Congressman Ralph Abraham introduces a resolution calling for the expulsion of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and for the Speaker’s Office to be vacated. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says it appears to be an 11th hour effort to drum up support for the third place candidate, and expects Abraham to make a further attempt to rally in tonight’s debate in Shreveport, which is closer to his district.

Cut 5 (11) “…in north Louisiana.”

Abraham says Nancy Pelosi’s impeachment inquiry against the President is politically motivated.

More than 20,000 people are expected to pack into New Iberia this weekend as 76 teams compete to be the 30^th annual Gumbo World Championship Cookoff winner. Greater Iberia Chamber CEO Janet Faulk-Gonzales says the gumbo is being cooked up for anyone that attends, and you’ll have a chance to fill up at all of the different team’s booths.

Cut 6 (09) “…portion”.

The Lafayette Police Department has released images of a truck that could have been involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash on October 1st that took the life of 19-year-old Kirk Broussard.  Corporal Bridgette Dugas says if anyone can identify the vehicle or the driver of the vehicle please contact the Lafayette Police Department or Lafayette Crime Stoppers. She says at this time, they are not sure if this truck actually hit Broussard…

Cut 11 (08) “we want” 

7th ranked Florida will bring one of the best defenses in the country to Tiger Stadium on Saturday night when they battle 5th ranked LSU. Gators Head Coach Dan Mullen says Joe Burrow is the best quarterback they’ve played this year

Cut 12 (12) “…extend plays”

The LSU-Florida rivalry has become heated over the years with the two schools laying claim that they are “D-B-U”.

The final gubernatorial debate of the primary kicks off tonight at 7 pm on Gray Television networks across the state. Eddie Rispone enters this debate as the top polling Republican with just four days until voting. Ralph Abraham refrained from attacking Rispone in the last debate despite a salvo of Rispone attack ads, but LSU Shreveport Poli Sci professor Jeff Sadow says Abraham needs to go on the offensive.

Cut 6 (10) “…other guy”

The debate will be held in Shreveport.

New research shows rough, congested, and unsafe roads are costing Louisiana motorists around $6.9 billion annually, which could cost up to almost $2,300 per driver. Spokesperson for the transportation research group TRIP, Rocky Moretti, says safety alone costs a total of $2.3 billion.
Cut 11 (09) “…in traffic safety.”
Juanita Washington, the woman who accused Governor Edwards’ former aide, Johhny Anderson of sexual harassment, says she was forced to resign from her position after she made the accusation.
Cut 7 (12) “…said no”
Washington with the help of lawyers from Truth in Politics, has filed a public records lawsuit seeking documents, texts, and emails associated with Anderson. Executive Counsel for the Edwards administration, Tina Vanichchagorn, says TIP requested 15 different items pertaining to the case on August 8th. She says each request takes time to prepare.
Cut 9 (12) “…go thru”
And Vanichchagorn says Washington was given the opportunity to return to her job at the governor’s office, but she declined.

The three major candidates for Governor will take the stage tonight at 7pm for the final gubernatorial debate of the primary. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Congressman Ralph Abraham introduces a resolution calling for the expulsion of Speaker Nancy Pelosi from the House of Representatives and for the Speaker’s Office to be vacated.  A statement from Abraham says Nancy Pelosi’s vicious crusade against our lawfully-elected president President is nothing more than a politically-motivated witch hunt and it must be stopped.

New research shows rough, congested, and unsafe roads are costing Louisiana motorists around $6.9 billion annually, which could cost up to almost $2,300 per driver. Spokesperson for the transportation research group TRIP, Rocky Moretti says vehicle operating costs are $2.1 billion statewide due to cars getting beat up from tattered roads and needing to be repaired or replaced.

Cut 12 (10) “…stress it’s under.” 

The TRIP report shows nearly half of major locally and state-maintained roads are in poor or mediocre condition.

The “On the Road Again” project is being considered a huge success. The program lets parents who’ve lost their license for falling behind on child support to catch up in and get their license reinstated.  Department of Children and Families Regional Administrator for Child Support Enforcement Sandra Broussard says they’ve seen an 85% increase in collections this year.

Cut 14 (13) “…$360,456.42.” 

The three major candidates for Governor will take the stage tonight at 7pm for the final gubernatorial debate of the primary. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________

Governor Edwards’ former employee Juanita Washington is suing Edwards to get access to documents related to former Deputy Chief of Staff Johnny Anderson, who allegedly sexually harassed and assaulted her…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

________________________

The cost of driving on Louisiana roads is estimated to cost up to almost $2300 per driver annually according to new research. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________

The final gubernatorial debate of the primary kicks off tonight at 7 pm on Gray Television networks across the state.

Governor Edwards is sure to be questioned about the growing sexual harassment scandal involving his former deputy chief of staff Johnny Anderson. LSU Shreveport Poli Sci professor Jeff Sadow says Edwards’ previous concise deflections on the question have been effective.

Cut 4 (07) “…circumstance.”

Edwards is being sued by his former employee Juanita Washington who says she was harassed and assaulted by Anderson.

Eddie Rispone enters this debate as the top polling Republican with just four days until voting. Sadow says the Baton Rouge businessman needs to make himself look good for potential run-off voters.

Cut 5 (12) “…voters.”

A November 16^th run-off would be triggered if no candidate cracks over 50 percent of the vote.

Abraham refrained from attacking Rispone in the last debate despite a salvo of Rispone attack ads, but Sadow says Abraham needs to go on the offensive to hopefully gain some momentum.

Cut 6 (10) “…other guy”

The debate will be held in Shreveport.

____________________

Juanita Washington, the woman who accused Governor Edwards’ former aide, Johhny Anderson, of sexual harassment has filed a public records lawsuit in order to gain access to information related Anderson’s tenure. Washington says she was forced to resign from her position after she made the accusation.

Cut 7 (12) “…said no” 

The suit seeks documents, texts, and emails associated with Anderson.

Washington and her attorneys from Truth in Politics say Edwards has missed several deadlines after numerous requests to release public records concerning the harassment case. She filed a lawsuit on Tuesday demanding the release of those documents.

Cut 8 (12) “…like me”

Edwards Deputy Executive Counsel Tina Vanichchagorn says that Truth in Politics requested 15 separate items pertaining to this case on August 8^th.  Vanichchagorn says each request takes time to prepare.

Cut 9 (12)  “…go thru”

She says the political organization also requested 49 other records in the last three months.

Washington says that she retracted her resignation after Governor Edwards fired Anderson over the allegations, and Washington says that Edwards would not let her have her job back. Vanichchagorn stated that was not the case.

Cut 10 (09) “…to do that.” (Cut 10 is glitching at the moment, you can find the audio in the cut for 30, or in the Newscall full file)

Vanichchagorn said that within six hours of learning of the allegations against Anderson, Governor Edwards had him removed from office.

______________________________

New research shows rough, congested, and unsafe roads are costing Louisiana motorists around $6.9 billion annually, which could cost up to almost $2,300 per driver. Spokesperson for the transportation research group TRIP, Rocky Moretti, says safety alone costs a total of $2.3 billion.

Cut 11 (09) “…in traffic safety.”

Moretti says vehicle operating costs are $2.1 billion statewide due to cars getting beat up from tattered roads and needing to be repaired or replaced.

Cut 12 (10) “…stress it’s under.” 

Moretti says longer commutes to work cost motorists time with family as well as limit job opportunities.

Cut 13 (07) “…they can employ.”

The TRIP report shows nearly half of major locally and state-maintained roads are in poor or mediocre condition.

__________________________________

The “On the Road Again” project is being considered a huge success. The program lets parents who’ve lost their license for falling behind on child support to catch up in and get their license reinstated.  Department of Children and Families Regional Administrator for Child Support Enforcement Sandra Broussard says they’ve seen an 85% increase in collections this year.

Cut 14 (13) “…$360,456.42.” 

Broussard says the project lightens up on the qualifications for a limited time to get a letter from DCFS to take to the OMV to get a license back.

Cut 15 (11) “…may have ordered.”

Last year, during a six week period, 195 people took advantage of the program.  Broussard says this year was extended to 8 weeks, with 291 people getting back on the road again.   The money will benefit 365 families with 480 children.

Cut 16  (09) “…to our families” 

________________________

Big game tonight for the Ragin Cajun football team as they host Appalachian State in a game that will be televised by ESPN Two starting at 7 PM. The two teams met in the first Sun Belt championship game last year and both teams could meet again in the conference title game. U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says he’s impressed with Appalachian State quarterback Zac Thomas…

cut 17  (29) “…be important” 

Napier says they are not treating tonight’s contest like another game

Cut 18 (13)  championship game” 

________________________________

LSU’s offense, which leads the country in scoring, faces its toughest test by far on the season when they host Florida. The Gators lead the SEC in scoring averaging allowing 10 points a game and they lead the conference in sacks with 26. Center Lloyd Cushenberry says protecting quarterback Joe Burrow is a must

cut 19 (18)   “avoid that”   

Last year, Florida dominated LSU’s o-line, beating the Tigers 27-19. Cushenberry says he has not forgotten…

cut 20 (13) “play better”   

51 percent of Louisianans would vote for President Trump if the election were held today according to a new Gray Television poll. 58 percent of men support the President while only 45 percent of women say the same. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s a consistent trend.

Cut 4 (07) “…the vote”

625 registered voters were questioned in the survey.

An Emerson College gubernatorial poll puts Governor Edwards at 48 percent, Eddie Rispone at 25 percent, and Ralph Abraham at 19 percent. Gary Landrieu, Patrick Landry, and Oscar Danztler combined to take eight percent of the vote. Polling Director Spencer Kimball says f those numbers hold it would likely force the Governor into a run-off, but…

Cut 11 (09) “that” 

Edwards’ initially polled at 46 percent in the survey but rises to 48 percent when you give him Edwards leaning undecided voters.

State officials broke ground today on the third phase of the I-10 widening project in St. Marin Parish and construction on I-10 from I-49 to the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge started in 2017 and is expected to be completed next year. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says 70-thousand motorists travel this stretch of I-10 daily and by 2035, the number of vehicles is expected to increase to over 105-thousand daily…

Cut 14 (09) “…this system”

Uncertainty among small business owners rose slightly in September sending the small business Optimism index down to 101.8.  NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says Election Day in Louisiana has the potential to bring more clarity to business owners to the future of the business climate in the state.

Cut 7 (11) “…make an impact.”

She says optimism does remain at a historical high.

President Donald Trump remains a popular figure in Louisiana according to a new Gray television poll. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Uncertainity among small business owners rose slightly in September sending the small business Optimism index down to 101.8. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says higher tariffs are a factor…

Cut 6 (06) “…negative effects”.

Starns says optimism is still at a historically high level

An Emerson College gubernatorial poll puts Governor Edwards at 48 percent, Eddie Rispone at 25 percent, and Ralph Abraham at 19 percent. Polling Director Spencer Kimball says the two Republican candidates are polling neck and neck across south Louisiana, and the race could come down to who brings out the most voters in north Louisiana.

Cut 10 (11) “…well”

The poll surveyed 467 likely voters and has a 4.5 percent margin of error.

State officials broke ground today on the third phase of the I-10 widening project in St. Marin Parish. Nearly 88-million dollars will go towards expanding I-10 from four to six lanes between Breaux Bridge and Henderson. Governor Edwards says the widening is essential for the Acadiana region…

Cut 12 (05) “…major freight corridor”

A new gubernatorial poll has Governor Edwards nearing 50 percent, but being held just shy of avoiding a run-off thanks to support for non-major candidates. Jeff Palermo has the story.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Three men from Alexandria have been identified as suspects in the murder of Joshua Brow, a key witness in the murder trial that saw former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger receive a ten-year sentence for the killing of her neighbor.  One of the suspects is in a Dallas hospital.  The other two are on the run.  According to authorities the three men traveled from Alexandria to purchase drugs from Brown in the parking lot of a Dallas apartment complex.

51 percent of Louisianans would vote for President Trump if the election were held today according to a new Gray Television poll. 60-percent of voters backing the President in north and south-central Louisiana, 51 percent in Baton Rouge, and only 40 percent in New Orleans. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 3 (08) “…election”

43 percent say they would prefer to replace the President with a Democrat, and six percent say they’re unsure.

Uncertainity among small business owners rose slightly in September sending the small business Optimism index down to 101.8. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says businesses want state lawmakers to have a serious discussion on tax reform.

Cut 8 (12) “…overtaxed in Louisiana.”

Starns says optimism is still at a historically high level

President Donald Trump remains a popular figure in Louisiana according to a new Gray television poll. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Caddo Sheriff’s deputies are investigating incidents that lead to 33-year-old Shatira Caldwell being struck by a car on Monday night. The drive of the vehicle that hit her is not currently under investigation, but deputies say the circumstances behind the woman being in the roadway are suspicious and remain under investigation. Caldwell later died of her injuries.

Governor Edwards has suggested the recent closure of Bayou Steele in LaPlace could be the result of higher tariffs imposed as part of the trade war with China. The Bayou Steel announcement comes on the heels of Wanhua Chemical’s decision not to move forward with a one-point-two billion-dollar plant in Convent. But LSU Economist Loren Scott says neither appear to be tariff-related…
cut 8 (09) “….externally”
Bayou Steel imported scrap metal, specifically steel from China, but the Trump Administration says that import is not under the new tariffs.

Tickets are in high demand for the Top 10 matchup between the Florida Gators and the LSU Tigers. The game is sold out. StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli says there are about 44-hundred tickets up for grabs on their website
Cut 10 (06) “…$234 right now.”
The cheapest ticket is still just over one-hundred dollars.

Governor Edwards has suggested the closure of Bayou Steel in LaPlace may be tariff-related, but an LSU Economist says that’s unlikely. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

A Baton Rouge man is wanted as a suspect in the shooting death of 31-year-old Jessica Clark at a Watson residence last night.  Livingston Parish deputies say the suspect, 37-year-old Terrell Anthony is accused of holding the occupants of the home against their will until the victim returned home from a weekend trip, then shooting her multiple times and fleeing the scene in the victim’s vehicle.

51 percent of Louisianans would vote for President Trump if the election were held today according to a new Gray Television poll.  The support is highly regional, with 60 percent of voters backing the President in north and south-central Louisiana, 51 percent in Baton Rouge, and only 40 percent in Louisiana. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 3 (08) “…election”

43 percent say they would prefer to replace the President with a Democrat, and six percent say they’re unsure.

The Gators/Tigers game is officially sold out and the only way to get in to Tiger Stadium is buy getting tickets from the secondary market.  StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli says often the timing of a ticket purchase can affect how much someone has to fork over for seats.

Cut 11 (10) “…as Saturday approaches.” 

The average ticket price is $234, while the cheapest is just over $100.

A head-to-head poll shows Governor Edwards besting either Eddie Rispone or Ralph Abraham in a potential run-off, but one political analyst says it’s far too early to start polling that hypothetical contest…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________

Governor Edwards has suggested the closure of Bayou Steel in LaPlace may be tariff-related, but an LSU Economist says that’s highly unlikely. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

________________________

The top ten matchup between the Gators and Tigers this weekend is sold out, so the only way to buy tickets in on the secondary market, where on average ticket price is $234 on StubHub. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________

A Mason-Dixon poll shows Governor Edwards topping Eddie Rispone 51-43 and Ralph Abraham 53-38 percent in a potential post primary run-off.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat warns it’s just too early to trust any run-off polling. He says given the poor track record of Louisiana governors in run-offs, Edwards should do all he can to avoid one.

Cut 4 (12) “…red state.”

No Louisiana Governor has won a run-off since the state adopted the jungle primary system in the 70s.

Pinsonat says the dynamics of the race will shift significantly in a run-off because national Republicans, smelling blood in the water, will pour cash into the state and attempt to paint Edwards as a liberal.

Cut 5 (09) “…Washington.”

President Trump is rallying Republicans in Lake Charles Friday, but Pinsonat says expect the Commander in Chief to take a much more active role in a hypothetical run-off.

Cut 6 (07) “…of him.”

The primary is set for this Saturday, and a potential run-off would be held November 16^th.

____________________

Governor Edwards’ suggestion that the closure of Bayou Steel in LaPlace may have been linked to the ongoing trade war as sparked controversy, and a fierce rebuttal from the Trump Administration.

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says it’s unlikely the closure was tariff-related because the point of a tariff on imported steel is to protect companies from foreign competition, not to make things worse.

Cut 7 (08) “for them” 

Scott points to the recent growth of Benteler Steel in Shreveport as a counter to the argument that the tariffs have hurt local steel plants.

The Bayou Steel announcement is another blow to the River Parishes that were already hit by the cancellation of a significant project by Wanhua Chemical. Scott says neither appear to be tariff-related.

Cut 8 (09) “externally”…

Bayou Steel imported scrap metal, specifical steel from China, but the Trump Administration says that import is not under the new tariffs.

But Scott says the steel tariffs are having another detrimental effect. He says the tariffs drive up the overall cost of steel, which may be the reason why a series of new chemical plants have yet to begin construction in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…pause”

Scott says there’s roughly 100 billion dollars of announced major construction projects that have yet to break ground in the state.

______________________________

Tickets are in high demand for the Top 10 matchup between the Florida Gators and the LSU Tigers.  The game is sold out and the only way to get into Tiger Stadium is buy getting tickets from the secondary market.  StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli says there are about 4400 tickets up for grabs on their website right now.

Cut 10 (06) “…$234 right now.”

The cheapest ticket to get in is still just over $100.  Budelli says often the timing of a ticket purchase can affect how much someone has to fork over for seats.

Cut 11 (10) “…as Saturday approaches.” 

Budelli says about 36% of the purchases are coming from Louisiana and 13% from Florida.  But this is a game of national and international demand.

Cut 12 (08) “…to the game.”

__________________________________

Accidental poisonings surpass car crashes as the number one cause of unintentional deaths in the state.  The opioid crisis is the big contributing factor as opioid related deaths seen a steady incline over the last ten years.  LSU Health New Orleans Medical Toxicologist Dr. James Diaz says the stats are alarming.

Cut 13 (06) “…vehicle accident deaths.”

Two out of three overdose deaths in the state are linked to opioids.  Diaz says the problem is more prevalent throughout southeastern states.

Cut 14 (07) “…problem in Louisiana.” 

While the opioid prescription rate has gone down in recent years, Diaz says the state is on the biggest distribution pathway in the south of imported drugs.

Cut 15 (08) “…right across I-10.”
________________________

The hype is building for Saturday night’s showdown between 5th ranked LSU and 7th ranked Florida as the two teams are set to meet in Death Valley. In previous matchups between these two teams, there’s been a lot of talk on social media between the players, but Coach Ed Orgeron wants his guys focused on the task

Cut 16  (18) “  getting it done” 

After back-to-back 11 AM kick offs for the Tigers, Orgeron expects the crowd will be fired up for a Saturday night kickoff in Death Valley

cut 17  (16) “…ready to go” 

LSU enters the game with a 5-0 record and they lead the country averaging 55 points a game. But the two Power five schools they’ve faced, have a defense that’s ranked 104 or higher in the country. Florida will be the best defensive team they’ve faced, but Orgeron likes what his team can do on offense

Cut 18 (21) we’re ready”