An ad slams Governor Edwards’ handling of a sexual harassment case involving former Deputy Chief of Staff Johnny Anderson, with narration by Anderson’s alleged victim who says he should have never been hired. The Edwards campaign has responded to the ad saying Anderson’s employment was ended hours after they were informed, and that the office has a zero-tolerance harassment policy. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat.

Cut 11 (08) “hired” 

Anderson was hired to the office after serving as Southern University board Chairman. Six women at the school accused Anderson of harassment, but the Edwards Administration says he was hired after he was cleared by an investigation.

Vice President Mike Pence holds a rally at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner tomorrow, urging Louisiana residents to vote Republican, and Don Trump Jr. visits Lafayette Monday for another rally.

The US Supreme Court agrees to hear a Louisiana abortion case that deals with a 2014 state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges. Only three clinics in the state provide abortions and opponents of the Louisiana law say it could close two of them.  Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case gives the nation’s highest court a chance to reshape the nation’s law on abortion.

Cut 4 (03) “…or hoped for.”

This is the first major abortion case taken up by the court since the appointment of conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

After scoring 55 points last week against the Rams, Tampa Bay will be a confident team when they face the Saints in the Dome on Sunday at noon. Bucs Quarterback Jameis Winston is the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Saints Safety Marcus Williams says putting pressure on Winston will be a key Sunday

Cut 12 (11) “…play our assignment”

Teddy Bridgewater will make his third straight start for the Saints.

The US Supreme Court agrees to hear a Louisiana abortion case that deals with a 2014 state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges. The Supreme Court shot down a nearly identical Texas law in 2016. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this case will tell us where the nation’s highest court stands on abortion…

Cut 3 (10) “…on abortion.”

Only three clinics in the state provide abortions and opponents of the Louisiana law say it could close two of them.

Following three consecutive years of record-setting adoption rates resulting in over 2,400 kids finding permanent homes, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services receives a national award for its work in adoption from the US Department of Health and Human Services.  DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters.

Cut 6 (07) “…that we won”

A powerful ad hits the airwaves slamming Governor Edwards’ hiring of former Deputy Chief of Staff and alleged sexual harasser and assaulter Johnny Anderson. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a series of problems are starting to stack up against Edwards’ hopes to avoid a run-off, including increased Republican engagement due to national issues, and…

Cut 10 (10) “…him.”

The Edwards campaign has responded to the ad saying Anderson’s employment was ended hours after they were informed.

Teddy Brigewater gets his third consecutive start for the Black and Gold this week as the team takes on the red hot Bucs at home. Bridgewater led New Orleans to a 12-10 win over Dallas last Sunday, but wants to see more touchdowns than field goals this Sunday

Cut 13 (10) “…better at”

Tampa dropped 55 against the Rams last week.

The US Supreme Court agrees to hear a Louisiana abortion case that deals with a 2014 state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges. Arguments on the Louisiana case are expected during the winter, which means a ruling would come down before June of 2020.  Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s a big ruling to make during a presidential election year…

Cut 5 (10) “…or early 70s.”

This is the first major abortion case taken up by the court since the appointment of conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Following three consecutive years of record-setting adoption rates, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services receives a national award from the US Department of. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters credits the Quality Parenting Initiative.

Cut 8 (09) “…a relative parent.

A powerful ad hits the airwaves slamming Governor Edwards’ hiring of former Deputy Chief of Staff and alleged sexual harasser and assaulter Johnny Anderson. The ad features alleged victim Juanita Washington. Washington details her experience, and says when she reported the harassment, she was “out of a job”. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat.

Cut 9 (11) “of that”

The Edwards campaign has responded to the ad saying Anderson’s employment was ended hours after they were informed, and that the office has a zero-tolerance harassment policy. 

The Saints offensive line is hoping to bounce back this Sunday against the Bucs after two consecutive concerning performances. Coach Sean Payton blames poor technique and offensive tackle Terron Armstead says they are working to get better

Cut 14 (09) “…those plays”

A new attack ad slams Governor Edwards for the hiring of alleged sexual assaulter and harasser, Johnny Anderson, to his administration. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The U-S Supreme Court has agreed to hear an abortion case out of Louisiana. In 2014, the state legislature approved a law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The law has been put on hold over concerns from abortion providers that it could close two of the state’s three abortion clinics.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services receives a national award for its work in adoption from the US Department of Health and Human Services.  DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says DCFS is one of twelve recipients being recognized in its efforts to boost the number of foster children placed in permanent homes.
Cut 7 (10) “…2,400 kids” 
Recipients will be honored at the Children’s Bureau Celebration of National Adoption Month in November in Washington, DC.
After scoring 55 points last week against the Rams, Tampa Bay will be a confident team when they face the Saints in the Dome on Sunday at noon. Bucs Quarterback Jameis Winston is the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Saints Safety Marcus Williams says putting pressure on Winston will be a key Sunday

Cut 12 (11) “…play our assignment”

Teddy Bridgewater will make his third straight start for the Saints. He led New Orleans to a 12-10 win over Dallas last Sunday, but wants to see more touchdowns than field goals this Sunday

The US Supreme Court agrees to hear a Louisiana abortion case that deals with a 2014 state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges. Ciolino says the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case gives the nation’s highest court a chance to reshape the nation’s law on abortion.
Cut 4 (03) “…or hoped for.”
This is the first major abortion case taken up by the court since the appointment of conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
A powerful ad hits the airwaves slamming Governor Edwards’ hiring of former Deputy Chief of Staff and alleged sexual harasser and assaulter Johnny Anderson. The ad features alleged victim Juanita Washington. Washington details her experience, and says when she reported the harassment, she was “out of a job”. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a series of problems are starting to stack up against Edwards’ hopes to avoid a run-off, including increased Republican engagement due to national issues, and…

Cut 10 (10) “…him.”

The Vice President will be at the Pontchartrain Convention Center in Kenner tomorrow afternoon to rally Republicans just a week before voters head to the primary polls. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Ralph Abraham calls for a cease-fire on inter-party attack ads in an open letter to his fellow GOP candidate Eddie Rispone. The letter posted to Twitter calls for the two to focus on defeating Governor Edwards, not each other.

A powerful ad hits the airwaves slamming Governor Edwards’ hiring of former Deputy Chief of Staff and alleged sexual harasser and assaulter Johnny Anderson. The ad features alleged victim Juanita Washington who says when she reported the harassment, she was out of a job. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat.

Cut 9, 11 seconds, of that

The Edwards campaign responded “Within hours of Ms. Washington’s allegations being brought to Gov. Edwards’ attention, Johnny Anderson’s employment was ended.”

The US Supreme Court agrees to hear a Louisiana abortion case that deals with the state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges. The court struck down a similar Texas law in 2015. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says something big is likely to happen.

Cut 3 (13) “…get an abortion.”

Our Lady of the Lake cut the ribbon this morning in Baton Rouge on its new five-story children’s hospital which took over three years to construct. President of Children’s Health Trey Dunbar says the total cost of the construction was $230 million, which was funding with the help of many contributions from the community.

Cut 15 (07) “…in Baton Rouge.”

Patients will begin moving into the facility today.

Vice President Mike Pence is headed to New Orleans Saturday to rally Republicans to vote Republican in the governor’s race and Don Trump Jr. is headed to Lafayette Monday. It’s taken a while for prominent national Republicans to get involved, and LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says blame the jungle primary system.

Cut 7 (10) “candidate.” 

Both Republicans Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone are expected to be in attendance on Saturday.

According to new research from AAA, a popular safety feature on newer vehicles may not work as you might expect. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_______________________________

The Vice President is headed to the Crescent City Saturday to rally Republicans just a week before voters head to the primary polls. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

________________________

Approximately 18,000 more people have early voted this year after just five days than early voted in all of 2015. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________

A new study from AAA indicates autonomous emergency braking systems are only sporadically effective in detecting pedestrians at speeds above 30 mph. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the findings are a reminder to drivers to stay alert.

Cut 4 (10) “…weren’t that impressive.”

The study shows the detection systems are completely useless at night, which is when 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur. Redman says pedestrian deaths have been on the rise since 2010.

Cut 5 (09) “…killed by vehicles.”

Redman says AAA encourages improvements to the technology, as braking systems do work well in avoiding collisions with other drivers.

Cut 6 (06) “…not so much.”

The primary is set for October 12th.

____________________

Vice President Mike Pence is headed to New Orleans Saturday to rally Republicans to vote Republican in the governor’s race.

It’s the first state visit of the campaign from a Republican figure of the Vice President’s prominence. So why has it taken so long for the party to throw it’s weight around?

Cut 7 (10) “candidate.” 

That’s LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow who says the state’s tricky jungle primary has produced two viable Republicans.

President Trump is credited with nearly single-handedly flipping the dynamics of last year’s competitive Florida governor’s race. Sadow says a Presidential visit would have had a substantial impact.

Cut 8 (09) “…enthusiasm”

Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone are expected to be in attendance. The two Republicans have begun bludgeoning each other, but Sadow says expect everyone in attendance to be on their best behavior.

Cut 9 (09)  “…them.”

Recent polls have Rispone now narrowly edging past Abraham for second place and a chance to take the Governor to a run-off.

_______________________

Early voter turnout remains far above expectations as approximately 250,000 Louisianans have cast their ballot for the October 12^th primary.

We’ve had more early voters after just five days than in all of 2015 by 18,000 votes, but that may not mean a higher total turnout. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says 90 percent of ballots cast were cast by “chronic” voters, but those voters could inspire others to show up.

Cut 10 (08) “…closely”

An analysis of those voters by JMC Analytics shows higher than expected Republican voter turnout.

Early voting is a major priority this year with a number of college football games scheduled for election day, October 12^th. Ardoin says they’ve got some new voting tech to entice voters to show up ahead of time.

Cut 11 (06) “…about it” 

The new machines are Ipad like devices that are not connected to the internet and turn on when you slide a voter card into them.

Ardoin says at this point they aren’t sure what exactly is driving the massive surge in turnout but they’re glad it’s happening and he hopes everyone remembers to grab their “I Voted” sticker.

Cut 12 (11) “here.”

Ardoin says at this rate we will set an all-time record for early voting turnout.

_____________________________

Our Lady of the Lake cuts the ribbon today in Baton Rouge on its new five-story children’s hospital which took over three years to construct.  President of Children’s Health Trey Dunbar says they will begin moving patients into the facility tomorrow.

Cut 13 (07) “…new children’s hospital.”

Dunbar anticipates the facility will treat patients from all over Louisiana as well as those traveling in from nearby states.

Cut 14 (10) “…family as well.” 

Dunbar says the total cost of the construction was $230 million, which was funding with the help of many contributions from the community.

Cut 15 (07) “…in Baton Rouge.”

________________________

ULM hosts 23rd ranked Memphis on Saturday as the Tigers are the first ranked opponent to visit Malone Stadium in the Football Bowl Subdivision era. The Tigers are 4-0, including a win over Ole Miss. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says when you watch the film on Memphis, their team speed jumps off the screen

Cut 16  (14) “  do it” 

Viator says Memphis also brings physicality with great team speed. He says on offense Memphis likes to run the football with Kenneth Gainwell and Kylan Watkins and on defense the Tigers like to blitz

cut 17  (16) “…the ball” 

___________________________________________

LSU will welcome Utah State into Death Valley tomorrow for an 11 AM kick-off. The Aggies feature an up-tempo offense that’s averaging nearly 39 points a game. On defense, they are allowing three touchdowns a contest. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow says Utah State plays a bend but don’t break style of defense

Cut 18 (15)  for sure” 

Utah State is 3-1 on the season and coach Gary Andersen says his team looks forward to playing a team ranked in the top five…

cut 19 (13)   “very loud”   

Kick-off is at 11 AM and it will be hot. The forecast high in Baton Rouge on Saturday is 93-degrees. Andersen says his team is practicing in the 50s and used to the type of heat and humidity they’ll face in Tiger Stadium

cut 20 (12) “the temperature”  

If you’ve watched any TV lately you’ve likely seen Eddie Rispone’s extensive ad blitz in the governor’s race. Campaign finance reports show the Republican spent 3.5 million dollars between September 3^rd and 22^nd in the campaign that has vaulted him to 2^nd in recent polls. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the self-funding businessman has to keep up the burn rate.

Cut 7 (07) “…bet” 

JMC Analytics has Rispone up 21-18 over Republican Ralph Abraham.

An attorney representing some of the steel mill workers laid off by Bayou Steel in LaPlace this week is questioning whether the company complied with federal law when notifying workers of the layoffs. Attorney Brent Barriere says employees were blindsided by the mass layoff.

Cut 3 (13) “…60 days of pay.”

The closure led to 376 being left without a job.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed at Fibrebond’s headquarters in Minden this morning will result in road improvements in the area to keep the  Webster Parish manufacturer in northwest Louisiana. The state transportation department has agreed to replace eight bridges in the region, and Governor Edwards says these improvements help everyone.

Cut 11 (08) “to come” 

Because of deficient roads and bridges, Fibrebond is forced to travel many extra miles to ship their products out west. 

The Attorney General’s office announces 21 people have been arrested in Louisiana as part of a National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The director of Medicaid Fraud in the A-G’s office, Jody LeJeune, says numerous federal and state agencies work together to fight health care fraud

Cut 12 (09) “…for everyone”

The latest finance reports are in and Governor Edwards has 3.1 million on hand, followed by Eddie Rispone at 2.7 million, and Ralph Abraham at 318,000.  Edwards continues to lap his opponents in fundraising, outraising Rispone and Abraham in the last period by a combined 574,000 dollars. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross…
Cut 6 (09) “…through”
Independent polls show Edwards close to avoiding a run-off.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at Fibrebond’s headquarters in Minden this morning that will result in road improvements in the area to keep the  Webster Parish manufacturer in northwest Louisiana. Fibrebond CEO Graham Walker credits Governor Edwards for finding solutions
Cut 10 (11) “…other opportunities.”
The state transportation department has agreed to replace eight bridges in the region and construct a heavy-haul route from Minden to Texas.

The Attorney General’s office announces 21 people have been arrested in Louisiana as part of a National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The director of Medicaid Fraud in the A-G’s office, Jody LeJeune, LeJeune says if you suspect Medicaid fraud, call 1-888-799-6885 or provide a tip on the A-G Jeff Landry-dot-com…

Cut 14 (10) “…hotline”

The majority of those arrested are suspected of billing for services that were not provided or billing for services at a higher level that was actually provided.

An attorney representing some of the steel mill workers laid off by Bayou Steel in LaPlace this week is questioning whether the company complied with federal law when notifying workers of the layoffs. Attorney Brent Barriere says there has been no indication by ownership or management that the company intends to fulfill its financial obligations to employees.

Cut 5 (07) “…and the like.”

Campaign finance reports for the September 3^rd-22^nd period confirm what anyone who watches TV likely already knows: Eddie Rispone spent a ton of money over the three week period. The Baton Rouge businessman dropped a remarkable 3.5 million dollars on an ad blitz that polls show has shot him into second place.  UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the self-funding businessman has little choice.

Cut 7 (07) “…bet” 

JMC Analytics puts Rispone up over fellow Republican Ralph Abraham 21-18.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed at Fibrebond headquarters after a brief scare that the company could relocate to East Texas from it’s longtime home in Minden. Fibrebond CEO Graham Walker credits Governor Edwards for finding infrastructure solutions…

Cut 10 (11) “…other opportunities.”

An attorney representing some of the steel mill workers laid off by Bayou Steel in LaPlace this week is questioning whether the company complied with federal law when notifying workers of the layoffs. Attorney Brent Barriere says local workers were blindsided with no warning, so he’s working to have the bankruptcy case moved from Delaware to New Orleans.

Cut 4 (12) “…receiving a paycheck.”

The company owed more than $20 million to creditors upon filing bankruptcy.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says early voting has been a remarkable success so far and if the current trends hold up he anticipates this year will set a record for total number of early votes cast. Ardoin says as of noon we hit over 225,000 votes cast, and at the current rate we’ll blow past 2015’s total early voting total by the end of the day. Whether that increases total turnout remains to be seen as 90 percent of voters so far have been “chronic” voters.