Attorney General Liz Murrill issues a lengthy statement that attempts to alleviate concerns over a new law that goes into effect next month that will classify two abortion inducing drugs as dangerous controlled substances. Opponents of the law, including Vice President Kamala Harris, say it will have a negative impact on the health care of a pregnant mother, but Murrill says that’s not the case…

Cut 8 (13) “…for emergency purposes”

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has hired a Baton Rouge firm to run a statewide energy efficiency program. It was a unanimous vote, but Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is concerned about the cost…

Cut 15 (11) “…top of that”

But Commissioner Craig Greene says the decision strikes the right balance between local expertise and fiscal responsibility.

Researchers at the Memphis Zoo breed the Louisiana Pine Snake with artificial insemination for the first time.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Could we see another hurricane threat next week? The National Hurricane Center says there is now a medium chance of a tropical storm forming early next week in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Long range models show a storm in the Gulf next week that will threaten the Gulf coast.

Louisiana’s attorney general clarifies a new law going into effect next month concerning a pair of abortion-inducing drugs.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A prosecutor with the state attorney general’s office has provided the court with police bodycam footage from a shooting in Union Parish that led to the arrest of LSU running back Trey Holly. Two people were injured. One of them is Keisha Cornett who is seeking justice. Holly remains suspended from the football team and his next court hearing is December 18^th.

State government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment. The digital currency paid for a hunting license according to State Treasurer John Fleming who says cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum (uh-theh-ree-uhm) offer the potential for faster and more secure transactions. Fleming says in today’s digital age, government systems must evolve and embrace new technologies.

Cut 11 (13) “…by 2028.”

A researcher at the Memphis Zoo has successfully used artificial insemination to breed the Louisiana Pine Snake, which is an endangered species due to the loss of the long leaf pine forest. Steve Reichling says it’s a big break through in trying to grow a more diverse population of the Louisiana Pine Snake…

Cut 5 (12) “….probably declining”

He says their first try with artificial insemination produced three little pine snakes.

Researchers at the Memphis Zoo breed the Louisiana Pine
Snake with artificial insemination for the first time.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana’s attorney general clarifies a new law going into effect next month concerning a pair of abortion-inducing drugs. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Public Service Commission unanimously selects an outside firm to run its upcoming statewide energy efficiency program. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Memphis Zoo Director of Conservation and Research Steve Reichling has successfully bred the first Louisiana Pine Snake using artificial insemination, marking a significant conservation achievement, as the Louisiana Pine Snake is a federally threatened species. Reichling’s method involved for the first time the use of frozen sperm samples, instead of fresh ones.

Cut 4 (10) “…calling it a breakthrough.”

The Louisiana Pine Snake feeds on pocket gophers and it has become one of the rarest snakes in North America due to the loss of long leaf pine forest. Reichling says artificial insemination opens new possibilities for breeding programs aimed at repopulating and maintaining genetic diversity in species that are difficult to breed naturally

Cut 5 (12) “…probably declining.”

By utilizing this technique, conservationists hope to bolster efforts to increase the species’ numbers both in captivity and, eventually, through reintroduction into their natural habitats. This breakthrough could serve as a model for other endangered or threatened species.

Cut 6 (09) …they’re valuable.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law concerning abortion medication that’s going into effect on October 1st. Lawmakers passed the law after the ex-husband of a state senator’s daughter unsuccessfully tried inducing an abortion by lacing her drink with an abortion-inducing drug.

Cut 7 (10) “…substances in Louisiana”

Murrill says the new law does not ban the drugs outright.

Cut 8 (13) “…for emergency purposes.”

Murrill says doctors who prescribe those drugs for legitimate purposes should have nothing to worry about.

Cut 9 (14)  “…actions or prosecution.”

Other drugs classified as Schedule Four drugs in Louisiana include Valium, Xanax and Ambien.

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Louisiana’s state government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment, signaling a step toward modernizing the state’s financial systems. State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming aims to modernize both the state government and the Louisiana economy. By incorporating cryptocurrency, Louisiana seeks to embrace emerging technologies that can enhance convenience, efficiency, and transparency in its transactions.

Cut 10 (09) “…bitcoin lightning.”

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, known for their decentralized nature, offer the potential for faster and more secure transactions. This move may also position Louisiana as a more attractive destination for tech companies and investors, promoting economic growth and development within the state.

Cut 11 (13) “…by 2028.”

In addition to integrating cryptocurrency, Fleming has a vision of leveraging digital tools to improve the state’s financial infrastructure, including exploring blockchain technology. By adopting such technologies, Louisiana could set a precedent for other states looking to innovate within government operations.

Cut 12 (10) “…government-controlled digital currency.”

The first purchase was a hunting license using Bitcoin Lightning.

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The Public Service Commission is launching a statewide energy efficiency program in 2026, and it has selected an outside firm to run it. The commission unanimously selected Baton Rouge-based Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure over two other finalists. Commissioner Davante Lewis hailed the choice.

Cut 13 (12)  “…1st of 2026.”

Lewis says Louisiana will set the example through this move.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the nation.”

The commission approved a transition to a statewide energy efficiency model earlier this year, and not everyone is on board with it. Eric Skrmetta says it will significantly raise the budget.

Cut 15 (11) “…top of that.”

And Skrmetta says that, in turn, will raise people’s utility rates.

Cut 16 (09)   “…towns in Louisiana”

Aptim has experience in this – it has run Wisconsin’s statewide program since 2011.

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Who Dat Nation is fired up for Sunday’s game as the 2-and-0 Saints welcome the 1-and-1 Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the Caesars Superdome. Quarterback Derek Carr says he’s expecting an electric atmosphere…

Cut 17 (17) “…are really excited.”

Carr says they have to put the 2-and-0 start behind them and focus on beating the Eagles…

Cut 18 (13)  “…going to count.”

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LSU’s defense showed signs it can be dominant in the 36-33 win over South Carolina. The Tigers held the Gamecocks to one total yard in the third quarter, but also gave up long touchdown runs in the second and fourth quarters. Senior defensive end Bradyn Swinson says they are close to being a good defense

Cut 19 (17) “….long ride 

Swinson only had two sacks last year. He had three sacks in the win over South Carolina and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Swinson on the identity they are trying to create with this defense….

Cut 20 (14) “..everybody loved”

Seems like a lot of people want to take advantage of the state’s Fortify Homes program. The Department of Insurance opened the three-day registration period today for people living in the coastal areas. The department says it’s experiencing a large volume of users, and that’s making it difficult for people to apply online. The department urges you to keep trying until the deadline of five p-m Friday. Since it’s implementing a lottery system to choose 300 people, those who apply early do not have any advantage over those applying late in the application period.

Police in Lafayette make a second arrest for the double murder that took place at a barbershop during Labor Day Weekend. 19-year-old Quincy Duhon Junior and 48-year-old Johnny Trailer Junior were fatally shot. Sergeant Robin Green says detectives worked hard on this case.

Cut 10 (12) “…for awhile.”

Shylon Mouton and Jeffery Broussard, both of Lafayette, are facing two counts of first degree murder.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announces its class of 2025. Chairman Doug Ireland says the headliner is football standout Andrew Whitworth, who won championships at all three levels – high school, college and pro.

Cut 14 (08) “…with the Rebels.”

And after winning the national championship with Nick Saban’s LSU squad in 2003, Whitworth went on to play in the NFL for 16 years, ending his career with a win in Super Bowl 56.

Scary moments at a recent freshman high school football game as a player for East Ascension High School suffered a medical emergency. Video footage shows the player going down after taking a hit to the chest. The game was called at that point, and the junior varsity game was also cancelled. The student is said to be alert and talking in the hospital.

A man who went on a shooting spree outside a Shreveport movie theater in 2021 is sentenced to more than a century in prison. 20-year-old Ikerryunt’a Stewart pleaded guilty to manslaughter and eight counts of attempted second-degree murder.

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes, Senator John Kennedy had some choice words for Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab American Institute.

Cut 6 (13) “…do not support.”

Kennedy ended his remarks by telling Berry to, quote, “hide your head in a bag,” which drew gasps from those in attendance.

DOTD marks one year of progress on the $127 million I-20 rehabilitation project in Bossier City. Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says the project will ensure the interstate can handle the growing traffic demands.

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s what happens.”

The phased construction approach has allowed work to progress while minimizing disruptions.

LSU Alexandria saw more than a one-third increase in the number of undergraduates enrolled for the fall semester.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Louisiana Army National Guard soldier died while on a training mission. The National Guard says 32-year-old Mitchell Benham of Folsom was in Title 32 status conducting inactive duty training at Fort Johnson on Sunday when he died. The incident is under investigation.

A junior high school student in Livingston Parish is in custody for allegedly having a weapon on campus. The sheriff’s office did not specify the type of weapon the student had. No students were threatened.

Senator John Kennedy had some choice words for the executive director of the Arab American Institute during a Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The National Hurricane Center is watching for possible development of a tropical storm in the Western Caribbean over the next seven days. Right now, forecasters are giving it a low chance, but there are long range forecasts that show the possibility of a storm in the Gulf of Mexico next week. We’ll keep you updated.

Today marks one year since construction began on a section of I-20 in Bossier City. Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchannan says once work is completed late next year, motorists will have a much better commute through one of the busiest section of interstate in north Louisiana….

Cut 13 (10) “…commercial vehicles included

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches has announced it’s 2025 induction class and the headliner is former football star Andrew Whitworth. The offensive tackle won championships at West Monroe, LSU and with the Rams…

Cut 15 (13) “…a great game”

The 2025 class also consists of former Lady Techster All-American Vickie Johnson, and St. Thomas More boys basketball coach Danny Broussard.

Enrollment at LSU-Alexandria is up 33-percent over last year as the school is approaching seven-thousand full-time undergraduate students. Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Shelly Gill says LSU-A’s affordability and commitment to student success have played key roles in attracting more students. And Gill says the university partners with local industries to meet workforce needs.

Cut 4 (12) “…loving what they see at LSUA.”

Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy had a testy exchange with the executive director of the Arab American Institute. Kennedy accused Maya Berry, a longtime Democratic party activist of supporting Hamas…

Cut 8 (16) “….in a bag (gasps)

DOTD marks one year of progress on the $127 million I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City. Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the project focuses on improving a heavily trafficked section of the interstate, addressing deteriorating road conditions, drainage issues, and upgrading interchanges…

Cut 11 (12) “…moving forward with it.”

Buchanan says they are still on track to complete the project in late 2025.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches has announced it’s induction class of 2025. The headliner is former West Monroe and LSU star and Super Bowl Champion Andrew Whitworth. The class also features several great coaches, including St. Thomas More Boys basketball coach Danny Broussard. The Hall’s Chairman Doug Ireland…

Cut 16 (14) “…in Lafayette”

Also going into the Hall former Lady Techster All-American Vickie Johnson.