14 years ago today, Hurricane Rita made landfall in southwest Louisiana just four weeks after Katrina ravaged the southeast portion of the state. State climatologist Barry Keim says 95% of homes and businesses in Cameron Parish were destroyed and combined with the damage sustained by Hurricane Katrina in the weeks earlier, much of the Louisiana coastline was left devastated.

Cut 11 (09) “…state of Louisiana.” 

Rita produced a storm surge of 17.8 feet.

New data shows 27,000 more kids living in poverty in Louisiana from 2013 to 2017 than the previous five year period. Annie E. Casey Foundation Associate Director Scot Spencer says concentrated poverty can trap families in inescapable multi-generational cycles.

Cut 5 (10) “…in concentrated poverty.”

A Shreveport nursing home social worker is under arrest for stealing a nurse’s identity to log over 1,000 hours of work as an LPN. 59-year-old Sandra Martin was already being paid more than the facility’s licensed nurses in her current position, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Detective Mike King says they suspect she posed as a nurse to cash in on some overtime opportunities.

Cut 7 (08) “…social worker.” 

Upon being arrested, King says Martin admitted to working as a nurse, but refused to answer further questions and demanded a lawyer.

Two Thibodeaux residents allegedly stole their grandmother’s identity and used it to go on a spending spree racking up over 5,000 dollars’ worth of bills. The two face serious charges as a result of the alleged scheme.

Cut 14 (11) “as well.”

That’s State Police Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange.

While nationally the number of children living in concentrated poverty has gone down, it is estimated that Louisiana has 27,000 more kids living in poverty from 2013 to 2017 than the previous five year period.  Annie E. Casey Foundation Advocacy and Influence Associate Director Scot Spencer says the state is one of only ten states to see a rate increase.

Cut 3 (06) “…to 20%.”

A Shreveport nursing home social worker is under arrest for posing as a licensed nurse for over a thousand hours using the identity of an LPN with her same name. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Detective Mike King says while pretending to be a nurse, 59-year-old Sandra Martin took on some vital, and potentially dangerous roles…

Cut 6 (07) “…called in.”

King says they suspect Martin posed as a nurse to cash in on overtime opportunities

An independent poll shows incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon in a near tie with challenger Tim Temple. The pollster says it may be thanks to a new attack ad chastising Donelon for napping through what appears to be a hearing…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The man accused of killing a Mandeville Police officer Friday and wounding another is being held without bond. 21-year old Mark Spicer of Covington faces first-degree murder of a police officer and attempted first degree murder of a police officer. Captain Vincent Liberto was killed following a chase of Spicer.

An LSU Biochemistry Professor discovers that a diabetes treatment may also be effective in treating breast cancer. Matt Doyle spoke with Dr. Suresh Alahari…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

A new poll shows the race for Insurance Commissioner is at a statistical dead heat with Republican incumbent Jim Donelon at 22 percent and GOP challenger Tim Temple at 20 percent. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says 58 percent of voters are undecided.
Cut 4 (07) “…incumbent.”
Donelon is seeking a fourth consecutive full term, while Temple is a political newcomer.

Truth in Accounting-dot-org gives Louisiana a D rating following new analysis that shows Louisiana has $15.8 billion available to pay nearly $38 billion worth of bills. Truth in Accounting CEO Sheila Weinberg…
Cut 13 (12) “…at $17,700.”
Weinberg says the state has a pension debt of $9.4 billion and retiree healthcare debt of $9.6 billion.

The three main candidates in the governor’s race appeared at the Baton Rouge Press Club and discussed what they prioritize if elected.  GOP challenger Eddie Rispone says he will let various sectors know how accommodating the state is under his leadership.

Cut 10 (13) “…business people do.”

His challengers Congressman Abraham said his priorities are infrastructure taxes and budget reforms and Governor Edwards says he will continue investing into education.

Cut 12 (12) “…to our future.”

Early voting begins this Saturday and the election is 18 days away on October 12^th.

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans discover a common diabetes drug might be useful in treating certain forms of cancer and other common ailments. Biochemistry Professor Dr. Suresh Alahari says the use of metformin in mice shows effective treatment of cancer by keeping in on certain a protein and now they are looking at the prospect of it being used to even treat Alzheimer’s.

Cut 8 (08) “the road”

Truth in Accounting-dot-org gives Louisiana a D rating following a new analysis of the latest financial report showing Louisiana has $15.8 billion available to pay nearly $38 billion worth of bills. Truth in Accounting Founder and CEO Sheila Weinberg says the state should not roll burden of retiree healthcare onto future taxpayers.

Cut 15 (07) “…for other taxpayers.”

Overall, the state ranks 40^th in the nation.

An independent poll shows incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon in a near tie with challenger Tim Temple. The pollster says it may be thanks to a new attack ad chastizing Donelon for napping through what appears to be a hearing…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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An LSU Biochemistry Professor discovers that a diabetes treatment may also be effective in treating breast cancer. Matt Doyle spoke with Dr. Suresh Alahari about his research…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The candidates for Governor discussed their top priority if elected. Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A new Independent poll shows the race for Insurance Commissioner is at a statistical dead heat with incumbent Jim Donelon at 22 percent and challenger Tim Temple at 20 percent.

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says the biggest number that stands out is the 58 percent of voters who remain undecided.

Cut 4 (07) “…incumbent.”

Both Donelon and Temple are Republicans.

Temple has poured over a million dollars of his own money into the race, buying up TV and radio ad space statewide. Couvillon says one ad, in particular, appears to have hit home.

Cut 5 (08) “…the wheel”

Couvillon says with a week and a half before most voters lock in their choices at the ballot box, the Donelon campaign needs to move quickly to sure up undecideds, and respond to the Temple attack.

Cut 6 (05) “…come out swinging.”

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An LSU Health New Orleans researcher finds that a common Diabetes medication was effective in treating certain forms of cancer in mice.

Biochemistry Professor Dr. Suresh Alahari says certain cancers lack a protein known as Nischarin, and Metformin, the diabetes treatment, activates an enzyme that can help neutralize those cancers.

Cut 7 (06) “…growth” 

Nischarin was first discovered by Alahari 20 years ago when he worked in North Carolina.

Metformin is already a proven commodity, and Alahari is excited about the prospect of it being used to treat ailments like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, carcinomas, and possibly even Alzheimer’s.

Cut 8 (08) “the road”

Research is also being done on how Metformin affects those with dementia, aging, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders.

Alahari stresses just because preliminary tests in mice were inspiring, doesn’t mean they have a miracle cure ready today for humans, but they’ve got their next step already plotted out.

Cut 9 (09)  “…tissue”

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The three main candidates in the governor’s race appeared at the Baton Rouge Press Club and discussed what they prioritize if elected.  GOP challenger Eddie Rispone says he will let various sectors know how accommodating the state is under his leadership.

Cut 10 (13) “…business people do.”

Fellow Republican candidate Ralph Abraham says he will reverse ITEP changes, which is a property tax break for large manufacturers, but it does not stop there.

Cut 11 (11) “…and budget reform.” 

Governor Edwards says he will continue investing into education.

Cut 12 (12) “…to our future.”
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Truth in Accounting-dot-org gives Louisiana a D rating following a new analysis of the latest financial report showing Louisiana has $15.8 billion available to pay nearly $38 billion worth of bills. Truth in Accounting Founder and CEO Sheila Weinberg says the state has a long way to go to make improvements.

Cut 13 (12) “…at $17,700.”

Weinberg highlights the state’s pension debt of $9.4 billion and retiree healthcare debt of $9.6 billion as a major factor.

Cut 14 (09) “…retiree healthcare benefits.” 

Weinberg says the state should not roll the financial burden of retiree healthcare onto future taxpayers.

Cut 15 (07) “…for other taxpayers.”

Overall, the state ranks 40^th in the nation.

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For the third time this year, Quarterback Joe Burrow is the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Tommy Hodson and JaMarcus Russell are the only quarterbacks in LSU history to earn SEC Offensive Player of the Week three times. Through the first four games, Burrow has more completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns than any player in school history over that span. Coach Ed Orgeron doesn’t see Burrow slowing down

Cut 16  (13) “…expect that”

LSU leads the nation in scoring, averaging nearly 58 points per game. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is second in the nation in receiving yards per game, with 132-yards a contest. Orgeron says they knew the sophomore from Rummel would have a breakout season…

cut 17 (12) “…of player” 

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The Sun Belt Conference has named Ragin Cajuns running back Elijah Mitchell as its Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week. The Erath native rushed for 143 yards and three touchdowns in U-L Lafayette’s road win over Ohio. Coach Billy Napier says a great offseason is paying off for Mitchell

Cut 18 (18) “can do” 

The Cajuns have one of the top rushing attacks in the country as they rank first in the nation in total rushing yards, with 1,295 yards and 18 touchdowns. Trey Ragas is averaging 10 yards a carry, while Raymond Calais is averaging 9.5 yards an attempt. Napier says it’s an unselfish group

cut 19 (21)   “ our team.”   

A vet checks on Casper the Camel at the I-10 Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete today after a Florida woman admits to biting his testicles. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

LSU QB Joe Burrow is named the SEC player of the week, marking the third time this season for Burrow to receive the distinction. In 2018, Burrow had received the honor two other times. The fourth ranked Tigers will next host Utah State for an 11am kickoff on October 5^th.

Today is the first day of Fall, but it doesn’t feel like it, as its hot and humid. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Climate Prediction Center predicts we’ll continue to see above-normal temperatures during the fall months, while rainfall totals should be normal, which is not a lot. Keim adds it’s not going to feel like fall anytime soon

Cut 13 (11) “…gonna happen.”

Keim says we’ll have to wait until October before that first significant cold front comes through.
Teddy Bridgewater showed he is more than a capable backup to Drew Brees as he led the Saints to a 33-27 win over the Seahawks in Seattle yesterday. It’s an emotional victory for Bridgewater, who nearly saw his career come to an end because of a devastating knee injury during training camp in 2016. Since then he’s been traded twice, but kept telling himself before the game he’s a winner…

Cut 4 (12) “…all-time high.”

A Florida woman bit the testicles of a camel at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete after she found herself stuck under the animal.  Truck stop manager Pamela Bossier (Bo-shay) says the woman and her husband entered the enclosure…

Cut 5 (13) “…got the camel off.”

An independent, post-first debate poll shows Governor Edwards has gained ground, and Eddie Rispone has jumped Ralph Abraham as the top polling Republican. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says the latest results have moved the likelihood of a run-off from high to a tossup, and it could all come down to minority voter turnout.

Cut 10 (12) “intensity”

12 percent remain undecided.

On the heels of that new, somewhat surprising poll the the three main candidates for governor appeared at today’s Baton Rouge Press Club. Governor Edwards backed his Administration’s surpluses, but GOP candidate Ralph Abraham says he wants to put more money in the taxpayers pocket. He says that’s the biggest difference between him and the governor

Cut 15 (06) “…less tax.”

Today is the first day of Fall, but it doesn’t feel like it, as its hot and humid. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll have to wait until October before that first significant cold front comes through.

Cut 12 (11) “…through the region”

the Climate Prediction Center predicts we’ll continue to see above-normal temperatures during the fall months, while rainfall totals should be normal.

LSU QB Joe Burrow is named the SEC player of the week, marking the third time this season for Burrow to receive the distinction.

Today is the first day of Fall, but it doesn’t feel like it, as its hot and humid. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Climate Prediction Center predicts we’ll continue to see above-normal temperatures during the fall months, while rainfall totals should be normal, which is not a lot
Cut 11 (10) “…be November” 
Keim says we’ll have to wait until October before that first significant cold front comes through.
The three main candidates for governor appeared at today’s Baton Rouge Press Club. Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s economy is the largest it’s ever been and under his administration, the state’s finances went from deficits to surpluses
Cut 16 (10) “…together”
Republican Eddie Rispone once again made the case that the state needs a conservative, political outsider in order to become a better state.  Fellow GOP candidate Ralph Abraham says he wants to put more money in the taxpayers’ pocket.

A post-gubernatorial debate poll shows Governor Edwards is getting closer to avoiding a run-off, and there’s been a big shakeup on the GOP side of the race. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “Matt Doyle”  

LSU QB Joe Burrow is named the SEC player of the week, marking the third time this season for Burrow to receive the distinction.  In 2018, Burrow had received the honor two other times.  The fourth ranked Tigers will next host Utah State for an 11am kickoff on October 5^th.

The three main candidates for governor appeared at today’s Baton Rouge Press Club. Republican Eddie Rispone once again made the case that the state needs a conservative, political outsider in order to become a better state to live in

Cut 14 (09) “…state around.”

Edward responded that under his administration, the state’s finances went from deficits to surpluses

The first post-debate poll shows Governor Edwards has gained ground, and Eddie Rispone has jumped Ralph Abraham as the top polling Republican. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says Edwards sits at 46 percent with the help of democrats and some white independents…

Cut 8 (07) “ percent”

Rispone sits at 21 percent while Abraham sits at 18 percent.

Casper the Camel will have a vet visit today after a Florida woman bit his testicles at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete (Tate). Truck stop manager Pamela Bossier (Bo-shay) says the woman and her husband entered Casper’s cage to retrieve their dog when the encounter went south and the camel sat on the women. Bossier says the camel, is usually a pretty nice animal.

Cut 7 (09) “…him with objects.” 

The camel reportedly didn’t have bite marks because the victim supposedly does not have any teeth.

Today is the first day of Fall, but it sure doesn’t feel like it, as the hot and humid like weather continues. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not going to feel like fall anytime soon.

Cut 13 (11) “…gonna happen.”

A Florida woman bit the testicles of a camel at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete after she found herself under the animal.  Truck stop manager Pamela Bossier (Bo-shay) says the initial inspection of the camel’s scrotum did not show any teeth marks or tearing of the flesh, but Bossier says a witness says there is a reason for that, adding a vet is going to examine the animal further.

Cut 6 (11) “…him out today.”

A new poll shows Governor Edwards has gained ground, and Eddie Rispone has jumped Ralph Abraham as the top polling Republican. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillion says this post-debate poll has moved the likelihood of a run-off from high to a tossup and it could all come down to minority voter turnout.

Cut 10 (12) “intensity”

In Tanzania the death of a Zachary man is under investigation after his underwater marriage proposal ended in his death. Steven Weber Jr. died on Friday as he was trying to resurface after the underwater proposal was being filmed for his girlfriend Kenesah Antoine. Antoine, a Baton Rouge attorney posted the video on facebook. Boaters that were passing by were unable to help Antoine revive Webber. A cause of death has not been determined.

Today is the first day of Fall, but it doesn’t feel like it, as its hot and humid. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Climate Prediction Center predicts we’ll have to wait until October before that first significant cold front comes through.

Cut 12 (11) “…through the region”

Keim says it’s not going to feel like fall anytime soon