The last gubernatorial debate before early voting airs tonight on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says this debate with five of the major candidates will focus on their plan for the future of the Bayou State.

Cut 3 (09) “…the state.”

It airs at 7 o’clock and can be streamed afterwards.

As saltwater moves up the lower Mississippi River, plans are underway to build a pipeline to take fresh river water from past Kenner to drinking water treatment plants in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness Collin Arnold says this could be a lengthy process…

Cut 10 (11) “…the Midwest.”

In Tangipahoa Parish, investigators are looking into claims that a female teacher at a school was involved in a sexual relationship with a student that resulted in a pregnancy and recent birth. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that a now 17-year-old student allegedly fathered the child. The teacher recently resigned from her position.

The latest AARP Scorecard ranks the Bayou State 45^th in the country for long-term care services and support for seniors. Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says one of the biggest myths is that people in nursing homes receive 24-hour care…

Cut 7 (12) “…nursing home.” 

The scorecard also shows gaps in workforce and equity which result in persistent problems in care.

The last gubernatorial debate before early voting airs tonight on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says with many undecided voters in the state, this is a great chance for the public to get to know the candidates better and…

Cut 4 (11) “…the candidates.”

The forum begins at seven and will be streamed afterward.

According to the AARP Scorecard, Louisiana ranks 45^th in the nation for long-term care services and support for older Americans. Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says only 22 percent of Louisiana’s Medicaid spending goes toward home care service.

Cut 6 (10) “…individual choosing.”

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal is modifying the statewide burn ban…

Cut 8 (07) “…they’re in.” 
That’s state fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue, who says the modified burn ban also allows local fire chiefs to grant burn permissions. The statewide burn ban was first issued on August 7^th and re-issued on August 25th. The modified order goes into effect tomorrow at 5 p.m.

The state’s first all-female officiating crew will call the Glen Oaks at Parkview Baptist football game tonight. Louis Metevia with the Baton Rouge Area Football Officials Association says he recruited ladies from across the state to be a part of the historic night.

Cut 10 (11) “…our brand.”

Kick-off at Parkview Baptist is at 7 p.m.

Treasurer John Schroder says his first priority as governor is to restore the people’s faith in government. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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An all-female officiating crew will make history in Louisiana by calling the Glen Oaks at Parkview Baptist football game Thursday night. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Today, prosecutors will make their case in a Baton Rouge courtroom that the Louisiana Pardon Board can not hold clemency hearings for 20 death row inmates seeking a reduced sentence of life in prison. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut (28) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Treasurer John Schoder says his military, law enforcement, legislative, and small business owner experience makes him the best candidate for governor. In his lifetime he’s taken seven oaths of office, Shroder says he’s sworn to represent all people, not just the ones he agrees with politically.

Cut 4 (06) “…transparency.”

To tackle some of the state’s biggest issues, Schroder says he’ll create committees to focus on crime, education, and insurance, work a game plan and call lawmakers into session.

He also wants to reexamine ethics laws and review the current state budget that was rushed in the final hours of the legislative session.

Cut 5 (08) “…those areas.”

While other candidates say they want to recruit new industries, Schroder says first we need to look at creating a better atmosphere for the existing ones. He says more than half of the jobs in the state are from small businesses.

Cut 6 (10) “…to come.”

Schroder served nine and half years in the legislature and is in his sixth year as treasurer.

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The statewide burn ban re-issued on August 25^th has been modified to renew and establish certain exceptions. State Fire Marshal Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says this decision allows each parish to devise a plan to deal with the bans based on moisture levels and the current threat of wildfires. 

Cut 7 (12) “…their areas.”

Louisiana first issued its statewide burn ban on August 7^th and re-issued it on August 25th.

The active burn ban prohibits all private burnings with no limitations. Rodrigues says one of the new modifications …

Cut 8 (07) “…they’re in.” 

The reissued modifications also provide for fire chiefs to resume granting burn permissions on a case-by-case basis.

Rodrigue says even if your parish decides to opt out of the burn ban continue to keep safety first. And for those parishes that remain under the state burn ban…

Cut 9 (12)  “…outdoor cooking.”

The new modified order goes into effect Friday.

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The state’s first all-female officiating crew will call the Glen Oaks at Parkview Baptist football game tonight. Baton Rouge Area Football Officials Association Assignment Secretary Louis Metevia says he recruited ladies from across Louisiana to be a part of the historic night.

Cut 10 (11) “…our brand.”

A total of eight female officials – including six from the Baton Rouge Area Football Officials Association – will call the high school varsity football game.

Metevia says it’s getting harder to find referees to officiate football games, so getting females interested in officiating could help their referee shortage…

Cut 11 (12) “…out there.”

Last year, Mississippi had an all-female crew call a local high school football game. Metevia says it’s something he’s always wanted to do in Louisiana and tonight’s the night.

Cut 12 (10) “…about it.” 

Kick-off at Parkview Baptist is at 7 p.m.

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A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments today over whether the Louisiana Pardon Board can hold clemency hearings next month for 20 death row inmates looking to have their sentence commuted to life in prison before Governor John Bel Edwards leaves in January. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino expects Judge Don Johnson will rule that the hearings can be held…

Cut 13 (11) “…executive clemency”

But Attorney General Jeff Landry and several district attorneys are trying to stop the clemency hearings from taking place. But Ciolino says the D-As can’t tell the Louisiana Pardon Board how it should conduct its business…

Cut 14 (04) “…clemency’s appropriate”

The A-G’s office and local prosecutors will argue in court today that the Louisiana Pardon Board will violate its own rules by holding these clemency hearings because it’s past the date based on their final appeal. But Ciolino doesn’t see the plaintiffs winning this court battle…

Cut 15 (08) “…by the DAs”

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The Ragin Cajuns head up north to battle Minnesota on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis. It’s an 11 a.m. kick-off. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says he wants to get off to a fast start…

Cut 16 (15) “…great running back.”

Cajuns QB Zeon Chriss is set to make his first start on the road. Chriss threw for 249 yards and one touchdown in last week’s win against Buffalo. He was also intercepted twice and Desormeaux says Chriss needs to work on his footwork.

Cut 17 (13) “…are the same.”

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LSU freshman linebacker Whit Weeks has been a bright spot for a Tigers defense that’s had its struggles. Weeks has started the last two weeks and has racked up 17 tackles in those two games. He’s from Georgia and absolutely loves wearing the purple and gold…

Cut 18 (18) “…my life.”

Coach Brian Kelly inserted Weeks into the starting lineup after Omar Speights got injured. His first start was against Mississippi State and he led the team in tackles that day. Weeks says getting on campus in January and participating in spring football has helped his transition from high school to college football…

Cut 19 (19) “…different ball game” 

Blown assignments have hurt LSU this season on defense. Weeks says defensive coordinator Matt House is teaching the players to stay disciplined

Cut 20 (20) “…stay in your drops.” 

Louisiana’s federal emergency declaration has been approved in the battle against saltwater intrusion. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says this allows for federal assistance to help those parishes keep salt water from getting into their water facilities…

Cut 12 (11) “…along the river” 

Last year 906 people died on Louisiana roadways, that’s almost a seven percent decrease from 2021 according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research and in Transportation Safety. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says last year there was an increased effort to stop impaired drivers and it paid off.

Cut 9 (11) “…(x2) fewer fatalities.” 

The Lions Camp Road and Elizabeth wildfires, in Vernon and Allen parishes, are now 100 percent contained. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

There will be plenty of Beyonce fans in New Orleans tonight’s concert at the Caesars Superdome. Tickets on the secondary market start at 156 dollars. And tonight’s Powerball Jackpot has reach $850 million, with a cash value of $397 million. It’s the fourth largest ever for the multi-state lottery game. Tickets for tonight’s drawing must be purchased by nine o’clock.

Louisiana’s federal emergency declaration has been approved in the battle against saltwater intrusion. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says this allows for federal assistance to help those parishes keep salt water from getting into their water facilities…

Cut 12 (11) “…along the river” 

Two of the state’s largest wildfires in southwest Louisiana are now 100-percent contained according the incident management team. The Elizabeth Fire in Allen Parish and the Lions Camp Road fire in Vernon Parish. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft…

Cut 3 (11) “…nobody’s residence.”
Anyone with information about any arson-related wildfire is encouraged to call the State Fire Marshal or local law enforcement.

Amendment 2 on the October 14^th ballot would grant the highest level of protection to worship in a church. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says COVID restrictions prompted the amendment, so if you believe individuals should have the right to worship in a church you’d be in favor of the amendment.

Cut 7 (06) “…against it.” 

Both the US and state constitutions already protect the freedom to worship. Amendment two is one of four on the October 14^th ballot.

Traffic fatalities decreased on Louisiana roads almost seven percent last year. But fatalities among pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists remained near or above 2021 levels. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer encourages pedestrians to walk against traffic so they can see oncoming vehicles and move out of harm’s way and…

Cut 10 (06) “…see you.”

Louisiana’s federal emergency declaration has been approved in the battle against saltwater intrusion. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says this allows for federal assistance to help those parishes keep salt water from getting into their water facilities…

Cut 12 (11) “…along the river” 

Last year 906 people died on Louisiana roadways, that’s almost a seven percent decrease from 2021 according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research and in Transportation Safety. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says last year there was an increased effort to stop impaired drivers and it paid off.

Cut 9 (11) “…(x2) fewer fatalities.” 

Amendment 2 on the October 14^th ballot would grant the highest level of protection to worship in a church. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says COVID restrictions prompted the amendment, so if you believe individuals should have the right to worship in a church you’d be in favor of the amendment.

Cut 7 (06) “…against it.” 

Both the US and state constitutions already protect the freedom to worship. Amendment two is one of four on the October 14^th ballot.

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 ready to advance positive policies Louisiana businesses desperately need…

Cut 14 (09) “…lawsuit abuse”

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. And as we get closer to the election Pinsonat says stories like this might become more prevalent.

Cut 8 (08) “…a conclusion.”

Low water levels in the Mississippi River have decreased water flow into the gulf, which is allowing salt water to enter the river.  Ricky Boyette, Public Affairs for the Army Corps of Engineers says they’ve acquired barges that will go upriver and be filled with river water…

Cut 4 (12) “…drinking purposes.”

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.” 

SNAP benefits will be going up beginning Sunday, October 1^st. Recipients should see a three percent increase over the next 12 months. It translated to about a $34 a month per person increase. The increase will be automatic for those enrolled in the program. According to the Pelican Institute about one in five Louisiana’s receive food stamps.

A MAJOR DONOR TO JEFF LANDRY’S GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN IS ASKING FOR HIS DONATION TO BE RETURNED TO HIM.  JOHN ODOM WANTS LANDRY’S CAMPAIGN TO RETURN 100 THOUSAND DOLLARS AFTER LANDRY HIRED COREY LEWANDOWSKI, A FORMER TRUMP CAMPAIGN MANAGER.  ODOM SAYS LEWANDOWSKI SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HIS EX-WIFE.  POLITICAL ANALYST BERNIE PINSONAT SAYS IT’S ONLY LIKELY THE MONEY WILL BE RETURNED IF THE DONAR BECOMES A DISTRACTION TO THE CAMPAIGN.
CUT 7 ::11 SEC               “…THEM.”
L-S-U’S STARTING QUARTERBACK JAYDEN DANIELS HAS BEEN NAMED CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK IN THE S-E-C.  DANIELS LED THE TIGERS TO A 34-31 WIN OVER ARKANSAS SATURDAY NIGHT.  DANIELS IS NOW THE SIXTH PLAYER IN F-B-S HISTORY TO PASS FOR 10-THOUSAND YARDS AND RUSH FOR 2-THOUSAND YARDS IN A COLLEGE CAREER.  LAST YEAR, DANIELS EARNED -S-E-C OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS AFTER WINS OVER OLE MISS AND ALABAMA.
AS IF THE DROUGHT WASN’T BAD ENOUGH, IT’S BEEN GOING ON SO LONG IT’S FORCING RATS INDOORS SEARCHING FOR FOOD AND WATER.  DR. CLAUDETTE (RYE-CUL) AT THE L-S-U AG CENTER SAYS TRAPS, RODENTICIDS, REPELLENTS AND PREDATORS ARE A FEW WAYS TO REMEDY THE RODENT ISSUE.  SHE ALSO SUGGESTS ELIMINATING ACCESS TO  YOUR HOME…
Cut 15     :09 SEC            “…GAP.”
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF LOUISIANA AND ELEVANCE HEALTH HAVE WITHDRAWN THEIR PROPOSAL TO HAVE INDIANA-BASED ELEVANCE ACQUIRE LOUISIANA’S LEADING HEALTH INSURER.  HOWEVER, BOTH COMPANIES SAY THEY PLAN TO RESUBMIT THE PROPOSAL AT A LATER DATE, SOMETIME NEXT YEAR.  COMPANY OFFICIALS SAY IN THE MEANTIME, THEY PLAN TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS POLICYHOLDERS, STATE OFFICIALS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE RAISED.

So far, we’ve done daily profiles on gubernatorial candidates Sharon Hewitt and Hunter Lundy. Today’s feature is Stephen Waguespack. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Corps of Engineers continues to work to mitigate saltwater intrusion into the Mississippi River that’s expected to impact water systems in southeast Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Residents across the Bayou State who normally don’t have a rat problem are now seeing rats in their homes due to drought conditions. Teiko Foxx explains.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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In the governor’s race, Republican Stephen Waguespack received the nod from the editorial board of the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. Waguespack says he’s the best choice because he can turn the tide for Louisiana.

Cut 4 (10) “…to live here.”

He says the state also needs an education reform advocate who puts families and parents first. The former Chief of Staff for Governor Bobby Jindal says he’s spent his career doing such and that he knows how to change the system to make sure students are adequately prepared for jobs.

Cut 5 (08) “…existing industries.”

Among his priorities, if elected, Waguespack says he’ll immediately call for a special legislative session to address the state’s insurance crisis. And the former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President says he wants to do an outside audit of every state agency…

Cut 6 (07) “…the taxpayer.”

Waguespack says he also plans to hire innovative, fresh, and cutting-edge minds from all over the country to run state agencies so Louisiana can compete with other states.

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To date, the Corps of Engineers says Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted by the increased salinity in the Mississippi River. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle…

Cut 7 (08) “…this issue.”

Tingle says plans are being implemented to curtail the issue and at this time there’s no reason to panic. He says unfortunately because of the low water conditions projected to remain on the Mississippi River, it’s expected to move upriver and impact the larger populations in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Cut 8 (12) “…those impacts.” 

Tingle says GOHSEP is working with all parties to rectify the issue and implement emergency plans should they be needed. For residents in the four parishes expected to be impacted, he encourages them to know who their local water supplier is and to visit emergency.la.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Cut 9 (08)  “…statewide information.”

GOHSEP recommends having one gallon per person for at least days, for drinking and sanitation. At this time only Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted by the saltwater intrusion.

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49-year-old Laura McLaughlin of Pitkin has been arrested in connection with the Rapides Parish wildfire on Highway 113 that spread into Vernon Parish. The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those who intentionally set wildfires. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says the cost has been tremendous.

Cut 10 (09) “…these wildfires.”

Highway 113 Fire, which McLaughlin is accused of setting is 95 percent under containment. Vandersteen says and Lions Camp Road Fire is 100 percent contained and the Tiger Island Fire is 84 percent contained.

Cut 11 (09) “…thousand acres.”

Anyone with information about the Tiger Island fire or any other arson-related wildfires is encouraged to call the Department of Ag, the State Fire Marshal, or local law enforcement. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says these wildfires placed many lives at risk and someone will be held liable.

Cut 12 (12) “…also lives.” 

To report an arsonist or any information concerning the Tiger Island Fire, Highway 113 Fire, and the Lions Camp Road Fire call 1-855-452-5323.

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The historic drought has many Louisianans smelling a rat. Dry conditions are forcing rats and mice into homes in search of food and water. LSU Ag Center Professor emeritus Dr. Claudette Reichel (Rye-cul) says the rodents have less access to food sources due to the drought.

Cut 13 (09) “…in buildings.”

More than 60 different diseases are transmitted by the furry rodents. Reichel says exposure to rat droppings can cause allergic reactions in people who are hypersensitive.

Cut 14 (09) “…and bookcases”

Reichel says traps, rodenticides, repellents, and predators are a few ways to remedy the rodent issue. She also suggests eliminating access to your home.

Cut 15 (09) “…small gap.”

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Saints quarterback Derek Carr has a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder and it’s possible he could play this Sunday against Tampa Bay. Coach Dennis Allen says the injury could have been much worse…

Cut 16 (16) “…goes on.”

Quarterback Jameis Winston would start against the Buccaneers if Carr can’t play, but Allen says they are not ruling Carr out yet…

Cut 17 (21) “…wait and see.”

The Saints are coming off a tough loss in Green Bay, blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. Coach Dennis Allen says it’s a difficult defeat but they have to respond in a positive fashion…

Cut 18 (21) “…of practice.”

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LSU ranks towards the bottom in several SEC defensive categories after four games. They are allowing 25 points a contest and 360 yards a game, which ranks 11th out of 14 teams. But Coach Brian Kelly believes once his players start doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, the defense will improve…

Cut 19 (19) “…do that.” 

Kelly is also calling on his players to do their job and not try to do their job, plus someone else’s.

Cut 20 (20) “…good defense.” 

People are beginning to panic buy water upon the news that drinking water in southeast Louisiana could be in peril due to saltwater intrusion of the Mississippi River. Lieutenant General Russell Honore is also worried the saltwater could corrode pipes at oil refineries along the river. He says you can bring in bottled water and you can bring in desalination units…

Cut 8 (11) “…conserve water.”

Saint quarterback Derek Carr sprained his AC joint in Sunday’s game in Green Bay and head coach Dennis Allen says the team dodged a bullet in terms of how significant the shoulder injury could have been. Carr will continue to be evaluated daily before a decision is made on his return. The Saints lost to the Packers 18-17. The Saints play Tampa Bay at home on Sunday.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is worth $785 million, with a cash value of $367 million. It’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. We asked Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery why we’ve had so many large jackpots recently. He says it’s all chance and they tend to come in cycles.

Cut 4 (11) “…the players.”

Tickets for tonight’s drawing must be purchased by 9 o’clock.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in the Bayou State dropped below $3.40 to $3.36 a gallon. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is down four cents from a week ago but higher than around this time last year.

Cut 9 (07) “…right now.” 

The average cost for regular gas in the nation today is $3.85.