A dramatic finish gives the Black and Gold their first season-opening win since 2013 as the Saints took down the Texans last night in the Dome 30-28. Sean Payton’s teams have started notoriously slowly in season openers, losing 48-40 last year to the Bucs, 29-19 against the Vikings in 2017, 35-34 against the Raiders in 2016, 31-19 to the Cardinals in 2015, and 37-34 to the Falcons in 2014. Kicker Wil Lutz’s boot broke the streak…

Cut 4 (09) “…turn down

It wasn’t without controversy as the Dome erupted after the refs erroneously started the clock at 26 seconds instead of 41 seconds when the original play was completed after reviewing a Mike Thomas first down catch. QB Drew Brees…

Cut 6 (11) “…closer”

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation say they have serious concerns about a series of gun control proposals that will be discussed in the upcoming Congressional session…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

New Iberia Police arrest a man in the shooting death of the son of an Iberia Parish School Board member. 21-year-old Trevonce Bernard is facing second-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage, and illegal use of a weapon related to the death of 17-year-old Garon Lewis on August 16^th.

Today is the statistical peak of the hurricane season, but it is a little soon to binge on your remaining storm snacks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

With Congress back in session following the summer recess, Democrats are pushing to pass legislation to expand background checks for gun purchases. Louisiana Republican Senator Clay Higgins says he wants to protect second amendment rights…
cut 13 (06) “…and the Senate”
Republican leaders say they will not pass any gun control bill without the blessing of President Trump.

Medical marijuana has been available in Louisiana for a little over a month and the program’s future is a major issue in the race for Agriculture Commissioner, the department in charge of regulation. Incumbent Ag Commissioner, Republican Mike Strain, says 10,000 vials have been produced under his department’s watch, and he expects the medical marijuana program to keep growing.
cut 7 (07) “…session”
Democratic challenger, Charlier Greer from Natchitoches Parish, says now that the product is available, the state needs to do more research…
cut 8 (09) “….forward”
Another Democratic challenger, Margee Green, wants to legalize the recreational use of marijuana….
cut 9 (07) “….to do”
The election is October 12th.

Life is good this morning for Saints fans after the team’s thrilling 30-28 win over the Texans to open the 2019 season. Wil Lutz booted a 58-yard field goal as time expired for the game-winning points. If New Orleans lost, fans would have pointed towards another mistake by the refs, when they failed to run 10 seconds off the clock at the appropriate time. Quarterback Drew Brees says it ended up costing them three points right before halftime..
cut 6 (11) “…closer”
Brees ended up throwing for 370 yards and two touchdowns.

Today is the statistical peak of the hurricane season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says don’t let your guard down…
cut 11 (11) “…traverse this area”
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical disturbance in the southwestern Atlantic that’s expected to move over the southern Florida Peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Forecasters are giving the tropical wave a low chance of developing.

Louisiana’s Republican House delegation say they are ready to contribute to the national discussion surrounding gun violence in the session. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

10 inmates from the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer are in the hospital this morning after they were hit by lightning while playing flag football at around 6 PM yesterday. Nine prisoners are in stable condition and one is in critical condition. The Department of Corrections says the lightning strike came without warning.

Wil Lutz’s career-long 58-yard field goal as time expired gave the Saints their first season-opening win since 2013. New Orleans was down 14-3 at halftime but rallied for a 30-28 win. The fourth-year pro nailed the game-winner after the offense led a last-second drive after Houston went ahead by one point in the last minute of the game….
cut 4 (09) “…turn down”
There were two lead changes in this game in the final minute.

Today marks the statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season as conditions are favorable for storm development. So far, there have been seven named storms and State Climatologist Barry Keim says the current rate of storm development is in line with NOAA’s latest forecast.
Cut 10 (07) “…right on target.”
So far, Hurricane Barry has been the only storm to impact Louisiana this season, but Keim says it’s too soon to let your guard down.

Congress has returned from its summer recess and the debate over gun control intensifies. Democratic leaders want expanded background checks for nearly all gun buyers. Louisiana Republican Congressman Mike Johnson says the ideas presented from the left so far, offer little hope of finding a bipartisan solution…
cut 15 (09) “…forward for everyone”
Johnson serves on the House Judiciary Committee that will oversee three Democrat-sponsored bills on the issue as early as today.

Medical marijuana is a key issue in the race for Agriculture Commissioner. Republican Incumbent Mike Strain is overseeing the regulation of medicinal pot and one of his Democratic challengers, Charlier Greer from Natchitoches Parish, says now that the product is available, the state needs to do more research…
cut 8 (09) “….forward”
Another Democratic challenger, Margee Green, wants to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

Who Dats woke up with a smile on their face this morning as the Black and Gold pulled out a 30-28 victory to open the season with a win for the first time since 2013. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

10 inmates playing flag football at David Wade Correctional Center in Homer are hospitalized this morning after they were struck by lightening last night at around 6 PM. The state Department of Corrections says the lightening strike came without warning as protocol calls for prison officials to clear the yard when potentially dangerous weather approaches. Nine prisoners are listed in stable condition, one in critical condition.

The national discussion over measures to stop gun violence heats up as lawmakers are back in Washington DC after the summer recess. Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says solutions need to be found that do not infringe on the second amendment rights of citizens.
Cut 13 (06) “…and the Senate.”
Democrats in the House are pushing legislation to limit access to high capacity gun magazines and prevent a person convicted of a hate crime from buying a firearm.

Today is the statistical peak of the hurricane season. So far there have been seven named storms and if we get seven more that’s right in the middle of NOAA’s projection. Hurricane Rita and Juan are big storms that hit Louisiana in the second half of the hurricane season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana has not experienced a hurricane landfall after October…
cut 12 (10) “…news for us”

What a way to kick-off the season for the Black and Gold as the Saints topped the Texans 30-28 in a game that saw two lead changes in the final minute. New Orleans won it on Will Lutz’s 58-yard field goal with no time left. Lutz missed a 56-yard field goal at the end of the first half and was glad to have another chance…
cut 5 (10) “…for me”
The Saints will now look to avenge last year’s loss in the NFC Championship game when they travel to face the Los Angeles Rams.

Members of Congress are back in Washington D-C and Democrats are making a push for more gun control legislation. Louisiana Republican Congressman Clay Higgins says making religion more of a priority is a better solution…
cut 14 (08) “…Satan showed up”

Medical marijuana has been available in Louisiana for a little over a month and the program’s future is a major issue in the race for Agriculture Commissioner, the department in charge of regulation.

Incumbent Ag Commissioner, Republican Mike Strain, says 10,000 vials of the product have been created under his department’s watch, and he expects the program to continue to grow…
Cut 7 (07)“..session”
New Orleans Democrat Margee Green says medical legalization isn’t enough, and the state’s goal should be the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Cut 9 (07) “…to do”
Evangeline Parish Democrat Charlie Greer criticized Strain for the slow roll out of medical marijuana.

The Saints win a 30-28 nailbiter to open the season with a win for the first time in six years. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

Today is the statistical peak of hurricane season, but it is a little soon to binge on your remaining storm snacks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

________________________

Lawmakers from Louisiana say they are ready to contribute to the national discussion surrounding gun violence in the session.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

________________________

Wil Lutz career-long 58-yard field goal gives the saints their first season-opening win since 2013.

The saints were down 14-3 at halftime but clawed their way back to a 30-28 win with Lutz’s last-second kick. The fourth-year pro nailed the game-winner after the offense lead a last-second drive after Houston went ahead by one in the last minute of the game.

Cut 4 (09) “…turn down”

Houston grabbed the last-minute lead after marching 75 yards in just two plays with only 50 seconds on the clock. Texans QB DeSean Watson ended with 268 yards passing, while his superstar receiver DeAndre Hopkins nuked the Saints secondary for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

The Saints offense looked abysmal to start the game, and the defense began to crumble after a Drew Brees red zone interception late in the first quarter. Lutz says they didn’t panic and knew if they could close the gap in the second half the game would be theirs.

Cut 5 (10) “…for me”

It was yet another Saints game marred by officiating controversy that could have cost the Black and Gold the game. The team was erroneously docked 10 seconds at the near end of the first half on an officiating review. QB Drew Brees says it’s unacceptable.

Cut 6 (11) “…closer”

Brees ended the game with 370 yards and two tds, but looked questionable in the first half.

_____________________

Medical marijuana has been legal for a little over a month and the program’s future is set to be a major issue in the race for Agriculture Commissioner, the department in charge of regulation.

Incumbent Agriculture Commissioner, Republican Mike Strain says 10,000 vials of the product have been created under his department’s watch, and he expects the program to continue to grow…

Cut 7 (07)“..session” 

Strain adds the program will soon see it’s production capabilities expand when Southern opens it’s growing facility in the near future.

Evangeline Parish Democrat Charlie Greer has criticized what he called the Ag Department’s slow rollout of the product, but he says now that the product is out the state needs to make sure it’s effective.

Cut 8 (09) “forward ”

New Orleans Democrat Margee Green says medical legalization isn’t enough, and the state’s goal should be the full legalization of recreational marijuana.

Cut 9 (07) “…to do”

She adds recreational legalization should also create a pathway to the expungement of non-violent petty drug offenses.

_____________________________

Today marks the statistical peak for the Atlantic hurricane season as conditions are favorable for storm development.  So far, there have been seven named storms and State Climatologist Barry Keim says the current rate of storm development is in line with NOAA’s August forecast.

Cut 10 (07) “…right on target.”

So far, Hurricane Barry has been the only storm to impact Louisiana this season, but Keim says it’s too soon to let your guard down.

Cut 11 (11) “…traverse this area.” 

While hurricane season may not conclude until the end of November, Keim says Louisiana has not experienced a hurricane landfall after October.

Cut 12 (10) “…news for us.”
______________________________

The national discussion over measures to stop gun violence heats up as lawmakers are heading back into session in DC.  Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says solutions need to be found that do not infringe on second amendment rights of citizens.

Cut 13 (06) “…and the Senate.”

Higgins says there is no amount of gun regulation changes that would have prevented much of the recent gun violence, but it is a shift in culture that is needed.

cut 14 (08) “…Satan showed up.” 

North Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson serves on the House Judiciary Committee that will oversee three Democrat bills on the issue as early as today.  Johnson says the biggest hurdle facing lawmakers is finding a reasonable middle ground, as he says many of the ideas presented from the left offer false hope.

Cut 15 (09) “…forward for everyone.”

State Police say an 87-year-old Winnsboro man riding a lawnmower on the road was killed when he was hit by a pick-up truck. Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says 87-year-old Elmer Jennings was driving a zero-turn style lawn mower on U-S Highway 425 at a slow rate of speed Sunday morning…

Cut 3 (05) “…the rear.”

Routine toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis and the crash is under investigation.
For the second straight week, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has been named SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Burrow threw for a career-high 471 yards and four touchdowns in the 45-38 win over Texas. Coach Ed Orgeron is glad Burrow is leading his offense

Cut 12 (12) “…of success”

LSU hosts Northwestern State with a 6:30 kickoff Saturday night.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is taking part in a nationwide research project that seeks to dig down to the molecular level to find out why exercise provides health benefits. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science at Pennington Dr. Eric Ravussin says they’ll be creating a comprehensive molecular map of what happens when people exercise, and how it impacts health.
Cut 9 (08)  “..Mechanisms.”
The study will feature 1,980 participants across the US at 11 different sites.

Governor Edwards met with equal pay advocates this morning to brainstorm solutions to reduce the largest gender pay gap in the nation. Edwards says in the Bayou State the average pay disparity is 69-cents to every dollar and adds the majority of the voters in Louisiana are for equal pay and want the legislature to pass legislation.

Cut 6 (07) “…in the country”

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center wants to dig down to the molecular level to find out why exercise provides health benefits. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science at Pennington Dr. Eric Ravussin says it will take years to get enough information to begin cracking the code, but it’s crucial they find out…

Cut 10 (10) “…beneficial.”

The doctor adds that it could also help identify those who would not find much benefit in additional exercise.

LSU’s offense surprisingly carried the team in the 45-38 win over Texas, while the defense got shredded to the tune of 409 yards through the air. Coach Ed Orgeron says blame the team’s weak pass rush.

Cut 13 (09) “fix it”

LSU hosts Northwestern State this Saturday.

Governor Edwards met with equal pay advocates hoping to find solutions to reduce the largest gender pay gap in the nation. LSU Director of The Women’s Center, Office of Diversity, Summer Steib was one of the advocates and says many businesses are reluctant to increase pay for women claiming it will hurt their bottom line.

Cut 8 (12) “… larger economies

Edwards has supported legislation to close the gender gap in the state since taking office, but the Republican-controlled legislature has opposed the measure.

The deadline to register to vote is fast approaching in Louisiana if you’re looking to get your name on the list of approved voters for the October 12^th election you have until September 21^st to get it done. Officials recommend using the www-dot-Geaux-Vote-dot-com website to complete your registration online, or you can register in person at Parish Registrars of Voters, OMVs, public schools, colleges, and libraries. Early voting begins on September 28^th.

Governor Edwards is still trying to keep his campaign promise to reduce the gender pay gap in the state. So far his efforts have been defeated by pro-business groups and the legislature. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “..I’m Brooke Thorington”

____________________________________

Pennington Biomedical needs 350 adults to participate in a nationwide study that seeks to understand how exercise affects your health at a molecular level…

cut  2 (31) I’m Connor Ferrill”  

________________________________________

State Police say an 87-year-old Winnsboro man riding a lawnmower on the road was killed when he was hit by a pick-up truck. Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says 87-year-old Elmer Jennings was driving a zero-turn style lawn mower on U-S Highway 425 at a slow rate of speed Sunday morning…

Cut 3 (05) “…the rear.”

Jennings was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle has not been charged. Reichardt says it’s not legal to ride a lawnmower on a public road..

Cut 4 (09) “…your vehicle”

Reichardt says routine toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis and the crash is under investigation

Cut 5 (08) “…of morning”

_____________________________

Governor Edwards met with equal pay advocates this morning to brainstorm solutions to reduce the largest gender pay gap in the nation. Nationally, women make 79-cents for every dollar earned by a white male in the same job position. In the Bayou State the average is 69-cents to every dollar.

Edwards says the majority of the voters in Louisiana are for equal pay and want the legislature to answer to their constituents by passing legislation for equal pay.

Cut 6 (07) “…in the country”

The discrepancy for pay for among women of color is even worse, it’s 49-cents on the dollar.  Some argue that women take off more time from work due to maternity leave, therefore it justifies the pay gap.

Cut 7 (12) “…bad system”

LSU Director of Women’s Center Office of Diversity, Summer Steib, says many businesses are reluctant to increase pay for women claiming it will hurt their bottom line.

Cut 8 (12) “… larger economies

Edwards has supported legislation to close the gender gap in the state since taking office, but the Republican-controlled legislature has opposed the measure.  Edwards says he will continue to support equal pay.

_____________________

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is taking part in a nationwide research project that seeks to dig down to the molecular level to find out why exercise provides health benefits.

Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science at Pennington Dr. Eric Ravussin says they’ll be creating a comprehensive molecular map of what happens when people exercise, and how it impacts health.

Cut 9 (08)  “..Mechanisms.”

Ravussin says it will take years to get enough information to begin cracking the code, but once they do they may be able to tailor exercise regimens to each person’s unique body and genetics.

Cut 10 (10) “…beneficial.”

The doctor adds that it could also help identify those who would not find much benefit in additional exercise.

To pull this off they’ll need 300 adult volunteers who are sedentary but still in good health, and 50 highly active adults who focus on either endurance or resistance training.

Cut 11 (07) “…months.” 

The study will feature 1,980 participants across the US at 11 different sites.

_______________________

For the second straight week, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has been named SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Burrow threw for a career-high 471 yards and four touchdowns in the 45-38 win over Texas. Coach Ed Orgeron is glad Burrow is leading his offense

Cut 12 (12) “…of success”

LSU needed a big game from Burrow, because the Tigers defense had trouble stopping Texas. The Longhorns threw for 409 yards and Orgeron blames the lack of a consistent pass rush

Cut 13 (09) “fix it”

LSU hosts Northwestern State this Saturday. Orgeron says two starters on the D-Line are not expected to play because of injuries, Glen Logan and Rashard Lawrence. Coach O says that will give other guys a chance to play

Cut 14 (12) “…from Haynesville”