Governor Edwards provided details today on the 52-million dollars in federal money that will go towards expanding I-12 in St. Tammany Parish from Highway 190 to Highway 59. Edwards says this investment will provide more economic opportunities and ease congestion for a three-mile stretch of I-12…

Cut 7 (08) “…every day.”

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Congressman Ralph Abraham lashed out at the Edwards administration’s handling of Medicaid. Abraham says he would save the state money and fix Medicaid by implementing a more detailed income analysis for the program, and removing people who make over the 16,764 dollars annually.

Cut 11 (09) “…system.” 

State Farm announces the company is cutting its auto insurance rates by 2.6 percent effective November 25^th. State Farm Spokesperson Felicia Van Frank says the savings come down to improving their expense situation and lower loss numbers.

Cut 13 (10) “change”

September is Airbag Recall Repair Month. The National Safety Council and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are all urging motorist to have their airbags checked and repaired immediately. FCA spokesperson Chris Freeman says many motorists have ignored the recall and do not realize that defective airbags can cause more harm than good.

Cut 4 (11) “…device”  for more info go to Check-To-Protect-dot-org. All repairs are free.

Gubernatorial candidate, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham, spoke out against the Edwards Administration’s handling of Medicaid this morning. Abraham says despite a 14.8-billion-dollar Department of Health budget the state is still one of the least healthy in the nation. Abraham called out the Division of Administration, the LDH Secretary, and Governor for not being transparent about Medicaid and it’s increasing costs, but says he would not undo the expansion…

Cut 10 (06) “…now”

State Farm announces the company is cutting its auto insurance rates by 2.6 percent effective November 25^th. State Farm Spokesperson Felicia Van Frank says their rates have been steadily dropping for several years as costs have decreased in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (09) “…percent”

The 2.6 percent decrease comes out to 36.6 million dollars in savings for State Farm customers.

Is your car one of the 152-thousand in Louisiana that has recalled airbag? The National Safety Council and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are urging motorist to have their air bags checked and repaired immediately. FCA spokesperson Chris Freeman says September is Recall Awareness Month.

Cut 3 (12) “…today.”

To see you need a replacement go to Check-To-Protect-dot-org, that’s Check-To-Protect-dot-Org and enter your Vehicle Identification Number. All repairs are free.

Gubernatorial candidate, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham spoke out against the Edwards Administration’s handling of Medicaid this morning on the steps of the Louisiana Department of Health. Abraham says despite a 14.8-billion-dollar Department of Health budget the state is still one of the least healthy in the nation.

Cut 9, 9 seconds, healthcare

State Medicaid costs will increase in 2020 as a result of a declining federal match.

Governor John Bel Edwards provided details today on the 52-million dollars in federal money that will go towards expanding I-12 in St. Tammany Parish from Highway 190 to Highway 59. Edwards says the state faces a 14-billion dollar backlog in highway projects, but they are using any available dollars wisely

Cut 6 (06) “…previously”

Edwards says this investment will provide more economic opportunities for the region.

Gun control is expected to be a hot topic when Congress returns to session next week. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says he hasn’t had a chance to review any proposals, but he knows the Democrat-controlled House is planning on introducing a number of fixes that just won’t pass muster in the upper chamber.

Cut 7, 10 seconds, handguns

Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of background checks for guns.

Southeast Louisiana is under a heat advisory today as heat indexes are expected to sit between 108 to 113. The blazing temperatures and dry weather are thanks to a high-pressure system that’s set up shop across the southeast US, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not all bad news. He says without it Hurricane Dorian may have entered the Gulf.

Cut 12 (07) “…states.”

The same high-pressure system is keeping other storms like Fernand away from the region as well.

Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards is hoping to go home from a Baton Rouge hospital after he was found unresponsive Tuesday. The 92 year old says he suffered from dehydration and a drop in blood sugar. He says he doing much better now and he’s received excellent care at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center. Edwards said he’s extremely appreciative of all the calls and texts he’s received from people concerned about him.  Edwards also expressed his gratitude to his wife Trina who take very good care of him.

LSU merchandise is selling well ahead of Saturday’s showdown versus ninth ranked Texas. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The White House and Homeland Security are utilizing a storm surge model developed by LSU to better respond to Hurricane Dorian. Director of Louisiana Sea Grant Robert Twilley says the data gathered isn’t just useful for the public it also allows government agencies to swoop into effected areas a lot faster after a storm hits.

Cut 10 (10) “…responders”

The current projections show storm surge concerns ranging from the northeast Florida coast all the way up to Maine.

A University of Louisiana at Lafayette study finds deficiencies with the coastal seafood industry in Acadiana. Moody-endowed chairman of regional business development at UL, Geoffrey Stewart, says one issue is not having a central point of contact for the seafood industry when problems arise…

Cut 12 (12) “…and confusion”

Transportation is another issue the local seafood industry is facing with not enough product to make shipping cost effective.

South Louisiana authorities say over 40 handguns were reportedly stolen from a shooting range in Youngsville over the weekend. Youngsville Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says it’s likely the guns will find their way into criminal hands.

Cut 6 (12) “…through”

Boudreaux says it’s an ongoing investigation with a few persons of interest, but no arrests have been made so far.

LSU started the season with a 55-3 landslide victory over Georgia Southern. Not only are things looking good for the Tigers but it’s good for business, Sara Sanders at Purple and Gold says the game in Texas this weekend has also kept them busy.

Cut 5 (10) “…good sign”

Kickoff Saturday is at 6:30 in Austin.

The White House and Homeland Security are utilizing a storm surge model developed by LSU to better respond to Hurricane Dorian. Director of Louisiana Sea Grant Robert Twilley says the program uses fine-scale resolution data of coastlines, bayous, and other waterways to provide lifesaving information.

Cut 9 (09)“the coast”

A University of Louisiana at Lafayette study finds deficiencies with the coastal seafood industry in Acadiana. Moody-endowed chairman of regional business development at UL, Geoffrey Stewart, says one of the issues is that there’s not enough cold storage areas to store seafood locally. The study also found that Acadiana seafood could be marketed better if the stories of those involved in harvesting, producing and cooking the seafood were told…

Cut 14 (08) “…our culture”

First responders along the east coast are utilizing an LSU developed storm surge model to better position resources along the expected path of Hurricane Dorian. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

NBC Dateline reporter Lester Holt thought it was a joke when his coworkers proposed he spend a few nights in prison in the Bayou State. But they weren’t joking. Holt spent two nights in Angola on death row alongside prisoners who were locked inside except for one hour a day.  You can see how his stay went this Friday on Dateline NBC and again on Sunday on MSNBC.

A University of Louisiana at Lafayette study finds deficiencies with the coastal seafood industry in Acadiana. Moody-endowed chairman of regional business development at UL, Geoffrey Stewart, says Transportation is a day-to-day hurdle and fresh seafood from the Acadiana coast is not shipped out of the region and that’s because they do not have enough product to make it cost-effective for truckers…

Cut 13 (12) “the volume.”

This Saturday the LSU Tigers are gearing up to play the Texas Longhorns and fans are loading up on fan gear. Purple and Gold Store Owner Sara Sanders says there’s lots of excitement with the Tigers ranked 6^th in the polls and a big game this Saturday, the store is seeing plenty of traffic.

Cut 4 (08) “…over there”

Over 40 handguns were reportedly stolen from a shooting range in Youngsville over the weekend. Youngsville Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says they may see a spike in crime across the Acadiana region as a result.

Cut 7 (06) “…crimes.”

The business, Sentry Defense, reports that no electronics or money were stolen.

The White House and Homeland Security are utilizing a storm surge model developed by LSU to better respond to Hurricane Dorian as it creeps it’s way up the east coast. Director of Louisiana Sea Grant Robert Twilley says the Coast Guard has been big fans of The Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment program since 2017 when Irma struck…

Cut 11 (10) “…system.” 

You can see up-to-date storm surge predictions at cera-dot-coastal-risk-dot-live.

LSU merchandise is selling well ahead of Saturday’s showdown versus ninth-ranked Texas. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A 51-year-old Lafayette man was arrested after allegedly bringing a gun into the parish courthouse. Authorities saw the weapon and magazines in his backpack as he passed through an x-ray scan. When they searched his bag they also discovered an empty bottle of vodka, but Police say the man did not appear to be intoxicated at the time.

Over 40 handguns were reportedly stolen from a shooting range in Youngsville over the weekend. Youngsville Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says it’s likely the guns will find their way into criminal hands.

Cut 6, 12 seconds, through

Persons of interest have been identified, but no arrests have been made.

The Louisiana GOP picks their horse in the Insurance Commissioner race; incumbent Jim Donelon. He’s being challenged by Republican Tim Temple who’s brought on former Democratic Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley to consult his campaign. LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says that’s likely one of the reasons the state party opposes Temple.

Cut 9 (07) “…clothing.”

Wooley resigned from the position in 2006. he was replaced by his deputy at the time, Jim Donelon. 

Former Governor Edwin Edwards is expected to be released from the hospital today following yesterday’s news that he was discovered unresponsive at home due to low blood sugar. Edwards’ biographer Leo Honeycutt says despite the incident the 92-year-old was still as outgoing as ever at a recent event.

Cut 12 (13) “…still do it.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is hoping to raise awareness and share best practices for fighting the opioid epidemic this week at the Opioid Action Summit and Town Hall. OBH Assistant Secretary Dr. Janice Petersen says the Slidell summit is a great way to continue to increase awareness of the epidemic’s devastating consequences.

Cut 15 (10) “…resources”

In 2018 there were more than 450 opioid-involved deaths in Louisiana.

Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards is expected to be released to from the hospital today. Yesterday his wife found him unresponsive. Edwards’ biographer Leo Honeycutt tells us that it appears the former governor was suffering from low blood sugar and is in much better condition now. Despite the 92 year old former governor’s age, Honeycutt says Edwards is still extremely spry.

Cut 10 (11) “…an hour”

The Louisiana Republican Party releases endorsements for the statewide races and they are supporting both Congressman Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone in the governor’s race. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says there’s little to gain from picking a side.
Cut 7 (13)“…doesn’t win”
Along I-49 in Caddo Parish DOTD will begin installing cable barriers along the medians north of Shreveport. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says for the last eleven years they’ve invested more than $50 million in safety improvements to install the cable barriers across the state.

Cut 5 (05) “…effectiveness”

The project begins Sept 15 and weather pending should wrap in the spring.

The Louisiana Department of Health is hoping to raise awareness and share best practices for fighting the opioid epidemic this week at the Opioid Action Summit and Town Hall.

OBH Assistant Secretary Karen Stubbs says there’s a few major themes for the week.

Cut 14 (11) “…recovery” 

The state GOP issues endorsements for all incumbent statewide Republicans, along with the two major Republicans challenging Governor Edwards. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

Former Governor Edwin Edwards was rushed to the hospital Tuesday after he was found unresponsive. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

______________________________

 The Opioid Action Summit and Town Hall kicks off in Slidell today, and Matt Doyle spoke with the Louisiana Department of Health about what to expect…

Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

________________________

Along I-49 in Caddo Parish DOTD will begin installing cable barriers along the medians north of Shreveport. The project will stretch 35 miles along the interstate beginning at Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and end at the Arkansas state line. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan explains how the cable medians work.

Cut 4 (07) “…roadway”

The barriers are made of three or four high steel tension cables strung on posts. The barriers are designed to redirect the car along the median and potentially prevent a fatal crossover crash. Buchanan says for the last eleven years DOTD has invested more than $50 million in safety improvements to install the cable barriers across the state.

Cut 5 (05) “…effectiveness”

The Project in Caddo Parish is set to begin mid-September and weather pending wrap next spring. Buchanan says when it’s completed it will mark a milestone for the cable barrier project.

Cut 6 (07) “…installed”

The Department’s goal is to have median cable barriers installed on interstates across the state by 2022.

_____________________

The Louisiana Republican Party releases statewide office endorsements headlined by both major GOP gubernatorial candidates, and a clear favorite in the race for Insurance Commissioner.

LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says it’s not a surprise that the party backed both Congressman Abraham and Eddie Rispone, as there’s little to gain from picking sides in a tight primary.

Cut 7 (13)“…doesn’t win”

A recent independent poll shows Rispone within striking distance of Abraham for the right to take on the Governor in a potential November run-off.

Incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon got the nod over challenger Tim Temple. That could sway the election in a race where there’s not a lot of policy daylight between the two Republicans.

Cut 8 (08) “that job”

Sadow adds the state party is likely skeptical of Temple due to the prominent consulting role former Democratic Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley holds in the Temple campaign.

Cut 9 (07) “…clothing.”

Wooley resigned the position in 2006. His deputy at the time, Donelon, then stepped into the role he’s held ever since. Campaign finance reports show Temple has paid at least 90,000 dollars to Wooley for consulting this year.

_____________________________

Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards was rushed to the hospital Tuesday afternoon when his wife found him unresponsive. Edwards’ biographer Leo Honeycutt tells us that it appears the former governor was suffering from low blood sugar and is in much better condition now. Despite the 92 year old former governor’s age, Honeycutt says Edwards is still extremely spry.

Cut 10 (11) “…an hour”

Doctors are waiting on more test results before they make a diagnosis and Edwards was ill over the weekend. Honeycutt said once Edwards received fluids he started acting like his usual self and even began joking with hospital staff.

Cut 11 (06) “fine” 

Honeycut attended an event two weeks ago with Edwards and he took questions from the audience and says it’s hard to believe the former governor is in his 9^th decade.

Cut 12 (13) “…still do it.”

Edwards also attended former Governor Kathleen Blanco’s funeral.

______________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health is hoping to raise awareness and share best practices for fighting the opioid epidemic this week at the Opioid Action Summit and Town Hall.

Office of Behavioral Health Deputy Assistant Secretary Dr. Janice Petersen says the program may be state-organized, but it’s put on primarily for the public. She says there will be breakout sessions covering a range of topics.

Cut 13 (09) “…stigma”

And they’re hoping for a wide range of attendees from recovering addicts to those who work local outreach.

OBH Assistant Secretary Karen Stubbs says there’s a few major themes for the week.

Cut 14 (11) “…recovery” 

Stubbs says they’re expecting at least 500 people to show up to scheduled events that run throughout the rest of the week at the Slidell Harbor Center.

In 2018 there were more than 450 opioid-involved deaths, a 187 percent increase from 2012. Petersen says the summit is a great way to continue to increase awareness of the epidemic’s devastating consequences.

Cut 15 (10) “…resources”

Wednesday’s discussion starts at 1:15 PM, Thursday’s starts at 9:40 AM, and Friday’s start at 8:30 AM.

_________________________________________________________

LSU’s new look offense faces a much bigger test this Saturday against 9th ranked Texas than the one they faced in the season opening win over Georgia Southern. Coach Ed Orgeron says the Longhorns have good pass rushers and its up to the o-line to win their one-on-one battles

Cut 16  (25) “…left tackle”   

Orgeron says starting offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles and linebacker Michael Divinity will play this Saturday after missing the season opener for disciplinary reasons.

LSU played five different running backs in the easy victory over Georgia Southern. Orgeron says how the game goes on Saturday will dictate how many will play against the Longhorns

cut 17 (25) “…use all five” 

When LSU fired Les Miles during the 2016 season, many in the LSU fan base wanted at that time athletics director Joe Alleva to hire Tom Herman. Instead, Herman was hired at Texas and Orgeron got the head coaching job at LSU. Orgeron says he’s not interested in revisiting history…

Cut 18 (24) “…challenge for us” 

 cut 19 (30)   “matchups are”  

cut 20 (20) “Offense”