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.

_________________________________________

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”

______________________________

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.

____________________________

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”

________________________________

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

cut  2 (30) “Kevin Barnhart”  

________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________

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.

______________________________

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.” 

____________________________

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.

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.

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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.

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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” 

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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”

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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” 

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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”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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 

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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.