September is airbag recall repair month. Are you one of the motorists that’s procrastinated about getting yours replaced? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Brooke Thorington”

____________________________________

 State Farm is set to lower it’s auto insurance rates again. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (28) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Is your car one of the 152-thousand in Louisiana that has a recalled airbag? 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 September is Recall Awareness Month.

Cut 3 (12) “…today.”

Freeman says many motorists ignored the recall and do not realize that defective devices can cause more harm than good.

Cut 4 (11) “…device”

Freeman says the recall is of major concern in Louisiana due to the weather. Heat and humidity can greatly affect a defective airbag and make it life-threatening instead of life-saving.

Cut 5 (13) “…shrapnel”

To find out if your airbags are under a recall go to Check-To-Protect-dot-org and enter your Vehicle Identification Number. Then schedule an appointment for a repair. All repairs are free.

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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 and ease congestion for a three-mile stretch of I-12…

Cut 7 (08) “…every day.”

This funding comes out of a 76-million dollar allocation from the federal government announced last week. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they’ll open the project up for bids in December and once  a contractor is in place they’ll know when construction will start

Cut 8 (12) “…get budgeted”

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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 (09)  “healthcare”

The Congressman adds the amount the state will have to spend to maintain the Medicaid expansion will increase further in 2020 after the federal match rate decreases.

He 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”

Abraham says he would save the state money and fix Medicaid by implementing more detailed income analysis for the program, removing people who make over the 16,764 dollars a year limit.

Cut 11 (09) “…system.” 

_______________________

State Farm announces the company is cutting it’s 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) “…coverages”

Those rate changes may be dependent on your policies.

Van Frank says the savings come down to improving their expense situation and lower loss numbers.

Cut 13 (10) “change”

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

Van Frank says there’s other ways you can lower your rate, and if you are a State Farm customer now would be a good time to check in with your insurance agent.

Cut 14 (10) “…coverages”

Nine Louisianans have gotten sick from a mysterious illness that’s been linked vapes and E-cigarettes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

 Congress returns to the capitol next week and with several mass shootings over their summer break, gun control will be a hot topic. Brooke Thorington spoke with Louisiana Senator John Kennedy to get his perspective.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

________________________

Heat index values could crack 105 and higher today as the state endures what’s set to be four to five days of brutually hot temperatures…

Cut 3 (28) “…Matt Doyle”

________________________

A lull in construction jobs is one of the reasons the Louisiana economy seems to have slowed down a bit, but those in the industry are optimistic the tides are set to turn.

Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says it’s true that this year and last year haven’t been great for the construction industry.

Cut 4 (12) “…2017”

Workforce Commission numbers show we hit an eight-year peak of 156,100 construction jobs in mid-2017 but declined to 141,400 such jobs this year.

But Helveston says that could change quickly as he’s been informed of over 100 billion dollars of new construction projects on the horizon centered on petrochemical plants in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…range”

Hevleston says it’s not unusual to see substantial peaks and valleys in the Louisiana construction economy considering so much of it is based on decisions made in other countries.

Cut 6 (11) “…cyclical”

The state hit an eight-year low for construction jobs back in 2012 with only 121,700.

_____________________

Congress returns to session next week and one of the most discussed topics many Americans are waiting to see how lawmakers tackle is gun control. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy hasn’t had the opportunity to review any democratic proposed gun laws yet but he has his opinions.

Cut 7 (10)“…handguns”

Kennedy, an admitted gun owner himself, has remained constant on his stance against gun control laws. Despite the increase in mass shootings, Kennedy says the Democrats will have to present convincing facts in order to change his vote.

Cut 8 (10) “sizzle”

Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of background checks for guns, Kennedy says we already have them but the system in place for background checks is not working because many states are not inputting their data.

Cut 9 (09) “…thru.”

Kenney stated a hundred-million Americans exercise the right to own guns and that the majority of them exercise the right responsibly.

_____________________________

A heat advisory is in effect for southeast Louisiana today as hot temperatures combined with high humidity will create heat indices between 108 to 113-degrees.

We’re looking at highs of 97 in New Orleans, 99 in Baton Rouge, 100 in Alexandria, and 101 in Shreveport. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the intense heat will last through the weekend.

Cut 10 (04) “…Louisiana”

Keim says the excessive heat levels will come close to record highs and could even break a few records…

Cut 11 (07) “period” 

Temperatures should return to normal early next week.

The blazing temperatures and dry weather are thanks to a high-pressure system that’s set up shop across the southeast US. Keim says that’s why Hurricane Dorian curved up the east coast.

Cut 12 (07) “…states.”

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

______________________________

A mysterious illness is impacting vapers and E-cigarette users across the country and the Louisiana Department of Health is warning medical professionals to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they’ve only discovered isolated incidents so far, and it does not appear to be widespread.

Cut 13 (11) “to us”

Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33. Health officials aren’t sure what is causing the respiratory problems, but Kanter says they have a few ideas

cut 14 (08) “…products” 

Kanter says if you are a vaper and have recently begun suffering from any of these symptoms, go see a doctor.

Cut 15 (10) “chcked out”

Kanter adds the recent vaping craze has undone years of work getting kids to stop taking nicotine products.

_________________________________________________________

The two universities in Lincoln Parish will face each other on the football field on Saturday as Louisiana Tech will host Grambling. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz is pumped up for the matchup

Cut 16  (17) “…implication”   

The NFL Network will televise the game, making it the first collegiate contest to air on the channel. Tech dropped its season-opening game to Texas, a 45-14 decision to the Longhorns. Holtz says mistakes early resulted in that game getting out of hand

cut 17 (23) “…start playing” 

Grambling also lost its season opener, falling to ULM 31-9. Tigers Coach Broderick Fobbs says there missed opportunities in that contest, which could have made the game more competitive

Cut 18 (24) “…play it” 

_______________________________________________

LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says he was not trying to put down Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger when he said that he didn’t find Ehlinger much of a threat, because he has a decent arm and its more about his legs. Chaisson says he wasn’t trying to discredit his arm…

 cut 19 (20)   “took it”  

Saturday’s matchup between Texas and LSU pits two teams ranked in the top ten. Chaisson says it’s just one of several big tests his team will face this season…

cut 20 (25) “be done” 

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”

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

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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This Saturday the LSU Tigers are gearing up to play the Texas Longhorns and fans are getting their fan gear for the state line rivalry. Tickets for this weekend’s game aren’t the only hard thing to find. Purple and Gold Store Owner Sara Sanders says their specialty shirt for the big game is also a hot commodity.

Cut 3 (08) “…about out.”

Texas only allotted only 35-hundred tickets for LSU fans, yet the die-hards are making the road trip anyway. 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”

LSU started the season with a 55-3 rout of Georgia Southern. Sanders says big victories are always good for business at Purple at Gold.

Cut 5 (10) “…good sign”

Texas is ranked 9^th in the polls and Saturday’s game kicks off at 6:30 in Austin.

_____________________________

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.

The Chief adds 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. Boudreaux says the criminal’s objectives were clear.

Cut 8 (03) “…of it”

Boudreaux said he could not comment at this time when asked whether the firearms stolen included more than just handguns.

______________________________________

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 program uses fine-scale resolution data of coastlines, bayous, and other waterways to provide lifesaving information.

Cut 9 (09)“the coast”

The Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment program was developed with the help of the University of North Carolina.

The data isn’t just useful for the public. Twilley says it allows government agencies to swoop into effected areas a lot faster after a storm hits.

Cut 10 (10) “…responders”

The current CERA projection shows storm surge concerns ranging from the northeast Florida coast all the way up to Maine.

Twilley says the Coast Guard has been big fans of CERA 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.

_______________________

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 a day-to-day hurdle. Stewart says 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.”

The Louisiana Sea Grant is interested in establishing a seafood innovation center in New Iberia, which could be a collection point for fresh seafood to be shipped out.

Stewart says there are also not enough cold storage areas. He says 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”

State Police arrest a murder suspect during a lengthy standoff on I-10 in Jefferson Davis Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 The State Treaserur unveils a new tranparency tool that lets residents track state construction spending, and state debt levels. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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After lashing out on the Bahamas, Hurricane Dorian has started slowly making its way towards the U-S eastern seaboard. The United Cajun Navy is stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, and Founder Todd Terrell says they spent the holiday weekend gathering supplies

Cut 3 (04) “…first responders.”

Terrell says if you want to volunteer go to united-cajun-navy-dot-org or you can make a monetary donation at pan-handle-relief-dot-org

Cut 4 (07) “…right people”

Dorian is expected to bring flooding along Florida’s east coast as it slowly moves north. Terrell says they have chainsaw teams with them to help local first responders perform water rescues

Cut 5 (10) “…fastest”

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State Police arrested two people involved in a wild shooting scene on I-10 in Jefferson Davis Parish. One of the men booked, 36-year-old Trinity Coleman of Franklin, is a suspect in the murder of a female in Franklin. Trooper Derek Senegal says while pursuing Coleman yesterday,  57-year-old Clarence Fine of Jeanerette pulled off the side of the road and started shooting at Coleman

Cut 6 (09) “…were struck”

Senegal says Fine knew the murder victim in Franklin and was apparently out to get revenge

Cut 7 (05) “…Mr. Coleman.”

No was injured by the gunfire.

Fine was charged with attempted second-degree murder and illegal discharge of a weapon. Senegal says after they arrested Fine, it took a while before they apprehended Coleman…

Cut 8 (11) “…further incident.”

State Police began chasing Coleman in Acadia Parish and his vehicle finally came to stop near Welsh after troopers successfully deployed spike strips.

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A 16-year-old girl Lafayette girl dies from a gunshot wound and a 17-year-old boy is now in jail on Negligent Homicide charges as a result.

Two days ago officers responded to a report of a shooting involving a juvenile around 8pm. Lafayette Police Corporal Bridgette Dugas says when authorities arrived the girl was still alive.

Cut 9 (06) “condition”

But the girl passed away yesterday as a result of the gunshot.

Dugas says after attempting to save the girl, police questioned the boy at the residence and discovered the incident may have been a tragic accident.

Cut 10 (10) “…that time”

Dugas says it appears for now that the shooting was not intentional and it isn’t the first time this year a lack of gun safety led to a death.

Cut 11 (06) “…their life.” 

_______________________

The Treasurer’s Office unveils a new transparency tool that lets Louisianans track construction project costs on a parish by parish basis and see just how much debt state residents have accrued.

Treasurer John Schroder says the website gives you an opportunity to see just where state government prioritizes construction spending.

Cut 12 (10) “…like this”

The top recipients of the state’s three billion dollar transportation budget in 2019 are DOTD at 50 percent, followed by coastal protection at 17 percent, and education at 16 percent.

The tool also provides viewers a chance to measure the state’s bond, general liability, and pension debt levels. Schroder says you can also measure how much each citizen would have to pay to clear the debt.

Cut 13 (08) “high.”

Louisiana’s per person debt is 1,627 dollars, good for 16^th highest in the nation. The national average is 1,447 dollars, and the southern regional average is 1,148 dollars.

Schroder says he hopes people who visit the website will get a better idea of how the state’s taxing spending priorities line up with theirs.

Cut 14 (10) “…on that”

You can see the tracking tool at LATreasury.com under transparency.

A political analyst expects the next 40 days to be jam-packed full of Louisiana politics as the major candidates for Governor sprint to the October 12th primary. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

An LSU study finds temperatures go up and humidity goes down locally in the months after a hurricane passes through a region. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

______________________________

Louisiana has sent personnel and assets to the East Coast to help states deal with the potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…Jeff Palermo.”

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Labor Day is in the rearview mirror and the governor’s race is set to ramp up. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the post-Labor Day stretch is generally the point when the public begins to pay attention, so expect a hectic next 40 days…

Cut 4 (10) “…coming up”

The first televised debate is September 19. 

A recent independent poll shows self-funding Eddie Rispone closing in on Congressman Ralph Abraham for the GOP slot in a potential November run-off. Pinsonat says that’s what ten million dollars can buy you in politics.

Cut 5 (11) “…above”

Abraham has pulled in the lion’s share of state GOP endorsements but has raised only a few million dollars.

Pinsonat says don’t expect the two Republican challengers to start attacking each other…

Cut 6 (10) “…well”

The primary is set for October 12^th.

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Louisiana emergency responders are in Florida and South Carolina to assist with the potential impact of Hurricane Dorian. Deputy Director of the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness, Casey Tingle, says about 200 men and women have been deployed

Cut 7 (13)“…the state”

Over one-hundred Louisiana Urban Search and Rescue personnel and assets left Baton Rouge yesterday, bringing with them boats to conduct high water rescues. Tingle says these units are made up of firefighters from around the state…

Cut 8 (09) “rescue teams”

Tingle says Louisiana received assistance from other states during its major hurricanes and it’s returning the favor

Cut 9 (10) “…pleased with.”

_____________________________

LSU studied the weather effects of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico and found temperatures increased two degrees on average and humidity dropped five percent a month after landfall as a result of defoliation.

Satellite imagery showed Maria stripped the island of its vegetation, and LSU Coastal Sciences Professor Paul Miller says those plants usually absorb a lot of the sun’s energy, but…

Cut 10 (12) “…temperature”

Temperatures returned to normal about two months afterward when the island re-greened, but the effects may be more persistent outside of dense tropical rainforests.

Two degrees may not sound like much, but the side effects can add up. Miller says back in May the National Weather Service issued heat advisories for the Florida panhandle, which continues to recover from last year’s Hurricane Michael…

Cut 11 (08) “went” 

The study found the effect was not just limited to a major storm like Maria, they found similar scaled-down effects from Hurricane Irma’s passing just weeks before Maria.

Miller says they discovered another side effect of hurricane defoliation: river levels increased, and water quality dropped.

Cut 12 (09) “…brown.”

______________________________

Its voter registration week, so the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office is making a push to get adults registered to vote for the fall elections. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the deadlines to register for the October 12th primary are later this month…

Cut 13 (12) “…21st of September”

Ardoin says 88-percent of the people who are eligible to vote are registered in Louisiana, so they are hoping the remaining 12-percent will register

Cut 14 (12) “…the election” 

Ardoin says you can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at voterportal.sos.la.gov. He says you can also register in person at your parish Registrar of Voters Office and you’ll need to bring a valid I-D or proof of residency

Cut 15 (08) “…picture ID”

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After losing to Mississippi State in the Superdome, the Ragin Cajuns return home this Saturday to face Liberty. UL Lafayette hung with the Bulldogs this past weekend, but ended up losing 38-28. Coach Billy Napier says he saw a lot of positives on the game tape, but there were mistakes too

Cut 16  (30) “…little harsh”   

22nd ranked Syracuse shutout Liberty in the season opener as Flames head coach, Hugh Freeze, coached the game from a hospital bed in the press box, because of an infection from recent back surgery. Napier says there are some explosive players on that Liberty team…

cut 17 (20) “…D-Line” 

___________________________________________________

Two top ten teams collide this Saturday in Austin, when sixth-ranked LSU visits 10th ranked Texas. Longhorns Coach Tom Herman is trying to get Texas back to where its one of the top teams in the Big 12 and a national championship contender

Cut 18 (28) “…as well” 

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was named SEC Offensive Player of the week after throwing five touchdown passes in the season-opening win over Georgia Southern. Herman says he’s impressed by Burrow’s abilities

 cut 19 (30)   “matchups are”  

Governor Edwards’ re-election chances dip in the latest independent poll from Verne Kennedy. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness activates its Crisis Action Team to monitor Hurricane Dorian.

cut  2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested a California man in Shreveport for his part in a texting scam that resulted in over 100-thousand dollars being stolen from numerous bank accounts. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says victims received a text message that said their bank cards were locked and they needed to call and give personal info to unlock them.

Cut 3 (11) “…purchases around town.”

Chadwick says authorities circulated the picture of 39-year-old Dennis Busch to local businesses. Busch was arrested after a drug store employee spotted him.

Cut 4 (06) “…placed under arrest.”

Two other arrest warrants have been issued and there is an additional unidentified suspect. Chadwick says consumers need to protect themselves from similar scams.

Cut 5 (08) “…about your account.”

_____________________________

An independent poll shows Governor Edwards’ support has slipped and is now within the margin of error for potentially having to go into a run-off.

Edwards sits at 52 percent in the latest survey from Verne Kennedy. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says that’s dangerously close to a highly unpredictable run-off scenario.

Cut 6 (10) “…all.”

Edwards’ favorability rating dropped from 52 percent in April to 45 percent when the poll was conducted two weeks ago.

On the Republican side of the race, it looks like Eddie Rispone’s ad blitz has paid off. Cross says He’s at 19 percent, just six points shy of GOP frontrunner Congressman Abraham.

Cut 7 (09) “…the electorate.”

The pollster estimates Rispone has risen 12 points since his April survey.

The Congressman had an early name recognition advantage and has piled-up GOP endorsements, but Cross says if he wants to hold off Rispone and make a run-off, he needs to run more ads…

Cut 8 (09) “…real one”

Abraham still fares about two points better than Rispone in a hypothetical run-off, but both candidates at this point still would fail to unseat the Governor.

______________________________________

Two high school students from Summerfield, who State Police say were not wearing seat belts, were killed in a two-vehicle wreck last night on Louisiana Highway two in Claiborne Parish. Trooper Brent Hardy says 17-year-old Tony Singleton of Haynesville was the driver

Cut 9 (09) “…Chevrolet Suburban”

Singleton and his 15-year-old passenger Dequez Neal died, while the driver of the other vehicle, sustained minor injuries. Hardy says if the teens were buckled up, they may have survived

Cut 10 (12) “…of a crash.”

_______________________

On the 14^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness activates its Crisis Action Team to monitor Hurricane Dorian.  While a Florida landfall is expected, GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says the activation comes as the storm’s exact track is uncertain.

Cut 11 (12) “here in Louisiana.” 

Steele says even if Dorian has no impact on the state, it’s an important reminder to everyone to be vigilant.

Cut 12 (09) “…those evacuation plans.”

Steele says historically Louisiana has stepped up to help to other states.

Cut 13 (12) “…may be needed.”

Matt Doyle spoke with Minden Mayor Terry Gardner about the two plans they’re pursuing to keep Fibrebond from moving to east Texas…

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________

The Council for a Better Louisiana is offering voters a more detailed look at where the major candidates for Governor stand on the big issues with the Gubernatorial Survey…

cut  2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

________________________________________

State and local officials are putting plans into action to try to keep Fibrebond from leaving Minden for east Texas.

The company has threatened to leave due to the poor condition of bridges in north Louisiana that forced them to take a 247-mile detour to ship products west. Minden Mayor Terry Gardner says they’ve found a new route that should shave off 170 miles…

Cut 3 (09) “…them.”

The new route will have the company ship it’s 150,000-pound structures down highway 80, through Camp Minden, and out through Darlene.

Gardner says they’ve pitched the new route and are holding a meeting this Friday with state officials to try to secure the money needed to repair or replace a series of bridges that would open a second route.

Cut 4 (09) “fibrebond.”

The company says it would only feel comfortable staying if it had two route options, in the event one of those routes had to be shut down for whatever reason.

Gardner says it’s crucial that the state and local powers do everything they can to keep the company in town due to it’s massive impact on the local economy.

Cut 5 (07) “…people.”

Census estimates put Minden’s population at 12,100 people.

_____________________________

A cold front is moving through the state today and by tomorrow should make its way to the coast. While it is expected to bring down temps and humidity, State Climatologist Barry Keim says it may bring a bit of rain as well.

Cut 6 (07) “…some extra clouds.”

Keim says of the next few days, Friday should be the most comfortable day.

Cut 7 (08) “…couple of weeks.”

Keim says there will be lingering effects from the cold front that will extend to Saturday, which should be a positive for college football tailgaters…

Cut 8 (11) “…your umbrellas handy”

______________________________________

Council for a Better Louisiana releases its candidate surveys, offering interested voters a more in-depth, detail-oriented look at the major candidates for Governor.

CABL President Barry Erwin says the 11 to 15-page survey asked candidates to weigh in on most of the hot button policy issues of the day.

Cut 9 (07) “…about”

The candidates submitted a roughly page-long response detailing each of their proposals for infrastructure, business and job growth, higher ed, k-12 ed, fiscal responsibility, tax structure, and criminal justice.

It doesn’t just touch on hard policy though, Erwin says the survey offers voters a glimpse into how the candidates view themselves, and what they find most important.

Cut 10 (09) “…insight.”

The survey asked the candidates to rank three qualities that best describe them, list three outcomes they will measure their tenure by, and list three factors holding the state back.

Governor Edwards and Republican Congressman Abraham submitted their surveys, but Erwin says the third major candidate in the race did not.

Cut 11 (08) “post it.” 

You can read the survey PDFs on CABL’s website.

_______________________

The U-S teen birth rate has declined to its lowest level in recorded history. As of 2018, there were about 17 babies born per one-thousand girls aged 15 to 19 in the United States. Tulane Sociology professor Michele Adams says its not that teens are having less sex, its that more are practicing safer sex

Cut 12 (12) “…consequences of sex”

In the 50s and 60s, when a teenager got pregnant, she would likely get married. Adams says that’s not the case now and women today are more ambitious when it comes to having a professional career…

Cut 13 (11) “…contraceptives.”

Pew research says the teen birth rate has been cut in half since 2008 and the drop is across all races. Adams expects the trend to continue as occupational opportunities continue to grow for women…

Cut 14 (11) “…go up”

Louisiana voters will receive a new I Voted sticker during the fall elections. Matt Doyle spoke with the talent behind the new look.

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________

A Slidell couple is Guinness Book of World Record holders for the largest grapefruit ever harvested. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

________________________________________

Louisiana Department of Education data shows 46 percent of the general population hit “Top Growth” on their 2019 LEAP scores, while only 43 percent of African American students did.

Superintendent of Education John White says historically disadvantaged students need to see higher test score growth than the general population to close the achievement gap.

Cut 3 (09) “…this year.”

Only 44 percent of economically disadvantaged, 45 percent of English learners, and 42 percent of disabled students hit “Top Growth” as well.

White says they’re trying to close the achievement gap by helping schools develop tailored plans. For example, if data shows a specific school’s 3^rd graders aren’t hitting aren’t reading at grade level…

Cut 4 (12) “…together.”

Despite the call to see higher growth rates in historically disadvantaged students than the general population, White says that doesn’t mean they’re neglecting other students.

Cut 5 (10) “…all.”

_____________________________

The Secretary of State’s office has unveiled a new I Voted sticker, which is a new take on the State Seal featuring a pelican with a crown on its head underneath the bold red font of I Voted.

Lafayette Artist Tony Bernard designed the striking piece. He says it’s derived from one of his paintings called “In Love With Louisiana”, and it features a reoccurring character of his…

Cut 6 (11) “…fitting.”

The last “I Voted” sticker in 2016 featured George Rodrigue’s iconic Blue Dog. Bernard says when the Secretary of State called and asked him to design this year’s edition…

Cut 7 (12) “…neat”

Louisiana voters were first given I Voted stickers in the 2016 presidential election.

Bernard says he’s tickled to know that his creation will hopefully help draw more people to the polls, and hopes to see turnout in the millions for the fall elections.

Cut 8 (09) “…direct that”

It cost the state 18,500 dollars to get enough stickers to take us through the October Primary and November Run-Off.

______________________________________

Slidell is home to a Guinness record-breaking grapefruit. The grapefruit has the distinction of having the largest circumference at 73 centimeters and a weight of 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Growers Doug and Mary Beth Meyer credit the results to a bit of magic bestowed upon the tree from their grandchildren.

Cut 9 (12) “…to the fairies.”

The Meyers say they have preserved the grapefruit in their freezer since harvesting the fruit in January. Now, they plan on writing a children’s book about their experience.

Cut 10 (09) “…experience with Guinness.”

The Meyers say they do not expect other fruits on the same tree to break the record again.

Cut 11 (11) “…very very delicious.” 

The previous record was set in Rio de Janeiro nearly 13 years ago, weighing in at 7 pounds, 1 ounce, with a circumference of 70 centimeters.

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State Police say a Florida man was killed in Monday afternoon’s chain-reaction crash on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 31-year-old Christopher McGee was one of three 18-wheelers involved in the pile-up…

Cut 12 (09) “…dry case”

McGee’s tractor-trailer caught on fire and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Gossen says three 18-wheelers and several passenger vehicles were involved in the fiery crash

Cut 13 (09) “…as well.”

Along with the one fatality, several people were hurt. The injuries range from minor to moderate and they were taken to local hospitals. The westbound lanes are closed as emergency crews continue the clean-up

Cut 14 (11) “…crime lab”

The Little League World Series Champions are traveling back home to the New Orleans area today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “..I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The L-S-U Ag Center is trying to determine if sugarcane can successfully grow in central Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Eastbank Little League World Champions are traveling back to New Orleans today and will have a welcoming celebration at the Shrine on Airline this afternoon.  U.S. House Minority Whip and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says the team is one the state can be proud of.

Cut 3 (10) “…fun to watch.”

President Trump has extended an invitation for the team to visit the White House following the 8-0 shutout in the championship game.  Assistant coach Kevin Johnson says the victory hasn’t really sunk in and had an effect on the team yet.

Cut 4 (10) “…to get home.”

Johnson says of the key to success for the team…

Cut 5 (09) “…group of kids.”

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The Dean Lee Research Center outside Alexandria is now the farthest north location for sugar cane planting in the world as scientists try to test the limits of the cash crop.

LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Ken Gravois says more and more farmers are growing interested in the crop in central Louisiana and elsewhere away from the coast.

Cut 6 (11) “…Alexandria.”

Soybeans and corn tend to dominate acreage the further north you move in Louisiana.

Gravois says it’s not just that the average temperatures are lower in the north, there are also much higher risks of hard freezes which can decimate the tropical crop.

Cut 7 (11) “…effect”

The study crop was planted on August 14^th.

Currently, the farthest north commercial sugarcane is grown is in Lecompte, a few miles south of Dean Lee. Gravois says it’s remarkable we’ve even found success that far inland.

Cut 8 (12) “…varieties.”

Sugarcane prices are considered more stable than grain and soybeans.

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A Caddo Parish first-grader admits to starting a church fire in Vivian. The 7-year-old told investigators he broke a window at the Church of Christ on Saturday, came back Sunday to see the opening was patched with cardboard.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the child snuck into the church through that opening.

Cut 9 (09) “…whole building down.”

The child told investigators he found a lighter in the parking lot.  Browning says the child insisted on having no ill will or issues with the church or its congregation.

Cut 10 (08) “…matches and lighters.”

Due to the suspect’s age, no arrest was made. Browning says this is a teachable moment for the child as well as other children.

Cut 11 (09) “…out of control.” 

Browning says the building is pretty much a total loss.

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State Police believe an impaired driver caused a wreck that killed a motorcyclist from Vidalia early Sunday morning in Concordia Parish. Trooper Scott Moreau says 63-year-old Veria Coleman of Jonesville crossed the center line on U-S Highway 84 and hit a couple of motorcyclists

Cut 12 (10) “…the motorcycles”

Moreau says the fatality occurred when one of the fallen motorcyclists was hit by a vehicle driving behind them

Cut 13 (08) “…the motorcycle.”

The deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Cody McClung. There were five additional injuries and they were transported to an area hospital. Moreau says the crash remains under investigation as Coleman may have been at fault

Cut 14 (07) “…crime lab”

Public memorials begin tomorrow in Baton Rouge for former Governor Kathleen Blanco. Her biggest challenge as an elected official was the response to Hurricane Katrina. Jeff Palermo spoke to her about it in 2015…

Cut 1 (31) “..I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A major employer in Minden is considering a re-location to Texas because of a series of structurally deficient bridges in northwest Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Public memorials for former Governor Kathleen Blanco begin tomorrow in Baton Rouge. The state’s first elected female governor died Sunday. Her leadership was questioned during Hurricane Katrina, but in an interview to mark the 10-year anniversary of the storm, Blanco told the Louisiana Radio Network the storm overwhelmed the state’s capabilities

Cut 3 (12) “…quickly.”

The storm left most of New Orleans underwater for weeks, thousands were displaced and hundreds more were stranded in New Orleans without shelter or food. Blanco told Louisiana Radio Network in 2005 it was FEMA who failed to provide buses to get people out of the storm-stricken area

Cut 4 (12) “…anyone else”

Blanco says she was disappointed by all of the finger-pointing when an American city was brought to its knees and so many were hurting

Cut 5 (11) “…political response.”

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AG Jeff Landry says an armed law enforcement officer from his office to help educate students and protect them from online crime, may have triggered the armed intruder false alarm at LSU yesterday. University spokesperson Ernie Ballard says they are reviewing the response and they recently trained for a similar scenario.

Cut 6 (09) “…in a training.”

Ballard says campus safety is a shared responsibility and if someone sees something, they should say something.

Cut 7 (12) “…have the problems.”

Just before 3pm the school sent out an alert telling students in the area to run, fight, or hide.  Ballard says while that language may be alarming, it’s encouraged by the federal Homeland Security department.

Cut 8 (10) “…isn’t a joke.”

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A company that employs 750 people in Minden is threatening to relocate to east Texas if the state does not upgrade several bridges in the area that have structural problems.

Fibrebond builds huge structures that can measure 16 by 75 feet and weigh 150,000 pounds, making them ineligible to cross de-rated bridges. Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett…

Cut 9 (08) “area”

DOTD is meeting with Fibrebond today to try to find a resolution.

Fibrebond CEO Graham Walker told KEEL the state is littered with de-rated bridges, and the only routes DOTD can find force his company to make a substantial detour to ship items west.

Cut 10 (12) “…miles”

Fibrebond is a Louisiana owned and operated company that’s been open for the last 37 years.

Mallett says the state has some funds set aside to hopefully keep the major employer from crossing into Texas.

Cut 11 (11) “ there” 

Walker warns a new round of de-ratings of bridges could make that route even more convoluted or block the company from being able to ship from Minden at all. He wants to stay in Louisiana, but…

Cut 12 (10) “…get out”

Walker says the company has already begun receiving offers from east Texas communities and the state of Texas to assist in a potential move.

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St. Landry Parish Sheriffs are trying to identify a body they discovered dumped in the Beggs area. Authorities say it appears to be an African American female in her early 20s.

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the cause of death is unknown at this time, but the body did have one specific identifying item.

Cut 13 (05) “…lanyard”

Foul play is suspected and hey believe he woman had been dead for four to five days, and the body had been dumped at that location about two days prior to its discovery Sunday.

Guidroz says it was a shocking discovery, but a sensation that’s not all that unfamiliar to the region at this time.

Cut 14 (10) “…with this .”

The body was found just off of Highway 10.