According to one pollster, early voting numbers are strong for the midterm election in Louisiana. JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says we haven’t seen midterm participation like this since 2006….
cut 13 (10) “…contested races”
Couvillon predicts an overall turnout of over 30-percent, which would more than double the turnout last fall.

Tickets on the secondary market are going fast for the November 3rd mega matchup between LSU and Bama in Baton Rouge. StubHub’s Adam Budelli says they’re the most sought after Tiger/Tide tickets in years.
Cut 4 (09) “…respectively”
The lowest ticket prices available are over 200 hundred dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today. Kevin Barnhart has details about the trip.
Voicer 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

LSU/Alabama tickets are officially sold out but there’s still one option if you’re looking to get into the game….

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today.  Kevin Barnhart has details about the trip.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

__________________________________

JMC Analystic is predicting, based on strong early voting numbers, that turnout for the November election will more than double last fall’s ballot effort. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”

_________________________________________

Tickets are going fast for the November 3^rd mega matchup between LSU and Bama in Baton Rouge. The game is already officially sold out, but tickets are available through resellers like StubHub. StubHub Partnerships and Business Development Manager Adam Budelli says they’re the most sought after Tiger/Tide tickets in years.

Cut 4 (09) “…respectively”

The lowest ticket prices available are over 200 hundred dollars at the moment.

It’s only the third best seller despite it being the biggest heavy weight matchup of the year featuring two teams who’d be in the playoffs if the season ended today. The number one seller of the year was the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, but number two…

Cut 5 (08) “.Baton Rouge” 

If the Tigers topple Saban, they’ll have the inside track on a playoff seed, so, Bundelli says if LSU leaves Death Valley winner, and you’re feeling feisty…

Cut 6 (08) “…already.”

_________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is embarking on a week-long economic development mission to Israel today, taking with him a 24-person delegation.  Edwards also has meetings lined up with some of the nation’s top dignitaries.

Cut 7 (13) “…state of Louisiana.”

Edwards serves as co-chairman of the National Governor’s Association’s Resource Center for State Cybersecurity.  He says Israel is a world leader in the field and says cybersecurity is very important to the state.

Cut 8 (10) “…but also private sector.”

Edwards says he’s looking to also discuss getting Israeli companies to work with Louisiana companies when exploring for oil in the Mediterranean.  But he says the topics of discussion don’t stop there.

Cut 9 (13) “…and so forth.”

The Governor returns November 2^nd.

___________________

The Louisiana State Police are adding forty-eight new troopers to action with the graduation of LSP Cadet Class 98 today in Baton Rouge.  The cadets from around the state have now made it through months of the rigorous program.  LSP Spokesperson Jared Sandifer…

Cut 10 (08)   “…fully commissioned state troopers.“

Sandifer says the training includes education on a wide variety of skills that it takes to perform at the highest level with the LSP.

Cut 11 (10)   “…for impaired drivers.”

Sandifer says while this class may be wrapping up, LSP is actively hiring and encourages anyone who would like to work in law enforcement to look into joining the state police.

Cut 12 (05)  “…best and brightest.”
Although the date of the next cadet class has yet to me finalized, Sandifer says he expects it to take place in early 2019.

________________________________

Early voting turnout for the November 6^th ballot is looking pretty good so far, and one analyst says he expects over 30 percent turnout for the election, which would more than double last year’s fall voting. JMC Analytics Publisher John Couvillon says we haven’t seen midterm participation like this since 2006.

Cut 13 (10)   “…contested races.”

No Senate seats are open, the Congressional races aren’t close, and the only major state level position up for grabs is the nominally nonpolitical Secretary of State’s race. But Couvillon says there’s a number of issues, including a Unanimous Juries Amendment that could be motivating the increased participation.

Cut 14 (10)   “…turnout”

And that amendment is getting a lot of more attention than most amendments have in the past, even boasting a national profile and two million dollars invested in an ad campaign. Couvillon says the increased turnout means if supporters of the initiative could be celebrating if they can keep up the media blitz.

Cut 15 (11)   “…is desired”

_____________________________________________________

A rematch of last year’s memorable NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and tje Vikings takes place Sunday night at U-S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. That’s where the Black and Gold’s season ended last year thanks to a miraculous touchdown pass to Minnesota’s Stefon Diggs on the final play of the game. Saints running back Mark Ingram remembers…

Cut 16 (14) “.Sunday night”

The Saints bring a five-game winning streak into the game, while the Vikings have won three in a row. During the win streak, Minnesota’s defense has forced eight turnovers, allowed just five touchdowns and opponents have only converted on 4 of 32 third down opportunities. Ingram says they will need to play well to win….

Cut 17 (18)  “where to be”

______________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech faces Florida Atlantic tonight in a Friday night Conference USA match-up in Boca Raton, Florida. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they didn’t play well against the Owls last year…

Cut 18 (18) “…a lot of points” 

Tonight’s game will kick off at 5:30 on C-B-S Network. Holtz says he’d rather play on Saturdays, but likes playing on national television…

Cut 19 (18) “.the exposure” 

Florida Atlantic is 3-4, while Louisiana Tech is 5-2 and on a two-game winning streak. Bulldogs QB J’Mar Smith threw for just 156 yards in a win last week against UTEP. But Holtz says Smith is healthier this week…

Cut 20 (18) “football team” 

LSU’s Manship School says Democrats have a noticeable lead in key battleground congressional races nationwide. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

A Livingston Parish man who ordered a “sensual massage” has been found guilty of second degree murder.   Christopher Landry has been convicted in the killing of massage therapist in training, Kayla Ann Denham, who he hired for the services at his home last year.  In court Thursday, Landry admitted to striking Denham in the head with a gold club five times, however an autopsy showed it was 15 times and that she had been strangled.

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says after a busy season last year, it’s certainly possible that many of the flu strains this year have developed resistances to popular post-infection medications. The Professor says because Xofluza targets different systems than treatments like Tamiflu, it’s less likely to be shrugged off…

Cut 10 (07)  “…those viruses.”

Xofluza has been found to reduce flu symptoms if the patient has been sick for less than 48 hours

And scary moments earlier today in Lake Charles as Police and SWAT teams stormed Lake Charles Memorial Hospital after receiving reports that a man on the sixth floor of the facility had a gun. Upon investigation the person was discovered, and detained, but did not have a gun on his person. The investigation into the event is ongoing.

LSU’s Manship School and the Cook Political Report have surveyed congressional battleground districts nationwide and say Democrats have around a double digit average advantage in races that will likely determine control of the House. Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says their findings indicate the despite the lead participation gap may not be as big as advertised.

Cut 7 (08)  “…midterms”

Of the 1,500 people surveyed, 500 of them came from 69 districts rated as close races by Cook.

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu, and it  works against drug-resistant strains. Xofluza has been found to reduce flu symptoms if the patient has been sick for less than 48 hours. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says XoFluza is effective, but you still need a flu shot.

Cut 11 (10) “the flu.”

The state’s top higher education board will request an additional $172 million in state funding for public colleges next year to help lower the costs for students.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

earlier today in Lake Charles as Police and SWAT teams stormed Lake Charles Memorial Hospital after receiving reports that a man on the sixth floor of the facility had a gun. Upon investigation the person was discovered, and detained, but did not have a gun on his person. The investigation into the event is ongoing.

LSU’s players say Devin White is maintaining a positive attitude even though he’ll miss the first half of the Alabama game on November 3rd, because of the targeting penalty called on him last Saturday. Fellow linebacker Michael Divinity says White’s focus is on helping the Tigers beat the Crimson Tide, even though he can’t play in the first half…
Cut 16 (16) “.to have”
Coach Ed Orgeron says starting guard Garrett Brumfield might be able to play against Alabama. He hasn’t played in over a month since since injuring his left knee against Louisiana Tech.

Louisiana Tech leaves today for south Florida where they’ll play Florida Atlantic tomorrow night. A win for Tech and they’ll be bowl eligible, while it’s been a struggle for the Owls, who are 3-and-4, but they are 3-and-0 at home. F-A-U’s Devin Singletary has 14 rushing touchdowns. Kick-off is at 5:30.

By giving up a fourth round pick in next year’s draft for cornerback Eli Apple, the Saints head into next year’s draft without a first, third and fourth round selection. But Coach Sean Payton says that’s not a big concern….
cut 20 (19) “…team better”
The Saints are getting ready to play the Minnesota Vikings. It’s the third meeting between the two teams in 13 months. Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins told the Athletic that they have not forgotten last January’s heart breaking loss and they want this game.

The 3-0 Pelicans are off tonight and they’ll host Brooklyn tomorrow night.

Georgia State is the preseason favorite, according to the Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball coaches preseason poll. The Ragin Cajuns finished in a tie for second in the poll with Georgia Southern. ULM has been picked to finish fourth.

LSU’s Manship School and the Cook Political Report have surveyed congressional battleground districts nationwide and say Democrats have around a double digit average advantage in races that will likely determine control of the House. Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says in suburban districts that will likely decide the election, the President is dragging down GOP candidates.

Cut 6 (08)  “…the President.”

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu, and it  works against drug-resistant strains. Xofluza has been found to reduce flu symptoms if the patient has been sick for less than 48 hours. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says it’s similar to TamiFlu.

Cut 9 (12)  “two days.”

The state fire marshal’s office has charged a 41-year-old woman with negligent homicide after her 11-year-old child died in a camper fire during the overnight hours in Beuregard Parish. The coroner’s office will make an official identification on the child.  State fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Stafford admits to leaving the sleeping child unattended in order to go next door to do drugs…

Cut 14 (04) “…infuriating”
The Board of Regents will ask for a $172 million increase in state funding for public colleges next year. The request would push state funding for higher ed to $1.2 billion for the budget year that begins July 1. A significant amount of the money would be used toward keeping schools from raising fees next year. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says they also want to use some of the funds towards future-proofing the educational system.

Cut 4 (10) “…evolve the system.″

The Board of Regents will ask for a $172 million increase in state funding for public colleges next year. The request would push state funding for higher ed to $1.2 billion for the budget year that begins July 1. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the additional funding will help students who are struggling with the rising cost of education

Cut 3 (11) “…students to participate”

A significant amount of the money would be used toward keeping schools from raising fees next year.

LSU’s Manship School and the Cook Political Report have surveyed congressional battleground districts nationwide and discovered Democrats have a strong lead heading into November 6^th, but LSU Professor James Carville says the national political fervor could lead to sky high participation, and some unexpected results.

Cut 8 (11) “…to go”

The survey also indicates most Americans are at least somewhat confident that foreign intervention will not be an issue.

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says after a busy season last year, it’s certainly possible that many of the flu strains this year have developed resistances to popular post-infection medications. The Professor says because Xofluza targets different systems than treatments like Tamiflu, it’s less likely to be shrugged off…

Cut 10 (07)  “…those viruses.”

Xofluza has been found to reduce flu symptoms if the patient has been sick for less than 48 hours

And scary moments earlier today in Lake Charles as Police and SWAT teams stormed Lake Charles Memorial Hospital after receiving reports that a man on the sixth floor of the facility had a gun. Upon investigation the person was discovered, and detained, but did not have a gun on his person. The investigation into the event is ongoing.

The Board of Regents will ask for a $172 million increase in state funding for public colleges next year. The request would push state funding for higher ed to $1.2 billion for the budget year that begins July 1. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed the message is clear when it comes to cuts to higher education.

Cut 5 (05)  “…for our students.” 

The Regents say charges on students increased 107% over the last 11 years.

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu, and it works against drug-resistant strains. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says despite Xofluza’s effectiveness, professionals still advise getting a preventative flu shot.

Cut 11 (10) “the flu.”

Lopez says the average effectiveness level for flu shots over the past few years has been 40 to 60 percent.

The state fire marshal’s office has charged a 41-year-old woman with negligent homicide after her 11-year-old child died in a camper fire during the overnight hours in Beuregard Parish. State fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they don’t have a cause for the fire and firefighters discovered the body of the child in a bedroom.

Cut 13 (07) “…that camper”

Jenny Stafford of Singer is also facing drug charges in the incident.

LSU’s Manship School and the Cook Political Report have surveyed congressional battleground districts nationwide and say Democrats have around a double digit average advantage in races that will likely determine control of the House. Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says despite that lead, Republicans appear to be just as ready to vote as Democrats.

Cut 7 (08)  “…midterms”

There are around 12 million more registered Democrats than Republicans nationwide.