A state GOP operative says Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham may not be the only Republicans in the governor’s race in the near future…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

According to 24-7 sports, LSU’s 2020 recruiting class is ranked number one in the country after receiving a commitment from four-star Texas defensive end Alec Bryant. Bryant is at Shadow Creek High in Pearland, Texas and this past season he recorded 18 tackles for a loss and eight sacks as his team finished as a state runner-up in Class 5-A. LSU’s 2020 class features 11 commitments, four of them are defensive linemen.

It’s one of those weeks you don’t want to be caught without your umbrella as the state is bracing for the impact of rain throughout the week.   State Climatologist Barry Keim notes there is a slight to marginal risk for severe weather, especially tonight and into tomorrow morning that includes severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornados.

Cut 9 (11) “…state of Louisiana.″
A couple of inches of rain could fall in parts of the state through Wednesday, with as much as three inches possible in northeast Louisiana.

There’s less than 72 hours until a one million dollar Powerball ticket bought at the Ideal Mart in New Orleans expires, becoming one of the highest jackpots to ever have not been claimed in Louisiana. Lotto spokesperson Dustin Annison says the prize money will be recycled back into lotto accounts, and used in other promotions and jackpots…

Cut 6 (08) “…player promotions.”

There are currently two Republican challengers to Governor John Bel Edwards in this year’s governor’s race, but state GOP operative Scott Wilfong hopes there’s just one main GOP opponent facing Edwards when qualifying takes place in early August….
cut 15 (10) “…one candidate”
Wilfong appeared as a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster and he says there’s also a movement to get another candidate in the race as Eddie Rispone and Ralph Abraham’s fundraising lags behind Edwards.

It’s one of those weeks you don’t want to be caught without an umbrella as a wet weather pattern begins today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says heavy rainfall is possible today as the result of a front that has stalled along the coast.
Cut 7 (08) “…of weather really.”
A couple of inches of rain could fall in parts of the state through Wednesday, with as much as three inches possible in northeast Louisiana.

The state health department is urging doctors to be on the look out for measles cases in Louisiana. The C-D-C reports 101 cases of measles in 10 states, including Georgia and Texas. Assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter, says most people are vaccinated against the highly contagious infection, but the small population of people who are not, are at risk…
cut 12 (08) “…horrible complications”
Any suspected cases should be reported to the state’s Infectious Disease Hotline.

There’s less than 72 hours until a one million dollar Powerball ticket bought at the Ideal Mart in New Orleans expires, becoming one of the highest jackpots to go unclaimed in Louisiana. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says if you have the winning ticket from the August 25th drawing, high tail it to the capital city.
Cut 4 (06) “…Baton Rouge.”
Lotto players have a 180-day deadline to claim their prizes if they hold a winning ticket.

A state GOP operative is raising concerns about Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s fundraising performance as he challenges Democratic Incumbent John Bel Edwards in the 2019 governor’s race. Abraham report having 350-thousand dollars in the bank and Scott Wilfong said on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster that will not get the job done…
cut 14 (07) “…is huge”
Edwards reports having eight-point-four million dollars in the bank. A spokesperson for the Abraham campaign says they will have enough money to run a strong race.

Heavy rainfall is falling in parts of north Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says some parts of the state could see as much two inches of rain through Wednesday afternoon and there’s the potential for three inches in northeast Louisiana…
cut 8 (11) “…need to watch”

While the state hasn’t seen a case this year, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging doctors to be on the lookout for the measles. Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Joseph Kanter, says measles cases have been reported in areas as close as Georgia and Houston
`Cut 10 (10) “…the surrounding cases.”
He says over 96% of Louisiana kindergartners are up to date on their shots.

An unclaimed one-million dollar Powerball ticket sold in New Orleans is set to expire on Thursday. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says big winners usually don’t wait until the 180-day deadline before cashing in, but they had a similar case last year…
cut 5 (09) “…Thanksgiving company”
The unclaimed one-million dollar Powerball ticket is from the August 25th drawing and sold at the Ideal Mart in New Orleans.

State GOP operative Scott Wilfong says there is an effort to find a more competitive candidate to take on the governor in the October 12th primary. Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards is currently lapping his two Republican opponents in fundraising and name recognition…
Cut 13 (05) “…don’t know.”
Edwards’ two main republican challengers Eddie Rispone and Ralph Abraham failed to collect over a million dollars in donations combined in 2018, while the governor has eight-point-four million in the bank.

The Louisiana Department of Health is asking doctors to be on the alert for measles cases. Assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter, says the CDC has documented 101 cases in 10 states, including Georgia and Texas….
cut 11 (10) “…those cases down”
Kanter says the good news is that most Louisiana residents are vaccinated against measles.

A one million dollar winning lotto ticket sold in New Orleans from August is set to expire on Thursday. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A 41-year-old Prairieville woman is lucky to be alive after State Police say a suspected drunk driver hit her vehicle in Garyville on Monday morning causing it to erupt in flames. Cell phone video shows four good Samaritans dragging her out of the driver’s side door as flames shot out of the back of the car. Police say 22-year-old Richard Preston hit her vehicle and he’s been arrested.

There are currently two Republican challengers to Governor John Bel Edwards in this year’s governor’s race, but state GOP operative Scott Wilfong hopes there’s just one main GOP opponent to Edwards when qualifying takes place in early August….
cut 15 (10) “…one candidate”
Wilfong appeared as a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster and he says there’s also a movement to get another candidate in the race as Eddie Rispone and Ralph Abraham’s fundraising lags behind Edwards.

We’re seeing some strong thunderstorms across north Louisiana this morning as a wet pattern begins across the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a marginal risk of severe weather for a good portion of Louisiana today and tomorrow…
cut 9 (11) “…state of Louisiana”

The Louisiana Department of Health is on high alert for measles. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Meanwhile, state health officials are also encouraging Louisiana residents to take precautions from catching the flu as the carnival season begins to ramp up. The Louisiana Department of Health says flu activity has spiked in the state over the last week. Officials say a flu shot is your best defense against influenza.

A one million dollar winning lotto ticket sold in New Orleans from August is set to expire on Thursday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana Department of Health is on high alert for measles.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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A state GOP operative says Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham may not be the only Republicans in the governor’s race in the near future…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

There’s less than 72 hours until a one million dollar lottery ticket bought at the Ideal Mart in New Orleans expires, becoming one of the highest jackpots to ever have not been claimed in Louisiana. Lotto spokesperson Dustin Annison says if you have the winning ticket from the August 25^th drawing, high tail it to the capital city.

Cut 4 (06) “…Baton Rouge.”

Lotto players have a 180-day deadline to claim their prizes if they hold a winning ticket.

And it’s not the first time in the last twelve months someone has let the clock tick down on a life changing amount of money…

Cut 5 (08) “…remaining.”

There’s a procedure in place if that ticket is not claimed by someone by the 5PM Thursday deadline. Annison says it’ll be recycled back into lotto accounts, and used in other promotions and jackpots…

Cut 6 (08) “…player promotions.”

The winning number for the August 25^th drawing was 20-25-54-57-63 and the Powerball number was 08.

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It’s one of those weeks you don’t want to be caught without your umbrella as the state is bracing for the impact of rain throughout the week.   State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain is the result of a front that is stalled along the coast.

Cut 7 (08) “…of weather really.”

Keim says much of Louisiana could see three to five inches of rain over the next five of six days, with the heavier rain in the northeastern part of the state.

Cut 8 (11) “…need to watch.”

Keim notes there is a slight to marginal risk for severe weather, especially tonight and into tomorrow morning that includes severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornados.

Cut 9 (11) “…state of Louisiana.″

_________________________________

While the state hasn’t seen a case this year, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging doctors to be on the lookout for measles following an upswing of cases of the disease across the country.  Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Joseph Kanter, says cases have been spotted in areas as close as Houston and Georgia.

Cut 10 (10) “…the surrounding cases.”

Kanter says with cases in such close proximity to the state, LDH is on high alert.

Cut 11 (10) “…those cases down.”

Kanter says measles is one of the more contagious diseases out there and it can be spread just by breathing in the same room as someone very contagious.

Cut 12 (08) “…really horrible complications.”

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State GOP operative Scott Wilfong says he’s aware of efforts to find a more competitive candidate to take on the governor in the fall primary. Incumbent Governor and Democrat John Bel Edwards is currently lapping his two Republican opponents in fundraising and statewide name recognition, but that may not be the case for long…

Cut 13 (05) “…don’t know.”

Edwards is being challenged by two term GOP Congressman Ralph Abraham out of Richland Parish, and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone. Rispone has put five million dollars of his own money towards the campaign, but Wilfong says of more concern is Abraham’s remarkably low fundraising totals…

Cut 14 (07) “…is huge”

Edwards reported 8.4 million dollars on hand. Rispone reported raising 500,000, bringing his total to 5.5 million.

Wilfong says while the GOP field may grow more crowded, he hopes low performing candidates will drop out by qualifying in August, leaving the state GOP with one standard bearer to back.

Cut 15 (10) “…one candidate.”

Waitr is finding a new home in Downtown Lafayette and bringing with it 200 new jobs.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

An aide to Congressman Clay Higgins has been charged with pandering. Lafayette Parish Sheriff deputies say 47-year-old Jerod Prunty was one of eight arrested as part of an investigation looking into human sex trafficking and prostitution at massage parlors.

The legislative session is now on the horizon, and every year there are calls for the Louisiana film tax credit to be revoked and the 180 million to be deposited back into the general fund.  Louisiana Entertainment’s Chris Stelly hopes the legislature maintains the program, which he says supports thousands of jobs that pay 60-65 thousand on average…

Cut 4 (10) “…residents.″

The latest Governor’s race campaign finance numbers show Governor Edwards has eight-point-four million dollars in his bank account, while Eddie Rispone has five-point-five million and Ralph Abraham only has 350-thousand through the 2018 fundraising period. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says it doesn’t appear many Republicans are ready to get behind Abraham

Cut 7 (12) “…among Republicans”

Louisiana film tax credit advocates are celebrating box office receipts of the New Orleans shot comedy/horror slasher flick Happy Death Day 2U.

While the most film production jobs are in New Orleans, Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly says incentives have encouraged new studios to pop up statewide.

Cut 5 (11)“…Shreveport.”

Happy Death Day 2U has grossed $27 million with a budget of $9 million.

The latest campaign finance numbers show Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards has more money in his warchest than his two Republican challengers combined. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards is in a good position heading into the October 12th election…

Cut 6 (10) “…important financiers.”

Waitr is now a publicly traded company and recently released its preliminary earnings. CEO Chris Meaux says the focus of the company in the last five years has been on growth.

Cut 10 (13)“…in 2018.”

Waitr will relase full figures in March.

A 14-year-old has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his mother and a dog at a home in Vivian last night. KTBS-TV is reporting the victim, Annette Moore, is the juvenile’s mother. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says after the incident, the teenager stormed out of the house, and found transportation.

Cut 13 (10) “…locate him”

New fundraising totals are in for the 2019 governor’s race and Governor Edwards has more money than his two Republican challengers. (J.P. has more)

(Cut 1 :31 “ … I’m Jeff Palermo”)

A 75-year old Bossier woman has been arrested in connection with the death of her husband.  Sunday morning Bossier police were called a residence on Foxglove Drive and found 71-year old, Robert Walker unresponsive with a puncture wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife Betty Walker was arrested and has been charged with second degree murder. Bond is set at $250-thousand.

A 14-year old has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a woman and a dog at home in Vivian last night. KTBS is reporting the victim Annette Moore is the juvenile’s mother. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the incident began when the victim and the 12-year old were at home watching TV…

(Cut 12 :11 “…the dog”)

The dog’s condition is unknown at this time.

Louisiana-based food delivery service Waiter announces its creating 200 new jobs in downtown Lafayette with new offices. Waiter CEO Chris Meaux says the company he founded in Lake Charles continues to grow as they’ve are now servicing 624 cities and 85-hundred restaurants, which resulted in gross food sales of 279-million dollars….

Cut 11 (10) “…as Waitr’

Waiter is now a publicly traded company and will release a full earnings report next month.

The candidates in the governor’s race have submitted their campaign finance report for 2018 and it shows Governor John Bel Edwards with eight-four-million dollars in his account, while Republican challenger Eddie Rispone raised a half-a-million dollars and the other five-million dollars is his own money. GOP Congressman Ralph Abraham only has 350-thousand dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the poor fundraising totals by the two Republican candidates suggests Edwards is getting money from some GOP donors…
cut 8 (09) “…is weak”
The election is October 12th.

An aide to Congressman Clay Higgins has been charged with pandering. Lafayette Parish Sheriff deputies say 47-year-old Jerod Prunty was one of eight arrested as part of an investigation looking into human sex trafficking and prostitution at massage parlors.

Authorities arrested a 14-year-old today after he allegedly stabbed a woman and the family dog at a home in Vivian. Caddo Sheriff’s office spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the boy fled on a four-wheeler…
cut 14 (08) “….to authorities”
K-T-B-S says the victim is the mother of the suspect.

Waitr is expanding its operations in Acadiana, which means 200 new jobs and new offices in downtown Lafayette. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”