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”

_____________________________

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”  

________________________________________

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.

58 percent of men support the President while only 45 percent of women say the same. Hogan says it’s a consistent trend.

Cut 4 (07) “…the vote”

57 percent of those surveyed say they do not support impeaching the President. Hogan says impeachment is viewed as a partisan attack.

Cut 5 (10) “…things”

625 registered voters were questioned in the survey.

_________________________________________

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, adding 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.”

Starns says businesses want state lawmakers to have a serious discussion on tax reform.

Cut 8 (12) “…overtaxed in Louisiana.”

______________________________

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 Edwards is a popular figure in the state, nearly as popular as the President.

Cut 9 (12) “approval”

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

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”

Gary Landrieu, Patrick Landry, and Oscar Danztler combined to take eight percent of the vote. Kimball says if those numbers hold it would likely force the Governor into a run-off, but…

Cut 11 (09) “that” 

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”

Edwards says this phase is part of a larger project to widen and provide nearly 15 miles of new pavement from I-49 to the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge…

Cut 13 (09) “…of Louisiana”

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”

A Louisiana case went before the US Supreme Court today challenging non-unanimous jury convictions. Matt Doyle reports the ruling could have wide-ranging impacts on the nation’s legal system.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________

The latest polling data shows Governor Edwards is likely to enter a run-off with Eddie Rispone. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

________________________________________

The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in a case questioning the constitutionality of non-unanimous jury verdicts. Louisianans voted to require unanimous juries in felony trials last year.  Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says depending on how the court rules, those convicted on a 10-2 or 11-1 verdict could have their life sentenced thrown out…

Cut 3 (08) “…convictions.”

Oregon is the only state to not require unanimous jury verdicts in felony trials.

The case being heard involves the non-unanimous murder conviction and life sentencing of Evangelisto Ramos in 2015. Ciolino says a favorable ruling would give inmates like Ramos a second chance.

Cut 4 (10) “…trials”

Only 10 of 12 jurors voted to convict Ramos.

Ciolino says this case has the potential to have a huge impact on the nation’s legal system outside of just unanimous juries.

Cut 5 (10) “…Government.”

_________________________________________

New polling data on the governor’s race shows John Bel Edwards at 45 percent, Eddie Rispone at 20 percent, Ralph Abraham at 19 percent, and 14 percent are undecided. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says over 374,000 voters cast ballots in early voting, and the breakdowns show Edwards may not be able to avoid a run-off.

Cut 6 (11) “…for Governor Edwards.”

Couvillon says there is a 30 percent chance of Governor Edwards winning the election without a run-off, but if a run-off happens, it will likely be with Rispone as on the local level polling, Abraham’s support is seeing a decrease since September.

Cut 7 (10) “…I have not.” 

Couvillon calls Abraham’s touting of politician endorsements outdated and a reason he’s fallen into third place.

Cut 8 (09) “…a winning message.”

Just over 12 percent of registered voters cast their ballots with early voting. Election Day is Saturday.

______________________________

State Police has identified the 16-year-old bicyclist killed last night in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Lane Leger of Opelousas was riding his bike after the sun went down without lights on the I-49 North Service Road

Cut 9 (10) “the case”

Gossen says Leger was hit from behind by a Nissan Altima. He says the driver of the vehicle did not see the bicyclist and is not facing any charges

Cut 10 (07) “…present”

Gossen says this part of the service road is not lit well and the bicyclist should have had a light on his bicycle and ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable

Cut 11 (06) “a car” 

____________________________

Even without Drew Brees, the Saints look like one of the best teams in the NFL as they are 4-and-1 following a 31-24 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Black and Gold’s defense has been solid and got six more sacks yesterday. Defensive end Cam Jordan says it was fun to see…

Cut 12 (13) “…offensive line”

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas continues to show why he was worth the big contract in the offseason as he caught 11 passes for 182 yards. But Thomas says it’s been the defense that has been setting the tone

Cut 13 (10) “…over there”

Linebacker Demario Davis says stopping the run on first down has been the key…

Cut 14 (12) “…to us”

President Trump makes a trip on Friday to Louisiana, but he won’t be the only Trump family member to visit the Bayou state this week.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________

The governor’s race may be soaking up most of the oxygen but downballot the campaign for Insurance Commisioner is tight as we enter the final week of the campaign…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

________________________

ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Baton Four for Saturday night’s SEC Top 10 showdown between the fighting Tigers and the Florida Gators. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________

President Trump visits Louisiana Friday, but his son Don Trump, Jr. will be part of a rally in Lafayette today.  UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says those close to the President are stepping up efforts to unseat Gov. Edwards.

Cut 4 (09) “…the same effect.”

Cross says the sons and daughters of this President are more effective in leading political influence than those of other administrations.

Cut 5 (11) “…see these people.”

Cross says while the message from nationally prominent GOP figures would be a less divided message by endorsing one candidate, the political influence to vote against Edwards is still strong.

Cut 6 (13) “…vote against him.”

The event begins at noon at the Cajundome Convention Center.  The visit from Trump, Jr. comes following a weekend rally attended by Vice President Pence in Kenner.

____________________

We’re less than a week from the primary and the race for Insurance Commissioner could go either way with a recent independent poll showing most voters have yet to make up their mind.

Incumbent Jim Donelon has been blasted on the airwaves by attack ads, including one showing Donelon nodding off at some kind of public hearing. The narrator calls him “asleep at the wheel”…

Cut 7 (08) “fact.” 

That’s Donelon who says one look at his monthly schedule would assuage any concerns about his work ethic.

Donelon has served in the position since 2006 and says if re-elected he’ll continue fighting to get laws passed that will continue to drag down insurance rates.

Cut 8 (06) “…level

Opponent and fellow Republican Tim Temple has sunk over a million dollars of his own money into the campaign. He says Donelon has been exaggerating recent rate decreases.

Cut 9 (12)  “…policy”

Temple says the state’s second-highest in the nation car insurance rates is unacceptable and punishes working families and the companies that employ them.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana”

______________________________

If you’ve been looking for a break from the heat, today is your lucky day.  A long-awaited cold front arrives today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says our first cold front of fall is coming later than normal.

Cut 11 (09) “…be much welcomed.” 

Keim says northern parishes will see high temps only hit the upper 70’s.

Cut 12 (09) “…not this week.”

Keim says tomorrow morning lows will be in the 50’s in northern parishes, 60’s in central parishes, and 70’s along the coast.

Cut 13 (09) “…beautiful weekend weather.”

__________________________________

Food Stamp benefits are going up about two to four dollars a month for Louisiana recipients thanks to a national cost of living readjustment.

Department of Children and Family Services Economic Stability Director Kim Matherne says it’s part of the yearly change to the program, and how much more you’ll receive is based on your household’s size.

Cut 14 (10) “dollars.” 

The minimum allotment has also risen from 15 to 16 dollars.

The gross monthly income limit for eligibility has also increased. Matherne says single individuals can earn up to 1,354 dollars a month, while four-person households can pull in 2,790 dollars a month.

Cut 15 (09) “…slightly”

That’s roughly thirty dollars higher than last year.

________________________

The Saints improved to 4-1 on the season and 3-0 with Teddy Bridgewater as their starting quarterback as New Orleans topped Tampa Bay 31-24. Bridgewater threw an interception in the first half, but he was nearly perfect after that as he threw for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton says it was good to see…

Cut 16  (14) “  he played” 

Eleven of Bridgewater’s completions went to wide receiver Michael Thomas, who finished 182 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Bridgewater targeted Thomas 13 times

cut 17  (20) “…for a quarterback” 

The Saints defense was also very good in this game as they held the Bucs to 3-of-11 on third down, 252 total yards and had six sacks. Bridgewater says this Saints team has a lot of talent and great chemistry…

Cut 18 (20) more and more” 

________________________________

5th ranked LSU finished off the non-conference portion of its schedule with a dominating 42-6 win over Utah State. Tigers Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 344 yards and five T-Ds as LSU rolled up 601 yards of offense, while the defense gave up just 159 yards. Coach Ed Orgeron says it was their most complete game of the season

cut 19 (19)   “unbelieveable”   

Junior wide receiver Justin Jefferson had another huge game with nine catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Jefferson and the Tigers are 5-0 for a second consecutive season…

cut 20 (14) “our own game”   

Some of the 376 steel mill workers left without a job after this week’s closure of Bayou Steel in LaPlace now have legal representation.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

The latest finance reports are in for the governor’s race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross broke down the numbers with Matt Doyle…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

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.”

Barriere says he’s also 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. 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.”

The closure led to 376 being left without a job. St. John Parish is expected to lose about $1 million annually in tax revenue because of the closure.

_________________________________________

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.

Rispone spent a remarkable 3.5 million dollars during the last period from September 3rd to the 22nd on an ad blitz that independent polls show have put him in second place. Cross says the self-funding businessman has little choice.

Cut 7 (07) “…bet” 

Abraham’s fundraising woes continue, and the Congressman has had to loan his campaign 300,000 dollars to stay afloat. Cross says Abraham just has to get into a run-off to end his financing issues.

Cut 8 (07) “…come in”

The Abraham campaign raised 194,000 dollars during the last period.

______________________________

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. Fibrebond CEO Graham Walker says they have been fighting to stay

Cut 9 (11) “northwest Louisiana”

Because of deficient roads and bridges, Fibrebond is forced to travel many extra miles to ship their products out west. The state transportation department has agreed to replace eight bridges in the region and construct a heavy-haul route from Minden to Texas. Walker credits Governor Edwards for finding solutions

Cut 10 (11) “…other opportunities.”

Fibrebond builds structures that protect data centers in the telecommunications industry. The M-O-U will also result in the state spending 250-thousand dollars to upgrade high-demand technical college training programs. Edwards says these improvements will benefit local communities and major employers

Cut 11 (08) “to come” 

____________________________

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 ages of those arrested range from 20-year-old Athena Mitchell of Shreveport to 57-year-old Shelia Dixon. LeJeune says 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…

Cut 13 (08) “…population”

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”

A West Monroe woman is in jail after pistol-whipping her husband with their children’s toys. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

There are multiple reports of a man impersonating a police officer, who is pulling over women on Louisiana and Mississippi Highways. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

A West Monroe woman pistol whips her husband with two plastic nerf guns following a verbal altercation where the she accused her spouse of infidelity.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield says they received the call or a domestic altercation from the victim late Monday evening.

Cut 3 (10) “…and facial area.”

Springfield says deputies arrested 40-year-old Anh Thi Pham.  The suspect and the victim have been married for twelve years and their four children were at home at the time of the incident.

Cut 4 (11) “…and child endangerment.”

The nerf guns were not discharged during the attack.  Springfield says regardless of the weaponry used, the consequences for the suspect’s actions are no laughing matter.

Cut 5 (06) “…in being arrested.”

_________________________________________

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding hunters of the importance of tree stand safety. LDWF Hunter Education manager Eric Shanks says a good start is inspecting the functionality of equipment before putting it to use.

Cut 6 (11) “…to replace it.”

35% of falls involve inspection elements. Shanks adds it is important to stay connected to the tree with a proper harness from the time your feet leave the ground.

Cut 7 (10) “…the whole time.” 

86% of fall victims did not wear a harness. Shanks says someone may have gotten away unscathed without taking proper safety precautions, but there is no reason to test fate.

Cut 8 (08) “…in one piece.”

For more information, go to TREE-STAND-SAFETY-AWARENESS-dot-ORG.

______________________________

Republicans appear to be far more motivated to pack the polls this year than they were in 2015, according to an analysis of the first three days of early voting.

Early voting totals are nearly double what they were four years ago, and JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says it’s far more Republican as well.

Cut 9 (09) “night”

In 2015 Governor Edwards grabbed 40 percent of the primary vote, while the top three Republicans combined for 57 percent.

Couvillon says if these voter demographics hold Governor Edwards will not be able to avoid a run-off, contrary to what recent polls have shown.

Cut 10 (11) “…mid 40s.”

JMC’s most recent poll has Edwards sitting at 47 percent.

Couvillon says part of the GOP advantage seems to be a demotivated Democratic base. He says that’s likely due to Edwards’ attempts to appeal to Republicans and a heavy emphasis on winning the primary outright.

Cut 11 (10) “the need” 

____________________________

There’s now three reports of a white male in his 40s allegedly impersonating a police officer and pulling over women on Louisiana and Mississippi highways.

One incident occurred over the weekend near the Bonnet Carre Spillway. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Captain Donnie Smith says the woman was pulled over by a black charger flashing blue and red lights.

Cut 12 (11) “…out”

Smith says after pulling the woman over the man allegedly told her he smelled marijuana in the car and demanded she exit the vehicle, then took her to the rear of the car.

Cut 13 (12) “…search”

The woman says after she began expressing concern that the man was not an officer, he got in his vehicle and fled.

The man was described as a medium build, with a generic looking badge and a Chinese symbol tattooed on the back of his neck. Smith says the suspect allegedly put a lot of effort into looking legitimate.

Cut 14 (12) “…chord”

Incidents have been reported in St. Charles Parish, East Feliciana Parish, and Wilkinson County Mississippi.

East Feliciana Chief Criminal Deputy Greg Phares says if you get pulled over, but are concerned it’s not a real officer, it’s legal to calmly make your way to a public space before interacting.

Cut 15 (07) “…safety.”

Phares also advises you call 9-1-1 and have a dispatcher confirm whether or not the car is an officer.

The state’s murder rate is down eight percent but still good for the highest in the nation, while the violent crime rate dropped three percent. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

If you thought September was hot, you were not wrong. It was one for the record books. Brook Thorington has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

________________________________________

Violent crime in Louisiana was down three percent year to year in 2018, and the murder rate is down down eight points according to new FBI crime data.

LSU Health New Orleans Criminologist Peter Sharf says the murder rate decline is largely thanks to an 8 percent drop in the Crescent City.

Cut 3 (10) “…elsewhere”

2019’s murder rate decrease maybe even more dramatic as Sharf says New Orleans appears set to see a nearly 30 percent drop in violent crime this year.

Sharf credits reinvestment from the criminal justice reform, new crime prevention programs in New Orleans, and statewide adoption of 21st-century police training programs.

Cut 4 (12) “…occur”

The state also saw a three percent decrease in property crime.

Despite the good news Louisiana still leads the nation with the highest murder rate, and Sharf says our murder rate is roughly ten times that of New York’s. He says there’s a lot of work to be done.

Cut 5 (10) “…society”

Nationwide the violent crime rate was also down three percent.

_________________________________________

Ruston’s recovery from last April’s deadly EF-3 tornado has stalled due to the wait for FEMA assistance reimbursement. Mayor Ronny Walker says debris was removed and power restored in the days after the twister, but recovery efforts are going slower than desired now.

Cut 6 (13) “…it goes through.”

The city owns its own power distribution and dipped into reserve funds to restore electricity within four days.  Walker says it was much quicker than the initially anticipated two weeks.

Cut 7 (10) “…back up also.” 

Five miles of the city’s fiber network had to be replaced.  Walker says they are punching the numbers on the FEMA reimbursement.

Cut 8 (07) “…from FEMA.”

______________________________

Last month was the warmest September on record for the state dating back to 1895.  State climatologist Barry Keim says after calculating a preliminary value for the entire state, the state exceeded the previous record by half a degree.

Cut 9 (11) “…we were 82.6.”

Keim says a city-by-city breakdown shows it was hot.

Cut 10 (13) “…state wide phenomena.”

Keim credits the heat spike to a lack of cold front activity.

Cut 11 (09) “…lack of rain.” 

____________________________

A new law signed in California will allow college athletes to hire agents and make money from the use of their image, name or likeness, starting in 2023.  LSU QB Joe Burrow says he believes it is a step in the right direction for athletes.

Cut 12 (10) “…the other way.”

California is the first state to pass a law that defies the NCAA’s stance on compensation for amateur athletes.  Burrow says it will be interesting to see if it sways recruits, but he’s unsure if it would have influenced his decision in recruiting.

Cut 13 (07) “…think about.”

Burrow was asked about how the compensation could be possibly spread to the offensive linemen who may not have the same name recognition but contribute to a QB’s performance.

Cut 14 (10) “…about that later.”

New voting machines will be used for early voting which starts Saturday. Kevin Barnhart has a preview of what to expect.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

 A new poll shows Governor Edwards just shy of avoiding a run-off and Eddie Rispone vaulting Ralph Abraham for the right to take on the Governor in a potential run-off. Matt Doyle has more.

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

________________________________________

Voters casting their ballots early can expect to do so with new voting equipment.  Lafayette Parish Registrar of Voters Charlene Meaux-Menard says participants will receive a voter card to insert into the machines that will pull up their ballot on a touchscreen.

Cut 3 (09) “…on the background.”

Meaux-Menard says the machines are not connected to the internet and store the voting data to memory sticks inside the computer.

Cut 4 (07) “…all add up.”

Meaux-Menard says while she expects the operation of the machine to be easy for voters, each voting location will have a person to assist in the voting process if needed.

Cut 5 (07) “…be very easy.”

_________________________________________

A We Ask America poll of the governor’s race has Governor Edwards at 47 percent, Eddie Rispone at 23 percent, and Ralph Abraham at 17 percent.

Pollster Andrew Weissert says Edwards continues to sit just shy of avoiding a run-off because while he has a 56 percent approval rating, voters still aren’t confident he’s righted the ship.

Cut 6 (08) “…right direction”

The poll did have one encouraging bit of news for Edwards, 61 percent of independents have a favorable view of him.

It’s the second independent poll to show Rispone climbing ahead of Abraham. Weissert says the GOP side of the race will be fascinating because if they can’t force a run-off, neither of their efforts matter.

Cut 7 (09) “the fray” 

The poll surveyed 600 likely voters and has a four percent margin of error.

Weissert says If Edwards remains stuck under 50 percent and gets thrown into a run-off, the Governor could be in big trouble, as Republicans appear ready to unite behind either option.

Cut 8 (09) “ unfavorable”

The poll has 11 percent undecided, with two percent saying they’ll vote for Independent Gary Landrieu.

______________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hosting National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrations at four locations around the state on Saturday. LDWF spokesperson Trey Iles says there will be no shortage of activities, including fishing.

Cut 9 (08) “…our shooting range.”

The events are in Baton Rouge, Haughton, Woodworth and Monroe. Iles says the goal is to get kids more active outdoors as opposed to hooked on technology.

Cut 10 (09) “…hands-on type deal.”

Iles says there will be something for everyone, no matter the skill level.

Cut 11 (08) “…bait a hook.” 

The event is free and will feature various outdoors clubs, conservation organizations, businesses and more.

____________________________

The candidates were asked about their view of capital punishment last night at the second gubernatorial debate, with the two Republicans staking opposite claims while the Governor differed.

Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone, now the top polling Republican in the race, was the only person on stage to come out against the practice.

Cut 12 (10) “…that light”

Congressman Ralph Abraham came out strong in support of executions. He says not only would he work to restart executions in Louisiana, but he’d also expand their use.

Cut 13 (06) “…that list.”

Governor Edwards continued his policy of refusing to state where he personally stands on the issue, instead saying he is bound by law as Governor to allow the practice in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (10) “…and chose”

Louisiana has not performed an execution in nearly a decade due to difficulties in securing the necessary chemicals to carry out the act.

Iberia Parish Sheriff’s deputies say they solved a murder case that dates back to 1994 involving a newborn child that died outside of a car wash in Jeanerette. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________

New U-S Census numbers show Louisiana’s poverty rate has dropped from second to third in the nation. Kevin Barnhart has more…

cut  2 (30) “…Kevin Barnhart”  

________________________________________

Twenty-five years after a newborn baby was found dead in Jeanerette, Iberia Parish Sheriff deputies arrested a 50-year-old woman in the death of Baby Jane Doe. Major Wendell Raborn says DNA from the infant matched a family member of Sonia Charles and follow up police work led to deputies getting a DNA sample from Charles

Cut 3 (09) “…Sonia Charles.”

Charles was booked into the Iberia Jail for First Degree Murder. Raborn says thanks to DNA evidence they believe Charles placed her newborn child in a 55-gallon drum outside of a car wash in January of 1994.

Cut 4 (09) “…what it is.”

The coroner’s office says the baby lived for several hours before passing away from hypothermia. Raborn says Detective Scott Hotard who originally worked on the case in 1994, reopened the homicide investigation after new leads were developed

Cut 5 (09) “…gratifying”

_________________________________________

Census Bureau numbers show Louisiana’s poverty rate dropped from 19.7 percent in 2017 to 18.6 percent last year.

That’s dropped Louisiana from the 2^nd most impoverished state in the nation to the 3^rd. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’s a great improvement, but we have a long way to go.

Cut 6 (07) “…news”

In 2018 poverty was defined as a single person making under 13,064 dollars a year or less, and a four-person household making 25,701 dollars a year or less.

The child poverty rate in the state declined nearly two points from 28 percent to 26.2 percent, and Moller says the poverty rate for African American children saw a four-point decline.

Cut 7 (11) “unnacceptable” 

That decline has resulted in about 22,000 fewer African American children in poverty.

The report does not give an explanation for why the rate has declined, but Moller has a theory. He says it’s the result of the state economy seeing noticeable growth during that period.

Cut 8 (10) “ growing”

______________________________

Louisiana is one of seven states under a federally declared fishing disaster, which makes state anglers and businesses eligible to request assistance from a 165 million dollar Congressionally approved fund.

LDWF Biologist Administrator Jason Froeba says the state was included due to the devastating impact of the Bonnet Carre’s prolonged opening resulting from record high Mississippi River levels.

Cut 9 (10) “…salt water”

Mississippi and Alabama were the only other southern states to receive the declaration.

Congress approved NOAA for the management of the funds. Froeba says they plan on working closely with the agency to help out struggling anglers.

Cut 10 (11) “…suffering.”

We don’t know how much the state will receive yet, but Froeba says it’s safe to say anglers have lost a lot of money from the Spillway’s opening. How that’s effected the state’s larger economy is unclear.

Cut 11 (08) “…that” 

____________________________

The US drought monitor currently lists five percent of the state in severe drought and 13-percent in moderate drought.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says northwest Louisiana has seen the least amount of rain.

Cut 12 (13) “…3.5 inches”

Keim says there is very little rain in the forecast for the next week.

Cut 13 (11) “…these maximum temperatures.”

Keim says hopefully a cold front will bring in more fall-like temps and some rain, but not too much at once.

Cut 14 (10) “…what we need.”

The Department of Health unveils a five-pillar plan to combat the state’s opioid crisis, funded in part by a $50 million federal grant. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise responds to allegations that President Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden’s son, using congressionally approved aid as leverage…

cut  2 (30) “Matt Doyle  

________________________________________

The Department of Health releases the state’s first opioid response plan, aiming to reduce the state’s opioid crisis. Over 450 deaths were attributed to opioids in the state last year. Assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health Karen Stubbs says prevention is the first step in the right direction.

Cut 3 (08) “…to begin with.”

Stubbs says another step is enhancing interventions, rescue during an overdose and the capacity for treatment.

Cut 4 (11) “…access and networks.”

Stubbs says effective recovery support services and improved real-time data analytics and surveillance of the opioid epidemic are part of the plan.

Cut 5 (06) “…of the problem.”

LDH has received over $50 million in opioid federal grants to fund the implementation of the response plan. Last year, the state saw a decrease in the prescription of opioids, but an uptick in opioid-related deaths.

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The White House releases a partial transcript of a phone call where President Trump asks the Ukrainian President to investigate Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s son.

Democrats say the President froze hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to the country before making the call, but House Minority Whip Steve Scalise says nothing discussed was illegal.

Cut 6 (12) “…quo”

Scalise says the impeachment inquiry is another partisan attack and misuse of authority by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Cut 7 (05) “election” 

Scalise says the conversation was not about attacking political rivals, but about a joint effort to clean up corruption in the country that was a home base for Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 election.

Cut 8 (10) “ he was”

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DeRidder Police post a warning to social media saying they are seeing an uptick of fake money used in movies circulating around the area.  Chief Detective James Halbert says the movie money can be ordered on Amazon, and while it is legal to be in possession of it, it’s unlawful to use it like actual currency.

Cut 9 (09) “…out for it.”

Halbert says the fake currency often originates from people using the bills to rip off drug dealers.

Cut 10 (11) “…in real money.”

Halbert says those passing off the fake bills will target new or busy cashiers who may not be paying close attention to the money they are being handed.

Cut 11 (11) “…to really look.” 

Halbert says one person has been arrested as part of their investigation.

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Members of a Texas motorcycle gang are under arrest for allegedly stealing two ATM machines, resulting in over 150,000 dollars stolen in Westlake.  Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says two ATM’s were ripped out of the ground by the gang who stole a number of other vehicles to pull off the heists.

Cut 12 (10) “…ATM”

Five members are under arrest, with warrants still out on 46-year-old Melvin Cupp of Texas and 44-year-old Joshua Fontenot of Denham Springs.

Mancuso says the gang may have gotten away with 150,000 dollars, but they stole and destroyed tens of thousands of additional dollars in property to pull it off.

Cut 13 (08) “…amount.”

The gang is known as the Brother East Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, or B*EAST.

The investigation required help from State Police, Texas authorities, and the feds in order to bring in the bandits. Mancuso says when the time came to make arrests, they had backup.

Cut 14 (10) “arrested.”

A Shreveport woman is arrested for impersonating a licensed nurse at a nursing home, using the identity of a woman with the same name. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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14 years ago today Hurricane Rita rocked southwest Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) “Kevin Barnhart”  

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Nationally, the number of children living in concentrated poverty has gone down, but 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 Louisiana is one of ten states to see a rate increase.

Cut 3 (06) “…to 20%.”

Concentrated poverty is when 30% or more of an area is living in poverty, which Spencer says increases the likelihood of a lack of access to things to potentially improve someone’s life.

Cut 4 (11) “…to be kids.”

Spencer says often, concentrated poverty can be an inescapable multi-generational cycle.

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

African American and American Indian children are seven times more likely to live in concentrated poverty.  Latino children are nearly four times more likely to live in concentrated poverty.

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A Shreveport nursing home social worker is under arrest for posing as a licensed nurse for over 1,000 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”

She allegedly treated over 100 patients during her time as a nurse.

Martin was already being paid more than the facility’s licensed nurses in her current position, and 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.

King says as of now it does not appear that her fraudulent nursing led to any complications or injuries, but it certainly had the potential lead to disaster.

Cut 8 (11) “ really south”

Martin has been charged with forgery, making false statements concerning employment in nursing, and violating the law on professions and occupations.

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14 years ago today, Hurricane Rita made landfall in southwest Louisiana.  The storm often is overshadowed by Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall about four weeks earlier. State climatologist Barry Keim says Rita was a Category 5 storm n the Gulf.

Cut 9 (11)  “…quite a punch”

Keim says Rita produced a storm surge of 17.8 feet, making it the second-highest storm surge measured in Louisiana in over a century.

Cut 10 (07) “…St. Bernard Parish.”

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.” 

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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.

State Police Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 30-year-old Megan Hebert and 31-year-old Roger Thibodaux conspired to rip off their grandma by stealing her personal information and…

Cut 12 (10) “…online”

State Police were informed of the situation by Assumption Parish Sheriffs, the jurisdiction where the victim lived.

LaGrange says the situation is a good reminder for folks to keep a close eye on their bank account and credit statements.

Cut 13 (11) “…their name.”

The two face serious charges as a result of the alleged scheme.

Cut 14 (11) “as well.”

Hebert was arrested earlier this month, while Thibodaux was snagged a few days back.