Democrat Shawn Wilson says he has the proven track record of bipartisan leadership to move the state forward. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Amendment 1 on the ballot would ban the use of financial of other donations from a nongovernmental or foreign source to administer elections in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A powerful lobbying group for businesses has a new leader. Jeff Palermo reports he’s a familiar face at the state capitol…

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Former State Transportation Director Shawn Wilson says he’s the best gubernatorial candidate because of his proven bipartisan leadership and the ability to deliver infrastructure projects. Projects like widening I-10 in Baton Rouge, advancing a new Mississippi River Bridge, and building a new entrance at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Cut 4 (11) “…do that.”

The Democrat says his campaign is about making sure residents are healthier, safer, smarter, and wealthier. First Wilson says he’ll address Medicaid expansion requirements and then make investments to be smart on crime…

Cut 5 (12) “…and educators.”

Wilson says he wants to fund early childhood education and ensure teacher pay raises….

Cut 6 (08) “…everything else.”

The Lafayette native says in addressing the state’s insurance crisis he also wants to be a governor that holds insurers accountable so citizens receive the benefits they are entitled to.

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Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the Louisiana Forestry Association continues to offer a reward of up to $15 thousand for tips leading to the arrest of arsonists in the state’s three largest wildfires. He says Laura McLaughlin of Pitkin was arrested for setting the Highway 113 fire which started in Rapides and spread into Vernon Parish

Cut 7 (11) “…being destroyed.”

The total suppression cost associated with these fires is estimated at $2.7 million.

Strain in the last six weeks, five arrests have been made but there has not been an increase in calls despite the reward. He says the reward remains until everyone is held liable for committing such a criminal act. 

Cut 8 (11) “…to justice.” 

The crime of simple arson could carry a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment of not more than 15 years. If the damage is less than $500, the offender will be fined or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. Strain says the state is still experiencing dry conditions…

Cut 9 (12)  “…to wildfires.”

Anyone with information about the Tiger Island fire or any other arson-related wildfires should call the State Fire Marshal, or local law enforcement.

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Also on the October 14^th ballot are four constitutional amendments. Steven Procopio, President of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says a vote for Amendment 1 would ban the use of financial or other donations from a nongovernmental or foreign source to administer elections.

Cut 10 (10) “…with that.”

Procopio says at least twice the lawmakers passed legislation against it, but it was vetoed by Governor Edwards. Procopio says Amendment 1 is another attempt to solidify that those types of organizations cannot donate to help administer elections.

Cut 11 (06) “…looking at.”

The concern is that the organization might try to influence an election by encouraging some voters to turn out more or even less. But Procopio says opponents argue the state only has so many dollars when it comes to elections.

Cut 12 (11) “…against it.” 

Early voting begins Saturday.

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry has a new president. Will Green is leaving as the head of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association to lead L-A-B-I. Green says he’s eager to work with the new governor and the legislature in removing unnecessary regulations and taxes on businesses…

Cut 13 (11) “…we’re open”

Green says he’s ready to advance positive policies Louisiana businesses desperately need…

Cut 14 (09) “…lawsuit abuse”

Green says he wants to enact bold reforms that will result in a climate for economic growth and champions the principles of a free enterprise system…

Cut 15 (09) “…their throat”

According to his LinkedIn page, Green worked at LABI from 2014 to 2016 as their director for civil justice reform and employee relations. In 2016, he got the job to lead the state’s auto dealers.

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ULM will once again start Jiya Wright at quarterback this Saturday when they host Appalachian State in the Sun Belt opener. Wright failed to throw for 100 yards a couple of weeks ago in the loss to Texas A-and-M, but Coach Terry Bowden liked what he saw from Wright…

Cut 16 (16) “…gets back.”

Herring started the Lamar game, but injured his shoulder  and will not available this Saturday. The Warhawks had last Saturday off and they spent time on improving their pass defense…

Cut 17 (17) “…football wise.”

ULM hosts App State at 7 PM.

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The Lady Tigers return All-American Angel Reese and SEC Freshman of the Year Flau-jae Johnson, plus several key role players. Coach Kim Mulkey has also added talented newcomers in All-Americans Haily Van Lith from Louisville and Aneesah Morrow from DePaul. So the expectation is LSU will repeat. Coach Kim Mulkey was asked about the expectations…

Cut 18 (18) “…right time”

Mulkey says this is a much different team than what she had last year…

Cut 19 (19) “…what happens” 

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13th ranked LSU will visit 20th ranked Ole Miss on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels lost their first game of the season last Saturday as they fell to Alabama. Coach Lane Kiffin says the players will not let that loss linger…

Cut 20 (17) “…good defense.” 

Kick-off is at 5 PM in Oxford.

LSU women’s basketball Coach Kim Mulkey says she had surgery that potentially saved her life over the summer. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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A major donor to Jeff Landry’s campaign for governor says he wants his money back. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Low water levels in the Mississippi River have decreased water flow into the gulf, which is allowing salt water to enter the river.  And for those water systems who get their supply from the Mississippi River…

Cut 3 (10) “…to treat.”

That’s Ricky Boyette, Public Affairs for the Army Corps of Engineers. He says they’ve acquired barges that will go upriver and be filled with river water…

Cut 4 (12) “…drinking purposes.”

Boyett says the Corps’ focus is to be able to transport 15 million gallons of water daily by the end of the week downstream with a goal of moving 36 million gallons a day.

Cut 5 (09) “ …effective measures.”  

On Monday, Boyette says the Corps began to raise the underwater levee that was constructed in July to buy more time with very little rain in the foreseeable future.

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A major donor to Jeff Landry’s gubernatorial campaign is asking for his $100,000 donation to be returned. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it appears donor John Odom has a beef with Landry hiring a former Trump campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski.

Cut 6 (07) “…and none.”

Pinsonat says usually once the check clears, it’s already spent and it’s highly unlikely your donation will be returned. But there have been cases where donations are sent back, especially if the donor is a distraction to the campaign.

Cut 7 (10) “…top them.” 

Odom has stated that Lewandowski is unfit to serve in any campaign and he’s urged Landry to reconsider the hire. There was an article in The Advocate newspaper about the situation and as we get closer to the election Pinsonat says stories like this might become more prevalent.

Cut 8 (08) “…a conclusion.”

Early voting begins this Saturday for the October 14^th primary.

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has appointed Dr. Rebecca Hook as its first Medical Director to help with medical response efforts to child abuse and neglect. Amanda Brunson DCFS Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare says Hook will serve as an in-house clinical resource for case workers and staff.

Cut 9 (11) “…understand it.” 

Hook has worked as the pediatric emergency room physician at Our Lady of the Lake for eight years. She has also worked at OLOL Children’s Hospital since it opened. Brunson says Hook will also act as a subject matter expert for children and families.

Cut 10 (12) “…child welfare.”

Since moving to the Bayou State, Hook has served as the medical representative on the multidisciplinary team for DCFS and the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center. When conflicting opinions from medical providers or a report come in, Brunson says Hook will consult on complex medical cases on child welfare.

Cut 11 (12) “…right path.”