AM Newscall 09.24.19

An independent poll shows incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon in a near tie with challenger Tim Temple. The pollster says it may be thanks to a new attack ad chastizing Donelon for napping through what appears to be a hearing…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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An LSU Biochemistry Professor discovers that a diabetes treatment may also be effective in treating breast cancer. Matt Doyle spoke with Dr. Suresh Alahari about his research…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The candidates for Governor discussed their top priority if elected. Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A new Independent poll shows the race for Insurance Commissioner is at a statistical dead heat with incumbent Jim Donelon at 22 percent and challenger Tim Temple at 20 percent.

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says the biggest number that stands out is the 58 percent of voters who remain undecided.

Cut 4 (07) “…incumbent.”

Both Donelon and Temple are Republicans.

Temple has poured over a million dollars of his own money into the race, buying up TV and radio ad space statewide. Couvillon says one ad, in particular, appears to have hit home.

Cut 5 (08) “…the wheel”

Couvillon says with a week and a half before most voters lock in their choices at the ballot box, the Donelon campaign needs to move quickly to sure up undecideds, and respond to the Temple attack.

Cut 6 (05) “…come out swinging.”

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An LSU Health New Orleans researcher finds that a common Diabetes medication was effective in treating certain forms of cancer in mice.

Biochemistry Professor Dr. Suresh Alahari says certain cancers lack a protein known as Nischarin, and Metformin, the diabetes treatment, activates an enzyme that can help neutralize those cancers.

Cut 7 (06) “…growth” 

Nischarin was first discovered by Alahari 20 years ago when he worked in North Carolina.

Metformin is already a proven commodity, and Alahari is excited about the prospect of it being used to treat ailments like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, carcinomas, and possibly even Alzheimer’s.

Cut 8 (08) “the road”

Research is also being done on how Metformin affects those with dementia, aging, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders.

Alahari stresses just because preliminary tests in mice were inspiring, doesn’t mean they have a miracle cure ready today for humans, but they’ve got their next step already plotted out.

Cut 9 (09)  “…tissue”

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The three main candidates in the governor’s race appeared at the Baton Rouge Press Club and discussed what they prioritize if elected.  GOP challenger Eddie Rispone says he will let various sectors know how accommodating the state is under his leadership.

Cut 10 (13) “…business people do.”

Fellow Republican candidate Ralph Abraham says he will reverse ITEP changes, which is a property tax break for large manufacturers, but it does not stop there.

Cut 11 (11) “…and budget reform.” 

Governor Edwards says he will continue investing into education.

Cut 12 (12) “…to our future.”
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Truth in Accounting-dot-org gives Louisiana a D rating following a new analysis of the latest financial report showing Louisiana has $15.8 billion available to pay nearly $38 billion worth of bills. Truth in Accounting Founder and CEO Sheila Weinberg says the state has a long way to go to make improvements.

Cut 13 (12) “…at $17,700.”

Weinberg highlights the state’s pension debt of $9.4 billion and retiree healthcare debt of $9.6 billion as a major factor.

Cut 14 (09) “…retiree healthcare benefits.” 

Weinberg says the state should not roll the financial burden of retiree healthcare onto future taxpayers.

Cut 15 (07) “…for other taxpayers.”

Overall, the state ranks 40th in the nation.

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For the third time this year, Quarterback Joe Burrow is the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Tommy Hodson and JaMarcus Russell are the only quarterbacks in LSU history to earn SEC Offensive Player of the Week three times. Through the first four games, Burrow has more completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns than any player in school history over that span. Coach Ed Orgeron doesn’t see Burrow slowing down

Cut 16  (13) “…expect that”

LSU leads the nation in scoring, averaging nearly 58 points per game. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is second in the nation in receiving yards per game, with 132-yards a contest. Orgeron says they knew the sophomore from Rummel would have a breakout season…

cut 17 (12) “…of player” 

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The Sun Belt Conference has named Ragin Cajuns running back Elijah Mitchell as its Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week. The Erath native rushed for 143 yards and three touchdowns in U-L Lafayette’s road win over Ohio. Coach Billy Napier says a great offseason is paying off for Mitchell

Cut 18 (18) “can do” 

The Cajuns have one of the top rushing attacks in the country as they rank first in the nation in total rushing yards, with 1,295 yards and 18 touchdowns. Trey Ragas is averaging 10 yards a carry, while Raymond Calais is averaging 9.5 yards an attempt. Napier says it’s an unselfish group

cut 19 (21)   “ our team.”