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”

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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” 

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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.”

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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.”

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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” 

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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”

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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”  

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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.

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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”

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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.

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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”

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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”  

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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.”

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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.

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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.

Congressman Ralph Abraham says if he makes it to the Governor’s mansion, he’ll refuse to sign any tax measures that are not offset by tax decreases in other areas. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU is ranked sixth in the A-P preseason poll, they’re first top 10 preseason ranking since 2016. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A funeral mass for former Governor Kathleen Blanco will take place on Saturday in Lafayette.  The 76-year-old Blanco died Sunday following a battle with cancer.  Governor John Bel Edwards remembers the state’s first elected female governor as a woman of abiding faith, unconditional love for her family and the people she served.

Cut 3 (08) “…and our state.”

Thursday will see several events in her honor in Baton Rouge, including a service at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.  Blanco will also lie in state at Louisiana’s State Capitol.  Edwards says the former governor was an influence to him when he came into office.

Cut 4 (10) “…and her guidance.”

Edwards has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until her private burial on Saturday.

Cut 5 (09) “…generations to come.”

A public visitation is set for Friday in Lafayette.

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Congressman Ralph Abraham pledges that if he is elected Governor any new tax increases passed in the Legislature will be offset with equal or greater tax reductions in other areas.

The candidate made the pledge this morning on KEEL after being asked if he would pledge to reject new taxes on any front. Abraham says his approach would begin a process of overall tax reductions.

Cut 6 (11) “…and on”

Abraham previously mentioned he would support Legislative efforts to repeal a .45 percent sales tax passed in the 2018 session.

Ultimately the Governor only has the power to veto tax proposals, but Abraham says he expects to be cooperating towards a shared vision with a more fiscally conservative Legislature in 2020.

Cut 7 (10) “…very quickly”

One avenue for accomplishing his goal of only allowing offsetting taxes to be passed is rewriting Article Seven of the constitution, which controls tax law.

Cut 8 (07) “…fix it”

If the rewrite clears the Legislature, it would be up for a ballot box vote.

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LSU is ranked sixth in the A-P preseason poll which was released today. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor James Moran says the ranking matches the hype that surrounds this team

Cut 9 (08) “…putting in.”

Moran says it remains to be seen if LSU can live up to its ranking, but based on what you see on paper, the Tigers should be one of the best teams in the country

Cut 10 (09) “…ten team”

Last year there were projections LSU would win as few as six games, but they exceeded expectations by winning 10 games despite a difficult schedule. Moran says five teams on LSU’s 2019 schedule are ranked among the top 16 teams in A-P’s preseason poll

Cut 11 (11) “          six” 

2016 was the last time LSU was ranked in the top 10 in the preseason AP poll. The A-P poll has Clemson number one, Alabama second, Georgia third, Oklahoma fourth, Ohio State fifth and then LSU sixth.

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The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office arrest a 29-year-old man for allegedly using his cell phone to record a 12-year-old take a bath. Detective Larry Pierce says Christopher Ashby of Mooringsport cracked the door open, so he can record her while she was nude

Cut 12 (10) “…sexual grattification.”

Pierce says they are not releasing the man’s relationship with the victim in order to protect the girl’s identity.

Caddo Parish Sheriff deputies also arrested a DeSoto Parish man for a rape that allegedly occurred in the mid-1990s. Pierce says a 34-year-old woman told investigators last month that she was forced to perform sex acts upon Glenn Miller Senior on multiple occasions over two decades ago. He says Detective Chris Ardoin found enough evidence to charge Miller with two counts of First Degree Rape

Cut 13 (10) “…arrest”

Miller is being held on a 500-thousand dollar bond.

For the fourth straight month, the state remains at full employment.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

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Louisiana is mourning the passing of former Governor Kathleen Blanco who died Sunday at the age of 76 from cancer. Kevin Barnhart looks back at her life…

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The internatinal hot sauce market is expected to see a 61 percent increase over the next seven years as Asia’s craving for liquified pepper heats up. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July is down almost a full percentage point from this time last year. L-W-C Secretary Ava Dejoie says the number of people looking for work has declined by 14-thousand over the last year…

Cut 4 (09) “…month of July.”

Dejoie says this is the fourth consecutive month the state remains at full employment, meaning there are more vacancies in the workforce than there are people left to fill those jobs.

Cut 5 (07) “…job seekers market.”

New Orleans showed the biggest year-to-year gain, up 8,200 jobs.  Shreveport lost 3,100 jobs over the year, Houma lost 2,900 jobs. The Republican Governor’s Association says the nonfarm seasonally adjusted numbers show, Louisiana lost 1,000 jobs over the last year, the only state to lose jobs during this period.

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Louisiana’s only elected female governor, Kathleen Blanco, has passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. Blanco was a mother to six children and a former school teacher. It wasn’t until her early 40s that she got into politics when she was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1983. Her former communications director in the governor’s office, Bob Mann

Cut 6 (12) “…more honest government”

Blanco served five years in the House of Representatives and in 1988 the New Iberia native became the first woman elected to the Public Service Commission. In 2003, she defeated Republican Bobby Jindal to become the state’s first female governor. Mann says education was her top priority

Cut 7 (12) “…them better.”

20 months into her administration the state was hit with two killer storms, Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Many people said Blanco was unprepared, indecisive and overwhelmed, but Mann says the criticism against the former governor has softened as time went on…

Cut 8 (12) “…as governor.”

Blanco did not seek re-election in 2007. Ten years later, she announced that she had a rare cancer which eventually attacked her whole body. In public appearances leading up to her death, the former governor said she had made peace with her future and the devout Catholic said she had an extraordinarily full life. Mann says Blanco’s final weeks were inspiring

Cut 9 (10) “…around her”

The study was conducted by analyzing satellite imagery from before, and after the diversions were opened.

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A new report shows the Asian market’s craving for hot sauce is on the rise and is expected to push international hot sauce sales from 2.3 billion dollars to 3.7 billion in 2026.  The report by Fortune Business Insights says that’ll be a real boon to Louisiana products like Tabasco which Chef Kevin Belton says has a unique flavor…

Cut 10 (10) “…sauces.”

Belton adds that other Bayou State hot sauces like Crystal and Louisiana also share that distinctive vinegar profile.

Tabasco Pepper sauces control the largest share of the market at 22.6 percent, which is good news for Louisiana produced Tabasco. Belton says the Louisiana product broke open the worldwide hot sauce market…

Cut 11 (09) “…countries.”

North American sales make up 40 percent of the market. The Louisiana hot sauce market continues to expand exports year to year, and Belton says people outside the state are starting to catch on to the idea that hot sauce isn’t just about heat…

Cut 12 (06) “hot”

The report pegs the hot sauce market’s compound annual growth rate at 6.5 percent over the next seven years.

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Despite criticism, U-L Lafayette Football Coach Billy Napier says he still wants his scholarship players to give 50-dollars annually to the Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation, which raises funds for the athletic department. Napier says his goal is to create a culture where players are grateful for the opportunity

Cut 13 (12) “…college education.”

Napier says if a player can’t afford the 50 dollars or has a problem with giving money to the R-C-A-F, he’ll cover the cost. He says giving a 50-dollars is just a nice gesture to support a foundation that makes the student-athlete experience great

Cut 14 (12) “…their opportunity”

But critics say how can you ask a student-athlete who isn’t getting paid and helping to bring thousands of dollars to an athletic program contribute to a school’s booster club. Napier says none of his players have told him they have a problem with it, so he’ll move forward with the policy

Cut 15 (12) “…student athlete.”

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LSU made it official over the weekend by announcing the hiring of Bill Johnson as the team’s defensive line coach. Johnson fills in for Dennis Johson, who badly injured his knees in a pickup basketball game. Johnson was the Rams defensive line coach the last two season and before that he was with the Saints from 2009 to 2016. Coach Ed Orgeron says Johnson has a long track record of coaching and developing top defensive linemen…

Cut 16  (16) “…to have em”   

On the offensive line, Orgeron says freshman guard Kardell Thomas will undergo surgery on his injured ankle and he could be out for the season. Coach O is still looking for someone to step up at left guard. Senior Adrian Magee started two games at that position last year and they are also trying to get Chasen Hines healthy after offseason knee surgery

cut 17 (19) “…we’ll see.” 

In Saturday’s second scrimmage of fall practice, starting Q-B Joe Burrow threw for 160 yards and a couple of touchdowns. Backup Myles Brennan threw for 260 yards and a touchdown. Orgeron says the coaches are impressed with Brennan’s development

Cut 18 (18) “…believe that” 

The Ruston High Bearcats are getting a new logo after a request from Rutgers University to do so. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Saturday marks 50 years since Hurricane Camille ravaged the north-central Gulf Coast. Matt Doyle spoke with State Climatologist Barry Keim about the storm’s legacy.

cut  2 (28) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Ruston High Bearcats are getting a new logo after Rutgers University asked the school to change it.  Both use an identical block R, but Rutgers holds the trademark.  Principal Dan Gressett says the university was not mean spirited in their cease and desist request.

Cut 3 (09) “…ready to roll.”

Gressett says the school is not seeing much pushback from the community as the block R logo has only been in use for the last ten years.

Cut 4 (08) “…I’ve been here.”

Gressett says the high school and the university has a memorandum of understanding over the logo’s use, but no one is going to court over the issue.

Cut 5 (07) “…was totally false.”
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The President’s decision to delay implementing a new 10 percent tariff on a range of items from China likely spares Krewe members increased prices on beads.

The tariffs were set to take effect on September 15^th, but that sparked fears Christmas shoppers could have sticker shock. December 15^th is the new date, and Beads by the Dozen president Dan Kelly says…

Cut 6 (10) “…imposed”

Kelly says a ten percent tariff would have translated to about a seven percent increase on retail prices for customers. That can really add up for big throwers…

Cut 7 (10) “…merchandise”

If the tariff schedule had not changed, a majority of the beads available for retail would have been slapped with the increases.

Cut 8 (10) “…fifteen”

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Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of Hurricane Camille’s devastating landfall along the Mississippi coast in 1969. Before Hurricane Katrina, Camille was the Gulf Coast’s defining storm. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Camile certainly had Katrina beat in terms of hurricane-force winds

Cut 9 (09) “…per hour.”

Camile formed in the Caribbean just south of Cuba before heading to the north-central Gulf Coast.

Keim says the impact was so devastating that it led to the creation of the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which categorized hurricanes in a way regular people could understand.

Cut 10 (09) “…told”

The system is one of only four Cat 5s to make landfall, those being the Labor Day Hurricane of 35’, Camile in 69’, Andrew in 92’, and Michael last year.

Camille had a limited impact on Louisiana outside of the far eastern coastlines due to it’s unusually small size, but Keim says it was still a memorable event for those in the way…

Cut 11 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Camille is thought to be responsible for 259 deaths, and 9.7 billion dollars’ worth of damage adjusted for inflation. It cut a swath from the coast all the way up to Virginia where it dumped 31 inches of rain.

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Cops are stepping up patrols to get impaired drivers off the road with the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national law enforcement campaign.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says you can expect to see more officers doing their part to combat drunk and drug-impaired drivers between now and Labor Day.

Cut 12 (07) “…for road users.”

Recent stats indicate 376 people died in traffic crashes around the country during the Labor Day holiday.  Freeman says efforts to curtail inebriated drivers in the bayou state are making an impact.

Cut 13 (07) “…numbers at bay.”

Freeman says between cabs, rideshare services, and designated drivers, there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel if you’ve had anything that could impair your driving.  Beyond the risk of hurting yourself or others, there will be legal ramifications.

Cut 14 (09) “…are beefed up.”

The Louisiana Bond Commission gives approval to a 450-million dollar plan to upgrade the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The investigation into alleged repeated misuse of funds by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson ends without action being taken. Matt Doyle spoke with the former Colonel’s attorney…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Former Lake Charles Police officer Robert Hammac has pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom to using excessive force during a police chase in 2017. U-S Attorney David Joseph says when the chase ended, Hammac ran to the front passenger door and grabbed the defendant

Cut 3 (09) “…additional times”

Joseph says the victim was not resisting in any way or posing a threat. He says the Department of Justice supports police officers, but Hammac’s actions betray the badge and the public’s trust

Cut 4 (09) “…in general”

Hammac will be sentenced in November and Joseph says the 45-year-old faces up to ten years in prison

Cut 5 (09) “…accountable”

Hammac pleaded guilty to a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

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The State Bond Commission has approved a 450-million dollar financing plan to pay for renovations to the 44-year-old Superdome. The state will spend 90-million dollars on the project, the Superdome Commission 210-million dollars and the Saints will put up the rest. Saints President Dennis Lauscha

Cut 6 (08) “…150-million”

Renovations will begin after this football season and take four years. Lauscha says the planned improvements will benefit the fan, expanded concourses, more concession stands and replacing the ramps with escalators and elevators….

Cut 7 (08) “…be comfortable”

Superdome Commission Chairman Doug Thornton says these renovations are designed to improve an iconic facility…

Cut 8 (12) “…annual basis”

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Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.  Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says despite the fact that some of the accusations date back to when 56-year-old Strain was 17, there is no statute of limitations.

Cut 9 (08) “…enough timely brought.”

The most recent accusations are fifteen years old.  Ciolino says the centerpiece of the defense will likely be the age of the charges as well as putting the criminal background of one of the accusers on trial.

Cut 10 (10) “…are four victims.”

Ciolino expects Strains’ legal defense to also lean on his years of public service.

Ciolino says at this point the trial moves into discovery as the defense tries to get a hold of police reports and evidence.

Cut 11 (08) “…perhaps psychological experts.”

The allegations carry up to a mandatory life sentence.

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Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure.

A Legislative auditor’s report detailed a department funded “side trip” to Las Vegas for troopers, Edmonson living rent-free at the state police compound, and other violations.  Edmonson Attorney Gray Sexton spoke with LRN about the decision.

Cut 12 (08) “…report”

According to the report the long-time Superintendent was also having his vehicles repaired by state workers.

Edmonson left State Police two years ago after coming under fire for the audit’s findings. Sexton says any actions his client did take did not meet the threshold of an ethics violation.

Cut 13 (12) “inquiry”

Current State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves agreed with the findings of the Auditor’s report two years ago when it was released.

Sexton says if his client had violated any ethics laws during his tenure, he’s confident that the Louisiana government or the feds would have pursued charges.

Cut 14 (12) “…misconduct”‘

Edmondson served from 2008-2017.