The city of Vidalia, in Concordia parish, is happy to see $220-million in federal Department of Energy money coming their way to expand the Syrah Technologies plant there. They make batteries for Tesla and other companies. Governor John Bel Edwards says the whole town is thrilled because it also means a lot of new jobs…:

CUT 09(08)      “…the country.”

He says it’s a big step toward clean energy for Louisiana.

The former city controller for Shreveport is suing the city, alleging he was wrongfully terminate from his job under the state “whistleblower law.” Ben Hebert says he refused to (quote) participate in financial improprieties which he believed violated state laws, and was fired days later.

A Gonzales city cop who quit amid accusations of spousal abuse, and then allegedly bragged he’d get away with it, has been arrested for violating a protective order and domestic abuse battery involving child endangerment. The details of his alleged abuses are pretty severe.

In the 2023 Governor’s race, so far Attorney General Jeff Landry has officially declared and fellow Republicans Billy Nungesser and John Schroder have talked around running. However, no Democrats have said they will run. One Dem name mentioned by “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford is current Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson…so we asked Wilson, who says he’s not a candidate…but he could be…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…those options.”

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson had an impressive return to the NBA last night as he scored 25 points in his first game in 17 months as New Orleans defeated Brooklyn 130 to 108 in the season opener. He says he is so glad to be back…:

CUT 13(12)      “…every day with it.”

A judge in Lake Charles has given a death sentence to convicted cop killer Kevin Daigle, for the 2015 murder of Louisiana State Police Trooper Steven Vincent. Daigle shot Vincent with a shotgun on a rural roadside in Calcasieu Parish. Vincent’s brother, also a trooper, says he’s ”glad to live in a country where we have a justice system.” The family Sys they know a lengthy appeal process for Daigle will follow.

Governor John Bel Edwards applauds federal Department of Energy funds coming Louisiana’s way to help bolster the green vehicle industry here. He says $100-million will go to Koura chemical in St. Gabriel to make a key lithium battery component…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…very important.”

$220-million will go to expanding the Syrah Tech plant in Vidalia, which makes batteries for Tesla and other EV makers.

If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year you need to do so very soon…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Could DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson be running for Governor next year? We asked Wilson who says he may…but he’s focused now on continuing the work done under Governor Edwards…:

CUT 05(07)      “…some time to come.”

Edwards is term-limited ad may not run again.

A well-known Democrat’s name has surfaced as a possible candidate for Governor in 2023; DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson. We asked the Secretary about running to replace his boss, John Bel Edwards…:

CUT 03  (06)        “…be a candidate.”

So far the only official announcements for governor are Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lake Charles attorney and Independent Hunter Lundy.

Governor Edwards says Vidalia, in Concordia Parish, is set to get a huge chunk of federal money for the Syrah Technologies electric vehicle battery plant there. It’s the only large-scale plant doing this outside of China. The Governor says we depend on international commerce now…:

CUT 11  (08)        “…as possible.”

Syrah will get $220-million for a facility expansion and more jobs.

If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year, a November 15^th deadline is approaching. Louisiana Budget Project spokesman Jan Moller says the 2021 credit is fully refundable…: CUT 07(08)      “…in 2021.” He says there is an earnings test to qualify. Go to “GetCTC.org.”

Following his arrest last spring for illegally bugging an ex-girlfriend’s LSU dorm room, Livingston parish country singer Laine Hardy is breaking his deal with Disney Music Group. In a social media post, Hardy said he was grateful for the support and guidance Disney had provided him, but he was planning to take his career in a “new direction.” No comment yet from Disney. Hardy’s case has not yet gone to trial.

If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year, a deadline is approaching.  Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says the November 15^th deadline applies to a quick filing tool at GetCTC-dot-org.

Cut 6 (08)  “…takes 15 minutes.” 

Moeller says it’s also important for individuals who didn’t make enough income or didn’t work in 2021 to file because they are eligible if they have children.

Two Louisiana companies have been awarded $320 million in US Department of Energy funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Governor Edwards says Syrah Technologies in Vidalia will receive $220 million to expand production to manufacture components for batteries to power electric vehicles.

Cut 9 (06)  “…announcement.”

And $100 million has been awarded to Koura in St. Gabriel.

Zion Williamson’s long-waited return to the NBA went very well as the Pelicans star scored 25 points in his first game in 17 months. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

And the Saints play Arizona tonight in Glendale. Kickoff is at 7:15 on Amazon Prime.

A study shows the fatality rate on rural roads, in addition to deteriorating rural roads and bridges, is significant. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Also, Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he’s looking at possibly making a run for governor next year. The Lafayette residents he’s proud of the work he’s been able to accomplish with the governor since 2016….
cut 5 (07) “…to come”

A video from the January 6th Capitol riot that shows District 1 Congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise standing feet away from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is making partisan buzz. Scalise has been vocal in thinking Pelosi didn’t take enough action to quell the riot before it went too far. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says Scalise’s presence on that video signifies little…
Cut 11 (07) “…affect the election.”
Fletcher says the video turning up now is an attempt to cast doubt on a Republican House member right before the mid-term election.

The Saints are in Arizona tonight to face the Cardinals in a match-up of two teams with identical records at two and four. The Black and Gold only had a few days to prepare for this game as coach Dennis Allen says practices this week have been mostly walk-throughs…
Cut 14 (11) “…being prepared.”
The Saints have ruled out the following players for tonight’s game, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas, plus tight end Adam Trautman, offensive guard Andrus Peat and cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Another name has surfaced as a possible candidate for governor next year and it’s Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson. The La-Politics-dot-com report says Wilson could be the Democrats best chance to win in 2023. Wilson told the Louisiana Radio Network that he’s not close to making a decision, but he is considering a possible run at governor.

cut 4 (11) “…those options”

 The La-politics-dot-com report says Wilson could be the Democrats best chance at winning the 2023 governor’s race.

The Saints are in Arizona tonight to face the Cardinals in a match-up of two teams with identical records at two and four. The Black and Gold only had a few days to prepare for this game, but Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says they can’t use a short week as an excuse for not playing well…

Cut 16 (12)  “…get a win.” 

Names have been released of the Shreveport man who killed two children and then himself Tuesday. Shreveport Police says 25-year-old Anthony Smith turned the gun on himself after shooting 23-month-old Ronnie Marter and 10-month-old Rose Marter all of Shreveport.  The shootings remain under investigation.

Student loan forgiveness applications are open and Governor Edwards is encouraging people to submit their applications Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.” 

Another name has surfaced as a possible candidate for governor next year and it’s Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson. Jeremy Alford at La-Politics-dot-com was the first to report and we asked Wilson his thoughts about whether he’ll look to replace his current boss, Governor John Bel Edwards…
cut 3 (06) “…be a candidate”
The La-politics-dot-com report says Wilson could be the Democrats best chance at winning the 2023 governor’s race.

Some are calling Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise a hypocrite for blaming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for not doing more to protect the Capitol police officers and the Capitol when the building was stormed by pro-Trump supporters on January 6, 2021. Video has surfaced that shows Scalise was with Pelosi as she was trying to mobilize National Guard troops. Political consultant Roy Fletcher is not sure what to make of this story…
cut 12 (11) “…his problem

A new report released by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit says 15-percent of rural roads are in poor condition and 14-percent of rural bridges are poor or structurally deficient. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says we didn’t get in this position overnight and it won’t get fixed overnight but federal infrastructure funds along with more state funds should help.
Cut 7 (10) “…desire to have.”
Wilson says if projects proceed as planned, we should see an improvement in rural roadways in the next five years.

Andy Dalton is expected to start at quarterback tonight when the Saints face the Arizona Cardinals. Dalton and his teammates didn’t have much time prepare for this game following their loss to Cincinnati on Sunday…
cut 15 (10) “….ready to go”
Kick-off is at 7:15.

Video of District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise near House Speaker Pelosi during the January 6th riot is being used by some as evidence he is a hypocrite. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice says it has moved eight juvenile inmates to a new Youth facility at the state penitentiary at Angola. Four of the inmates are from the Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe and the other four are from a juvenile facility in St. Martinville. Ten youth offenders from the Bridge City Center in Jefferson Parish were sent to Swanson.

A new report from the National Transportation Research Group known as Trip says 14-percent of rural bridges in the Bayou State are structurally deficient. Carolyn Kelly is with the non-profit group…
cut 6 (09) “…poor condition”
Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the state has made plans to repair anywhere from 200 to 300 rural bridges over the next five years.

Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging Louisianans who have college loan debt to take advantage of the federal government’s student loan debt relief program. Edwards says the White House estimates that more than 600-thousand Louisianans are eligible for relief, including more than 400-thousand, who are eligible for 20-thousand dollars in loan forgiveness…
cut 10 (10) “…the program”
The website to apply is student-aid-dot-gov.