A head-to-head poll shows Governor Edwards besting either Eddie Rispone or Ralph Abraham in a potential run-off, but one political analyst says it’s far too early to start polling that hypothetical contest…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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Governor Edwards has suggested the closure of Bayou Steel in LaPlace may be tariff-related, but an LSU Economist says that’s highly unlikely. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
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The top ten matchup between the Gators and Tigers this weekend is sold out, so the only way to buy tickets in on the secondary market, where on average ticket price is $234 on StubHub. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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A Mason-Dixon poll shows Governor Edwards topping Eddie Rispone 51-43 and Ralph Abraham 53-38 percent in a potential post primary run-off.
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat warns it’s just too early to trust any run-off polling. He says given the poor track record of Louisiana governors in run-offs, Edwards should do all he can to avoid one.
Cut 4 (12) “…red state.”
No Louisiana Governor has won a run-off since the state adopted the jungle primary system in the 70s.
Pinsonat says the dynamics of the race will shift significantly in a run-off because national Republicans, smelling blood in the water, will pour cash into the state and attempt to paint Edwards as a liberal.
Cut 5 (09) “…Washington.”
President Trump is rallying Republicans in Lake Charles Friday, but Pinsonat says expect the Commander in Chief to take a much more active role in a hypothetical run-off.
Cut 6 (07) “…of him.”
The primary is set for this Saturday, and a potential run-off would be held November 16th.
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Governor Edwards’ suggestion that the closure of Bayou Steel in LaPlace may have been linked to the ongoing trade war as sparked controversy, and a fierce rebuttal from the Trump Administration.
LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says it’s unlikely the closure was tariff-related because the point of a tariff on imported steel is to protect companies from foreign competition, not to make things worse.
Cut 7 (08) “for them”
Scott points to the recent growth of Benteler Steel in Shreveport as a counter to the argument that the tariffs have hurt local steel plants.
The Bayou Steel announcement is another blow to the River Parishes that were already hit by the cancellation of a significant project by Wanhua Chemical. Scott says neither appear to be tariff-related.
Cut 8 (09) “externally”…
Bayou Steel imported scrap metal, specifical steel from China, but the Trump Administration says that import is not under the new tariffs.
But Scott says the steel tariffs are having another detrimental effect. He says the tariffs drive up the overall cost of steel, which may be the reason why a series of new chemical plants have yet to begin construction in Louisiana.
Cut 9 (11) “…pause”
Scott says there’s roughly 100 billion dollars of announced major construction projects that have yet to break ground in the state.
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Tickets are in high demand for the Top 10 matchup between the Florida Gators and the LSU Tigers. The game is sold out and the only way to get into Tiger Stadium is buy getting tickets from the secondary market. StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli says there are about 4400 tickets up for grabs on their website right now.
Cut 10 (06) “…$234 right now.”
The cheapest ticket to get in is still just over $100. Budelli says often the timing of a ticket purchase can affect how much someone has to fork over for seats.
Cut 11 (10) “…as Saturday approaches.”
Budelli says about 36% of the purchases are coming from Louisiana and 13% from Florida. But this is a game of national and international demand.
Cut 12 (08) “…to the game.”
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Accidental poisonings surpass car crashes as the number one cause of unintentional deaths in the state. The opioid crisis is the big contributing factor as opioid related deaths seen a steady incline over the last ten years. LSU Health New Orleans Medical Toxicologist Dr. James Diaz says the stats are alarming.
Cut 13 (06) “…vehicle accident deaths.”
Two out of three overdose deaths in the state are linked to opioids. Diaz says the problem is more prevalent throughout southeastern states.
Cut 14 (07) “…problem in Louisiana.”
While the opioid prescription rate has gone down in recent years, Diaz says the state is on the biggest distribution pathway in the south of imported drugs.
Cut 15 (08) “…right across I-10.”
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The hype is building for Saturday night’s showdown between 5th ranked LSU and 7th ranked Florida as the two teams are set to meet in Death Valley. In previous matchups between these two teams, there’s been a lot of talk on social media between the players, but Coach Ed Orgeron wants his guys focused on the task
Cut 16 (18) “ getting it done”
After back-to-back 11 AM kick offs for the Tigers, Orgeron expects the crowd will be fired up for a Saturday night kickoff in Death Valley
cut 17 (16) “…ready to go”
LSU enters the game with a 5-0 record and they lead the country averaging 55 points a game. But the two Power five schools they’ve faced, have a defense that’s ranked 104 or higher in the country. Florida will be the best defensive team they’ve faced, but Orgeron likes what his team can do on offense
Cut 18 (21) we’re ready”