LSU introduces New Iberia native and longtime athletic administrator Verge Ausberry as its interim athletic director. Ausberry says his main priority is to find the best football coach that LSU can hire. He’s forming a committee that includes the LSU Board of Supervisors and major donors to the athletic program.

Cut 4 (10) “…one of those at LSU.”

Ausberry takes over for Scott Woodward, who mutually agreed to part ways with the school Thursday night. Governor Landry is upset with the contract Woodward gave to Brian Kelly, saying taxpayers may have to pay his 54-million-dollar buyout if private donors do not step up. But Board of Supervisors member John Carmouche disagrees with that notion.

Cut 8 (14) “…and never will.”

China agrees to buy 12-million metric tons of U.S. soybeans between now and January, following a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the U.S. is the second-biggest producer of soybeans in the world.

Cut 13 (11)  “…Argentina 50.9.”

If you’re looking for something to do Saturday, why not take in the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge? It takes place from nine to four at the State Library and the surrounding Capitol Park area. Robert Wilson, the executive director for the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there’s one building that’s usually a part of the festival that won’t be this year.

Cut 9 (09)  “…we didn’t normally.”

Admission is free.

New Iberia native and longtime athletics administrator Verge Ausberry is now the man in charge of the LSU athletics department. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU Board of Supervisors member John Carmouche denies that Governor Landry had anything to do with Woodward’s departure.

Cut 6 (09) “…part ways.”

LSU still owes Woodward six-million dollars.

Good news for Louisiana soybean farmers, as China this week agreed to buy 12-million metric tons of U.S. soybeans between now and January. That was the result of a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says China made a goodwill purchase before the meeting.

Cut 12 (09) “…first few months.”

If you’re looking for something to do Saturday, may I interest you in the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge? Robert Wilson, the executive director for the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there are books for readers of all ages and all interests.

Cut 10 (09) “…are just beginning.”

It takes place from nine to four at the State Library and the surrounding Capitol Park area. The best part – admission is free!

New Iberia native and longtime athletics administrator Verge Ausberry is now the man in charge of the LSU athletics department. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’re looking for something to do Saturday, Andrew Greenstein has a great idea.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU introduced New Iberia native and longtime athletic administrator Verge Ausberry as its interim athletics director. After a tumultuous week that saw the firing of head football coach Brian Kelly and the departure of athletics director Scott Woodward, Ausberry had this message for LSU fans…

Cut 3 (12) “…job done.”

Ausberry says his main priority is to find the best football coach that LSU can hire. He’s forming a committee that includes members of the LSU Board of Supervisors and major donors to the athletic program.

Cut 4 (10) “…one of those at LSU.”

Before Governor Jeff Landry spoke about the language in college football coaches’ contracts and the dismissal of Woodward as athletic director, the LSU football coaching vacancy was considered one of the best in the country. Ausberry still feels that way, and interest is high.

Cut 5 (15) “…at LSU.”

Two LSU Board of Supervisors were in attendance. Scott Ballard, who is the chairman, and John Carmouche, who is the chairman of the athletics committee.

Neither would go into detail on why Woodward is no longer the athletics director. They said it was a decision that Woodward and the Board thought was best for the university.

Landry said on Wednesday he did not want Woodward hiring the next LSU football coach.

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LSU alum and Baton Rouge native Scott Woodward is no longer the athletics director at LSU after Governor Landry said he did not want Woodward to hire the next football coach. It was announced on Thursday night that Woodward and the LSU Board of Supervisors mutually agreed to party ways. LSU Board of Supervisors member John Carmouche denies that Landry had anything to do with Woodward’s departure…

Cut 6 (09) “…part ways.”

Woodward still had three years left on his contract and LSU owes him six million dollars.

LSU Board Chairman Scott Ballard says a lot of factors went the decision to move on from Scott Woodward…

Cut 7 (12) “…mutual agreement.”

Woodward spent six years as LSU’s athletics director and LSU won six titles during his leadership. He hired three coaches that won national championships; Jay Johnson, Kim Mulkey and Jay Clark.

But Landry was upset with the contract Woodward gave to Kelly and the 54-million dollar buyout Kelly could receive as a result of his firing. The governor has said state taxpayers may have to pay that cost, if private donors do not step up. But Carmouche disagrees with Landry’s claim the state is liable…

Cut 8 (14) “…and never will.”

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If you’re looking for something to do Saturday, why not take in the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge? It takes place from nine to four at the State Library and the surrounding Capitol Park area. Robert Wilson, the executive director for the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there’s one building that’s usually a part of the festival that won’t be this year.

Cut 9 (09)  “…we didn’t normally.”

Wilson says there are books for readers of all ages and all interests.

Cut 10 (09) “…are just beginning.”

Wilson says for the kids, the festival will feature a musical performance from Rick Kelley of Music with a Message for Kids, who visits dozens of schools and libraries throughout the state to promote reading as a fun activity for kids.

Cut 11 (10) “…readers pavilion area.”

The festival will also feature appearances and book signings by various authors in the Cavalier House Books tent. Admission to the festival is free.

___________________________________________________

Good news for Louisiana soybean farmers, as China this week agreed to buy 12-million metric tons of U.S. soybeans between now and January. That was the result of a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says China made a goodwill purchase prior to the meeting.

Cut 12 (09) “…first few months.”

The 12-million metric tons is down more than ten-million metric tons after China stopped buying U.S. soybeans amid a months-long tariff battle. Strain says the U.S. is the second-biggest producer of soybeans in the world.

Cut 13 (11)  “…Argentina 50.9.”

Strain says China takes in more than 60-percent of the world’s soybeans.

New Iberia native and longtime athletics administrator Verge Ausberry is now the man in charge of the LSU athletics department. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

China this week agreed to buy 12-million metric tons of U.S. soybeans between now and January. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says China made a goodwill purchase prior to the meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Cut 12 (09) “…first few months.”

If you’re looking for something to do Saturday, why not take in the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge? It takes place from nine to four at the State Library and the surrounding Capitol Park area. Robert Wilson, the executive director for the Louisiana Center for the Book, says for the kids, the festival will feature a musical performance from Rick Kelley of Music with a Message for Kids, who visits dozens of schools and libraries throughout the state to promote reading as a fun activity for kids.

Cut 11 (10) “…readers pavilion area.”

The festival will also feature appearances and book signings by various authors in the Cavalier House Books tent. Admission to the festival is free.

Tonight is Halloween, so DPS is urging you to use extra caution when venturing out onto the roadways, especially in residential neighborhoods after the sun goes down.

And before you go to bed tomorrow night, turn your clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end.

LSU alum and Baton Rouge native Scott Woodward is no longer the athletic director at LSU after Governor Landry said he did not want him to hire the next football coach. LSU Board of Supervisors member John Carmouche denies that Landry had anything to do with Woodward’s departure.

Cut 6 (09) “…part ways.”

Before Governor Landry spoke about the language in college football coaches’ contracts and Woodward’s dismissal, the LSU football coaching vacancy was considered one of the best in the country. As he was being introduced as interim athletic director, Verge Ausberry said he still feels that way, and interest is high.

Cut 5 (15) “…at LSU.”

On this Halloween night, your number-one job is to keep your kids safe. By law, registered sex offenders are not allowed to participate in Halloween – they cannot hand out candy to kids. DPS trooper Eddie Thomas says parents should do a little homework before trick or treating and find out which homes in their neighborhood have sex offenders living in them.

Cut 23 (06) “…sex offender registry.”

If you’re looking for something to do tomorrow, why not take in the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge? It takes place from nine to four at the State Library and the surrounding Capitol Park area. Robert Wilson, the executive director for the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there’s one building that’s usually a part of the festival that won’t be this year.

Cut 9 (09)  “…we didn’t normally.”

Admission to the festival is free.

Meet the new boss – LSU introduces New Iberia native and longtime athletic administrator Verge Ausberry as its interim athletic director this morning. Ausberry says his main priority is to find the best football coach that LSU can hire. He’s forming a committee that includes members of the LSU Board of Supervisors and major donors to the athletic program.

Cut 4 (10) “…one of those at LSU.”

Today is Halloween – the night when neighborhoods everywhere will be invaded by little ghouls and goblins going door to door scavenging for fun-sized tooth-rotting treats. DPS Trooper Eddie Thomas says when those little monsters come home with those pumpkin-shaped buckets full of candy, fully inspect them and throw anything suspicious out, including anything homemade.

Cut 6 (07) “…placed in candy.”

DOTD is urging you to sign the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” pledge. The campaign encourages drivers and passengers to do just that – wear their seatbelts and put the phone down while driving. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says seat belt use reduces the risk of a fatal injury in a crash by more than 45-percent.

Cut 8 (08) “…save your life.”

Congressman Steve Scalise will have a Democratic challenger in next year’s general election. Special education teacher Lauren Jewett is launching a campaign to unseat the nine-term incumbent. 

Cut 11 (13) “…have to leave.”

Jewett acknowledges that it will not be easy to raise the money that Scalise brings in. In fact, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings, Jewett reported just over 73-hundred dollars in cash on hand, compared to Scalise’s five-million dollars.

Data released by AARP this week shows that almost one-million people in Louisiana provide unpaid and unsupported care to older loved ones at home. Advocacy Director Andrew Muhl says even though the vast majority of seniors who need assistance would prefer to live out their elder years at home, the state puts a disproportionate amount of money towards nursing homes instead of in-home care.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in-home care.”

A new study by Leaders for a Better Louisiana says the Early Childhood Education Fund is in danger of running out of money by 2030. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says if that happens, fewer kids would be able to be served.

Cut 5 (15) “…have right now.”

As Louisiana weather starts to get colder, Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging you to practice safe home heating habits in order to prevent your home from catching on fire.

Cut 12 (15) “…leave those unattended.”

69 people have died in 51 home fires in the state so far this year.

The 119th State Fair of Louisiana begins today in Shreveport and will run through November 16th. Marketing Manager Russell Adams says there’s something new every year, and this year is no different.

Cut 6 (12) “…something to see.”

Adams says this year’s state fair will also feature over 30 live bands, featuring some notable Louisiana artists.

The 119th State Fair of Louisiana begins today in Shreveport and will run through November 16th. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Data released by AARP this week shows that almost a million people in Louisiana care for aging loved ones at home with no assistance from the state. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new study by Leaders for a Better Louisiana says the Early Childhood Education Fund is in danger of running out of money by 2030. The fund was established in 2017 as a dollar-for-dollar match to local communities which raise money for early childhood education. It was seeded with a one-time appropriation of 40-million dollars, with dedicated revenue streams added on later. But Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the fund is not keeping up with local contributions.

Cut 3 (09) “…keep it going.”

Erwin says as a result, unless the state finds a way to put more money into the Early Childhood Education Fund, it will eventually run dry.

Cut 4 (10) “…keep it sustainable.”

Erwin says if that happens, fewer kids would be able to be served.

Cut 5 (15) “…have right now.”

___________________________________________________

The 119th State Fair of Louisiana begins today in Shreveport and will run through November 16th. Marketing Manager Russell Adams says one of this year’s new additions includes a brand new Ferris wheel.

Cut 6 (12) “…something to see.”

There would be no state fair without the endless food choices. Adams says food vendors from all over the country are in Shreveport for the next couple of weeks.

Cut 7 (08) “…from all over.”

Adams says this year’s state fair will also feature over 30 live bands, featuring some notable Louisiana artists.

Cut 8 (13) “…rap and blues.”

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Data released by AARP this week shows that almost one-million people in Louisiana provide unpaid and unsupported care to older loved ones at home. That accounts for almost 30-percent of the state’s adult population. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says even though the vast majority of seniors who need assistance would prefer to live out their elder years at home, the state puts a disproportionate amount of money towards nursing homes instead of in-home care.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in-home care.”

Muhl says as a result, scores of seniors and the loved ones who care for them end up going it alone without any state assistance.

Cut 10 (10) “…a nursing home.”

Muhl says that puts a huge burden on the family caregivers, both in terms of money and time.

Cut 11 (11) “…a loved one.”

AARP says 80-percent of family caregivers spend their own money to pay for their aging loved ones’ needs, averaging more than seven-thousand dollars a year, and more than half juggle full-time or part-time jobs and take on debt.

___________________________________________________

As Louisiana weather starts to get colder, Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to practice safe home heating habits in order to prevent their homes from catching on fire.

Cut 12 (15) “…leave those unattended.”

69 people have died in 51 home fires in the state so far this year. Those 51 fires are 15 more than what the state had at the same time last year. Pastorick says it’s important that residents have smoke alarms in their homes so that they have a fighting chance to survive a house fire.

Cut 13 (07)  “…in your house.”

Pastorick says residents who may not have smoke alarms can take advantage of Operation Save-A-Life, which is a free program offering smoke alarms and installations across the state.

Cut 14 (10) “…it for free.”

A new study by Leaders for a Better Louisiana says the Early Childhood Education Fund is in danger of running out of money by 2030. The fund was established in 2017 as a dollar-for-dollar match to local communities which raise money for early childhood education. But Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the fund is not keeping up with local contributions.

Cut 3 (09) “…keep it going.”

Data released by AARP this week shows that almost one-million people in Louisiana provide unpaid and unsupported care to older loved ones at home. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says the state puts a disproportionate amount of money towards nursing homes instead of in-home care.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in-home care.”

The 119th Louisiana State Fair begins today in Shreveport and will run through November 16th. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

An arrest in a triple murder in Monroe.

Cut 23 (05) “…more to come.”

Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan announces the arrest of 24-year-old Travis Payton in connection with the deaths of 27-year-old Jamal Bosley, 25-year-old Jaborris Simpson and a two-year-old girl. Chief Zordan says this was not Payton’s first offense.

Cut 24 (03) “…and three convictions.”

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says Payton had only served three years of a 15-year sentence for his most recent conviction.

Cut 25 (05) “…be behind bars.”

Governor Landry says disabled people, children and the elderly who rely on SNAP will continue to receive their benefits, despite the federal government shutdown. But Landry says that won’t extent to everyone who receives SNAP benefits.

Cut 5 (10) “…of those jobs.”

Governor Landry says LSU athletic director Scott Woodward will not hire the Tigers next head football coach. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Could Brian Kelly’s successor be his predecessor? On ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike yesterday, Ed Orgeron said if LSU called, he’d be in Baton Rouge in an instant.

Cut 14 (07) “…be there today.” (laughs)