11:30 Newscast October 21, 2014

Early voting is underway as of today and people started lining up at the 8:30am opening to cast their ballot for the November 4th election. The Secretary of State’s Office is calling this the biggest election Louisiana has had in decades and these voters we spoke with today told us why they prefer to early vote…:
CUT 9 (13) “out of the way”
To find out where you can early vote download the Geaux Vote app.

ULM Athletic Director Brian Wickstrom says the freshman basketball player who is charged with the forcible rape of a female student is suspended indefinitely from the team. Officials with the university say 18-year-old Roderick Taylor allegedly arranged on social media to meet the victim in a parking lot on campus where she reported the incident took place. Taylor is booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center.

Officials say a third man involved in the 2010 murder of Rayville Police Sergeant Thomas Alexander has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the case. Alexander was killed while responding to a burglary at a home in Richland Parish. District Attorney Mack Lancaster says they are glad to have a third plea in this case…:
CUT 3 (11) “murder occurred”
Previously, Richard Long pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and Robert Walker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Both are serving life sentences.

State Education Officials have released the performance grades for Louisiana public schools and while there are no longer anymore F districts according to the report, there are 104 F schools. The DOE says the good news is that schools earning an A or B has gone up from 575 a year ago to 607 this year.

10:30 Newscast October 21, 2014

You can cast your ballots early for the November 4th election now and through October 28th. The hours are 8:30am to 6pm, excluding Sunday. The Secretary of State’s office says this is the biggest election Louisiana has had in decades and you can bring a set sample ballot with you to the polls with the app GeauxVote (geaux spelled the cajun way.)

There was a big rally for US Senator Mary Landrieu Monday staring former President Bill Clinton…:
CUT 3 (30) “reporting”

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office says a 20-year-old sprinter on LSU’s track team was arrested for allegedly raping a woman at an off-campus party over the weekend. They say Nathaneel Joseph Mitchell-Black was booked into prison and remained in jail Monday afternoon on a $100,000 bail after a woman reported the alleged incident to cops. The suspect denies the allegation.

The Louisiana Heroin Summit hosted by State Police is underway today with the purpose of addressing the recent rise in heroin use and overdose deaths from the drug here. Trooper Jared Sandifer says they encourage the public to attend the all day event at BREC Independence Park in Baton Rouge as heroin is a huge problem and it’s important to sit down and address it…:
CUT 9 (07) “could be passed”
He says in Louisiana last year there were at least 310 heroin-related arrests which is significantly higher than the year prior.

09:30 Newscast October 21, 2014

The early voting period for the November 4th election kicks off today and runs through October 28th. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 1 (31) “reporting”

A University of Louisiana at Monroe freshman basketball player has been arrested on a charge of forcible rape. Authorities say 18-year-old Roderick Taylor, Jr. was taken into custody after allegedly raping a victim on campus who he arranged to meet with online. Taylor has been suspended indefinitely from the basketball team.

Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about the increase of heroin use in Louisiana. Trooper Jared Sandifer says last year there were at least 310 heroin-related arrests made by LSP and law enforcement agencies across the state…

cut 8 (11) “in 2012″

The event is being held at the BREC Independence Park Theatre and the public is urged to participate.

Two St. John the Baptist Parish utilities workers have been indicted for falsifying records that lead to the discovery of a deadly amoeba in the parish’s drinking water supply in August. Kurt Wall with the state Attorney General’s office says the parish government is fully cooperating and taking corrective steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again…

cut 12 (10) “from here forward”

Kevin Branch of LaPlace and Danielle Roussel of Pauline were each charged with one count of malfeasance in office and one count of filing and/or maintaining false public records.

08:30 Newscast October 21, 2014

Former President Bill Clinton spoke at a campaign rally for Senator Mary Landrieu in Baton Rouge Monday. During a nearly 30-minute speech, Clinton spoke about Landrieu’s efforts to help college students afford their education, her support for a higher minimum wage and chairmanship of the Senate Energy Committee…

cut 15 (12) ” I do”

Election day is November fourth, but early voting begins today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says for sample ballots and early voting locations, you can go online to geauxvote-dot-com. Schedler says he expects a voter turnout between 45 and 50-percent for this US Senate election…

cut 6 (12) “high participation”

Early voting will take place through October 28th from 8:30AM to 6PM, excluding Sunday.

Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about heroin use and address the recent rise in heroin deaths. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (33) “reporting”

The woman killed in the French Quarter Sunday morning after a drunk driver crashed into a pole that fell on her, has been identified. The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Taylor McGonigle of Baker. The driver, 37-year-old Tevest Vance has been charged with vehicular homicide. McGonigle would have turned 22 on Monday.

07:30 Newscast October 21, 2014

Former President Bill Clinton was in Baton Rouge Monday and spoke at a Senator Mary Landrieu campaign rally. Landrieu’s main opponent, Bill Cassidy, constantly ties Landrieu and her voting record to policies supported by President Obama. But Clinton says Louisiana voters should not look at the Senate race as a chance to vote against Obama…

cut 14 (07) “crowd that’s right”

Clinton says Landrieu has a history of getting things done in the Senate.

Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about heroin use and address the recent rise in heroin deaths. Trooper Jared Sandifer says Col Mike Edmonson is going to be the keynote speaker and joined by several other people from around the state who know a lot about heroin…

cut 7 (11) “the area”

Sandifer says last year there were at least 310 heroin-related arrests made by LSP and law enforcement agencies across the state.

Early voting for the November 4th election kicks off today. This year’s election is highlighted by a hotly contested US Senate race. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says voters should expect a lengthy ballot…

cut 5 (06) “available, statewide”

Early voting will take place through October 28th, excluding Sunday.

Two St. John the Baptist Parish utilities workers have been indicted in connection with an investigation into a deadly amoeba which was found in the parish’s drinking water in August. Kurt Wall with the state Attorney General’s office says the workers were reporting satisfactory chlorine levels, but DHH did random testing and discovered, instead, the amoeba. He says that’s when State Police stepped in and decided to check GPS coordinates on the employees’ vehicles…

cut 11 (13) “correctly”

Kevin Branch of LaPlace and Danielle Roussel of Pauline were each charged with one count of malfeasance in office and one count of filing and/or maintaining false public records.

06:45 Sportscast October 21, 2014

The U-L Lafayette Ragin Cajuns look to keep their winning ways going on Tuesday nights when they host Arkansas State in a matchup of unbeaten teams in Sun Belt play. Coach Mark Hudspeth’s team has won its last three games played on Tuesday, dating back to last season…

cut 16 (21) “Arkansas State team”

Tonight’s game can be seen nationlly on ESPN Two.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association has named Louisiana Tech linebacker Terrell Pinson as their College Defensive Player of the Week. Pinson had two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the Bulldogs win over Texas San Antonio. Grambling quarterback Johnathan Williams is their Offensive Player of the Week, while LSU punt returner Tre’Davious White was tapped as Special Teams Player of the Week.

LSU gets another chance to beat a team ranked in the Top 5 this Saturday when they host the third ranked Ole Miss Rebels. The Tigers lost earlier this season to number 5 Auburn and Mississippi State who is now number one. Coach Les Miles thinks his improving defense is up to the challenge…

cut 18 (21) “that matchup”

Kick off is scheduled for 6:15PM.

The Saints are 2-and-4, but they are in second place and not that far behind division leader Carolina, who is 3-and-3-and-1 on the season. But Coach Sean Payton says the players are not worried about the standings…

cut 20 (11) “ourselves”

The Saints host Green Bay this Sunday night.

06:30 Newscast October 21, 2014

Former President Bill Clinton tells a crowd of Mary Landrieu supporters he doesn’t see how the senior senator is not a clear favorite in Louisiana’s US Senate race over her republican challengers. Clinton says Landrieu has a history of getting things done…

cut 13 (15) “(loud cheers)”

Clinton spoke at a Landrieu rally in Baton Rouge Monday.

The early voting period for the November 4th election kicks off today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting will take place through October 28th from 8:30AM to 6PM, excluding Sunday. Schedler says early voter participation is on the rise…

cut 4 (08) “of early voting”

Schedler says, statewide, this is the biggest election in the state in decades.

A grand jury indicted two St. John the Baptist Parish utilities workers in connection with an investigation into a deadly amoeba which was found in the parish’s drinking water in August. Kurt Wall with the state Attorney General’s office says there was a question about whether or not samples being collected were accurate…:

cut 10 (13) “randomly testing”

Kevin Branch of LaPlace and Danielle Roussel of Pauline were each charged with one count of malfeasance in office and one count of filing and/or maintaining false public records.

AM-Newscall October 21st, 2014

The early voting period for the November 4th election kicks off today and runs through October 28th. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about heroin use and address the recent rise in heroin deaths. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “reporting”

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Former President Bill Clinton makes a campaign stop in Louisiana to help Senator Mary Landrieu with her re-election efforts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The early voting period for the November 4th election kicks off today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting will take place through October 28th from 8:30AM to 6PM, excluding Sunday. Schedler says early voter participation is on the rise…

Cut 4  (08)  “of early voting”

This year’s election is highlighted by a hotly contested US Senate race and several contested Congressional races. Schedler wants to remind voters that there are 14 Constitutional Amendments on this year’s ballot. He says voters should expect a lengthy ballot…

Cut 5  (06)  “available, statewide”

Schedler says, statewide, this is the biggest election in the state in decades. He says for sample ballots and early voting locations, you can go online at geauxvote-dot-com. Schedler says he expects a voter turnout between 45 and 50-percent for this US Senate election…

Cut 6 (12)  “high participation”

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Louisiana State Police and several other agencies will host a “Heroin Summit” today to educate the public about heroin use and address the recent rise in heroin deaths. Trooper Jared Sandifer says Col Mike Edmonson is going to be the keynote speaker and joined by several other people from around the state who know a lot about heroin…:

CUT 7 (11)  “the area”

The event is being held between 9am-5pm at the BREC Independence Park Theatre and the public is urged to participate. Sandifer says in Louisiana last year there were at least 310 heroin-related arrests made by LSP and law enforcement agencies across the state…:

Cut 8 (11)   “in 2012”

Sandifer says the CDC named the Greater Baton Rouge area as the 19th worse in the nation per capita for heroin over dose deaths in 2013. He says it’s a huge problem it’s important to sit down and address it:

Cut 9 (07)  “could be passed” 

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A grand jury indicted two St. John the Baptist Parish utilities workers in connection with an investigation into a deadly amoeba which was found in the parish’s drinking water in August. Kurt Wall with the state Attorney General’s office says there was a question about whether or not samples being collected were accurate…:

Cut 10 (13)  “randomly testing”

Wall says the workers were reporting the chlorine levels in the water supply were up to par but DHH did random testing and discovered, instead, the amoeba. He says that’s when State Police stepped in and decided to check GPS coordinates on the vehicles these parish employees were using at the time they said samples were taken…:

cut 11 (13)  “correctly”

Kevin Branch of LaPlace and Danielle Roussel of Pauline were each charged with one count of malfeasance in office and one count of filing and/or maintaining false public records. Each felony count carries up to 5 years in prison. Wall says the St. John Parish Government is fully cooperating and are taking corrective steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again…:

cut 12 (10)  “from here forward”

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Former President Bill Clinton tells a crowd of Mary Landrieu supporters he doesn’t see how the senior senator is not a clear favorite in Louisiana’s US Senate race over her republican challengers. Clinton says Landrieu has a history of getting things done

Cut 13 (15)  “(loud cheers)”

Clinton was in Baton Rouge Monday and spoke at a Landrieu rally. Her main opponent, Bill Cassidy, constantly ties Landrieu and her voting record to policies supported by President Obama. But Clinton says Louisiana voters should not look at the Senate race as a chance to vote against Obama

Cut 14 (07)  “crowd that’s right”

During a nearly 30-minute speech, Clinton spoke about Landrieu’s efforts to help college students afford their education, her support for a higher minimum wage and chairmanship of the Senate Energy Committee

Cut 15  (12)  ” I do”

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The U-L Lafayette Ragin Cajuns look to keep their winning ways going on Tuesday nights when they host Arkansas State in a matchup of unbeaten teams in Sun Belt play. Coach Mark Hudspeth’s team has won its last three games played on Tuesday, dating back to last season

Cut 16  (21)   “Arkansas State team”

Tonight’s game can be seen nationlly on ESPN Two. Hudspeth wants to see a big crowd, because it’s a game that can show the university in a positive light…

Cut 17  (10)   “12th man”

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LSU gets another chance to beat a team ranked in the Top 5 this Saturday when they host the third ranked Ole Miss Rebels. The Tigers lost earlier this season to Auburn, who is ranked fifth and Mississippi State who is now number one. Coach Les Miles thinks his improving defense is up to the challenge…

Cut 18 (21) “that matchup”

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The Saints are 2-and-4 and some in the Who Dat nation are putting part of the blame on Quarterback Drew Brees. The veteran signal caller’s interception in the late stages on Sunday set up Detroit’s game-winning touchdown. But Coach Sean Payton is defending Brees’ play…

Cut 19 (16)   “are worries”

Even though the Saints have a losing record, they are in second place and not that far behind division leader Carolina, who is 3-and-3-and-1 on the season. But Payton says the players are not worried about the standings

Cut 20 (11)  “ourselves”

17:30 Newscast October 20th, 2014

Former President Bill Clinton tells a crowd of Mary Landrieu supporters he doesn’t see how the senior Senator is not a clear favorite in Louisiana’s US Senate Race over Republican Challengers Bill Cassidy and Rob Maness. Clinton says Landrieu has a history of getting things done…:
CUT 13 (15) “loud cheer”
Clinton spoke at a rally in Baton Rouge today.

The Department of Health and Hospitals says they plan to stop billing rape victims for exams and tests. Advocacy groups and lawmakers were critical of the fact that women who had been raped were getting big hospital bills after checking in to be treated for the assault. DHH says they now plan to seek reimbursement for such visits from the Crime Victim’s Reparation Board.

Cleanup crews are continuing to work a major crude oil spill in Caddo Parish that has killed dozens of fish and some reptiles. The oil leaked into Tete Bayou due to the rupture of a Mid-Valley pipeline. Workers were able to stop the spill from reaching into Caddo Lake. It’s estimated that approximately 4,000 barrels of crude oil flowed into the Bayou.

The Gonzales Police Department has released new information about the man who was found dead in his car in the Wal-Mart parking lot over the weekend. They say 26-year-old Lucas Sanchez of Pascagoula, Mississippi was seen on video purchasing computer keyboard cleaner at the store then returning to his car. Sgt. Stephen Nethken says foul play is not suspected in this case and they believe Sanchez died of a drug overdose…:
CUT 16 (13) “aerosol cans”
He says they are waiting on the coroner to determine official cause of death.

16:45 LRN Sportscast Monday Oct 20

Tiger Stadium should be rocking on Saturday night when the 24th ranked Fighting Tigers host the third ranked Ole Miss Rebels. LSU is coming off a 41-3 victory over Kentucky. Fresham safety Jamal Adams looks like a star in the making. He had eight total tackles against the Wildcats and a sack. Adams says the players on defense have bought into the game plan…
cut 19 (11) “…as a team”
Can LSU’s offense put some points on the board on Saturday? That will be a big question as the Rebels are allowing only ten points a game.

In the latest FCS Top 25 poll….Southeastern Louisiana is still ranked eighth, while McNeese State is 11th. The Lions and Cowboys are coming off victories at home. This Saturday McNeese is at Incarnate Word and S-L-U is at Stephen F Austin.

Louisiana Tech is 3-and-0 in Conference USA heading into Saturday’s game against Southern Miss. The Bulldogs are coming off a 27-20 victory over Texas San-Antonio. Tech trailed 10-to-6 at halftime, but the game turned when senior linebacker Terrell Pinson had a two-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Tech scored two more quick touchdowns and Coach Skip Holtz says that was the difference in the game…
cut 30 (14) “….it was huge”

A huge loss for the Saints yesterday as they lost to Detroit 24 to 23. New Orleans led by 13 late in the fourth quarter, but Detroit hit on a long touchdown pass and Quarterback Drew Brees threw an interception that set up the game winning score. Some fans are wondering if Brees is still an elite quarterback in the NFL, but Coach Sean Payton said today that number nine is the least of their worries.