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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

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

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (10) “…and facial area.”

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

Cut 4 (11) “…and child endangerment.”

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

Cut 5 (06) “…in being arrested.”

_________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (11) “…to replace it.”

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

Cut 7 (10) “…the whole time.” 

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

Cut 8 (08) “…in one piece.”

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

______________________________

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

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

Cut 9 (09) “night”

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

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

Cut 10 (11) “…mid 40s.”

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

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

Cut 11 (10) “the need” 

____________________________

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

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

Cut 12 (11) “…out”

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

Cut 13 (12) “…search”

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

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

Cut 14 (12) “…chord”

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

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

Cut 15 (07) “…safety.”

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

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

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

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

________________________________________

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

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

Cut 3 (10) “…elsewhere”

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

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

Cut 4 (12) “…occur”

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

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

Cut 5 (10) “…society”

Nationwide the violent crime rate was also down three percent.

_________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (13) “…it goes through.”

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

Cut 7 (10) “…back up also.” 

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

Cut 8 (07) “…from FEMA.”

______________________________

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

Cut 9 (11) “…we were 82.6.”

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

Cut 10 (13) “…state wide phenomena.”

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

Cut 11 (09) “…lack of rain.” 

____________________________

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

Cut 12 (10) “…the other way.”

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

Cut 13 (07) “…think about.”

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

Cut 14 (10) “…about that later.”

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

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

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (09) “…on the background.”

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

Cut 4 (07) “…all add up.”

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

Cut 5 (07) “…be very easy.”

_________________________________________

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

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

Cut 6 (08) “…right direction”

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

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

Cut 7 (09) “the fray” 

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

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

Cut 8 (09) “ unfavorable”

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

______________________________

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

Cut 9 (08) “…our shooting range.”

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

Cut 10 (09) “…hands-on type deal.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “…bait a hook.” 

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

____________________________

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

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

Cut 12 (10) “…that light”

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

Cut 13 (06) “…that list.”

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

Cut 14 (10) “…and chose”

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

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________

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

cut  2 (30) “…Kevin Barnhart”  

________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (09) “…Sonia Charles.”

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

Cut 4 (09) “…what it is.”

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

Cut 5 (09) “…gratifying”

_________________________________________

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

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

Cut 6 (07) “…news”

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

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

Cut 7 (11) “unnacceptable” 

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

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

Cut 8 (10) “ growing”

______________________________

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

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

Cut 9 (10) “…salt water”

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

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

Cut 10 (11) “…suffering.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “…that” 

____________________________

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

Cut 12 (13) “…3.5 inches”

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

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

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

Cut 14 (10) “…what we need.”

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

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

cut  2 (30) “Matt Doyle  

________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (08) “…to begin with.”

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

Cut 4 (11) “…access and networks.”

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

Cut 5 (06) “…of the problem.”

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

_________________________________________

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”  

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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.”
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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”

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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.”

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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”

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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”  

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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”

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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.

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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.

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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.”