LSU hosts the first gubernatorial debate of the governor’s race tonight at 7PM. Brooke Thorington has a preview…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Thorington”

_______________________________

Louisiana’s legal climate is ranked second-worst in the state according to new research. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

________________________

Politicians are attempting to reach voters by phone, but they aren’t placing calls. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________

The three major candidates for Governor will square off tonight at LSU for the first gubernatorial debate of the race.

Governor Edwards hopes to hold on as the southeast’s only Democratic governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a recent poll shows he’s in a strong position to avoid a run-off, so…

Cut 4 (09) “…him”

The debate starts at 7 pm at LSU’s Student Union Theatre, and all guests must register ahead of time to reserve a seat.

Republicans Congressman Abraham and Eddie Rispone hope to dent the governor’s incumbent armor and force a November run-off. Pinsonat says more so than Edwards, these two need to shine.

Cut 5 (10) “…themselves.”

Pinsonat’s recent poll shows Rispone in third place at 16 percent, with Abraham at 24 percent, and Edwards at 47 percent. 14 percent remain undecided.

Rispone has begun attacking Abraham on TV over missed Congressional votes and comments about the President. Pinsonat says it’ll be fascinating to see if he does it in front of a crowd, because…

Cut 6 (06) “…damage”

The next debate will be held at the Press Club on Monday.

____________________

According to the 2019 Lawsuit Climate Survey, Louisiana ranks second-worst in the nation in the eyes of business owners.  The study was released by the US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform and COO Harold Kim says there are two contributing factors that put the state is such poor rankings.

Cut 7 (11) “…culture of litigation.” 

Kim says the results are important as many business decisions made by companies can hinge on the litigious environments.

Cut 8 (09) “…under complete assault.”

Kim says the environment is impacting insurance rates, adding the state needs to send a message to businesses that Louisiana is moving toward an environment not steered by trial lawyers.

Cut 9 (10)  “…consistency and dependability.”

_______________________

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise rallied with other three other congressmen and shooting survivors to push back against a Democratic effort in the House to pass gun control in the upcoming session.

Scalise says Democrats are politicizing mass shooting tragedies and grandstanding with their recent gun control offerings and should adopt a different tactic instead.

Cut 10 (07) “…pray.”

The rally was put on by the Tea Party Patriots.

The whip pointed to recent comments by Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke, who called for the mandatory buy-back of all assault weapons, as an example of the party’s extreme views.

Cut 11 (11) “…agenda.” 

House Democrats passed a gun control law that expands background checks and prohibits the transfer of weapons in certain person to person transactions. Scalise says they’re pointless.

Cut 12 (11) “…a friend.”

______________________________

As the election season heats up, candidates are looking for more ways to get their messages to potential voters.  Sending text messages to voters’ cell phones appears to be the medium of choice in getting to constituents. LSU Manship School of Mass Comm Professor Bob Mann says, don’t be surprised if these messages start burning through your phone battery.

Cut 13 (09) “…ruins text messages.”

Politicians get phone number lists from third-party vendors.  Mann says texting is a quick way to get a message in front of someone at a glance.

Cut 14 (10) “…to do that.” 

Mann says if the messages become overwhelming, the technology is available in various smartphones to block and report the messages.

Cut 15 (12) “…way around it.”

________________________

The Tiger’s blazing hot offense rolls into Nashville Saturday to take on Vanderbilt for the team’s first SEC matchup of the season.

Commodores coach Derek Mason has yet to coach against LSU since his 2014 hire, but he’s watched tape on the team and can tell this year’s Tigers are different.

Cut 16  (15) “…way around”   

LSU is 22-1-7 in the series dating back to 1902 and won the two team’s last matchup 27-3 in 2010.

Mason had high praise for Heisman candidate, QB Joe Burrow. He compared the senior to one of Louisiana’s most beloved sports icons.

cut 17 (18) “…Brees” 

Vandy let Purdue pass for 420 yards in their last game.

Vanderbilt is 0-2 on the year after being crushed by Georgia to start the year and dropping a 42-24 game to Purdue two weeks ago. Mason says he won’t let the rough start keep them down.

Cut 18 (21) “to win” 

___________________________________________

cut 19 (19)   “eye discipline.”   

cut 20 (13) “plays out 

Clay Higgins is the first Republican from Louisiana’s House delegation to give an endorsement in the governor’s race. Higgins is backing fellow Congressman Ralph Abraham. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the endorsement comes after Republican candidate Eddie Rispone attacked Abraham in a campaign ad…

Cut 3 (08) “…towards other Republicans.”

The Republican Party has previously request there be no interparty attack ads.

With Saints hero and QB Drew Brees out for the next six weeks or so after injuring his hand the team says they’ll turn to a 2 quarterback system featuring both Taysom Hill and Teddy Bridgewater. Sean Payton says fans shouldn’t feel uneasy about Bridgewater after Sunday’s performance…

Cut 11 (10) “…playing” 

_________________________________

Louisiana has the second-highest rate of women who were murdered by men in the country according to the Violence Policy Center. VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand says there were a shocking number of these murders in the Bayou State in 2017, which is the latest year for which data is available from the FBI.

Cut 6 (11) “…thousand.”

The national rate was 1.29 male on female murders per 100,000 in 2017.

Health experts issue a new set of science-based beverage recommendations for kids age 5 and under. Dr. Marie-Pierre St. Onge with the American Heart Association says in the first year of life, the recommendation is to not provide sugary beverages. St. Onge says half of all two-to-five-year-olds consume sugary beverages daily which can increase the risk of poor health outcomes.

Cut 13 (11) “…and proper growth.”

Ralph Abraham is the first gubernatorial candidate to receive an endorsement from a member of Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

As Saints QB Drew Brees is out for surgery his team is prepping for games without him. Head coach Sean Payton says he will not name a starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. That means we could see both Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill.

Cut 10 (07) “doing”

Louisiana has the second-highest rate of women who were murdered by men in the country according to the Violence Policy Center. VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand says Louisiana is just behind Alaska that tops the rankings at nearly 4 murders per 100,000, and the rest of the top ten is comprised of rural and southern states. Rand says there’s a number of factors at play.

Cut 8 (11) “…issue”

.

Health experts issue a new set of science-based beverage recommendations for kids age 5 and under.  Dr. Marie-Pierre St. Onge with the American Heart Association says in the first year of life, the recommendation is to not provide sugary beverages.  Instead, rely on breast milk or formula.

Cut 12 (07) “…to maintain hydration.”

A study shows Louisiana has the second-highest rate of male on female murder in the nation.

cut  2 (30) Matt Doyle”  

Saints QB Drew Brees is scheduled to have surgery today in Los Angeles and reports indicate the injury could take six weeks to fully heal, but Coach Sean Payton says any timeline is premature until after the procedure is done. That being said, it’s unlikely we’ll see Drew on the injured reserve list.

Cut 9 (05)  “optimistic”

Congressman Clay Higgins endorses Ralph Abraham in the governor’s race, citing concerns over a new anti-Abraham attack ad being aired by Republican contender Eddie Rispone. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Rispone may have gone too far.

Cut 4 (07) “…against Mr. Rispone.”

The election is October 12^th.

Health experts issue a new set of science-based beverage recommendations for kids age 5 and under. In the first year of life, the recommendation is to not provide sugary beverages.  Dr. Marie-Pierre St. Onge with the American Heart Association says there is no shortage of notable organizations throwing support behind the new recommendations.

Cut 14 (11) “…endorse these recommendations.”

Clay Higgins is the first Republican from Louisiana’s House delegation to give an endorsement in the governor’s race. Higgins is backing Congressman Ralph Abraham. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the endorsement could be the first of several toward Abraham as a result of Eddie Rispone’s attack ad.  While Cross considers the ad a mistake for Rispone he doesn’t expect him to drop the race.

Cut 5 (09) “…bad money after good.”

Saints QB Drew Brees is set to have surgery on his throwing hand today in Los Angeles and many fans are concerned about seeing backup QB Teddy Bridgewater get extended snaps after the offense floundered against the Rams last Sunday. But Head coach Sean Payton says it was just one game.

Cut 11 (10) “…playing” 

The Saints play the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday.

Health experts issue a new set of science-based beverage recommendations for kids age 5 and under.  Dr. Marie-Pierre St. Onge with the American Heart Association says half of all two-to-five-year-olds consume sugary beverages daily which can increase the risk of poor health outcomes later in life.

Cut 13 (11) “…and proper growth.”

Louisiana has the second-highest rate of women who were murdered by men in the country according to the Violence Policy Center. The study shows 67 percent of the victims were shot, and over 90 percent of the women knew their killers. VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand says most of the murderers were husbands, ex-husbands, or boyfriends.

Cut 7 (11)“…problem” 

Ralph Abraham is the first gubernatorial candidate to receive an endorsement from a member of Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Moody’s Investors Service changes the state’s credit outlook from stable to positive, which could result in a rating upgrade in a year or two. Moody’s says that’s because there has been a significant improvement in the state’s financial position. The better the credit rating, the lower the interest rate when the state has to borrow money for roadwork and construction projects.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees undergoes surgery today to repair a torn ligament in his throwing hand. In a conference call with reporters, Coach Sean Payton did not name a starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against Seattle. It will be either Teddy Bridgewater or Taysom Hill…
cut 10 (07) “…doing”
Bridgewater filled in for Brees after he got hurt, but failed to get the Saints into the end zone.

Health experts issue a new set of science-based beverage recommendations for kids age 5 and under. Dr. Marie-Pierre St. Onge with the American Heart Association says in the first year of life, no sugary beverages. Instead, rely on breast milk or formula.
Cut 12 (07) “…to maintain hydration.”
St. Onge says half of all two-to-five-year-olds consume sugary beverages daily which can increase the risk of poor health outcomes later in life.

Louisiana has the second-highest rate of women who were murdered by men in the country according to the Violence Policy Center. VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand says there were a shocking number of these murders in the Bayou State in 2017, which is the latest year for which data is available from the FBI.

Cut 6 (11) “…thousand.”

The national rate was 1.29 male on female murders per 100,000 in 2017.

Congressman Clay Higgins endorses Ralph Abraham in the governor’s race, citing concerns over a new anti-Abraham attack ad being aired by Republican contender Eddie Rispone. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Rispone may have gone too far.

Cut 4 (07) “…against Mr. Rispone.”

Two television ads with conflicting perspectives on criminal justice reform are now on air from Governor Edwards and GOP challenger Eddie Rispone. Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Clay Higgins is the first Republican from Louisiana’s House delegation to make an endorsement in the governor’s race. Higgins is backing fellow Congressman Ralph Abraham. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the endorsement comes after Republican candidate Eddie Rispone attacked Abraham in a campaign ad…
cut 3 (08) “….other Republicans”
The Louisiana Republican Party issued a statement earlier this year urging candidates to refrain from in-party fighting.

Louisiana politicos are keeping a close eye on the legislative contests to see if Republicans can get a 70-seat supermajority in the House. LSU Assistant Professor of Political Communication Mike Henderson says Republicans have a solid opportunity to gain enough seats to override a governor’s veto.
Cut 14 (11) “…chance”

A new report indicates the energy savings sector saw solid growth in employment in Louisiana from 2017 to 2018…
voicer 1 (31) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Beauregard, Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes are under a flash flood watch until Thursday night as Tropical Depression Imelda moves into Texas. Eastern rain bands from Imelda could produce up to four inches through tomorrow night. The rest of south Louisiana will scattered thunderstorms today.

A new ad from Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone claims that Governor John Bel Edwards’ criminal justice reform plan has led to a 20-percent increase in murders. But a new Edwards ad features current and former law enforcement officials refuting what his campaign calls false attacks on Edwards’ public safety record…
cut 13 (10) “…above politics”

China purchases 67 million dollars’ worth of US soybeans and exempts the product from a new set of tariffs set to take effect this month as a sign of goodwill in ongoing trade negotiations. Louisiana Soybean Grain Research and Promotion Board Chairman Charles Canatella says it’s great news for one of the state’s biggest crops.

Cut 4 (11) “…back”

In exchange, the US will delay the onset of a new set of tariffs on China until October 15^th.

Employment in energy efficiency is up 6.3% from 2017 to 2018, much faster than the national average growth rate of 3.4%.  Policy Director at E for the Future Pat Stanton says those jobs range over various sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and services to track and lower energy consumption.

Cut 7 (09)“…lot of data.” 

More than 2,700 Louisiana businesses focus on energy efficiency.

Outside of the hotly contested governor’s race, Louisiana politicos are keeping a close eye on the legislative contests to see whether Republicans can get a 70-seat supermajority in the House. LSU Assistant Professor of Political Communication Mike Henderson says a supermajority is no guarantee of legislative success, but if Governor Edwards returns to office in 2020 then it’s their best bet to be able to pursue their agenda.

Cut 16  (08) “…governor”   

There are dueling commercials in the governor’s race that paints a different picture of the criminal justice reform initiatives pushed by Governor John Bel Edwards and approved by the state legislature. Republican challenger Eddie Rispone has an ad that says Louisiana is a hub of lawlessness and violent criminals are getting out of prison too early…
Cut 11 (10) “…Rispone for Governor.”
But an Edwards’ ad says accusations that his criminal justice reform legislation is bad for the state are not true and uses several law enforcement professionals to make the case.
Cut 12 (12) “…making Louisiana safer.”
The first televised debate featuring Edwards, Rispone and Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham is tomorrow night at 7:00 on Fox and NBC TV affiliates.

Research conducted by LSU Political Communication Professor Mike Henderson finds that there’s a chance Republicans can have a supermajority in the House if the election falls their way. Henderson says part of the equation is flipping five seats currently occupied by a Democrat or Independent…
cut 15 (12) “…elections”
Henderson says there are four district races in particular to watch, three of them are in the Baton Rouge area.

A report from E-Four-The Future and Environmental Entrepreneurs finds that the number of workers in the energy efficiency industry is up six-percent in Louisiana, which is higher than the national average of three percent. Policy Director at E for the future, Pat Stanton, says elected officials are doing their part too…
cut 8 (09) “…for low income”