06:30 Newscast, July 19th, 2017

As the race for State Treasurer is underway, now might be a good time to start the conversation about eliminating the position for good. That’s according Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics.com, who says this is the first time in 17 years there has been an open race for the seat.:
Cut 7 (10) “state government”
Alford says there are currently 16 states that don’t elect their state treasurer.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expressed his frustrations over the barrier between lanes of I-12 at a FAST Act hearing in Washington. Graves says the barrier seemed to contribute to flooding in communities north of I-12 in Livingston Parish….:
Cut 10 (07) “makes sense”
It’s been nearly a year since the August flood, yet nothing has been done to address the issue.

NOLA Brewing Company and Tulane Athletics teamed up to launch the new Green Wave Beer. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will appear on his statewide radio show, “Ask the Governor” beginning at 2pm.

18:30 Newscast July 18

The Environmental Defense Fund is suing the feds over the extended red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico. Director of the Gulf of Mexico Oceans Program, Robert Jones, says the longer season causes concern for more than 7 million pounds of overfishing.

Cut 11 (09) “favorite restaurant”

Jones says his hope is to get rid of fixed seasons because they are of no benefit to the anglers.

Readers of Travel + Leisure have named New Orleans the number four city in the US. Kristian Sonnier with the New Orleans CVB says New Orleans is always changing, giving visitors something new to see on each trip. He says the restaurant boom has been huge, and new hotels are popping up and transforming whole neighborhoods.

Cut 4 (09) “to come visit”

LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux has been named the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A Ouachita Parish man is facing multiple drug charges after police say he hid marijuana in a milkshake. Authorities say 31-year-old Daniel Sadler was pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. That’s when officers found suspected methamphetamine in his wallet, multiple beer cans under the seat, and a pill bottle full of pot in a frosty.

 

17:30 Newscast July 18

A Morning Consult poll finds Governor John Bel Edwards has a 58-percent approval rating. Southern Media and Opinion Research Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards was in the 60-percentage rage in the fall of last year, and depending on the future economy here that could end up happening for the governor again.

Cut 14 (09) “the 60s”

A Louisiana fisherman’s group says its ridiculous environmental organizations filed a lawsuit over the extended red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico. The suit claims the additional fishing time puts red snapper recovery at risk. But David Cresson of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana says suing is what these groups do.

Cut 9 (10) “recreational anglers”

A Baton Rouge man turned himself into police after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend. 52-year-old Robert Antoine is accused of shooting 41-year-old Monique Maxie, who later died because of her injuries. Police believe Antoine fired multiple shots at two people, and Maxie was struck exiting a car. The suspect faces charges of second degree murder, attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery and illegal use of a weapon.

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation names LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana. Breaux just completed her 40th season in 2017. She says being recognized by people outside of gymnastics means a lot.

Cut 6 (07) “body of work”

LSU finished as the NCAA National Runner-up for the 2nd straight year this past season.

16:30 Newscast July 18

A national poll from morning Consult finds the governor’s approval rating is up to 58 percent. Baton Rouge pollster Bernie Pinsonat says being in the upper 50s is good for any governor, but especially a Democrat in a red state.

Cut 13 (08) “budget problem”

Edwards’ approval rating was at 54 percent in May.

New Orleans has been named the number four city in the US by readers of Travel +Leisure. Kristian Sonnier with the New Orleans CVB says the magazine ranked cities based on six categories, including culture, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. He says the Big Easy stood out in some key areas.

Cut 3 (10) “six categories”

Sonnier says the CVB works around the clock to ensure New Orleans remains at the top of these rankings.

Environmental groups are suing over the extended red snapper season for fear overfishing could hurt the snapper population. But David Cresson with the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana says the notion that Louisiana would mismanage this opportunity was ridiculous.

Cut 10 (08) “out of stock”

Cresson says at the rate Louisiana is going, anglers will be able to catch snapper without overfishing the state’s quota.

LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux has been named the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. LSU Gymnastics is known for having a ton of fan interest. Breaux says the school does a great job at branding the sport.

Cut 8 (13) “Tiger fans”

15:30 Newscast July 18

Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating is up to 58 percent, according to a national poll by Morning Consult. Baton Rouge pollster Bernie Pinsonat says even though Edwards saw a drop in his favorability in the spring that appears to be leveling off.

Cut 15 (08) “right now”

Edwards’ approval rating was at 54 percent in May.

Readers of Travel + Leisure ranked New Orleans the number four city in the US. Kristian Sonnier with the New Orleans CVB says hey work around the clock to ensure the Big Easy continues to top these lists, and he hopes this recognition will attract more visitors to the city.

Cut 5 (11) “in those rankings”

The Environmental Defense Fund is suing the Trump Administration for extending the red snapper season. Director of the Gulf of Mexico Oceans program, Robert Jones, says his hope is to get rid of fixed seasons because they do not benefit anglers. He says this suit is a catalyst for change towards more flexible access.

Cut 12 (11) “management failure”

The group fears overfishing will hurt the snapper population, but opponents say that shouldn’t be a problem.

Another court hearing has been set for a Shreveport man accused of killing a police officer. Grover Cannon is accused of shooting Officer Thomas LaValley six times in 2015. The 29-year-old had a hearing with a judge today, and another is set for August 24. His trail is slated to begin in April of 2018.

14:30 Newscast July 18,2017

A Morning Consult poll finds Governor John Bel Edwards has a 58-percent approval rating. Southern Media and Opinion Research Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards was in the 60-percentage rage in the fall of last year and depending on the future economy here, that could end up happening for the governor again.
Cut 14 (09) “the 60s”

A Baton Rouge man has turned himself into police for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend. 52-year-old Robert Antoine allegedly shot 41-year-old Monique Maxie early on Saturday morning. Maxie died on Sunday after being transported to a local hospital. Police believe Anotine fired multiple shots at two people and Maxie was struck exiting a car. Antoine faces charges of second degree murder, attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery and illegal use of a weapon.

 

LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux has been named the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Michelle Southern reports.
Cut 2 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Readers of Travel + Leisure have named New Orleans the number four city in the US. Kristian Sonnier with the New Orleans CVB says the restaurant boom has been huge, and new hotels are popping up and transforming whole neighborhoods.
Cut 4 (09) “to come visit”

13:30 Newscast, July 18th, 2017

A new national poll by Morning Consult finds Governor John Bel Edwards has a 58-percent approval rating. Southern Media and Opinion research had Edwards at 54% in May, and pollster Bernie Pinsonat says being in the mid to upper 50s is good for any governor, especially a Democrat in Louisiana…:
Cut 13 (08) “budget problem”
Pinsonat says Edwards was in the 60-percentage range in the fall of last year, and depending on the future of the economy here, that could end up happening for the governor again.

Today Edwards, along with a bipartisan group of governors, issued a statement recommending a bipartisan approach to improving the nation’s health care system that engages governors across the United States in the process. It indicates that they feel it’s critically important that governors are brought to the table to provide input, and that they stand ready to work with lawmakers in an open, bipartisan way to provide better insurance for all Americans.

A recreational fisherman’s group in Louisiana calls the lawsuit filed by two environmental organizations over the extended red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico ridiculous. The suit claims the additional fishing time puts red snapper recovery at risk. But David Cresson of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana says suing is what these groups do:
CUT 9 (10) “recreational anglers”
One of the groups filing the lawsuit says the expanded season causes concern for 7.4 million pounds of overfishing.

LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux has been named the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Breaux just completed her 40th season in 2017, and credits her success in her tenure to a great staff and dedicated student athletes…:
Cut 7 (08) “to do that”

 

 

12:30 Newscast, July 18th, 2017

Two environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the federal government for changing the red snapper fishing season. Robert Jones with the Environmental Defense Fund says the expanded season which runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through September 4th causes concern for 7.4 million pounds of over fishing…:
Cut 9 (10) “grocery store”
Congressman Garret Graves calls the lawsuit an attempt to prevent fishing in the Sportsman’s Paradise and to protect a sweetheart deal for a select few.

Louisiana’s military bases will see tremendous benefits from the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the US House. That’s according to Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham, who says the bill gives military men and women a 2.4 percent pay increase, and supports maintenance and development of the tactical aviation squadron…:
Cut 12 (08) “in the future”

A new national ranking of sitting governors puts Governor John Bel Edwards in the top 20 with 58 percent approval rating. Morning Consult uses responses from about 200,000 registered voters surveyed between April 1st and July 10th.

Readers of Travel + Leisure magazine named New Orleans the number four city in the US. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 

11:30 Newscast, July 18th, 2017

LSU head gymnastics coach DD Breaux has been named the Most Outstanding Coach in Louisiana by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Also the Dean of Southeastern Conference Coaches, Breaux just completed her 40th season in 2017, which was the Tigers most dominant in school history. Breaux says being recognized by people outside of gymnastics means a lot:
CUT 6 (07) “total body of work”
Breaux was named to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in June.

New Orleans has been named the number four city in the US by readers of Travel +Leisure Magazine. Kristian Sonnier with the New Orleans CVB says cities were ranked based on six categories, including culture, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. He says the Big Easy stood out in some key areas…:
Cut 3 (10) “six categories”

Governor John Bel Edwards has launched a new program called Constituent Services on the Geaux to give Louisiana residents a chance to meet face to face with someone from the office to answer questions. Deputy Chief of Staff Johnny Anderson says they want to offer assistance with questions regarding state agencies on the ground level…:
CUT 26 (08) “those concerns”
Meetings are being held in St. Landry and St. Martin Parish today, then the office heads to St. Tammany and Washington Parishes August 15th.

The 4th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is Don. The tropical storm is just north of South America and is expected to head on a westerly path that will keep it far from the United States. As of this morning, Tropical Storm Don had maximum sustained winds near 50 mph with higher gusts.

 

09:30 Newscast, July 18th, 2017

Louisiana’s military bases will see tremendous benefits from the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the US House. That’s according to Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham, who says the bill would increase the size of each branch, and many of the new troops will train at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk. He says it also gives military men and women a 2.4 percent pay increase…:
Cut 11 (11) “care of them”

According to a recent study, sleep deprivation is costing Americans billions. Dr. Jake Rodi with Ochsner says people are more sleep deprived than ever. He advises turning on the nighttime setting on your phone to turn off the blue light and putting down electronics an hour before bedtime…:
Cut 14 (12) “go to sleep”

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is supposed to be a big one this year and is expected to peak in the end of July and early August..:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”