Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy expresses hope a vote will occur soon on an infrastructure bill that would invest around one-point-two trillion dollars in infrastructure projects over the next eight years. Cassidy says they will be busy the next few weeks working to finalize the bill text…
Cut 4 (10) “…infrastructure needs.”

Qualifying for the New Orleans mayoral race begins today and incumbent Latoya Cantrell appears to be in a strong position to get elected to a second and final term.
Political analyst Clancy DuBos says Cantrell has raised 1.6 million dollars and has an approval rating last polled in the 60s. Because of that, he doubts a major challenger will run against her.
Cut 7 (08) “…by now”

As the state remembers the life and legacy of former Governor Edwin Edwards Congressman Garret Graves recalled running against the Cajun Prince for Congress in 2014…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle

Will New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell see a major challenger sign up to run against her this week? One political analyst says no,  probably not…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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As COVID case numbers continue to climb there’s talk, at least in New Orleans, of reinstating capacity restrictions at festivals and sporting events. Brooke Thorington has more from State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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As the state remembers the life and legacy of former Governor Edwin Edwards Congressman Garret Graves recalled running against the Cajun Prince for Congress in 2014…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy expresses hope a vote will occur soon on an infrastructure bill that would invest around one-point-two trillion dollars in infrastructure projects over the next eight years. Cassiday says they will be busy the next few weeks working to finalize the bill text…

Cut 4 (10) “…infrastructure needs.”

Cassidy is among a group of Senators trying to iron out a deal, because he says the legislation could provide funding for several major transportation projects…

Cut 5  (12) “…central Louisiana.”

Cassidy says the legislation will also contain 47-billion dollars for coastal restoration and flood mitigation projects statewide. Louisiana’s senior senator thinks they can get it passed, but it’s a tedious process…

Cut 6 (13) “…be built”

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Qualifying for the New Orleans mayoral race begins today and incumbent Latoya Cantrell appears to be in a strong position to get elected to a second and final term.

Political analyst Clancy DuBos says Cantrell has raised 1.6 million dollars and has an approval rating last polled in the 60s. Because of that, he doubts a major challenger will run against her.

Cut 7 (08) “…by now”

DuBos says Cantrell has about 600,000 dollars on hand heading into qualifying.

DuBos says the opponents Cantrell does manage to attract will likely hammer her on local issues like crime and trash, but he expects she’ll run on her pandemic record.

Cut 8 (09) “…pandemic.”

Throughout nearly all of the pandemic, New Orleans maintained stricter COVID restrictions than the rest of the state.

Clancy says Cantrell is also not likely to see major opposition just due to the power of incumbency that exists at all levels of politics.

Cut 9 (09) “…reelection.”

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As COVID numbers surge, health officials in New Orleans say capacity restrictions for festivals and sporting events in the fall are possible due to the Delta variant. Officials say getting more people vaccinated is the key.  State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 94-percent of the COVID cases since May, are among those unvaccinated.

Cut 10 (07) “…top of this.”

As opposed to previous COVID surges, Kanter says this one is preventable, and the vaccination rate must increase. Kanter acknowledges there have been breakthrough cases, but overall, it’s rare, however, Kanter says as the variant spreads, breakthrough cases will only increase.

Cut 11 (09) “…risk out there.”

Research indicates 70 to 80-percent of the population should be fully vaccinated in order to curtail the pandemic. As for the Bayou State, Kanter says Louisiana along with other states are failing to hit the mark.

Cut 12 (12) “…vaccinated”

On Tuesday COVID hospitalizations hit 454, an uptick of 44 from the previous day. For a listing of vaccination sites, visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s website.

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Congressman Garret Graves was the last candidate to run against former Governor Edwin Edwards, beating Edwards in the 2014 race for the 6^th Congressional District seat.

The race came just a few years after Edwards got out of prison and Graves says Edwards’ legacy loomed large over the contest…

Cut 13 (11) “…to head.”

Graves won that race 62% to 38% in the heavily Republican district. If you consider Edwards dropped out in 1987 before he would have likely officially lost to Buddy Roemer Graves argues that he is the only candidate to have actually beaten Edwards straight up in over 20 contests.

Graves says he and Edwards kept up a candid and humorous backchannel dialog during the 2014 race and even after stayed in contact and occasionally chatted over lunch.

Cut 14 (12) “…from him.”

Graves says Edwards was one of the most charming and gifted men to ever grace Louisiana politics, but he leaves behind a complicated legacy…

Cut 15 (08)“…scrutiny.”

But Graves notes many of the controversial decisions Edwards made were, at the time, not viewed the same as they would be now.

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Cut 16 (25) “…back at it” 

Cut 17 (15) …so far.” 

Cut  18 (19)”..yeah.”

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Cut 19 (14) “…lives.” 

Cut 20 (27)  “…next weekend.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a dire warning for unvaccinated individuals. LDH says 94-percent of COVID cases in the state since May are among the unvaccinated and the delta variant is fueling the current surge in cases. In the last twelve days COVID hospitalizations increased by 200.

Matt Doyle spoke with political analyst Bernie Pinsonat who says changes made during former Governor Edwin Edwards’ four terms in office still shape the Louisiana political landscape…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year old was reported missing last Tuesday at Doug Williams Park, by a person claiming to have been with Little

Cut 6 (09) “…that claim.”

Governor Edwards held a ceremonial bill signing today in honor of legislation to authorize 10.5 million dollars in grants for community and technical college students. LCTS President Monty Sullivan says in the year ahead they will aggressively market the program and explain the first come-first-served process for applying.

Cut 13 (11) “…enrolled”

Louisiana’s legendary four-term former Governor Edwin Edwards passed away yesterday. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards enjoyed strong electoral support from African Americans in part because he played a major role in bringing Black leaders into state government…

Cut 4 (11) “….dramatically” 

A large number of current and former state political luminaries passed through at least one of the four Edwards’ terms. Current Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed was one of them. She served as Press Secretary for Former Governor Edwin Edwards in his final term. Reed was an anchor/reporter in Lake Charles when she was asked to join the Edwards administration.

Cut 9 (10) “…to none.”

Details have not yet been released on Edwards’ funeral plans.

Shreveport Police have identified the body of a teenage girl that was discovered yesterday as a 17-year-old who was reported missing last Tuesday. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the parents of Shamia Little were given the bad news after authorities searched a residence just half a mile from where she was reported missing.

Cut 8 (09) “…gone missing.”

The death is being investigated as a homicide.

Governor Edwards held a ceremonial signing of legislation that starting next summer will let many middle and lower-income Louisianans 21 and older go to community college for free. Louisiana Community and Technical System President Monty Sullivan says the MJ Foster Promise Program is a 10.5 million dollar grant program…

Cut 13 (11) “…enrolled”

Governor Edwards is holding a ceremonial bill signing today celebrating legislation that starting next summer will authorize 10.5 million dollars in grants for community and technical college students. The bill was named after former Governor Mike Foster. Louisiana Community and Technical System President Monty Sullivan says Foster is the father of the state community college system…

Cut 12 (09) “…Louisiana”

In Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body that was found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia (Sha-my-ah) Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year-old was reported missing last Tuesday and her body was located less than a half-mile from where she went missing.

Cut 7 (09) “…death was.”

Former Governor Edwin Edwards was known for his sharp wit, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says beyond the charm, the Cajun Prince presided over four highly impactful terms in office. Pinsonat says one of the biggest changes resulting from the Edwards years was the shifting of political power in the state from the north to the south.

Cut 3 (10)  “…long enough”

Before being confirmed as Higher Education Commissioner in 2018, Kim Hunter Reed also served as Press Secretary for Former Governor Edwin Edwards in his final term in the early 90s. She says despite Edwards’ ability to recall names, stats, and advocate for the state he always made his staff feel they were part of making a difference in the state.

Cut  11 (08) “…machine” 

Governor Edwards is celebrating a program dubbed “TOPS for adults” this afternoon with a ceremonial bill signing. Brooke Thorington has the story.
Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”.

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education said today that it’s not issuing mandates or policies related to masking or distancing in schools for the upcoming school year. BESE says those decisions will be made by local school leaders who have the authority to develop COVID-19 policies appropriate for their communities.

Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year old was reported missing last Tuesday at Doug Williams Park, by a person claiming to have been with Little
Cut 6 (09) “…that claim”
Her body was found not far from where she was last seen.

We are remembering former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards. The Cajun Prince died yesterday from respiratory issues. He was 93-years-old. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says in 1974 Edwards changed the severance tax from 25-cents a barrel of oil to 12.5 percent of its value. He says it created a revenue windall, but his crtics argue…
cut 5 (10) “…projects”

As the state remembers the life of former Governor Edwin Edwards political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s important to note some of the accomplishments of his four terms in office. Pinsonat says one change that ruffled some feathers at the time was being the first Governor to really bring Black leaders into state government…

Cut 4 (11) “….dramatically” 

Pinsonat says that decision would provide Edwards with a solid base of support from the African American community every time he ran for office.

Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed remembers Edwards from her time serving as his press secretary in his final term. She says he’s a big part of the reason she’s working in education today.

Cut 10 (09) “…for that.”

Remains found yesterday in Caddo Parish have been identified as missing 17-year-old Shamia Little. Little’s body was found at a residence just a half-mile from where she was first reported missing last Tuesday. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says when the discovery was made the victim’s family was notified.

Cut 8 (09) “…gone missing.”

Starting Thursday the first of a series of advanced child tax credit payments should start hitting parent’s bank accounts. The child tax credit increased to $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17. Congressman Troy Carter says advancing these payments will help lift millions of children out of poverty.

Cut 13 (10) “…fifty percent.”

Before being confirmed as Higher Education Commissioner in 2018, Kim Hunter Reed also served as Press Secretary for Former Governor Edwin Edwards in his final term in the early 90s. She says it was an amazing opportunity for a woman in her 20s, crisscrossing the state with a Governor known for his charm and political savvy.

Cut 9 (10) “…to none.”

In Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body that was found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year-old was reported missing last Tuesday and her body was located less than a half-mile from where she went missing.

Cut 7 (09) “…death was.”

Bordelon says they are treating this as a homicide investigation.

Matt Doyle spoke with political analyst Bernie Pisnonat who says changes made during former Governor Edwin Edwards’ four terms in office still shape the Louisiana political landscape…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

Former Governor Edwin Edwards died yesterday at 93 after a long life including a record four terms in office. Edwards was known for his wit and fierce campaigning, famously skewering then-Governor David Treen in 1983 during a debate…

Cut 10 (08) “…saying.”

Edwards may have been known for his wit but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says beyond the charm the Cajun Prince presided over four highly impactful terms in office. Pinsonat says one of the biggest changes resulting from the Edwards years was the shifting of political power in the state from the north to the south.

Cut 3, 10 seconds, long enough

Pinsonat noted other major changes such as bringing Blacks into government, significantly increasing state oil revenue, and holding a constitutional convention.

Edwards managed to remain one of the most popular figures in state politics despite repeated scandals and even a stint in jail on racketeering charges related to casino licenses. Edwards to his last day denied the allegations that landed him in prison and called the frequent investigations political witch hunts. Attorney Lewis Unglesby was a close friend of the Governor who says Edwards was confident in his innocence and wouldn’t let those around him take the fall when investigators came knocking at first in the 80s…

Cut 7 (04) “…unfair.”

The former governor is expected to lie in state at the capitol with a public viewing later this week.

Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body that was found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year old was reported missing last Tuesday at Doug Williams Park by a person claiming to have been with Little.

Cut 6 (09) “…that claim”

Her body was located Monday less than a half-mile from where she went missing.

Former Governor Edwin Edwards was one of the toughest campaigners in state history and a terror to his opponents on the debate stage. Matt Doyle has a sampling of some of his greatest hits…

Cut 2 (43) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The former governor is expected to lie in state at the capitol with a public viewing later this week. He was 93.

When a group of law enforcement officers held a press conference last week imploring lawmakers not to override Governor Edwards’ veto of concealed carry, it inspired Bossier Parish Sherriff Julian Whittington to speak in favor of the legislation.

Cut 4 (11) “…about.”

In his veto statement, Edwards says requiring proper firearm training is a fair balance for one to carry concealed and most Louisianans agree.

On Thursday parents should begin to see the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments in their account. The child tax credit increased to $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17.  Congressman Troy Carter says allowing families to receive the money in advance is significant.

Cut 13 (06) “…fifty percent.”