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”

________________________________

 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”  

________________________________________

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. 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”

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 under the animal.  Truck stop manager Pamela Bossier (Bo-shay) says the woman and her husband entered the enclosure to retrieve their dog when the 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.

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.”

Bossier says the camel, named Caspar, is usually a pretty nice animal.

Cut 7 (09) “…him with objects.” 
_____________________________

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 (07) “ percent”

It’s the first time an independent poll shows Rispone over the Congressman. Couvillion says the Baton Rouge businessman’s 21-18 percent lead over Abraham is evidence of two things…

Cut 9 (10)  “Abraham”

Rispone launched an attack ad against Abraham for comments the Congressman made about the President in 2016. He also continued the attack at the debate.

Couvillion says the latest results have moved the likelihood of a run-off from high to a tossup. In a tight race it could all come down to minority voter turnout.

Cut 10 (12) “intensity”

12 percent remain undecided, but of those 12 percent, 48 percent say they are leaning Edwards.

________________________________

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.

Cut 12 (11) “…through the region”

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

Cut 13 (11) “…gonna happen.”

_____________________________________

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.”

Fellow GOP candidate Ralph Abraham says he wants to put more money in the taxpayers pocket and that’s the biggest difference between him and the governor

Cut 15 (06) “…less tax.”

Edwards says the state’s economy is the largest it’s ever been and 10th fastest growing in the country. He says under his administration, the state’s finances went from deficits to surpluses

Cut 16 (10) “…together”
_______________________

The Edwards administration says the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at an eleven-year low of 4.3 percent. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_______________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham has lobbed an incendiary allegation at Governor Edwards over his handling of Medicaid contracts. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

________________________

The only challenger for a north shore lawmaker is arrested for possession of meth, pot, and child endangerment. Matt Doyle spoke with a local reporter who has more on the mysterious candidate…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at an eleven-year low of 4.3 percent.  Louisiana gained 4,800 jobs over the month and 1,000 jobs over the year.  Louisiana Workforce Commission Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says the numbers are really being driven by private sector employment.

Cut 4 (06) “…Louisiana private sector.”

Bustamante says the total number of employed workers in the state is 2,004,0096, an increase of more than 7,600 last year.

Cut 5 (11) “…of 4.3 percent.”

Bustamante says geographically, the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas are firing on all cylinders.

Cut 6 (10) “…record.”

____________________

All candidates reaffirmed their support for the Medicaid expansion during the first gubernatorial debate, but they differed on how effective the rollout has been, and how it’s being managed. Governor Edwards touted the expansion as one of his administration’s crowning achievements, cutting the number of uninsured in half…

Cut 7 (09) “…before” 

Louisiana’s uninsured rate is now below the national average.

But Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham says Edwards’ mismanagement of Medicaid has weakened the program, depriving the neediest of crucial services…

Cut 8 (10) “…abuse.”

He also lobbed an incendiary accusation that the Edwards Administration canceled a major state Medicaid contract for political reasons.

Republican Eddie Rispone took a different approach, saying the desperate need for the expansion in Louisiana is evidence of the state’s lagging economy.

Cut 9 (08)  “…assistance”

_______________________

An Independent running as the only challenger to Amite  Representative Robby Carter is facing drug and child endangerment charges. Hammond Daily Star Reporter Jesse Brooks says 26-year-old Marylee Bellau was a surprise, last-minute entrant into the race, with an unconventional background for an aspiring politician.

Cut 10 (09) “…Pine Grove.”

Unless Bellau is convicted, her name will remain on the October ballot for the District 72 race.

Brooks says Bellau’s entrance raised some red flags, and Clerk of Court workers recounted a disassociated Bellau entering the office to sign up at the last second. When questioned by the Daily Star…

Cut 11 (12) “…at all.” 

Brooks says further investigation revealed her candidate contact number was out of state, and when called whoever responded said Bellau “wasn’t in the office today.”

So, what could be behind this mystery candidate’s entry into the race? Brooks says he suspects an outside group was involved, but not for political reasons. Brooks says Carter certainly has one theory…

Cut 12 (10) “…interesting.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office says Bellau, and her boyfriend, 49-year-old Joseph Hammons, were part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

______________________________

The Saints pulled off a stunning win in Seattle, beating the Seahawks 33-27 without Drew Brees. New Orleans first touchdown came on a 53-yard punt return by rookie Deonte Harris and the defense scored the second TD on a Vonn Bell 33-yard fumble return. Q-B Teddy Bridgewater and the offense handled the rest. Coach Sean Payton says they were ready to play…

Cut 13 (10) “…big play.”

Bridgewater threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Alvin Kamara scored two touchdowns, rushing for 69 yards and also catching nine passes for 92 yards. Payton says he knew Bridgewater would play well

Cut 14 (09) “…have success.” 

It’s the Saints first win without Brees since 2005. Payton says he didn’t think about Brees not playing, they just worked to win the game

Cut 15 (19) “…he’s been.”

Brees tweeted after the game, “so proud of our TEAM! Who Dat baby!” New Orleans hosts Dallas on Sunday night.

________________________

LSU’s offense remains an offensive force, but questions remain about the Tigers defense after improving to 4-0 with a 66-38 win over winless Vanderbilt. Quarterback Joe Burrow set a school-record with six touchdown passes and he threw for 398 yards, 357 yards in the first half, which is also a school-record….

Cut 16  (09) “…afterward”

But a once-dominant Tigers defense gave up 374 total yards of offense and numerous big plays. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s bothered by the poor tackling…

cut 17 (20) “…next week” 

Orgeron says LSU is basically its second-string defensive line, as Rashard Lawrence and Glen Logan are out with injuries. Pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson is also nursing an injury and linebacker Michael Divinity went down Saturday. Orgeron said Divinity could be out a while. Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr also reportedly suffered a stress fracture in his foot and is expected to miss two to four weeks. Burrow says Marshall’s absence will be felt…

Cut 18 (25) “more comfortable” 

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”

________________________________

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”  

________________________________________

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.”

On the topic of gun control, Couvillon says 58% support limitations on the Second Amendment, 33% want zero limitations, and 27% back outlawing automatic rifles.

Cut 4 (08) “…so to speak.”

Couvillon says people polled on abortion fall onto a spectrum, with 37% saying they are pro-life with exceptions.

Cut 5 (05) “…are purely pro-choice.”
_____________________________

The state’s sales tax rate is 4.45-percent one of the highest in the country. 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. Governor John Bel Edwards says the additional .45 percent should remain for now

Cut 6 (06) “…came out of.”

But Edwards’ Republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone, say it’s time to lower the state’s sales tax rate. Abraham says the high sales tax rate is hurting the economy…

Cut 7 (08)“…taxes, taxes taxes” 

But Edwards says claims that the tax bills approved during his time as governor have hurt the economy are untrue

Cut 8 (13) “ right now”

Rispone says the state has a spending problem and if Louisiana is collecting too many taxes than it needs to cut back

Cut 9 (10)  “surplus”

_______________________________

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”

In January,  Louisiana High School Athletic Association member schools voted to allow “Select” schools to host their own championship games in basketball, football, baseball, and softball. The LHSAA recently extended an offer for them to play their title games during the same weekend as non-select schools. But Kelly says they did what they could to make all parties involved satisfied.

Cut 11 (08) “…with it” 

With the Superdome off the table, Kelly says they’re moving forward with negotiations for other venues.

Cut 12 (09) “…Lafayette.”

_____________________

Tomorrow is National Seat Check Saturday, a chance for parents and caregivers to make sure their child safety seat is installed properly. Registered Nurse at University Medical Center New Orleans Bridget Gardner says nine locations around the state will be staffed with child passenger safety technicians…

Cut 13 (10) “…properly installed.”

Certified technicians will be available at a specific location in Baton Rouge, Kenner, Houma, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Monroe, Shreveport, Scott and Covington.

August 1^st new laws went into effect to address safety concerns and Gardner says the updated law does not want parents rushing to get their kids into the front seat…

Cut 14 (12) “…fatalities.”

Vehicle crashes are the number one cause of child fatalities in Louisiana. A donation program will give preapproved families child safety seats to lower driving risks but Gardner says many child seats are never installed correctly.

Cut 15 (08) “…child safety seats.”

A new poll on the governor’s race shows that it’s more likely than not a November run-off will be needed. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________

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

cut  2 (30) “Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

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 says the race appears headed to a run-off

Cut 3 (10) “…Omar Dantzler”

16-percent of those polled are undecided and Couvillon says most of the undecided voters are African-Americans and Republicans.

Couvillon polled the governor’s race in April and he says Rispone has seen his support grow because of an aggressive media campaign. He Edwards has also seen his support increase among white Democrats, white Independents and even Republicans

Cut 4 (10) “…some voters”

Couvillon says the 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 has pleaded guilty to stealing 1.1 million dollars from a federal program dedicated to feeding poor children.

US Attorney David Joseph says 59-year-old Myrna Quarles of Cotton Valley set up a program claiming to feed economically disadvantaged children during summer months when they were not at school.

Cut 6 (11) “…entitled to.”

Joseph says some meals were provided during the program’s two-year run, but the reported numbers were greatly inflated.

Instead of feeding economically disadvantaged children, Quarles loaded up the program’s credit card with several eye-popping expenses…

Cut 7 (12)“…Shreveport” 

Those credit card expenses totaled up to roughly 370,000 dollars in personal spending on top of the over million dollars she stole from the program.

Joseph says the case was particularly egregious and shocked his conscious.

Cut 8 (11) “this lady”

Quarles faces up to ten years in jail, a 250,000 dollar fine, and restitution.

_____________________

Governor Edwards says the estimated 500-million-dollar surplus for the last fiscal year is evidence Louisiana’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”

The Revenue Estimating Conference is responsible for making the official revenue forecasts that determine how much the state can spend.

Edwards says the economic windfall is positive because it allows the state to begin investing in long-overdue projects.

Cut 10 (10) “dollars”

The money can also be used for campus maintenance work, or to pay down state retirement liability.

The Governor says another bonus of receiving a larger than expected surplus is that the state can begin replenishing the savings account that was drained in the Jindal years.

Cut 11 (12) “…Governor” 

Edwards made the comments on Ask the Governor.

____________________________

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.”

With more intense rain in the forecast, some areas could see rain totals between 25 and 35 inches through Friday.  Terrell says they are receiving frantic phone calls and Facebook messages from those that are stranded.

Cut 13 (09) “…expecting more rain.”

Terrell says thirteen boats were dispatched this morning at daylight, prior to the interstate being shut down due to flooding, but he has lost track of the number of volunteers in the area.

Cut 14 (12) “…thousands by now.”

Ralph Abraham is the first gubernatorial candidate to receive an endorsement from a member of Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

A study shows Louisiana has the second highest rate of male on female murder in the nation. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

Clay Higgins is the first Republican from Louisiana’s House delegation to give an endorsement in the governor’s race. Higgins is backing fellow Congressman Ralph Abraham. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the endorsement comes after Republican candidate Eddie Rispone attacked Abraham in a campaign ad…

Cut 3 (08) “…towards other Republicans.”

The Republican Party has previously request there be no interparty attack ads as they feel attacks in the previous race cost the party the Governor’s Mansion.  Cross says Rispone’s ad went directly against that.

Cut 4 (07) “…against Mr. Rispone.”

The endorsement could be the first of several from within the party toward Abraham as a result of Rispone’s ad.  While Cross considers the ad a blunder for the third place polling candidate, he doesn’t expect Rispone to drop out as a result.

Cut 5 (09) “…bad money after good.”

Rispone’s ad questioned Abraham’s previous campaign promise to redirect his congressional salary toward charity, his criticism of Donald Trump prior to getting into the White House, and slammed Abraham for missing votes while on running for Governor.

_____________________________

Louisiana has the second-highest rate of women who were murdered by men in the country according to the Violence Policy Center.

VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand says there were a shocking number of these murders in the Bayou State in 2017, which is the latest year for which data is available from the FBI.

Cut 6 (11) “…thousand.”

The national rate was 1.29 male on female murders per 100,000 in 2017. 10 percent of those victims were under the age of 18 in Louisiana, versus six percent nationally.

The study shows 67 percent of the victims were shot, and over 90 percent of the women knew their killers. Rand says most of the murderers were husbands, ex-husbands, or boyfriends.

Cut 7 (11)“…problem” 

56 percent of those murders were directly linked back to a domestic argument.

Alaska tops the rankings at nearly 4 murders per 100,000, and the rest of the top ten is comprised of rural and southern states. Rand says there’s a number of factors at play.

Cut 8 (11) “…issue”

Rand says the best first step towards reducing these numbers would be proper funding for domestic violence shelters and organizations that provide support for women in abusive relationships.

_____________________

Saints QB Drew Brees is set to have surgery on his throwing hand today in Los Angeles and the team is preparing for a tough stretch of games without the man who’s captained their prolific offense.

Reports indicate the injury could take six weeks to fully heal, but Coach Sean Payton says any timeline is premature until after the procedure is done. That being said, it’s unlikely we’ll see Drew on IR.

Cut 9 (05)  “optimistic”

Payton says he will not name a starting quarterback for this Sunday’s afternoon game against the Seahawks in Seattle. That means we could get a heavy dose of both Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill.

Cut 10 (07) “doing”

This week’s game will be followed by a Sunday night home game against the Cowboys.

Many fans are concerned about seeing backup QB Teddy Bridgewater get extended snaps after the offense floundered against the Rams last Sunday, but Payton says it was just one game.

Cut 11 (10) “…playing” 

____________________________

Health experts issue a new set of science-based beverage recommendations for kids age 5 and under.  Dr. Marie-Pierre St. Onge with the American Heart Association says in the first year of life, the recommendation is to not provide sugary beverages.  Instead, rely on breast milk or formula.

Cut 12 (07) “…to maintain hydration.”

St. Onge says half of all two-to-five-year-olds consume sugary beverages daily which can increase the risk of poor health outcomes later in life.

Cut 13 (11) “…and proper growth.”

St. Onge says there is no shortage of notable organizations throwing support behind the recommendations.

Cut 14 (11) “…endorse these recommendations.”

One of four constitutional amendments on the October ballot would allow New Orleans to exempt affordable housing from property tax. It’s a highly local issue so why is it up for a statewide vote?

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

Plant-based shrimp could be offered by Tyson Foods as soon as next year after their investment into a California start-up. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

________________________

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continues to collect data on the loss of aquatic resources from the historic lengthy opening of the Bonnet Carre spillway in an effort to qualify for federal emergency assistance. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________

There are four constitutional amendments on the October ballot and voters will need to do their homework to understand their purpose. The first would create a property tax exemption for certain goods for oil and gas companies. Public Affairs Research Council Policy Director Steven Procopio says it would clear up a federal constitutional debate for local companies.

Cut 4 (12) “…taxed”

Opponents say it’s another tax giveaway to big oil.

The second amendment would allow Louisiana Public Broadcasting and three alternative schools access to Education Excellence fund money.

The third amendment would allow the Governor-appointed Board of Tax Appeals to rule on questions of constitutionality for tax questions. Procopio says proponents want the change because…

Cut 5 (07) “…decisions.”

Opponents say it would give too much legal authority to a non-elected board of decision-makers.

The fourth amendment option may surprise people: it deals with allowing the City of New Orleans to give property tax exemptions for affordable housing. So why is it up for a statewide vote?

Cut 6 (10) “…ammendment”

Supporters say it would give the city another tool to fight exploding housing costs, opponents say it could lead to waste fraud and abuse.

_____________________

Plant-based shrimp could be the next big thing if Tyson Foods recent investment into New Wave Foods is any indication. Tyson is the world’s second-largest processor of chicken, beef, and pork, and now moving into the plant-based realm. It’s a move that has caught the attention of Ag Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 7 (12)“…not a land food.” 

Shrimp is a big economic driver for the state’s seafood industry and are the most consumed seafood on the planet. Strain says any attempt to market the new product as shrimp is not allowed under state law.

Cut 8 (10) “…misleading or confusing.”

The product is aiming to launch next year and look like a peeled, deveined and tailless shrimp. It’ll be hypoallergenic, lower in calories and cholesterol, and higher in fiber. Strain anticipates more synthetic seafood in the future.

Cut 9 (08) “…right behind that.”

Roll out of the product is expected next year.

_______________________

The state continues to collect data on the impact of aquatic life in southeast Louisiana as a result of the record long opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Harry Blanchet says National Marine Fisheries has a provision for fishery disasters, however it requires a 35% reduction in the value of a specific fishery to qualify

Cut 10 (10) “…the federal government.”

Blanchet says some of the most widespread impacts, with some areas seeing a 100% mortality rate, fall on oyster beds.

Cut 11 (10) “…the Sabine basin.” 

Oyster populations will take years to regenerate.  Blanchet says the brown shrimp harvest was down as well, but that population can bounce back much quicker.

Cut 12 (12) “…that impact is.”

_______________________

An independent poll shows 82 percent of Louisianans say TOPS should be a funding priority for legislators. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat, who conducted the survey, says it’s clear that TOPS is an absolutely untouchable government program that has widespread support.

Cut 13 (12) “…dollars.”

The program pays for the in-state tuition of all Louisiana high school grads who earn a 2.5 GPA and 20 or higher on the ACT.

Pinsonat says those kinds of numbers make it clear that voters will not accept any excuses for why the program needs to be shaved from lawmakers.

Cut 14 (11) “…TOPS.” 

The cost of the 291 million program continues to rise, and the state has made it a priority to get more kids eligible in high school. Pinsonat says it appears despite those rising costs…

Cut 15 (08) “…maximum.”

________________________________________

The Saints suffer a frustrating defeat to the Rams as another officiating call goes against them, plus they lose quarterback Drew Brees to a thumb injury in a 27-9 loss. The game was tied at three in the second quarter, when it looked like the Saints Cam Jordan returned a fumble for a touchdown, but the refs blew the play dead because they thought it was an incomplete pass. Coach Sean Payton is not using that call as an excuse on why they lost the game

Cut 16  (11) “…field too”   

Brees suffered the thumb injury in the first quarter and how much time he’ll miss is unknown. Teddy Bridgewater came in and threw for 165 yards. Payton says the rest of the offense, especially the o-line, didn’t play well around him…

cut 17 (11) “…some guys” 

The Saints next game is at the Seahawks, so the team will spend the week in Seattle getting ready for the game on Sunday. Payton says they’ll watch the tape today and it’s not going to be fun for some players…

Cut 18 (17) “…minus runs 

___________________________________________

Fourth-ranked LSU started slowly but eventually rolled to a 65-14 win over Northwestern State on Saturday night. The defense allowed the Demons to score two touchdowns in the first half and it took a while before the offense got into a rhythm. Coach Ed Orgeron says there was no yelling on the sideline when LSU had a three-point lead late in the second quarter…

 cut 19 (15)   “he did”   

LSU did not allow any points in the second half and the offense ended up producing 610 yards. Another big night for quarterback Joe Burrow, who threw for 373 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

cut 20 (12) “for us” 

LSU will begin SEC play on Saturday when they visit Vanderbilt for an 11 o’clock kick-off.

New campaign finance numbers show Governor Edwards is collecting more cash than his opponents. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “..I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________

The state budget surplus for the last fiscal year has risen to an anticipated 500 million dollars…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

Governor Edwards continues to raise more money than his two Republican challengers. New campaign finance reports show Edwards raised one-point-seven-million dollars in the latest quarter and has nearly six-million dollars available as he tries to avoid a runoff. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross…

Cut 3 (08) “…runoff.”

Edwards raised twice as much as Republican challenger Ralph Abraham. The Congressman has one-point-four million in cash on hand and Cross says if Abraham gets in a runoff, he will have few available dollars…

Cut 4 (08) “…gets there.”

Republican businessman Eddie Rispone, who finished third in two recent independent polls, has six-point-three-million dollars in cash on hand after loaned his campaign another one-point-five million dollars. Cross says Rispone needs to spend all of that money

Cut 5 (09) “…Eddie Rispone”
_____________________________

The Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild wants to see more local brews sold at Tiger Stadium. Currently, the only Louisiana beer on sale inside Death Valley is Abita’s Strawberry Lager. And Guild executive director Cary Koch says of the seven beers offered, two are from a neighboring state.

Cut 6 (10) “…tell you that.”

Koch says they got the numbers to prove that the beers they would have in the stadium would do even better for sales, profit margins, and revenue.

Cut 7 (09)“…are for sale.” 

LSU senior associate athletic director Robert Munson says fan input went into the selection of beers that are on sale in the stadium, and different beers will soon be added. Koch hopes LSU will make the right decision.

Cut 8 (06) “to do so.”

_____________________

Louisiana will have a projected 500-million dollar surplus for the last fiscal year, up from the previous estimate of 300 million dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says there are two reasons for the rising surplus, starting with the 2017 federal tax reform.

Cut 9 (11)  “..doing well”

The money will be used to pay down retirement debt, fill the state savings account, and certain construction projects.

Dardenne says they plan to use some of the funds to replenish the state’s “Rainy Day” fund, which was drained in the Jindal years.

Cut 10 (07) “…operating needs.”

New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says thanks to recent surpluses they’ve returned 232 million dollars to the state savings account.

Critics say the surplus is evidence that the Governor’s .45 percent sales tax increase was ultimately unnecessary. House Republican Chairman Lance Harris…

Cut 11 (06) “…year.” 

Harris says the Edwards Administration’s claims that the surplus is thanks to a growing economy are misleading at best.

Cut 12 (12) “government”

__________________________________

A statewide charity is encouraging those hunters that need to clear their freezers of last year’s bounty to donate that meat to those that may be less fortunate. Hunters for the Hungry executive director Julie Grunewald says Clean Out Your Freezer Day will be held this weekend, with various donation points around Louisiana.

Cut 13 (08) “they service”

Grunewald says they are hoping to double the already massive amounts of donations received last year.

Cut 14 (09) “around 4000 pounds.”

Grunewald says being in sportsman’s paradise, there are many different meats they see donated.

Cut 15 (10) “…those less fortunate.”

For more details on drop off locations, visit cleanoutyourfreezer.com.

Two big weather events have the attention of State Climatologist Barry Keim this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_______________________________

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs holds its second annual Suicide Prevention Summit today in Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is pleading her case to get voters  to Vote Yes on 4 this October. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________

A statewide poll shows voters are for the most part undecided on who they’ll cast their ballot for Insurance Commissioner in October. Surprisingly, incumbent Jim Donelon polled with just 35-percent compared to his challenger Tim Temple’s 20-percent.  Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says for a long-time incumbent it’s not ideal.

Cut 4 (10) “…Louisiana.”

45-percent of voters surveyed are undecided or wouldn’t say who they want as Insurance Commissioner. Pinsonat says it’s an office that not high on the ballot so it’s not always in the news.

Cut 5 (11) “…now he does.”

Pinsonat says challenger Tim Temple has to increase his name recognition and convince voters why he’s the better option.

Cut 6 (12) “…better job.”

Both men are running on the Republican ballot. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus four percent.

_____________________

Forecasters are feeling more confident a tropical system over the Bahamas will not be an issue for Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim is keeping an eye on the tropics.

Cut 7 (07)“…east coast problem.” 

While the system does bear watching from the perspective of Louisiana, Keim says local temps are more worth focusing on as it looks like another really hot start to the weekend, with temps about 5 degrees above normal.

Cut 8 (10) “…just as bad.”

Keim says the high pressure that is causing clear skies, lack of rainfall, and hot temps are serving as protection from tropical systems, creating an environment steering them up the east coast.

Cut 9 (11) “…with that accordingly..”

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The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs hosts the Second Annual Suicide Prevention Summit today in Baton Rouge. L-D-V-A spokesperson Alex Juan says the event is open to everyone and it’s not just limited to veterans. Juan says a simple small act of support can have a big impact.

Cut 10 (10) “…don’t know.”

Juan says for each suicide, 135 people are directly impacted and making the public aware of resources is critical.

Cut 11 (10) “…suicide” 

Juan says when you feel that someone is considering suicide and you don’t know how to intervene calling on a professional to assist is the best course of action.

Cut 12 (12) “…do that”

This year’s summit is being held at American Legion Post #38 on South Wooddale Boulevard from 9 am until 2 pm.  For immediate help call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, 1-800-273-8255

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is touring the state in an effort to drum up support for constitutional amendment 4 on the October ballet that she says would help to combat the affordable housing shortage.

Cut 13 (11) “…generated in New Orleans.”

The campaign is known as “Vote Yes 4 NOLA homes” and it would allow New Orleans to exempt properties with no more than 15 residential units from ad valorem taxes to incentivize the creation of more units, more affordably. Cantrell says since the proposal is a constitutional amendment, it needs statewide approval, which is why she is traveling the state.

Cut 14 (11) “…rest of the state.” 

Cantrell says the push has bipartisan support and will have a long term impact to ensure New Orleans is the state’s economic driver for the state for years to come.  The measure could be used in other parishes.

Cut 15 (09) “…we’re not alone.”

Cantrell will be visiting Alexandria and Lafayette today.

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After two games, LSU is ranked fifth in passing offense, 411 yards a contest through the air. Another big passing game could on Saturday night when the fourth-ranked Tigers host Northwestern State. The Demons are off to an 0-2 start. LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase says they want to be known as a great passing team

Cut 16  (09) “…be great”   

Last week, LSU won its first true road game against a top 10 team in program history. This weekend, it’s an F-C-S team that’s off to a slow start under a second-year head coach. Quarterback Joe Burrow says the focus this week has been on the Tigers

cut 17 (13) “…on Saturday” 

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The Saints and Rams meet again Sunday in a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship game. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees says it’s not interested in hearing about the storylines

Cut 18 (23) “…we do” 

The Saints and Rams are two of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl, so it’s a big early-season clash. Brees says he’s looking forward to playing Los Angeles for the fourth time in three years

 cut 19 (22)   “beat em”  

Ten David Wade Correctional Center inmates in Homere were rushed to the hospital yesterday after a lightning strike. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (28) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

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There’s a tropical disturbance near the southeast Bahamas that the National Hurricane Center says could get into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Ten inmates at David Wade Correctional Center in Homer suffered injuries after lightning strikes the field where they were playing flag football.

Department of Corrections spokesperson Ken Pastorick says a weather event was closing in, but the flag football game was not called off because there were no signs of imminent danger.

Cut 3 (11) “…hospital.”

The strike hit just adjacent to where the inmates were playing.

Nine of the inmates have returned to the facility after spending time at a local hospital. Pastorick says they suffered symptoms common to those who survive lightning strikes.

Cut 4 (11) “condition”

Pastorick says the policy was followed, and if a strike had been detected then they would have moved the inmates off the field.

Cut 5 (05) “…immediately”

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The University of Texas claims LSU Coach Ed Orgeron’s comments about the visitor’s locker room having no air conditioning was the first time they were made aware of the issue.  Coach O says he had intel about the situation before showing up.

Cut 6 (11) “…blowers in there.”

Temps peaked at 103 for Saturday’s game in Austin that saw the Tigers win 45-38.  Orgeron says the humidity was not as bad as it is typically in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11)“..IVs at halftime.” 

Orgeron says despite the best efforts to combat the effects of the heat, many of the players began to cramp up.

Cut 8 (05) “a doctor’s approval.”

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New Iberia Police have charged a 20-year-old man in last month’s shooting death of 17-year-old Garon Lewis, who was found dead in a vehicle at an intersection on August 16th. Captain John Babin says 20-year-old Trevonce Bernard was taken into police custody last night

Cut 9 (07)  “..of a firearm.”

Bernard’s bond has been set at 220-thousand dollars. Babin says they are not saying what evidence they have on Bernard and the investigation continues

Cut 10 (12) “…the investigation.”

Lewis was a quarterback for New Iberia High School and this was his senior season. His father is Raymond Lewis, an Iberia Parish School Board member. The elder Lewis spoke at a press conference

Cut 11 (14) “…my family.” 

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Saints fans are celebrating the team’s hard-fought 30-28 win over the Texans but Coach Sean Payton says the Black and Gold will need to play better, especially on defense. Payton says they couldn’t stop All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins…

Cut 12 (09) “…tonight”

Houston QB DeShaun Watson put on a show, scoring four total TDs and routinely breaking the Black and Gold’s back on third down. Payton says nothing seemed to slow him down.

Cut 13 (11) “pressure look”

Despite the slow start on offense and the late-game defensive breakdowns, the coach is still happy the team came together when it mattered most.

Cut 14 (11) “…tonight”

LSU-Texas tickets are a hot commodity ahead of Saturday’s game in Austin. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

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The anniversary of 9/11 is around the corner and 56 Louisiana National Guard soldiers deploy to Afghanistan this afternoon.

cut  2 (29) I’m Connor Ferrill”  

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LSU-Texas is the hottest selling game of the year according to StubHub, and tickets prices are at a premium and going fast.

Partnerships and Business Development for Stubhub Adam Budelli says it’s clear the hype for this matchup is unlike any in the past two years.

Cut 3 (08) “…percent.”

Texas-LSU is outselling the number two game of the year, Georgia-Notre Dame, by 68 percent.

There’s about 1,600 tickets left for Tigers interested in making a trip out West, but Budelli says that may not last long.

Cut 4 (09) “…in general”

Roughly 55 percent of ticket purchases have come from within Texas, while around 20 percent were bought in Louisiana. People from 42 total states and three countries have also purchased tickets.

Ticket prices have bounced around from the low to high 300s for the past few days. Budelli says if you’re considering going but need to keep a budget, they’ve got options for you.

Cut 5 (10) “…point”

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Dove hunting season gets underway Saturday and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Jeff Duguay (Do-gay) says the population of morning doves looks good for Louisiana hunters. Duguay says that prediction is based on their banding data…

Cut 6 (09) “…other years”

Duguay says the extreme heat this weekend could make it difficult for hunters and their dogs, but it will not impact the doves.

Cut 7 (08) “…every day.”

A basic hunting license and HIP certificate are needed to legally hunt doves. Duguay says they have seen a decline in hunters over the years and there’s a couple of reasons why…

Cut 8 (12) “…they do”

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56 Louisiana National Guard soldiers flew out of Pineville this afternoon for a mission in Afghanistan. The troops are part of two companies that will provide aviation support. Colonel Ed Bush of the Louisiana National Guard says the aviation support will bring the Bayou State’s troops to the heart of the action…

Cut 9 (08)  “…where safe.”

Over 700 Louisiana National Guardsmen are currently deployed for the War on Terror.

The anniversary of 9/11 is next week and Bush says in the 18 years since the tragic event Louisiana’s National Guard has had a substantial presence throughout the war effort…

Cut 10 (12) “…global war on terror.”

Bush says the high demand for aviation units can lead to multiple deployments and this trip, in particular, has some unexpected effects on families…

Cut 11 (07) “…deploying together.” 

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Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says skyrocketing insurance costs threaten the state’s 13-billion dollar timber industry. Strain says in some cases insuring equipment has quadrupled in the last year

Cut 12 (12) “…per truck”

Strain says those who work in the forestry industry say they can’t continue to pay those high rates and stay in business. He says it’s a significant issue that can have an impact on the state’s economy

Cut 13 (12) “a year”

Strain would like to hear candidates in the fall elections give out plans on how they plan to lower insurance rates on commercial trucks

Cut 14 (11) “…next term”

Strain did not say why there’s been a sudden spike in insurance costs. The  Forestry Association president in South Carolina says premiums are rising because there are only a few companies offering coverage for log trucks.