An independent, post-first debate poll shows Governor Edwards has gained ground, and Eddie Rispone has jumped Ralph Abraham as the top polling Republican. It’s the first time a poll shows Rispone over the Congressman. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillion says the Baton Rouge businessman’s 21-18 percent lead over Abraham is evidence of two things…

Cut 9 (10) “Abraham”

Teddy Bridgewater showed he is more than a capable to backup Drew Brees as he led the Saints to a 33-27 win over the Seahawks in Seattle yesterday. Bridgewater threw for 177 yards and two TD passes and he benefited from a touchdown by the Saints special teams and defense…

Cut 3 (09) “…that much easier”

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”

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 Couvillion says Edwards sits at 46 percent because Democrats are coming home to the governor, while white independents are starting to warm up to him as well…

Cut 8, 7 seconds, percent

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

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.

A Florida woman frees herself by biting the testicles of a camel at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete. Truck stop manager Pamela Bossier says the woman and her husband entered the enclosure to retrieve her dog and when encounter went south.

Cut 5 (13) “…got the camel off.”

Security camera footage shows the couple were throwing dog treats at the camel when their unleashed dog ran into the camel’s enclosure.

Teddy Bridgewater’s steady play helped shepard the Saints to an upset 33-27 win over the Seahawks yesterday in Seattle. 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…

Cut 4 (12) “…all-time high.”

One officer has been killed and another wounded after a shootout in Mandeville near Highway 22 and US 190. Two suspects have been arrested after allegedly fleeing from the area in connection with the incident, and the shooting locked down large portions of highway 22 through Mandeville.

Polling data from JMC Analytics reflects residents’ views on gun control, abortion, and gas taxes. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

During the first televised gubernatorial debate, the candidates were asked about reducing the state sales tax back to four-percent now that the state has a surplus of money. Republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone, say it’s time to lower the state’s sales tax rate. But Governor Edwards says claims that the tax bills approved during his time as governor have hurt the economy are untrue…

Cut 8 (13) “…right now”

Louisiana’s private high schools will not hold their football championships in the Superdome this season. With the Superdome off the table, CEO of the Louisiana Select Association JP Kelly says they’re moving forward with negotiations for other venues.

Cut 12 (09) “…Lafayette.”

One officer has been killed and another wounded after a shootout in Mandeville near Highway 22 and US 190. Two suspects have been arrested after allegedly fleeing from the area in connection with the incident, and the shooting locked down large portions of highway 22 through Mandeville while forcing residents and businesses to shut their doors and take shelter nearby as police combed the area.

The two Republican gubernatorial candidates went after Governor Edwards’ tax policy during Thursday night’s debate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “Jeff Palermo”

In a statewide poll funded by the Nexstar Media Group, 47-percent of Louisiana voters surveyed say they support an increase in the gasoline tax, while 33-percent oppose. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon conducted the survey and found out that 58-percent of the respondents support some tightening of gun control laws and 27-percent are for outlawing automatic rifles…

cut 4 (08) “….so to speak”

Tomorrow is National Seat Check Saturday, a chance for parents and caregivers to make sure their child safety seat is installed properly. August 1st new laws went into effect to address safety concerns and Registered Nurse at University Medical Center New Orleans Bridget Gardner says the updated law does not want parents rushing to get their kids into the front seat…

Cut 14 (12) “…fatalities.”

One officer has been killed and another wounded after a shootout in Mandeville near Highway 22 and US 190. Two suspects have been arrested after allegedly fleeing from the area in connection with the incident, and the shooting locked down large portions of highway 22 through Mandeville, while forcing residents and businesses to shut their doors and take shelter nearby as police combed the area.

A new poll from Nexstar Media group finds that 47% of respondents support a higher gas tax if used on a $14 billion backlog on transportation projects.  33% are in opposition and 21% are undecided.  JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says voters are more likely to be in favor of a tax with a specific direction as opposed to a bottomless pit.

Cut 3 (12) “…into a pot.”

The state’s sales tax rate is 4.45-percent one of the highest in the country, and Republican gubnertorial challenger Ralph Abraham tore into Governor Edwards over his support for the current sales tax level. Abraham says the high sales tax rate is hurting the economy…

Cut 7 (08)“…taxes, taxes taxes” 

Edwards says the sales tax has led to budget stability and funding for healthcare and education.

Louisiana’s private high schools will not hold their football championships in the Superdome this season. CEO of the Louisiana Select Association JP Kelly, the umbrella organization for private schools, says 54 percent of schools voted to not host football championships at the Dome.

Cut 10 (09) “impossible”

 “Select” schools host their own championship games in basketball, football, baseball, and softball

Louisiana’s private high schools will not host their football championships in the Superdome this season. CEO of the Louisiana Select Association JP Kelly, the umbrella organization for private schools, says 54 percent of schools voted to not host football championships at the Dome.

Cut 10 (09) “impossible”

“Select” schools now host their own championship games in basketball, football, baseball, and softball.

Polling data indicates 47% of respondents say they’d be in favor of a gas tax if it is channeled toward the $14 billion backlog on transportation projects.  33% are in opposition and 21% are undecided.  JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says voters are more likely to be in favor of a tax with a specific direction.

Cut 3 (10) “…into a pot.”

The two Republican gubernatorial candidates went after Governor Edwards’ tax policy during Thursday night’s debate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “Jeff Palermo”  

Gubernatorial candidates tangled on the issue of the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax last night. Governor Edwards defended maintaining the sales tax at it’s current level to ensure the state’s current budget stability, but Republican challenger Eddie Rispone says the surplus is evidence that taxes are too high.

Cut 9 (10)  “surplus”

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham echoed those sentiments.

Board of Regents spokesperson Meg Casper Sunstrom says today’s Hazing Prevention Summit will help further the conversation about how to end campus hazing cultures.

Cut 4 (11) “…but also solutions.”

The event will feature a special message the parents of Max Gruver, the LSU student who died as a result of frat hazing.

A Republican Senator from Metairie calls GOP gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone’s recent attacks on the 2017 criminal justice reform “disingenuous”…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

A Cruelty to the Infirm case out of Crowley has been upgraded to Negligent Homicide after a disabled woman who was found with rotting open wounds Saturday at a caregiver’s house dies. 49-year-old Glasarah Welch was rushed to Acadiana General Saturday with wounds that had been infected, and infested with maggots.

Next week is National Hazing Prevention week, but state leaders are in Baton getting an early start on the conversation with a summit to combat hazing today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_______________________________

A Republican Senator from Metairie calls GOP gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone’s recent attacks on the 2017 criminal justice reform “disingenuous”…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

________________________

 The top three candidates for governor squared off for a mostly tame first debate night. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________

The Board of Regents is hosting Hazing Prevention Summit today in Baton Rouge. Board spokesperson Meg Casper Sunstrom says the event is an opportunity for state’s highest-level leaders to continue the conversation about eliminating hazing culture.

Cut 4 (11) “…but also solutions.”

The event will feature a special message the parents of Max Gruver, the LSU student who died as a result of frat hazing. Sunstrom says since Gruver’s death, campuses have instituted education about hazing for students as well as leaders.

Cut 5 (11) “…to be interactive.”

Sunstrom says bringing awareness to the dangers of hazing is just the first step in the fight against the activity, but what is really important is seeing a culture shift.

Cut 6 (09) “…in our childhood.”

Next week is National Hazing Prevention week.

____________________

Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone’s attacks on the 2017 Legislative criminal justice reform package are off-base, and not true.

Rispone’s TV ads claim “John Bel Edwards’” criminal justice reform put dangerous criminals back on the street, but Martiny, A Republican, says no criminal convicted of a violent crime got out early.

Cut 7 (12) “…offenders” 

Martiny says thanks to the reform Louisiana is no longer the top incarcerator in the country, which did not make the state any safer.

Cut 8 (08) “…the jail.”

The Department of Corrections reported 17.8 million dollars in savings in the last fiscal year due to the reforms.

Martiny says Rispone’s attacks disrespect the bipartisan support for the reforms which were rolled out over ten different bills. He says seven of those bills were authored by Republicans.

Cut 9 (08)  “…disengenuos”

Similar reforms were supported in Washington by President Trump. Those reforms ultimately passed.

_______________________

Statewide West Nile virus cases are down from this same time last year.  So far, Department of Health stats have only recorded twelve cases, compared to seventy-nine, this week last year.  State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says the weather in the spring has proven to have lingering effects in mitigating impacts on the mosquito population.

Cut 10 (11) “…mosquitos.”

Ratard says regardless of a year’s infection rate, it is important to always safeguard yourself and other from mosquitos, because it takes just one bite to make it a bad West Nile season for you.

Cut 11 (08) “…november.” 

West Nile infections are divided into three categories with the first being an asymptomatic, the second being a flu-like West Nile fever which accounts for three cases this year, and the third is a dangerous neuroinvasive infection of the brain and spinal cord which accounts for six cases. Ratard says if you think you may have been infected, seek medical attention immediately.

Cut 12 (11) “…season.”

______________________________

The first gubernatorial debate of the race is in the books and the candidates took turns tearing at each other during an occasionally lively night of discussion, with one new revelation from the Governor.

Governor Edwards made news, saying he does not support abortion exceptions for rape or incest. He voiced his full support for every part of the abortion ban he passed last session.

Cut 13 (12) “…members.”

Top polling Republican Ralph Abraham spent most of the night swinging at the Governor over the state of the Louisiana economy. Abraham says Edwards went back on his word about not raising taxes.

Cut 14 (08) “…killed it.” 

Edwards shot back that Abraham’s contention was “absurd” saying the state economy is the biggest it’s been in state history.

Republican Eddie Rispone stayed mostly out of the fray, instead using his time to sell himself as a businessman and outsider but did take a shot at his fellow Republican over support for the President.

Cut 15 (10) “…Clinton”

Those comments were related to comments Abraham made in 2016 where he suggested President Trump withdraw after the Access Hollywood tape revelations.

________________________

Teddy Bridgewater is expected to get the start at quarterback on Sunday when the Saints visit the Seahawks. Bridgewater believes he shook some rust off by getting meaningful snaps last week…

Cut 16  (20) “…means” ”   

Bridgewater hopes the offense can be as prolific as it is when Drew Brees is on his game…

cut 17 (12) “…our teammates” 

Taysom Hill may also get some snaps at quarterback. Bridgewater trusts the coaching staff’s game plan…

Cut 18 (13) “it work” 

___________________________________________

Louisiana Tech plays a rare Friday night home game tonight against F-I-U. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz understands Friday is reserved for high school football, but he’ll take the national TV exposure they’ll get on the CBS Sports Network…

cut 19 (28)   “enthusiasm.”   

FIU won its first game of the season last week against New Hampshire. Holtz says they ran for a bunch of yards with backup QB Kaylan Wiggins…

cut 20 (15) “through the air 

The Cajun Navy has volunteers heading to Texas as the remnants of Tropical Depression Imelda has forced numerous water rescues in an area east of Houston. United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says they are receiving frantic phone calls and Facebook messages from those that are stranded…
Cut 13 (09) “…expecting more rain.”
The heavy rainfall has also closed a part of I-10 in Texas.

A new poll on the governor’s race has Governor Edwards receiving 41-percent of the vote, Ralph Abraham at 24-percent and Eddie Rispone garnering 16-percent. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says two main questions in this governor’s race, can Edwards gain additional support from undecideds and can Rispone catch Abraham and get in a November run-off with the incumbent
Cut 5 (11) “…week away”

A Webster Parish woman who ran a non-profit that oversaw a program to help feed low-income children has admitted to stealing one-point-one million dollars from the federal government. 59-year-old Myrna Thomas Quarles of Cotton Valley faces up to 10 years in prison. U-S Attorney David Joseph says Quarles deposited checks from a federal feeding service program into her own banking account…
Cut 8 (11) “this lady”
Joseph says Quarles also used the Greater Horizons credit card to the tune of 370-thousand dollars on herself.

Governor Edwards says the estimated 500-million-dollar surplus for the last fiscal year is evidence state’s economy is doing well. Critics say the surplus is evidence that the .45 percent sale tax pushed by the governor in 2018 was not necessary, but Edwards countered, saying at the time estimates underrated the state economy, but that changed…

Cut 9 (12)  “Jindal”

A Webster Parish woman pleads guilty to stealing over a million dollars from a program designed to feed poor, hungry children.

cut  2 (30) “Matt Doyle”  

The United Cajun Navy dispatches to east Texas in response to the catastrophic flooding from Tropical Depression Imelda.  United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says they’ve got boats out helping victims and first responders.

Cut 12 (09) “…do their job.”

The Edwards administration is taking criticism for an estimated 500-million dollar surplus. Many Republicans say residents are getting taxed too much. But Edwards says the surplus is the result of an improving economy and the surplus dollars will be invested into long-overdue projects…
Cut 10 (10) “dollars”

A new poll on the governor’s race funded by the Nexstar Media Group has Governor Edwards receiving 41-percent of the vote, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham 24-percent and GOP businessman Eddie Rispone at 16-percent. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling polled the governor’s race in April and he says Rispone has seen his support grow because of an aggressive media campaign. He says Edwards has also seen his support increase among white Democrats, white Independents and even Republicans.
Cut 4 (10) “…some voters”