8:30 LRN Newscast September 20

Governor John Bel Edwards spent last night’s gubernatorial debate defending his record. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham blamed Edwards for the state’s struggling economy, .
Cut 14 (08) “…killed it.”
GOP businessman Eddie Rispone says the Edwards administration is chasing jobs away…
cut 30 (04) “…in Louisiana”
But Edwards says the reason why the state has a projected 500-million dollar surplus is because the state’s economy is strong…
cut 13 (10) “…is just false”
The next televised debate is next Thursday.

Severe weather from the remnants of tropical storm Imelda has led to power outages in northwest Louisiana. SWEPCO reports hundreds are without electricity in Natchitoches and Shreveport.

The Board of Regents hosts a hazing prevention summit today in downtown Baton Rouge. Higher ed leaders will learn about the state’s new anti-hazing laws, they’ll also hear from the founder of stop-hazing-dot-org. Board of Regents spokesperson Meg Casper Sunstrom says they are trying to put an end to the hazing culture…
cut 6 (09) “…our childhood”
Those attending the summit will also hear from the parents of former LSU student Max Gruver, who died from a hazing activity.

The state health department is reporting West Nile activity is down this year with only 12 reported human cases, compared to 79 at this time last year. State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says West Nile can produce a severe headache, fever, disorientation or sudden weakness, which require immediate medical attention….
cut 12 (11) “…season”