Flu season is off to a slower-than-usual start. Ochsner Family Medicine Physician Dr. Whitney Hardy says it’s still very important for people to get vaccinated, particularly people like the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Cut 10 (12 “…your protection.”

Ochsner Clinics in New Orleans will be holding drive-thru and walk-up fairs this Saturday.

Detectives with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Major Crime Unit are investigating a deadly shooting outside a Slidell-area business.  67-year-old Dennis Knecht and 64-year-old Cynthia Knecht were killed. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says there is no danger to the public…

Cut 13 (08) “…populated area.” 

This is an ongoing investigation.

The state is ordering a Lafayette-based roofing company to stop acting as public adjusters. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

When the LSU Board of Supervisors voted last week to change its bylaws to allow its chairman to make appointments to any search committee in the system, it may have violated the state’s open meetings law. The Louisiana Illuminator reports the notice for the meeting only stated that the group would discuss “bylaw review,” and an attorney says the vague nature of that wording may violate the open meetings law.

The good news: layoffs appear to be subsiding. The bad news: so has hiring. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state is ordering a Lafayette-based roofing company to stop acting as public adjusters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The good news is, layoffs are starting to subside. The bad news – those who are looking for jobs due to getting laid off are finding it hard to land one. While layoffs are now at their lowest level since the pandemic, the hiring rate in August fell to just 3.3-percent, its lowest rate in more than a decade. U-N-O professor of business economics Mark Rosa says workers in one industry have artificial intelligence to blame for the lack of jobs.

Cut 3 (12) “…doing that first.”

Rosa says while layoffs are down overall, there are troubling signs ahead for the retail sector.

Cut 4 (10) “…yet to happen.”

Rosa says the financial sector has undergone a lot of consolidation.

Cut 5 (12) “…this feels worse.”

The Federal Reserve board meets again next month to discuss ways to spur more hiring.

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A Lafayette roofing company accused of defrauding insurance companies is ordered to stop acting as a public adjuster. Nathan Strebeck with the state office of insurance fraud says Zac Moore and Roofing Guys LLC would allegedly go to people’s homes uninvited and tell them that they needed a new roof, when in fact they didn’t.

Cut 6 (13) “…in fact man-made.”

A forensic engineering company confirmed the inspector’s findings that the damage was man-made, leading to a roof replacement that cost 27-thousand dollars. Strebeck says one big takeaway from all this is for homeowners to tell roofing companies, “don’t call us, we’ll call you.”

Cut 7 (11) “…on their roof.”

Furthermore, Strebeck stresses that roofing companies are not insurance experts.

Cut 8 (10) “…the insurance process.”

Strebeck also urges homeowners not to abandon their claim to a repair company and to stay engaged throughout the process.

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The 2024 flu season is off to a slower-than-usual start, with early data suggesting similar flu activity levels than previous years. Ochsner Medical Family Medicine Physician Dr. Whitney Hardy says this is due to various factors, including widespread vaccination campaigns

Cut 9 (13)  “…too late.”

Hardy cautions that flu activity can pick up later in the season, especially as temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors. They stress the importance of getting vaccinated, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Cut 10 (12) “…your protection.”

Hardy says flu shots are available in New Orleans on Saturday, October 19 at Ochsner Clinics with drive-thru and walk-up fairs or can be scheduled online at Ochsner-dot-org.

Cut 11 (09) “…healthy holiday season.”

The CDC continues to monitor flu trends closely as the season progresses.

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Detectives with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Major Crime Unit are investigating a shooting that occurred Monday afternoon outside a Slidell-area business.  STPSO Lt. Suzanne Carboni…

Cut 12 (09) “…outside a store.”

Deputies found two individuals with apparent gunshot wounds.  67-year0old Dennis Knecht was pronounced dead at the scene.  64-year-old Cynthia Knecht was transported by emergency medical personnel to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.  Carboni says there is no danger to the public…

Cut 13 (08) “…populated area.” 

This is an ongoing investigation.

The good news is, layoffs are starting to subside. The bad news – those who are looking for jobs due to getting laid off are finding it hard to land one. U-N-O professor of business economics Mark Rosa says workers in one industry have artificial intelligence to blame for the lack of jobs.

Cut 3 (12) “…doing that first.”

While layoffs are now at their lowest level since the pandemic, the hiring rate in August fell to just 3.3-percent, its lowest rate in more than a decade.

Two high school football teams involved in a brawl following their game last week will be forfeiting their games this week. That’s the ruling handed down by the LHSAA against both North Vermillion and Comeaux high schools. North Vermillion was slated to play Teurlings, and Comeaux was set to take on Saint Thomas More. Those two schools are now scrambling to find opponents on short notice.

Tired of the heat? Good news…a cold front moves across Louisiana today, bringing a welcome change after weeks of sweltering heat and humidity. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Republican Party of Rapides (rap-EEDZ) Parish is asking the mayor of Pineville to resign immediately so that a special election can be held. Randy Wiggins, the chairman of the Republican Party of Rapides Parish, says while he would have no qualms about a current council member serving out the remainder of Rich Dupree’s term, that shouldn’t be the city’s choice.

Cut 11 (05) …in favor of.”

As for Mayor Dupree’s assertion that a special election would be too costly for the city, Wiggins says local business owners have agreed to pick up the tab.

The state is looking for a few good poll commissioners to work the November 5th election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says if you sign up, be prepared to make a commitment.

Cut 8 (15) “…they’re assigned are.”

Poll commissioners in Louisiana earn 200 dollars.

Tired of the heat? Good news…a cold front moves across Louisiana today, bringing a welcome change after weeks of sweltering heat and humidity.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Notification of high-speed police pursuits? In one community near Baton Rouge, there will soon be an app for that. The town council in Brusly (BROO-lee) has accepted a donation to launch an app to notify drivers of an oncoming pursuit. It starts with installing tracking software in nine patrol vehicles. This comes following the New Year’s Eve 2022 deaths of two Brusly High cheerleaders who were hit by a police officer who ran a red light during a pursuit.

Tired of the heat? Good news…a cold front moves across Louisiana today, bringing a welcome change after weeks of sweltering heat and humidity. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The state is looking for a few good poll commissioners. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Republican Party is urging the mayor of Pineville to step down immediately so that a special session could be held to fill the seat for the remainder of the term. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A cold front will move across Louisiana today, bringing a welcome change in the weather after weeks of sweltering heat and humidity. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says daytime highs, hovering in the upper 80s and low 90s, will drop into the 70s, with overnight lows dipping into the 50s in some areas.

Cut 4 (11) “…Tuesday night.”

For many Louisianans, the arrival of fall-like weather is a relief.  Keim says outdoor activities, from football games to family gatherings, will be much more comfortable in the cooler air.

Cut 5 (07) “…about the next week.”

Though it won’t be a long-lasting cold snap, Keim says the front is a reminder that autumn is approaching, and residents enjoy a few days of crisp, pleasant weather before the warmth inevitably returns.

Cut 6 (07) “…through the weekend.”

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Looking for some extra holiday cash? Why not become a poll commissioner! Secretary of State Nancy Landry says many of the current poll commissioners are looking to step aside and give way to others.

Cut 7 (11) “…take their place.”

Landry says if you do become a poll commissioner, be prepared to make a commitment.

Cut 8 (15) “…they’re assigned are.”

Furthermore, Landry says being a poll commissioner lets you learn a lot about the elections process in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (07)  “…system as well.”

Poll commissioners in Louisiana earn 200 dollars, which Landry points out can go a long way towards clearing out your Christmas shopping list.

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The Republican Party of Rapides (rap-EEDZ) Parish is asking the mayor of Pineville to resign immediately. Mayor Rich Dupree announced that he would resign amid reports of an inappropriate relationship with a city staffer. Dupree had originally set his resignation date for October 6th, but he later pushed that date back to October 20th so that the city could appoint a new mayor to serve the remainder of his term to save the city the cost of a special election. Randy Wiggins, the chairman of the Republican Party of Rapides Parish, says that choice really ought to be with the people of Pineville.

Cut 10 (11) “…step down now.”

Wiggins says while he would have no qualms about a current council member serving as mayor, that shouldn’t be the city’s choice.

Cut 11 (05) …in favor of.”

As for Mayor Dupree’s assertion that a special election would be too costly for the city, Wiggins says that part is taken care of.

Cut 12 (12) “…of an election.”

Mayor Dupree responded in a letter by saying any special election would favor those positioned for a head start, and those with fresh ideas are denied a fair opportunity to compete. The cutoff resignation date to trigger a special election is this Thursday, October 17th.

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Following a dreamy start to the season, the Saints have had a rude awakening. After winning their first two games in convincing fashion, the Saints have now dropped four in a row, including a 51-27 pasting by the Buccaneers at the Superdome Monday. Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team needs to right the ship fast.

Cut 13 (11)  “…it fixed fast.”

Coach Allen says in direct contrast to the first two games of the season where everything clicked, the last four games have exploited the team’s weaknesses, as evidenced by scores of missed tackles on Sunday.

Cut 14 (14) “…being too complicated.”

On Thursday night, the Saints welcome an old friend back to the Superdome: Sean Payton. Payton, as you probably know, coached the Saints from 2006 until 2021, winning Super Bowl 44 along the way. Allen says it will be a challenge coaching against a New Orleans institution.

Cut 15 (16) “…try to attack.”

The Saints will look to get back to their winning ways at the Superdome Thursday. Kickoff is at 7:15.

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What a difference a year makes when it comes to LSU’s defense. Ole Miss rolled up a school record 706 yard of offense against the Tigers last year, but they only reached the end zone twice last Saturday night. Coach Brian Kelly says the tackling was much better this time…

Cut 16 (16)   “…anytime”

Eighth-ranked LSU is at Arkansas this Saturday. Kelly is optimistic receiver CJ Daniels will return from a knee injury, while Chris Hilton is day-to-day with a leg injury. Freshman Trey-Dez Green caught a TD pass on Saturday and Kelly says they are moving the six-foot-seven pass catcher to wide receiver…

Cut 17 (13) “…moving forward”

LSU will face a 4-and-2 Arkansas team this Saturday. The Razorbacks were off this past weekend. The Hogs are third in the SEC in total offense as their former coach Bobby Petrino is back calling plays as offensive coordinator. Kelly says Petrino’s scheme is tough to prepare for…

Cut 18 (17)  “…offensively.”

If you want to vote in the presidential election and have not registered to vote, you’d better get a move on it. Tomorrow is the deadline to register online. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says registering online is easy.

Cut 6 (11) “…vote in Louisiana (2x).”

At this point, the only way to register to vote in the November 5th election is online. The deadline to register in person has expired.

The accolades keep coming for LSU as three players earn SEC Players of the Week honors. Sophomore linebacker Whit Weeks had a career-best 18 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

Cut 10 (10) “…pretty cool.”

Bradyn Swinson was named SEC Defensive Line player of the week, and Q-B Garrett Nussmeier is the league’s offensive player of the week

This hurricane season has produced 13 named storms, four tropical storms, and nine hurricanes, but it looks like the worst is over.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A new national report card shows that kids in Louisiana and across the nation are achieving nearly a failing grade when it comes to physical activity. Dr. Katie Spring at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at LSU says kids need one hour of physical activity a day, and it by no means has to be hard-core.

Cut 13 (07) “…hit those recommendations.”

The massive construction project on I-20 in Bossier Parish enters its third and final phase, as traffic starts flowing on newly-built roadways. During construction, tractor-trailers have been prohibited from going through the construction zone, and DOTD Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says that prohibition will remain in place for now.

Cut 9 (12)  “…areas along there.”

Buchanan says the project is still on track to be completed late next year.

It was a game that lived up to every syllable of its billing. LSU came back to beat Ole Miss, 29-26, in overtime. Coach Brian Kelly says it was the defense that gave them a chance to win…

Cut 13 (15)  “… complimentary football.”

What does Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal mean for you? Colleen Crain helps to break it down.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

For the third year in a row, loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been found on Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Todd Baker says a total of 60 hatchlings emerged from two nests in 2024.

Cut 4 (08) “…turtles out there.”

Part of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan would reform the inventory tax and would eliminate the franchise tax. Tax attorney Sanders Colbert (COLE-bert) says those two taxes have been discouraging businesses from coming to the state.

Cut 12 (15) “…these property taxes.”

Lawmakers will convene in a special session to act on Landry’s sweeping proposal next month.

LSU fans couldn’t contain their excitement following the team’s 29-26 overtime win over Ole Miss. Fans stormed the field after Kyren Lacy caught the game-winning pass in overtime

Cut 16 (10)   “…Geaux Tigers!”

LSU has been fined 250-thousand dollars, which under SEC bylaws will go to Ole Miss.

Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been found on Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands for the third consecutive year. Sean Richardson has the story on the Chandeleur Island restoration project.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you’re looking for one of the spookiest places in the world to celebrate Halloween at, there’s one right here in the Pelican State. Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville is ranked as the sixth spookiest place by Planet Cruise, which analyzed data from TripAdvisor to come up with its list. The spookiest place in the world, according to the rankings, is Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh, Scotland.

A big milestone for the massive I-20 construction project in Bossier Parish. Today, three of the four ramps previously closed at the Old Minden Road interchange reopen. DOTD Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says the project is moving along on schedule.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the final project.”

The lone holdout, the westbound on-ramp, is expected to reopen in a week following final drainage work.

We’re just weeks away from a special session, in which lawmakers will consider Governor Landry’s sweeping tax reform proposal. What does his proposal mean for the average Louisiana taxpayer? Tax attorney Sanders Colbert (COLE-bert) says the wealthiest taxpayers will still pay the lion’s share of the state’s income taxes.

Cut 10 (13) “…that are collected.”

It was a game for the ages – LSU comes back and beats Ole Miss, 29-26, in overtime. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier called it the worst game of his career, completing less than 50 percent of his passes and throwing two interceptions. But Head Coach Brian Kelly says the offense never blinked..

Cut 14 (15) “…for him.”

LSU moves up to eighth in both major polls following the win.

For the third year in a row, loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been found on Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Todd Baker says since 2022, the islands have seen 136 turtle crawls.

Cut 6 (10) “…in good numbers.”

LSU is officially celebrating the 100th anniversary of Tiger Stadium during tomorrow night’s huge game against Ole Miss. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says they have invited all living former players back to the stadium for the game.

Cut 11 (10) …prior to kickoff”

Bonnette says the celebration will include a choreographed LED light show throughout the game.

A new Tulane University study explains why politically charged content on social media gets more engagement from those who disagree. Lead author Daniel Mochon (MO-shawn) says on most social media sites, the more they engage in content they disagree with, the more they will see content they disagree with.

Cut 15 (08) “…are exposed to.”

Mochon says the best thing to do is to simply not engage with that content so that the algorithms change and you’ll see less of it.

A small Baton Rouge business is taking on a company co-founded by Tiger Woods in a trademark dispute. Sun Day Red is suing Tigeraire, saying that its claims of trademark infringement are meritless. Both companies use tigers as their logos – Tigeraire’s is reflective of its ties to LSU and Sun Day Red’s is reflective of its co-founder. Tigeraire founder and CEO Jack Karavich says it’s Sun Day Red’s grounds which are meritless, and that company is trying to bully him by filing its lawsuit in California to make him go there.

Cut 3 (10) “…for a judgment.”

Tigeraire’s social media pages clearly establish that the company has been using its logo since its inception in 2020. Sun Day Red wasn’t launched until February of this year – almost four years later. We reached out to Sun Day Red for a response, but that company told us that it has no comment.