The two Republican contenders in the governor’s race only have two months to show voters why they should make the run off. Matt Doyle has the story on how each positioned themselves at qualifying….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

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Chaos and confusion in Baton Rouge on Tuesday as a suspected shooting incident at the Burbank Walmart is now thought to be a false alarm. Kevin Barnhart has the situation.

Cut 2 (32 ) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is officially qualified to run for a fourth term and is up against a challenger with a self-funded million dollar war chest in Tim Temple. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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With the governor’s race officially on the two Republicans contenders say they’re ready to take the fight to Governor Edwards, in their own ways.

Congressman Ralph Abraham says the Governor has presided over substantial tax increases, and he’d begin unraveling those policies if he takes the Mansion…

Cut 4 (10) “…in the nation.”

The last time a governor cut taxes wholesale, healthcare and education received massive cuts to balance the books. Abraham says his tax cut proposals won’t have the same results Bobby Jindal’s did…

Cut 5 (11) “…assure you that.”

Abraham says his waste, fraud, and abuse target number one would be the Medicaid program, but he reiterated his support for Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone says Governor Edwards has been lax on illegal immigration, and the governor has stood by as large numbers of undocumented immigrants have come to the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana.”

Immigration law is almost entirely governed by the Feds, but Rispone says he would empower local authorities to more actively participate in immigration policing.

There are no sanctuary cities in Louisiana, but Rispone repeated his claim that New Orleans facilitates undocumented immigration. He says if the Crescent City refuses to cooperate with him on immigration…

Cut 7 (08) “start with”

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Governor John Bel Edwards message at qualifying was clear: a vote for me is a vote for further increases to education funding.

Edwards says the budget stability his administration provided has allowed the state to begin reinvesting in education, and a vote for him in fall would continue that reinvestment process…

Cut 8 (06) “…in education.”

The last session was defined by Edwards’ ability to secure a 1,000 dollar pay raise for public school teachers. He says if given another term, he will seek at least another 1,000 dollar raise for educators.

Edwards says his administration’s dedication to education is what sets him apart from his Republican rivals, and precursor.

Cut 9 (08) “…well served by.”

Edwards is hoping to earn over 50 percent of the vote in the October primary to avoid a November run-off.

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Initial reports of an active shooter a Baton Rouge Walmart on Tuesday had many wondering if the Bayou State was the next location of a public mass shooting. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office Col. Bryan White says after a security sweep of the store, they began to talk to witnesses.

Cut 10 (08) “…video in Walmart.”

But as the day went on, the story changed, to the point where it appears there was an altercation between a man with scissors and a man with a gun at customer service, but no shots were fired. White says he is not sure what was heard by people who claimed they heard shots.

Cut 11 (12) “…in the store.”

White says the Sheriff’s initial report that there was someone at a local hospital in stable condition with gunshot wounds was inaccurate as they were still trying to gather details of what happened.

Cut 12 (09) “…between two people.”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he is not worried about the million-dollar war chest Tim Temple has in the race for his position. Donelon made the statement after filing his qualifying paperwork. Donelon says he has been the funding underdog before.

Cut 13 (11) “…and won handily.”

Donelon is aiming to serve a fourth term. While Temple highlights that Louisiana insurance rates are much higher than the rest of the country, Donelon says policyholders are seeing some recent relief.

Cut 14 (11) “…Louisiana Farm Bureau.”

Donelon says he has many qualities that make him the best many for the job.

Cut 15 (10) “…of my responsibilities.”

The race is considered the most hotly contested of the statewide seats outside of the Governor’s race.

Candidates lined up to qualify for the governor’s race today, with Eddie Rispone, who is one of two Republicans taking on Governor Edwards, opening the day…

Cut 9 (12) “…bat girl”

Rispone was heading out the door as GOP Congressman Ralph Abraham arrived. Abraham says Governor Edwards’ tax increases are running people out of the state, like his daughter who works in Texas…

Cut 11 (08) “…residents”

Governor Edwards arrived last, and brought a crowd chanting four more years along with him. Edwards says if elected, he’ll keep ensuring education gets the proper funding…

Cut 14 (07) “…that we want.”

The run-off is October 12th.

Chaos and confusion in Baton Rouge today as a suspected shooting incident at the Burbank Walmart is now thought to be a false alarm, despite multiple on scene eyewitnesses telling LRN reporters that they heard a loud argument, followed by two men drawing guns, and eventual gunfire.

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux told reporters during a press conference at the Walmart later that day that shots had been fired, that one unrelated victim had been hit, and they were actively searching for another gunman. LRN reporter Brooke Thorington was at the chaotic scene…

28

Authorities now believe that a panic ensued when the two men drew weapons, but that shots were never fired. They say in the panic and confusion that eyewitnesses heard things that were not real.

*Due to the new information that contradicts the Walmart shooting accounts, we have decided to pull the story. If you would like to use the audio, it is still available. Refer to the 530PM LRN Newscast for an up to date account. *

STORY CUT

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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 Candidates for the Governor’s race officially qualified today, including a third GOP candidate.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (52) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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STORY CUT

Cut 3 (13) “…jetted off”

STORY CUT

Cut 4 (11) “…100 percent sure”

STORY CUT

Cut 5 (07) “…nobody was hurt”

STORY CUT

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Tim Temple officially files qualifying paperwork to challenge incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon.  Temple is running following twenty-plus years working in different capacities in the insurance business.  Temple says the Louisiana families are paying entirely too much toward insurances.

Cut 6 (10) “…in our state.”

Temple says the most important thing to do to lower rates is to bring more competition to Louisiana.

Cut 7 (10) “…make that happen.”

Temple says his lack of a political career is to his advantage as he believes residents want more elected officials that have not previously held office.

Cut 8 (08) “…make some change.”

Temple has self-funded his campaign with a million dollar warchest, making it one of the more competitive statewide races outside of the Governor’s race.

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Candidates lined up to qualify for the governor’s race at the Secretary of State’s office today.

Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone is one of two Republicans taking on Governor Edwards. He says Louisiana’s bottom of the barrel rankings are unacceptable.

Cut 9 (12) “…bat girl”

He says he’ll be focusing on illegal immigration in the state and pushing to repeal the sales tax passed in 2018.

Cut 10 (10) “…status quo”

Congressman Ralph Abraham says Governor Edwards’ tax increases are driving residents and businesses out of the state by the thousands.

Cut 11 (08) “…residents”

He says if elected he would maintain Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion, but adds his proposed tax cuts would lessen the need for the program as more businesses return to the state.

Cut 12 (10) “…to be.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards files paperwork qualifying to run for reelection. Edwards says he’s excited about the opportunity to preserve the momentum Louisiana has gained since he has taken office.

Cut 13 (10) “…economy is performing.”

Edwards says his plans for his next term is to continue to invest in education, with much of the focus being put on early childhood education.

Cut 14 (07) “…that we want.”

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Cut 15 (11) “…dystrophy.”

Cut 16 (08) “…pharmacy.”
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A shooting at a Walmart Baton Rouge Tuesday has one victim at the hospital and authorities searching for one of the two gunmen. East Baton Rouge Sherriff officials say two men were involved in an argument at customer service section of the store and an innocent bystander received a gunshot wound in the checkout line when the argument escalated. Herman Green was nearby in Subway getting lunch and he heard the argument and then gunshots. Green who works in the prison system has never experienced anything like today’s shooting. He’s still in disbelief…

Cut 5 (07) “…nobody was hurt”

One of the two gunmen was arrested shortly after the shooting. Police are searching for a black man dressed in a black shirt and black shorts. The victim is listed in stable condition. This is a developing story.

Governor Edwards files paperwork to run for reelection. Edwards says he’s excited about the opportunity to preserve the momentum Louisiana has gained since he has taken office.

Cut 13 (10) “…economy is performing.”

The Primary is October 12, he faces Congressmen Ralph Abraham, Businessman Eddie Rispone and Navy Veteran Patrick “Livewire” Landry.

Tim Temple also officially filed qualifying paperwork today to challenge incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon.  Temple is running following twenty-plus years working in different capacities in the insurance business.  Temple says the Louisiana families are paying entirely too much toward insurances.

Cut 6 (10) “…in our state.”

Jim Donelon said he’s excited to be on the campaign trail and joked that his wife is surprised anyone would want his job.

One person is confirmed injured, one suspect has been arrested, and another is being hunted by police after a shooting incident at an East Baton Rouge Parish Walmart…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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 Candidates for the Governor’s race officially qualified today, including a third GOP candidate.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (52) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A shooting at a Walmart in Baton Rouge this morning leaves one with multiple gunshot wounds and police hunting a gunman.

East Baton Rouge Sherriff Sid Gautreaux says witnesses tell him an argument between two men escalated and gunfire erupted.  Herman Green was in Walmart during the shooting…

Cut 3 (13) “…jetted off”

The incident occurred shortly before noon at the Walmart on Burbank Drive.

The shooting reportedly occurred at customer service and the Sheriff’s Office says the victim was nearby in the checkout line but was not involved in the argument. Green was grabbing lunch at subway when he heard raised voices…

Cut 4 (11) “…100 percent sure”

The shooting victim was reportedly buying a lunchbox for his child.

Green has worked int he prison system and says he’s never experienced anything like today’s shooting. He’s still in disbelief…

Cut 5 (07) “…nobody was hurt”

We are told the victim received more than one gunshot and is listed in stable condition. His injuries are not life-threatening.

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Tim Temple officially files qualifying paperwork to challenge incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon.  Temple is running following twenty-plus years working in different capacities in the insurance business.  Temple says the Louisiana families are paying entirely too much toward insurances.

Cut 6 (10) “…in our state.”

Temple says the most important thing to do to lower rates is to bring more competition to Louisiana.

Cut 7 (10) “…make that happen.”

Temple says his lack of a political career is to his advantage as he believes residents want more elected officials that have not previously held office.

Cut 8 (08) “…make some change.”

Temple has self-funded his campaign with a million dollar warchest, making it one of the more competitive statewide races outside of the Governor’s race.

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Candidates lined up to qualify for the governor’s race at the Secretary of State’s office today.

Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone is one of two Republicans taking on Governor Edwards. He says Louisiana’s bottom of the barrel rankings are unacceptable.

Cut 9 (12) “…bat girl”

He says he’ll be focusing on illegal immigration in the state and pushing to repeal the sales tax passed in 2018.

Cut 10 (10) “…status quo”

Congressman Ralph Abraham says Governor Edwards’ tax increases are driving residents and businesses out of the state by the thousands.

Cut 11 (08) “…residents”

He says if elected he would maintain Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion, but adds his proposed tax cuts would lessen the need for the program as more businesses return to the state.

Cut 12 (10) “…to be.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards files paperwork qualifying to run for reelection. Edwards says he’s excited about the opportunity to preserve the momentum Louisiana has gained since he has taken office.

Cut 13 (10) “…economy is performing.”

Edwards says his plans for his next term is to continue to invest in education, with much of the focus being put on early childhood education.

Cut 14 (07) “…that we want.”

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Cut 15 (11) “…dystrophy.”

Cut 16 (08) “…pharmacy.”
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A shooting at a Walmart in Baton Rouge this morning leaves one with multiple gunshot wounds and police hunting a gunman. The shooting reportedly occurred at customer service and the Sheriff’s Office says the victim was nearby in the checkout line but was not involved in the argument. Herman Green was getting lunch at the Subway in the Walmart when he started hearing a heated argument…

Cut 4 (11) “…100 percent sure”

The shooting victim was reportedly buying a lunchbox for his child.

Patients at select pharmacies statewide today have begun purchasing medical marijuana for the first time in the state’s history. The product is only available to those who have a prescription from board authorized doctors and runs about 90 to 200 dollars a vial for the treatment that comes in a liquid oil form that is placed under the tongue. Other versions of the treatment are set to become available in the next few months, including an inhalable version. 

Candidates for the Governor’s race officially qualified today, including a third GOP candidate.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (52) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A shooting at a Walmart in Baton Rouge this morning leaves an innocent bystander with multiple gunshot wounds and police still searching for one of the gunmen. It occurred near noon at the Walmart on Burbank Drive. We talked with Herman Green, an eyewitness who was in line grabbing some lunch when the violence erupted. He says an argument between two people devolved…

Cut 3, 13 seconds, jetted off

Details are still emerging.

Tim Temple officially files qualifying paperwork to challenge incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. Temple says his lack of a political experience makes him the right candidate, and residents want more elected officials that have not previously held office.

Cut 8 (08) “…make some change.”

Temple has twenty years experience in the industry.

Candidates lined up to qualify for the governor’s race at the Secretary of State’s office today. Governor Edwards two Republican opponents signed the papers first, but the Governor rolled in later to stake his claim to four more years. Edwards says he’s excited about the opportunity to preserve the momentum Louisiana has gained since he has taken office.

Cut 13 (10) “…economy is performing.”

Edwards’ two Republican opponents blasted the Gov for raising taxes and running a 300 million dollar surplus that shows the tax increase was not needed, but Edwards says his plans for his next term is to continue to invest in education, with much of the focus being put on early childhood education.

Cut 14 (07) “…that we want.”

Edwards is up against Congressman Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone.

One person is confirmed injured, one suspect has been arrested, and another is being hunted by police after a shooting incident at an East Baton Rouge Parish Walmart. LRN’s own Brooke Thorington is on scene…

Cut 28

Sheriff Sid Gautreaux has confirmed it is not a mass shooting incident.

Elsewhere in Baton Rouge candidates are qualifying for the fall election, including Tim Temple, who is challenging incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon.

Cut 7 (10) “…make that happen.”

Temple has self funded his campaign a million dollars.

Candidates lined up to qualify for the governor’s race at the Secretary of State’s office today.

Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone is one of two Republicans taking on Governor Edwards. He says he’ll be focusing on illegal immigration in the state and pushing to repeal the sales tax passed in 2018.

Cut 10 (10) “…status quo”

Congressman Ralph Abraham is the top polling Republican in the race and says there’s a reason why two qualified GOP candidates are in the race, and it’s the Governor’s recent tax increases. But there was one area where Abraham is in agreement with the governor, and that’s the Medicaid Expansion.

He says if elected he would maintain Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion, but adds his proposed tax cuts would lessen the need for the program as more businesses return to the state.

Cut 12 (10) “…to be.”

One person is confirmed injured in shooting incident at an East Baton Rouge Parish Walmart. LRN’s own Brooke Thorington is on scene…

Cut 28

Sherrif Sid Gautreaux has confirmed that it is not a mass shooting incident, and one suspect is in custody while another is being hunted.

Elsewhere in Baton Rouge candidates are qualifying for the fall election, including Tim Temple, who is challenging incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon.

Cut 7 (10) “…make that happen.”

Insurance commissioner is one of the more competitive races of the fall, with Temple self funding a million dollars.

Candidates lined up to qualify for the governor’s race at the Secretary of State’s office today. Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone is one of two Republicans taking on Governor Edwards. He says he’ll be focusing on illegal immigration in the state and pushing to repeal the sales tax passed in 2018.

Cut 10 (10) “…status quo”

Congressman Ralph Abraham is the top polling Republican in the race and says there’s a reason why two qualified GOP candidates are in the race, and it’s the Governor’s recent tax increases. But there was one area where Abraham is in agreement with the governor, and that’s the Medicaid Expansion. He says if elected he would maintain Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion, but adds his proposed tax cuts would lessen the need for the program as more businesses return to the state.

Cut 12 (10) “…to be.”

A shooting incident has reportedly occurred at the Burbank Walmart in Baton Rouge. The Sheriff’s office has confirmed that all available units have been scrambled to report to the scene. The Advocate says shots were fired but no injuries have been reported yet and there is no active shooter.

Elsewhere in East Baton Rouge Parish candidates have lined up to qualify for the governor’s race at the Secretary of State’s office. Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards’ two Republican opponents spoke first.

Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone says Louisiana’s bottom of the barrel rankings are unacceptable.

Cut 9, 12 seconds, bat girl

And Congressman Ralph Abraham says Governor Edwards’ tax increases are driving residents and businesses out of the state by the thousands.

Cut 11, 08 seconds, residents

Tim Temple officially files qualifying paperwork to challenge incumbent Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. Temple is running following twenty-plus years working in different capacities in the insurance business. Temple says the Louisiana families are paying entirely too much toward insurances.

Cut 6 (10) “…in our state.”

Temple says the most important thing to do to lower rates is to bring more competition to Louisiana. We’ll have comments from Donelon in the next hour.