Senator John Kennedy says he’ll let the state know whether or nor he’s running for governor before December. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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Louisiana voters face the historic choice of whether or not to require unanimous juries in felony trials when they cast their ballot for the November 6th election. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.”
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Memorial Tower, one of the most iconic buildings on LSU’s campus, will be receiving a much needed renovation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
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Senator John Kennedy says he’ll let Louisiana known whether or not he’s running for governor by December 1st. In an interview with the AP, he said he’s happy in his current job, but its “hard to stomach what is happening in Louisiana right now.” ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says many Republicans are probably thinking “about time”.
Cut 4 (09) “…their mind”
Stockley says Kennedy has been the choke-point the Republican challenge to Edwards has been stuck at for months, with candidates unlikely to jump in the race if it means taking on one of the biggest and most popular political brands in Louisiana.
Cut 5 (11) “..or out”
And Stockley says regardless of what happens in the midterms he expects Kennedy to announce he’s jumping in, because it would be the culmination of a dream Kennedy has openly waxed, dating back to his time in state government.
Cut 6 (08) “…governor’s office.”
The only Republican to have officially announced their campaign against Democrat John Bel Edwards is Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone, who has pledge five million dollars of his own money for the race.
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Amendment number two on the November ballot is getting nationwide attention, with over two million dollars pumped into the state to convince voters to support requiring unanimous jury decisions in felony trials. President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Robert Travis Scott, says the amendment will have huge legal ramifications if approved.
Cut 7 (08) “…in Louisiana.”
The Bayou State is one of only two states in the nation to not require a unanimous jury decision to gain a conviction in a felony trial.
A bipartisan coalition has arisen in support of the amendment, highlighting the law’s racist history, propensity to inspire prosecutors to seek harsher charges, and the possibility for unjust convictions. Scott says supportors hope the amendment will modernize the state legal system.
Cut 8 (10) “…is now.”
No major state organizations, including Louisiana DAs and Sheriffs groups, have voiced opposition to the change, but Scott says that doesn’t mean everyone is on board. The PAR President says some prosecutors may find the amendment frustrating, because it will take away a powerful tool in the trial process.
Cut 9 (08) “…of time.”
Early voting for the November ballot ends on Tuesday, with Sunday off.
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A pacific hurricane impacting Louisiana? Hurricane Willa will cross Mexico first, but enough of the remnants of the storm will be left over to bring some rain to the Bayou State. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the rain from the storm will start as soon as today and continue into tomorrow.
Cut 10 (09) “…potential as well.“
Gilmore says temps will remain relatively cool, not really climbing up much thanks to all the cloud cover and rainfall.
Cut 11 (04) “…even lower 70s.”
Gilmore says there is good news for those with outdoor plans for the weekend.
Cut 12 (05) “…the upcoming weekend.”
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A major facelift is underway for the iconic Memorial Tower on the LSU campus. It’s the first restoration to the building since it was constructed 95 years ago. LSU Assistant VP of Planning, Design, and Construction, Roger Husser describes what to expect from the $6.3 million dollar project.
Cut 13 (12) “…when it was built.”
Husser says over the next few years, the project will see a refurbished exterior as well as the addition of air conditioning to the structure.
Cut 14 (09) “…of the building.”
Husser expects the project to be finished within 16-18 months and when it is completed, it will serve as a public museum housing displays and artifacts.
Cut 15 (07) “…historical condition.”
The tower was originally constructed as a memorial to those who fought in World War I.
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Eli Apple is leaving the Big Apple for the Crescent City in a deal that sees New Orleans ship off a fourth and seventh round pick to pick up the troubled, but highly talented cornerback. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says Apple is a remarkably gifted athlete, but comes with some serious questions about his temperament.
Cut 16 (20) “.hard coaching”
Apple has played in five games this year, where he’s defended five passes but has yet to nab an interception.
Apple was labeled a cancer by his Giants teammate Landon Collins last December after the 2016 first round pick was suspended for the final game of the 2017 season for “conduct detrimental to the team”. Detillier says Apple has had trouble adapting to the culture of the NFL after being drafted out of Ohio State.
Cut 17 (20) “Sean Payton”
Apple has one interception and 20 passes defensed in his two and a half years in the NFL. Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore had five picks and 18 passes defensed last year alone.
It’s another all in move that seeks to maximize what are likely Drew Brees’ last two years with the team. The trade leaves the Saints without a 1st, 3rd, or 4th rounder next year, and likely deprives them of the ammo needed to secure cornerback Patrick Peterson, who reportedly was interested in New Orleans. Detillier says the former LSU star may have been out of the Black and Gold’s price range
Cut 18 (17) “…the NFL.”
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LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says the targeting penalty against All-American linebacker Devin White was unfair and it’s unfortunate he will not be able to play in the first half against top ranked Alabama on November 3rd. Orgeron says he’s reviewed the tape of White’s hit on Mississippi State quarterback it certainly was not viscous…
Cut 19 (19) “..step up”
Orgeron hopes the call against White will spark coaches in the offseason to review the rule and demand that officials be given more leeway when determining the severity of targeting penalty. He says in the meantime, Damone Clark, Micah Baskerville and Patrick Queen are possible starters in the place of the suspended White…
Cut 20 (14) “man up”
Orgeron says he’s glad to see Governor Edwards and famous LSU alumnus James Carville speak out against the call against White.