system.

State Police is reminding parents and kids to play it safe when Trick-or-Treating this Halloween. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The state Attorney General’s Office reports the arrest of a Denham Springs contractor accused to theft, forgery, and fraud. They believe 46-year-old James Brewer, owner of Brewer Construction Group, took a down payment of over $3000 and then failed to preform the promised work. Their investigation also discovered that Brewer didn’t become a licensed contractor until several months after the deal was made. If convicted, Brewer faces up to 10 years in prison on each count.

The New Orleans NAACP has requested that the Vitter campaign remove a TV commercial that uses the word “thugs”. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Shreveport Police have arrested a man for his alleged involvement in a Thursday night stabbing. They say 41-year-old Dameon Jefferson and 44-year-old Christopher Johnson were involved in an altercation when Johnson allegedly pulled a weapon and stabbed Jefferson. Jefferson was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. Johnson was arrested without incident and charged with attempted second degree murder.

State Police is reminding kids and parents to keep safety first when it comes to trick-or-treating. Trooper Brian Lee says you should always walk on sidewalks if they are available, but if not pedestrians should stay on the left side of the road facing traffic. He adds that parents should inspect all candy for safety after returning home…

cut 9 (07) “candy is safe”

He also encourages people to check the State Police sex offender registry to see if there are any culprits in the area you’ll be trick or treating.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says the weather on Halloween could be frightening, as severe storms and heavy rainfall is expected. Keim says there’s also the potential of tornadoes with this latest weather system….

cut 5 (08) “be prepared”

Keim says it’s a good thing many parishes have moved Trick or Treating to Friday, because heavy downpours are expected Saturday.

The New Orleans chapter of the NAACP wants David Vitter’s gubernatorial campaign to take down a TV ad that uses the word “thugs” inside the commercial. Chapter President Morris Reed says the ad seeks to strike fear in the hearts of the white community…

cut 11 (08) “not necessary”

The Vitter campaign has said they will not remove the ad from television.

State Police is reminding kids and parents to play it safe when trick-or-treating this Halloween. Trooper Brian Lee encourages people to check the State Police sex offender registry to see if there are any culprits in the area you’ll be trick or treating…

cut 8 (10) “law enforcement”

Lee says it’s also important to make sure your kids know their address and phone number in case they wander off, they know how to find you.

Three major national political forecasters now say a Republican win in Louisiana’s gubernatorial election is not as certain as it once was. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Republican David Vitter ended up with high negatives because of the type of attacks he was getting from his opponents in the primary…

cut 14 (10) “normally are”

Some forecasters are now classifying this race as a “toss-up”.

Weather forecasters say Halloween could be frightening, as severe storms and heavy rainfall is expected. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a front will stall along the Louisiana coast and it will help to produce another significant rain event, similar to what we saw last weekend…

cut 4 (09) “in flood”

Keim says this rain will likely take care of the lingering drought problems we’ve had, even in north Louisiana.