So far, we’ve done daily profiles on gubernatorial candidates Sharon Hewitt and Hunter Lundy. Today’s feature is Stephen Waguespack. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Corps of Engineers continues to work to mitigate saltwater intrusion into the Mississippi River that’s expected to impact water systems in southeast Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Residents across the Bayou State who normally don’t have a rat problem are now seeing rats in their homes due to drought conditions. Teiko Foxx explains.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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In the governor’s race, Republican Stephen Waguespack received the nod from the editorial board of the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. Waguespack says he’s the best choice because he can turn the tide for Louisiana.

Cut 4 (10) “…to live here.”

He says the state also needs an education reform advocate who puts families and parents first. The former Chief of Staff for Governor Bobby Jindal says he’s spent his career doing such and that he knows how to change the system to make sure students are adequately prepared for jobs.

Cut 5 (08) “…existing industries.”

Among his priorities, if elected, Waguespack says he’ll immediately call for a special legislative session to address the state’s insurance crisis. And the former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President says he wants to do an outside audit of every state agency…

Cut 6 (07) “…the taxpayer.”

Waguespack says he also plans to hire innovative, fresh, and cutting-edge minds from all over the country to run state agencies so Louisiana can compete with other states.

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To date, the Corps of Engineers says Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted by the increased salinity in the Mississippi River. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle…

Cut 7 (08) “…this issue.”

Tingle says plans are being implemented to curtail the issue and at this time there’s no reason to panic. He says unfortunately because of the low water conditions projected to remain on the Mississippi River, it’s expected to move upriver and impact the larger populations in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Cut 8 (12) “…those impacts.” 

Tingle says GOHSEP is working with all parties to rectify the issue and implement emergency plans should they be needed. For residents in the four parishes expected to be impacted, he encourages them to know who their local water supplier is and to visit emergency.la.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Cut 9 (08)  “…statewide information.”

GOHSEP recommends having one gallon per person for at least days, for drinking and sanitation. At this time only Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted by the saltwater intrusion.

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49-year-old Laura McLaughlin of Pitkin has been arrested in connection with the Rapides Parish wildfire on Highway 113 that spread into Vernon Parish. The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those who intentionally set wildfires. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says the cost has been tremendous.

Cut 10 (09) “…these wildfires.”

Highway 113 Fire, which McLaughlin is accused of setting is 95 percent under containment. Vandersteen says and Lions Camp Road Fire is 100 percent contained and the Tiger Island Fire is 84 percent contained.

Cut 11 (09) “…thousand acres.”

Anyone with information about the Tiger Island fire or any other arson-related wildfires is encouraged to call the Department of Ag, the State Fire Marshal, or local law enforcement. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says these wildfires placed many lives at risk and someone will be held liable.

Cut 12 (12) “…also lives.” 

To report an arsonist or any information concerning the Tiger Island Fire, Highway 113 Fire, and the Lions Camp Road Fire call 1-855-452-5323.

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The historic drought has many Louisianans smelling a rat. Dry conditions are forcing rats and mice into homes in search of food and water. LSU Ag Center Professor emeritus Dr. Claudette Reichel (Rye-cul) says the rodents have less access to food sources due to the drought.

Cut 13 (09) “…in buildings.”

More than 60 different diseases are transmitted by the furry rodents. Reichel says exposure to rat droppings can cause allergic reactions in people who are hypersensitive.

Cut 14 (09) “…and bookcases”

Reichel says traps, rodenticides, repellents, and predators are a few ways to remedy the rodent issue. She also suggests eliminating access to your home.

Cut 15 (09) “…small gap.”

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Saints quarterback Derek Carr has a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder and it’s possible he could play this Sunday against Tampa Bay. Coach Dennis Allen says the injury could have been much worse…

Cut 16 (16) “…goes on.”

Quarterback Jameis Winston would start against the Buccaneers if Carr can’t play, but Allen says they are not ruling Carr out yet…

Cut 17 (21) “…wait and see.”

The Saints are coming off a tough loss in Green Bay, blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. Coach Dennis Allen says it’s a difficult defeat but they have to respond in a positive fashion…

Cut 18 (21) “…of practice.”

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LSU ranks towards the bottom in several SEC defensive categories after four games. They are allowing 25 points a contest and 360 yards a game, which ranks 11th out of 14 teams. But Coach Brian Kelly believes once his players start doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, the defense will improve…

Cut 19 (19) “…do that.” 

Kelly is also calling on his players to do their job and not try to do their job, plus someone else’s.

Cut 20 (20) “…good defense.” 

A possible saltwater intrusion into the water supply of Louisianans in Orleans and Plaquemines Parishes has residents panic buying bottled water. Lieutenant General Russell Honore…

Cut 6 (08) “…south Louisiana.”

In addition to local water systems, Honore is worried the saltwater could corrode pipes at oil refineries along the Mississippi River.  The City of New Orleans has already declared a state of emergency.

The Powerball Jackpot for tonight’s drawing is worth $785 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says sales last week were up to $2 million across the state.

Cut 5 (10) “ …our time.”  

Annison says to be sure to check your ticket because even if you don’t win the jackpot there are multiple ways to win a cash prize.

it has a cash value of $367 million and it’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history…

Louisiana motorists are currently paying an average of about $3.36 a gallon for regular gasoline compared to $3.39 last month. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is down four cents from a week ago but higher than around this time last year.

Cut 9 (07) “…right now.” 

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a year ago was $3.12 a gallon. The average cost for regular gas in the nation today is $3.85.

State Police have arrested a man in the investigation of a fatal crash that happened Saturday on the Highway 11 Bridge in St. Tammany Parish. They say 54-year-old Hector Garcia of Slidell left a pickup truck and box trailer in the middle of the road and another car crashed into it killing that driver. Garcia is booked on negligent homicide charges.

People are beginning to panic buy water upon the news that drinking water in southeast Louisiana could be in peril due to saltwater intrusion of the Mississippi River. Lieutenant General Russell Honore is also worried the saltwater could corrode pipes at oil refineries along the river. He says you can bring in bottled water and you can bring in desalination units…

Cut 8 (11) “…conserve water.”

Saint quarterback Derek Carr sprained his AC joint in Sunday’s game in Green Bay and head coach Dennis Allen says the team dodged a bullet in terms of how significant the shoulder injury could have been. Carr will continue to be evaluated daily before a decision is made on his return. The Saints lost to the Packers 18-17. The Saints play Tampa Bay at home on Sunday.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is worth $785 million, with a cash value of $367 million. It’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. We asked Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery why we’ve had so many large jackpots recently. He says it’s all chance and they tend to come in cycles.

Cut 4 (11) “…the players.”

Tickets for tonight’s drawing must be purchased by 9 o’clock.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in the Bayou State dropped below $3.40 to $3.36 a gallon. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is down four cents from a week ago but higher than around this time last year.

Cut 9 (07) “…right now.” 

The average cost for regular gas in the nation today is $3.85.

With the saltwater intrusion expected to move up the Mississippi Rover residents are panic buying bottled water. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A juvenile was arrested after authorities linked him to making a bomb threat to Denham Springs Freshman High School on Friday. Authorities say the juvenile is charged with terrorizing, communicating false information of a planned bombing of school property, and intimidation and interference in the operation of schools. The juvenile was booked into the Florida Parish Juvenile Detention Center.

The current jackpot has been rolling over since July 22^nd making tonight’s Powerball Jackpot worth $785 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says it’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history…

Cut 3 (08) “…the drawing.”

The cash value of tonight’s drawing is $357 million and sales for this Powerball Jackpot in Louisiana through Sunday were close to $14 million.

The statewide average for regular gas in the Bayou State dropped below $3.40 to $3.36 a gallon. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman

Cut 11 (11) “…little further.”

GAS PRICES IN LLUISIANA ARAE DEOWN BY NEARLY FIOUR CENTS COMPARED TO LAST WEEK’S STATEWIDE AVERAGE FOR A GALLON OF REGULAR GAS AT $3.36. TEIKO FOX WITH THAT STORY..
:32 SEC “…FOX.”
DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST, MORE THAN 150 MILLION SPORTS BET WERE PLACED IN LOUISIANA, WHICH BROUGHT IN MORE THAN TWO MILLION DOLLARS IN TAX REVENUE FOR THE STATE. THE SPORTSBOOKS AROUND LOUISIANA DID EVEN BETTER. AND NOW WITH FOOTBALL SEASON UP AND RUNNING, THE AMOUNT OF SPORTS WAGGERING IS ONLY GOING TO GO HIGHER. LOUISIANA HAD 26 MILLION MORE WAGERS LAST MONTH THAN IN AUGUST OF LAST YEAR, MORE THAN A TWENTY PERCENT INCREASE.

SALES FOR THIS POWERBALL JACKPOT INLOUISIANA THROUGH SUNDAY WERE CLOSE TO 14-MILLION DOLLARS, AND IN THE LAST WEEK ALONE, SALES HAVE BEEN TWO MILLION DOLLARS. DUSTIN ANNISON WITH THE LOUISIANA LOTTERY…
:10 SEC “…TIME.”
ANNISON SAYS TO BE SUR AND CHECK YOUR TICKET EVEN IF YOU DON’T WIN THE JACKPOT. SO FAR I THIS POWERVALL JACKPOT RUN, THERE HAVE BEEN TWO 100-THOUSAND AND FIVE 50-THOSUAND DOLLAR WINNERS.
ACCORDING TO THE LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR’S OFFICE, SOME 181-MILLION DOLLARS IN RECENT REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS TO THE GOVERNORS OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY DIDN’T FOLLOW AGENCY RULES. A LACK OF DOCUMENTATION AND REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK OUTSIDE THE APPROVED SCOPE OF WORK WERE LISTED AS BEING AMONG THE PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, “GO-SEP” SAYS MOST OF THE ISSUES–ABOUT 131-MILLION DOLLARS WORTH–HAVE NOW BEEN RESOLVED.

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People are beginning to panic buy water after the announcement of the saltwater intrusion moving further north along the Mississippi River. Lieutenant General Russell Honore says the Corps of Engineers placed a submersible type of levee to block the intrusion. He says the initial attempt did not work, and they are adding more materials.

Cut 7 (11) “…Plaquemines Parish.” 

The state says there’s no need to hoard water at this time.

A juvenile was arrested Saturday evening after making a bomb threat to Denham Springs Freshman High School on Friday. Denham Springs police say the juvenile is charged with terrorizing, communicating false information of a planned bombing of school property and intimidation and interference in the operation of schools. The suspect was booked into the Florida Parish Juvenile Detention Center awaiting a court appearance.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.36. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman said the drop is due to both Louisiana being an oil-producing state and a lack of demand.

Cut 10 (12) “…below ninety.”

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a month ago was $3.39 and a year ago $3.12 a gallon.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is worth $785 million, with a cash value of $367 million. It’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. We asked Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery why we’ve had so many large jackpots recently. He says it’s all chance and they tend to come in cycles.

Cut 4 (11) “…the players.”

Tickets for tonight’s drawing must be purchased by 9 o’clock.

Residents in Plaquemines and Orleans Parishes are beginning to panic buy bottled water since the announcement of an anticipated saltwater intrusion into the Mississippi River was announced.  Lieutenant General Russell Honore says this could severely impact local water systems in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (09) “…south Louisiana.”

The City of New Orleans has already declared a state of emergency.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is worth $785 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says it has a cash value of $367 million and it’s the fourth largest jackpot in the game’s history…

Cut 3 (08) “…the drawing.”

Tickets must be purchased by 9 o’clock to be eligible for tonight’s drawing.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in the Bayou State dropped below $3.40 to $3.36 a gallon. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is down four cents from a week ago but higher than around this time last year.

Cut 9 (09) “…right now.” 

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a month ago was $3.39 and a year ago $3.12 a gallon in Louisiana. The national average for regular gas in the nation today is $3.85.

THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT IS SUFFERING FROM A LACK OF MANPOWER ON ITS POLICEFORCE AND LT. GOVERNOR BILLY NUNGESSER WANTS THE STATE TO HELP WORK OUTSECURITY ISSUES ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO MARDI GRAS PARADES. CONCERNS HAVE BEEN RAISED AFTER A 17-YEAR TEXAS RESIDENT WAS SHOT AND KILLED DURING ONE OF THE PARADES THIS YEAR. NUNGESSOR SAYS THE MAYOR IS LOOKING TO HIRE 60 ADDITIONALPOLICE OFFICERS…
:11 SEC “…ELECTED.”

L-S-U WON 34-31 OVER ARKANSAS SATURDAY NIGHT IN TIGER STADIUM IN A LAST SECOND FIELD GOAL. A WIN IS A WIN IS A WIN, BUT IT WAS A WIN THAT DROPPED THE TIGERS DOWN ONE SPOT IN THE LATEST A-P RANKINGS TO 13, JUST BELOW ALABAMA.L-S-U QUARTERBACK JAYDEN DANIELS SAYS GETTING THE RUNNING GAME INVOLVED IN THE SECOND HALF WAS THE KEY.
GEORGIA, MICHIGAN AND TEXAS–IN THAT ORDER–MAKE UP THE TOP 3 IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL.

FEDERAL AND STATE OFFICIALS ARE TRYING TO STOP SALTWATER FROM COMING UP THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND IMPACTING DRINKIING WATER IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA. JEANNE BURNS HAS THAT STORY..
:30 SEC “…BURNS.”
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS STARTING QUATERBACK DEREK CARR INJURED HIS SHOULDER IN THE THEIR QUARTER SUNDAY AFTERNOON BUT WAS ABLE TO RETURN WITH THE TEAM AFTER BEING CHECKED OUT AT A GREEN BAY HOSPITAL. JAMEIS WINSTON WAS UNDER CENTER WHEN THE GAME ENDED IN A ONE POINT WIN FOR THE PACKERS. BUT WINSTION SAYS THEY’LL BE READY FOR TAMPA BAY SUNDAY AT HOME..

ACCORDING TO PEOPLE WHO KNOW, THIS COULD VERY WELL BE AN EARLY R-S-V SEASON
FOR LOUISIANA. BUT, SAY HEALTH OFFICIALS, THIS YEAR THEY COULD HAVE SOMETHING
NEW IN THEIR TOOLBOX TO DEAL WITH RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS: A MONOCLONAL
ANTI-BODY TO PREVENT THE DISEASE IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND THEIR INFANTS, PEOPLE
OVER SIXTY AND YOUNG CHILDREN. R-S-V CAN BE A LIFE THREATENING EVENT FOR THOSE
WITH HEART CONDITIIONS OR CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE OR THE VERY YOUNG.

A LACK OF RAINFALL ACROSS THE MISSISPPI RIVER BASIN HAS LED TO LOW LEVELS ON THE
RIVER, ALLOWING SALTWATER TO MOVE UPSTREAM. IF SALTWATER DOES GET INTO
LOCAL WATER SYSTEMS, IT WOULD MAKE IT UNSAFE TO DRINK. THAT’S CAUSED NEW
ORLEANS RESIDENTS TO START BUY BOTTLED WATER. GOVERNOR JON BELL EDWARDS
SAYS THAT’S NOT NECESSARY…
:10 SEC “…HEARING.”

IT WAS A PAINFUL LOSS SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AS THEY
BLEW A 17-POINT LEAD AND LIMPED OUT OF GREEN BAY 18-17 LOOSERS. STARTING
QUARTERBACK DEREK CARR HURT HIS SHOULDER IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND JAMEIS
WINSTON COULDN’T PUT ANY POINTS ON THE BOARD. HEAD COACH DENNIS ALLEN…
::16 SEC “…ENOUGH.”
THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULURE AND FORESTRY AND THE LOUISIANA
FORESTRY ASSOCIATION ARE COMBINING TO OFFER 15-THOSUAND DOLLARS IN REWARDS FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE WILDFIRES THAT HAVE CLAIMED SEVERAL THOUSAND ACRES OF TIMBERLAND ACROSS LOUISIANA THE PAST FEW MONTHS. SEVERAL LAW ENFORCMENT AGENCIES ARE CONTINUING THEIR INVETIGATION INTO WHAT ARE BELEIVED TO BE CASES OF ARSON.