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.”

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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.

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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)

The City of Monroe says the murders of three people, including a two-year-old girl, underscore the need for criminal justice reform. 24-year-old Travis Payton is under arrest in connection with the killings. Investigators say that Payton had 11 prior arrests and three prior convictions and should have been serving a prison sentence when he killed those three people. Mayor Friday Ellis says tragedies like this are a big reason why violent criminals cannot be let out of prison.

Cut 12 (10) “…bad people away.”

Governor Jeff Landry says LSU athletic director Scott Woodward will not be the one who selects the Tigers’ new football coaches. Landry says Woodward is responsible for hiring coaches who led to the biggest contract buyouts in college football history.

Cut 7 (09) “…doing that again.”

The disabled, children and the elderly will continue to receive SNAP benefits in November, despite the federal government shutdown. Jeff Palermo on how the state will fund the program.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Food pantries and restaurant chains are also pitching in to help food insecure families during the shutdown. In central Louisiana, for example, Beauregard Community Action Association opened its food pantry to meet soaring demand. And Chicken Salad Chick is offering free meals to kids affected by the shutdown.

It took Monroe Police only eight hours to make an arrest in connection with the killings of three people, including a two-year-old girl. 24-year-old Travis Payton is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and criminal conspiracy. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan (rhymes with Jordan) says this is not Payton’s first rodeo – he had 11 prior arrests and three prior convictions, and he should not have even been on the streets.

Cut 11 (08) “…commit this crime.”

Governor Landry says because of legislation approved in the special session, disabled people, children and the elderly who rely on cash assistance through the SNAP program will continue to receive their benefits, despite the federal government shutdown. Landry says there’s a reason Louisiana is able to do this.

Cut 4 (11) “…compassion and reason.”

Governor Landry, meanwhile, weighed in on reports that he was involved in the firing of LSU head football coach Brian Kelly. The governor says he was involved because of the fiscal effect on the state for firing a coach under a terrible contract.

Cut 9 (08)  “…effect of it.”

Landry says he’s confident LSU will hire a good football coach and the state will support him, but he believes there should be metrics in place on the next coach’s contract so taxpayers are not stuck paying huge buyouts.

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

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

Orgeron coached the Tigers from 2016 until 2021, winning the 2019 national championship along the way.

The disabled, children and the elderly will continue to receive SNAP benefits in November, despite the federal government shutdown. Jeff Palermo on how the state will fund the program.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Jeff 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.”

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Police in Monroe quickly make an arrest in connection with a triple murder that has shaken the community. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry says because of legislation approved in the special session, disabled people, children and the elderly who rely on cash assistance through the SNAP program will continue to receive their benefits, despite the federal government shutdown. Landry says Louisiana is able to do this, because it’s been fiscally responsible.

Cut 4 (11) “…compassion and reason.”

There are about 800-thousand people in Louisiana who rely on the SNAP program to purchase food.

But Landry says Louisiana will not use state dollars on 53-thousand able-bodied adults who receive SNAP. He encourages those individuals to take advantage of the 100-thousand jobs that are available in the state.

Cut 5 (10) “…of those jobs.”

For November, the funding for the SNAP will come from the Louisiana Department of Health, which administers the program. Landry says to free up the cash, they are closing SNAP offices.

Cut 6 (10) “…disabled and children.”

If the federal government shutdown continues into December, the state is prepared to dip into its rainy-day fund. Landry says food banks will also play a role in making sure SNAP recipients do not go hungry.

______________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry tells reporters at the State Capitol that LSU athletics director Scott Woodward will not be the one who selects the Tigers new football coaches. Landry says Woodward is responsible for hiring coaches that led to the biggest contract buyouts in college football history.

Cut 7 (09) “…doing that again.”

When Woodward was the athletic director at Texas A&M, he hired Jimbo Fisher. Fisher was fired following the 2023 season and the cost to A&M was 77-million dollars. LSU is is looking at paying Brian Kelly 54-million dollars now that it has fired him. Landry says private citizens are having to pay these huge buyouts, and that’s not right.

Cut 8 (05) “…foot the bill.”

Landry jokingly hinted that President Trump should pick the next head football coach at LSU, because he likes winners. The governor says the LSU Board of Supervisors can form a committee that would find the next head coach.

Landry also addressed reports that he was involved in the firing of Kelly on Sunday. The governor says he was involved because of the fiscal effect to the state for firing a coach under a terrible contract.

Cut 9 (08)  “…effect of it.”

Landry says he’s confident LSU will hire a good football coach and the state will support him, but he believes there should be metrics in place on the next coach’s contract so taxpayers are not stuck paying huge buyouts.

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It took Monroe Police only eight hours to make an arrest in connection with the killings of three people, including a two-year-old girl. 24-year-old Travis Payton is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and criminal conspiracy. Along with the toddler, Payton is accused of killing 27-year-old Jamal Bosley and 25-year-old Jaborris Simpson. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan (rhymes with Jordan) says the investigation remains ongoing, and more arrests are likely.

Cut 10 (08) “…involved to justice.”

Chief Zordan says this is not Payton’s first rodeo – he had 11 prior arrests and three prior convictions, and he should not have even been on the streets.

Cut 11 (08) “…commit this crime.”

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says tragedies like this is a big reason why violent criminals cannot be let out of prison.

Cut 12 (10) “…bad people away.”

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Former LSU national championship-winning head coach Ed Orgeron appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike yesterday to discuss the program’s head coach opening. Orgeron says that LSU’s new coach will have to be someone who is willing to embrace the state of Louisiana, which is something he believes Brian Kelly didn’t do.

Cut 13 (14)  “…State of Louisiana.”

Orgeron was asked if he would have any interest in being the next head coach at LSU. Orgeron says if the school called, he’d be in Baton Rouge in no time.

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

Orgeron was asked if there was a possibility he would join LSU as an assistant coach if Lane Kiffin became the head coach in Baton Rouge. Orgeron says it would be hard not to consider coming back to LSU.

Cut 15 (11) “…no doubt.”

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Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (“shuck”) will be the starter for the rest of the season, barring an injury. Moore says Spencer Rattler will serve as the backup moving forward.

Cut 16 (17) “…handle it awesome.”

Shough will make his first NFL start against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday. Shough says that it’s good to be the starter, but he wants to go out and prove himself with a win on Sunday.

Cut 17 (11) “…there and win.”

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LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson confirmed that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will still be the starter, but he also didn’t rule out more reps down the line for backup Michael Van Buren.

Cut 18 (14)  “…win the game.”

LSU started two freshmen on the offensive side of the ball in the 49-25 loss to Texas A&M. Wilson says there will be more opportunities for the younger players during the rest of the season, especially for offensive lineman Carius Curne and running back Harlem Berry.

Cut 19 (19) “…running back perspective.”

Former Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins will serve as the play caller for the Tigers, and Tim Rattay will serve as the quarterbacks coach. With a new-look staff on offense, Wilson welcomes collaboration.

Cut 20 (19) “…players, not plays.”