16:30 Newscast July 18

A national poll from morning Consult finds the governor’s approval rating is up to 58 percent. Baton Rouge pollster Bernie Pinsonat says being in the upper 50s is good for any governor, but especially a Democrat in a red state.

Cut 13 (08) “budget problem”

Edwards’ approval rating was at 54 percent in May.

New Orleans has been named the number four city in the US by readers of Travel +Leisure. Kristian Sonnier with the New Orleans CVB says the magazine ranked cities based on six categories, including culture, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. He says the Big Easy stood out in some key areas.

Cut 3 (10) “six categories”

Sonnier says the CVB works around the clock to ensure New Orleans remains at the top of these rankings.

Environmental groups are suing over the extended red snapper season for fear overfishing could hurt the snapper population. But David Cresson with the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana says the notion that Louisiana would mismanage this opportunity was ridiculous.

Cut 10 (08) “out of stock”

Cresson says at the rate Louisiana is going, anglers will be able to catch snapper without overfishing the state’s quota.

LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux has been named the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. LSU Gymnastics is known for having a ton of fan interest. Breaux says the school does a great job at branding the sport.

Cut 8 (13) “Tiger fans”