New poll numbers are out for the governor’s race. According to a Gray Media and Mason-Dixon survey, 40 percent of potential voters plan on voting for Republican Jeff Landry. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s not much of a surprise.

Cut 6 (09) “…the primary.”

41-year-old Melvin Emde of Oklahoma, who was presumed drowned in Louisiana last month is in custody and accused of faking his death to avoid child rape charges in North Carolina. On Sunday Georgia State Police pulled over a motorcycle for not having a license plate. The driver fled, crashed, and gave them a fake name. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says fingerprints revealed Emde’s identity and arrest record. As for charges he could face in Louisiana…

Cut 11 (09) “…in North Carolina.”

The first inpatient mental health unit in Louisiana dedicated to the specialized needs of pregnant and postpartum women is opening at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge next year. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Louisiana reaches the lowest unemployment rate in history, The Louisiana Workforce Commission says federal data shows the Bayou State is at 3-point-3-percent, the lowest ever and the number of unemployed individuals is 68,814 which is also the lowest in the state’s history.

41-year-old Melvin Emde of Oklahoma is in custody accused of faking his own drowning last month in Louisiana to avoid child rape charges in North Carolina. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says they are now able to tell the whole story and how law enforcement from multiple states worked together to capture Emde.

Cut 12 (10) “…don’t work.” 

Emde was arrested in Georgia Sunday on a motorcycle with no plates.

The Marijuana Policy Project releases a voter guide for the October 14th primary so voters can see where the candidates stand on a variety of cannabis issues. Southeast Legislative Manager at M-P-P, Kevin Caldwell…

Cut 8 (11) “…I’ve seen.” 

Gasoline taxes in Louisiana go towards funding the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in the Bayou State. The current 20-cent per gallon tax hasn’t been raised in more than thirty years but Louisiana Business and Industry President Jim Patterson is calling for a change…

Cut 5 (10) “…to happen.”

The gas tax increase is a portion of LABI’s strategic plan for the state.

The Saints are 2-0 for the first time since 2013 after a 20-17 win over Carolina last night. Coach Dennis Allen says the offense started slow, but scored two touchdowns in the second half…
cut 16 (13) “…better”
New Orleans is at Green Bay this Sunday.

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man wanted on child rape charges in North Carolina attempted to fake his own death in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

We’ll have more on this story tomorrow…

In DeSoto Parish, the Sheriff’s Office was forced to close this morning after a possible fentanyl exposure. Three employees were transported to the hospital and are listed in stable condition. State police are assisting with the investigation and clean-up.

A Rapides Parish man has been arrested on three counts of simple arson for setting wildfires in Grant Parish last week. State Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says 32-year-old Michael Setliff of Flatwoods faces several years in prison if convicted…

Cut 11 (10) “…15 years”
Strain says thanks to quick action by state and local firefighters, both fires remained small in size and impact.

Will Green President of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association says local car dealerships already ordered extra parts and vehicles in anticipation of the United Auto Worker’s strike, which began Friday, but if the strike lingers…

Cut 3 (05) “…of parts.”

The last UAW strike in 2019, last 40 days. Green says auto manufacturers are almost caught up with supply chain shortages from the pandemic.

Winds and dry conditions prompted another evacuation order for residents between Singer and Merryville in Beauregard Parish after firefighters lost containment of the Tiger Island Fire.  Beauregard Parish Sheriff Spokesperson Shannon Burgess…

Cut 7 (11) “…in Singer” 

A voluntary evacuation has also been ordered for residents on the west side of La. 27 to Juanita.

As the United Auto Workers strike enters it’s fourth day… Will Green President of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association says a lengthy strike could result in another significant supply chain shortage. He says the strike is impacting Ford, Stellantis, and GM plants.

Cut 4 (09) “…in Detroit.”

The last UAW strike in 2019 lasted 40 days.

A major construction project gets underway today on I-20 in the Shreveport-Bossier area and it will result in lane closures for the next two years. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Another evacuation order has been issued in Beauregard Parish after firefighters lost containment of the Tiger Island Fire due to wind and dry conditions. Shannon Burgess says approximately 200 acres burned where the fire breached and crossed the highway.

Cut 6 (12) “…in danger.”

Four large air tankers are being used to drop water south of La. 110 between Singer and Merryville

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces the first round of grants of up to 10 thousand dollars for homeowners to repair or replace their roofs will be available on October 2nd. Donelon says a fortified roof can lower your homeowner’s insurance costs and increase your home value by an estimated seven percent…

Cut 11 (10) “…property”

A major construction project gets underway today on I-20 in the Shreveport-Bossier area and it will result in lane closures for the next two years. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

For the seventh time in his career, former LSU All-American Mondo Duplantis has broken the pole vault record clearing 20 feet and 5.25 inches. The 23-year-old Lafayette native did so at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic at the University of Oregon. Duplantis represented his mother’s home country of Sweden.

St. Helena College and Career Academy will remain closed until Tuesday after a 16-year-old student was killed by the suspected gunman a 14-year-old student. It’s believed bullying led to the shooting and St. Helena Parish School Superintendent Doctor Kelli Joseph says they do look for instances of bullying but a lot of it happens on social media…

Cut  14 (12) “…we are not aware”

Democrat Shawn Wilson launches his first gubernatorial TV campaign ad. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the 30-second spot highlights his accomplishments at DOTD.

Cut 4 (07) “…already.”

Polls indicate Wilson will most likely face front-runner Jeff Landry in a runoff.

The state’s four largest wildfires continue to burn but are more than 50 percent contained. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says things are looking better and the Tiger Island Fire is now 80 percent contained.

Cut 9 (09) “…fighting fire.” 

More than 1,200 emergency responders from 120 agencies and 26 states have fought wildfires across Louisiana.

State Health is launching a new website and marketing campaign promoting the 988 suicide and prevention helpline. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Robyn Thomas says the goal is to reach vulnerable populations including Blacks, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQ, and veterans.

Cut 7 (13) “…crisis situations.” 

The state’s four largest wildfires continue to burn but are more than 50 percent contained. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says things are looking better and the Tiger Island Fire is now 80 percent contained.

Cut 9 (09) “…fighting fire.” 

More than 1,200 emergency responders from 120 agencies and 26 states have fought wildfires across Louisiana.

State Health is launching a new website and marketing campaign promoting the 988 suicide and prevention helpline. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Robyn Thomas says the goal is to reach vulnerable populations including Blacks, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQ, and veterans.

Cut 7 (13) “…crisis situations.” 

Democrat Shawn Wilson launches his first gubernatorial TV campaign ad. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in the 30-second spot Wilson highlights his accomplishments at DOTD.

Cut 4 (07) “…already.”

Polls indicate Wilson will most likely face front-runner Jeff Landry in a runoff.

Oral arguments are being heard at the federal courthouse in New Orleans today, in a case seeking transparency of FEMA’s flood insurance rates. Attorney General Jeff Landry filed the suit on behalf of several other states. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is hopeful the Landry will be successful…

Cut 12 (10) “…is try.” 

And WBRZ-TV reports the gun used in the fatal school shooting Tuesday in St. Helena Parish has been traced back to Baton Rouge. The ATF is now involved in the investigation.

Democrat Shawn Wilson launches his first TV ad in his bid to become governor. The former transportation secretary touts his ability to build bridges literally and figuratively. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan believes the ad is a success because Wilson is able to introduce himself to voters and…

Cut 3 (10) “…together.”

Polls indicate Wilson will most likely face front-runner Jeff Landry in a runoff.

In New Orleans today oral arguments are being heard in a lawsuit that seeks to find FEMA’s flood insurance rates unlawful. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon…

Cut 10 (11) “…individual properties.”
The lawsuit is seeking transparency of how rates are calculated under Risk Rating 2.0.

A state audit shows Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services needs to improve how the agency receives and processes reports from the hotline for child abuse and neglect.  Teiko Foxx explains.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

We are one month away from the gubernatorial primary and still not a lot of buzz over the governor’s race. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says give credit to the front-runner Jeff Landry for keeping it a mundane race…

Cut 4 (06) “…gaining on him.”
There is a televised gubernatorial debate tomorrow night.

US Senator Bill Cassidy is sponsoring the Savings Penalty Elimination Act, to protect individuals who receive SSI from losing their benefits when their savings surpass $2,000. Cassidy says the current cap is a negative work incentive, and it deprives a disabled person of the dignity of work.

Cut 15 (07) “…poverty.”

The current cap was set in the 1980s and the bill raises it to $10,000 for an individual and it would increase with inflation.

An audit of the Department of Children and Family Services indicates a need to improve the hotline to report child abuse and neglect.  Teiko Foxx explains.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Two years after her sons were thrown into Cross Lake in Caddo Parish, 34-year-old Ureka Black was found guilty of murder and attempted murder. Her 10-month-old son drowned, and then five-year-old Elijah survived but was injured and saved by first responders. Black faces a mandatory life-term sentence.

We are a month away from a gubernatorial primary that hasn’t provided many fireworks. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 1 (32)……I’m Teiko Foxx”

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A new state audit finds the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services can improve incoming hotline calls for child abuse and neglect. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A lawsuit seeking transparency of how FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 flood insurance rates are calculated will be heard in federal court in New Orleans today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We are one month away from the gubernatorial primary and still not a lot of buzz over the governor’s race. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if you have to give a lot of credit to the front-runner Jeff Landry for keeping this a mundane race…

Cut 4 (06) “…gaining on him.”

Recent polls show Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson in a good position to face off in a run-off. Stockley says the other candidates need to campaign hard in order to overtake Wilson for a second-place finish in the primary…

Cut 5 (12) “…with the state.”

There is a statewide TV debate tomorrow night featuring all seven major candidates. But Stockley says the problem with the debate is that it’s on a Friday night…

Cut 6 (09) “…gubernatorial debate”

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A state audit reveals the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services needs to improve the handling of calls for child abuse and neglect hotline. That includes the average time to answer calls and the number of calls abandoned over the last five years. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says the agency needs 14 additional staffers to help lessen the seven-minute wait.

Cut 7 (12) “…are needed.”

The audit found early 19 percent of people who called to report child abuse last year hung up while waiting for someone to pick up. Ricks says the agency will research best practices for speed to answer calls. She says callers do not have to abandon the call – there are call prompts for staffers to return the call.

Cut 8 (11) “…available again.”

The agency aims for staff to answer 66 percent of hotline calls without the caller needing to leave a voicemail. Auditors found that staff answered only 60 percent of calls last year. Ricks says they will monitor outcomes daily to better the performance targets.
Cut 9 (12)  “…the information”

If you know a Louisiana child is being abused or neglected, call 855-4LA-KIDS.

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In New Orleans this morning a lawsuit seeking transparency of FEMA’s flood insurance rates will be heard. Legal action was filed after multiple failed inquiries into how FEMA calculates Risk Rating 2.0 flood insurance rates for property owners. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon…

Cut 10 (11) “…individual properties.”

Donelon says under the previous guidelines, rates were based upon elevation, certified levees, pumping capacity, and things that were encouraged for decades back to 1965. It was in the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy that private companies stopped offering flood insurance. Donelon says rates before Risk Rating 2.0 were transparent.

Cut 11 (10) “…etc.”

Donelon says billions were spent by both the federal and local governments to accommodate the previous requirements and improve flood resistance by communities.

Now he says rates are supposedly based on the so-called risk of your individual home, separate and apart, priced individually.

As for if Donelon believes Attorney General Jeff Landry, who’s leading the lawsuit against the federal government will be successful…

Cut 12 (10) “…is try.” 

In addition to Louisiana, nine other states, as well as 43 parishes, 12 levee boards, and two municipalities are suing FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration declaring the new rating system for setting flood insurance premiums unlawful.

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US Senator Bill Cassidy is sponsoring bipartisan legislation, the Savings Penalty Elimination Act, to protect individuals who receive supplemental security income (SSI) from losing their benefits for simply working hard. It’s the first push to reform the program in almost 40 years. Cassidy says it…

Cut 13 (12) “…after that.”

SSI was created in the 1970s to provide additional income for disabled and elderly Americans. Cassidy says the current cap of $2,000 was set in the 1980s.

Cut 14 (11) “…to inflation.”

Cassidy says the current cap is a negative work incentive, and it deprives a disabled person of the dignity of work.

Cut 15 (07) “…poverty.”

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LSU and Mississippi State kick off at 11 AM on Saturday. The Tigers did not play well in a pair of 11 a.m. kickoffs last year. They got behind early to Tennessee last October and fell to the Volunteers 40-13 and played a sluggish game on a cold day in November in Fayetteville, but still beat Arkansas 13-10. Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo knows they need to bring the juice this Saturday.

Cut 16 (12) “…ready for it.”

LSU will go up against Mississippi State’s 3-3-5 defense, which means three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. This unit forced five turnovers in an overtime win over Arizona last Saturday. The Bulldogs defense also had nine tackles for a loss, eight pass breakups, and one sack. LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones says the Dogs like to move people around at the line of scrimmage.

Cut 17 (21) “…some runs.”

LSU also has to prepare for thousands of fans ringing cowbells. This is receiver Malik Nabers’ second trip to Davis Wade Stadium and he remembers what it sounds like…

Cut 18 (18) “…my job done.”

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Louisiana Tech hosts former Conference USA foe North Texas this Saturday night at Joe Aillet Stadium. The Bulldogs are coming off a 51-21 win over Northwestern State. Bulldogs Quarterback Hank Bachmeier wants to finish off more drives with a touchdown…

Cut 19 (21) “…right direction.”

North Texas is still looking for its first win as they have losses against Cal and FIU. They beat Tech 47 to 27 last year and Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says they bring back a lot of their skill position players…

Cut 20 (21) “…on offense.”