The Ukraine Scandal whistleblower wants to avoid a public hearing and submit answers in writing, but many Republicans say that’s not acceptable. Kevin Barnhart spoke with a member of the state’s Republican Congressional delegation…

Cut 1 (24) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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An anti-Eddie Rispone radio ad compares Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone to David Duke. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Bayou Teche Brewing and Tony Chachere’s Famous Creole Cuisine release a beer brewed from gumbo.  Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Republicans are blasting a request from the Ukrainian Scandal whistleblower seeking to submit written answers instead of publicly testifying at an impeachment inquiry hearing.  Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says a desire for anonymity is understandable, but that can be done while still offering a chance to question the whistleblower in person…

Cut 4 (10) “…authorities.”

The whistleblower’s attorney requested not to have a public hearing. Higgins says they’re fairly confident they know who the whistleblower is, and that person is ethically compromised.

Cut 5 (13) “…a bind.”

Higgins says the whistleblower had contact with Intelligence Committee Chairman Schiff prior to the complaint. The whistleblower’s attorneys say that’s not true.

The Congressman, who has access to information from previous classified hearings in the Ukraine investigation, says none of the information kept secret so far was worthy of this level of secrecy.

Cut 6 (06) “…pissed.”

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GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone lashes out over a radio ad paid for by a New Orleans based political organization that compares Eddie Rispone with former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.  Rispone says the ad is offensive and says Governor Edwards needs to demand it to be retracted.

Cut 7 (10) “path.” 

The Edwards Campaign says they are not responsible for the ad.

But Black Organization for Leadership Development, the group that produced the radio ad isn’t backing down. BOLD Operations Chief Jay Banks says Rispone and Duke are peas in a pod.

Cut 8 (09) “…true”

Banks doesn’t understand why Rispone is mad. He says Duke and Rispone are both anti-New Orleans and anti-Medicaid.

Rispone says it’s a dirty campaign season smear that reflects poorly on Governor Edwards.

Cut 9 (07)  “things”

But Banks, a New Orleans City Councilman, says Rispone has buddied up to the President and brought the President’s divisive style of racial politics to Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana”

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Bayou Teche Brewing and Tony Chachere’s Famous Creole Cuisine have combined forces to release Gumbo Stout, a craft beer aimed at capturing the spirit of the signature Louisiana dish. Brewery founder Karlos Knott says the beer was brewed around the flavor of a chicken and sausage gumbo.

Cut 11 (06) “…work together.”

Knott says the beer was inspired by the Mexican Michelada.

Cut  12 (12) “…version of that.” 

Knott says Bayou Teche is no stranger to beers based around the unique flavors of Louisiana foods, adding the different variations sell quickly.

Cut 13 (13) “…some Louisiana ducks.”

Gumbo Stout will be available for a limited time at select retailers around the state.

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As the election draws closer, GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone is hoping to take the shine away from Governor John Bel Edwards.  Rispone’s recent attack on Edwards’ military service has drawn criticism and UL Lafayette poli sci professor Pearson Cross says it probably was not the best choice when there are other areas to highlight.

Cut 14 (09) “…at that time.” 

Cross expects Rispone to bring attention to Louisiana not seeing as much of the benefit from Trump’s handling of the national economy due to Baton Rouge politics.

Cut 15 (10) “…big wild card.”

Rispone criticized Edwards supporters for running ads that draw parallels between himself, President Trump, and former KKK leader David Duke, calling the comparisons dirty politics.  Cross expects it will only get dirtier from both sides.

Cut 16  (12)  …bets are off.  
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The hype is building towards Saturday’s SEC Showdown between top ranked LSU and second-ranked Alabama. But Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban doesn’t want his players to get involved in the hype or worry about the implications of the game…

Cut 17  (19)     on thAt  

Saban will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in June. Saban when he accepts the award in Natchitoches, he’ll accept it on behalf of others…

cut 18  (20) “own right” 

Saban says star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be a game-time decision to play as he continues to test his ankle that recently underwent surgery…

cut 19 (15)   “the plan   

A record number of early voters showed up Saturday to cast their ballots for the run-off. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU will be missing one of its top pass rushers for Saturday’s big SEC tilt between the Fighting Tigers and Alabama. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo   

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89,623 people early voted on Saturday for the run-off, an all-time record high topping even the first day early voting turnout of the 2016 Presidential election. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says Governor Edwards is likely a lot happier with the demographics of this early voting period…

Cut 3 (12)   “…base” 

First-day run-off early voting was up 16 percent over this year’s primary.

Couvillon notes the voters most up for grabs in the coming election were notably absent Saturday…

Cut 4 (08) “…election day.”

Edwards holds a 60-37 percent lead among white Democrats, while Rispone sports a 56-38 percent lead among white independents according to JMC’s most recent poll.

Couvillon says using these numbers you can begin to derive a good best guess for what total turnout might look like for the run-off.

Cut 5 (10) “…primary”

Early voting runs through Saturday.

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Louisiana earns an F-grade on preterm birth rates from the March of Dimes’ report card on maternal and infant health.  The state’s preterm birthrate is at 13%, slightly higher than last year.  March of Dimes spokesperson Frankie Robertson says the results look at the health of the mother as it intertwines with that of the child.

Cut 6 (07) “…and after pregnancy.”

Nationally, preterm birth rates increased for the fourth year in a row, earning an overall C-grade.  New Orleans and Baton Rouge rank among the worst preterm birth rates in the nation’s 100 largest cities.  Robertson says the poverty rate is a negatively contributing factor.

Cut 7 (10) “…consequences for health.”

Among the recommendations, group prenatal care, bias training, eliminating structural racism in health care, and increased availability of Medicaid.

Cut 8 (12) “…federal poverty guidelines.”

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GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone was among those to take advantage of early voting this morning in Baton Rouge.  Rispone says it is a rewarding feeling to see his name on the ballot after making it into the runoff.

Cut 9 (05)  “…like they have.”

Rispone’s recent statements that Governor John Bel Edwards has tarnished the name of West Point Military Academy has garnered criticism.  Rispone says the comments were inspired by talking to veterans along the campaign trail.

Cut 10 (10) “…came to mind.”

Governor Edwards says he is not ashamed of his accomplishments since leaving West Point.

Cut 11 (12) “…I’m proud of.”

And the Governor reiterated how proud he was that he was able to keep his campaign promise of righting the state’s finances after the Jindal years left the budget in chaos.

Cut  12 (12) “…of financial ruin.” 

Election Day is November 16th.

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Oddsmakers do not have top-ranked LSU beating Alabama this Saturday and ending the Crimson Tide’s eight-game winning streak over the Tigers. Bama is a 6.5 point favorite, but LSU Coach Ed Orgeron listed the reasons on why his team can win…

Cut 13 (12) “…Florida”

Orgeron says the previous eight games in the series between the two schools will not have an impact on what happens this Saturday afternoon…

Cut 14 (12) “…our side.”

LSU has not been able to beat Alabama since 2011 as the Crimson Tide have outplayed the Tigers along the line of scrimmage. But Orgeron believes his defensive line matches up better with the Bama o-line this year and they have a solid run-stuffer in Tyler Shelvin..

Cut 15 (11) “..very well.”

But LSU will be without linebacker Michael Divinity, Coach O says he’s left the team for personal reasons.