Senator Bill Cassidy finds himself on the defensive after the CDC changes its website to say that the claim of vaccines not causing autism is not based on evidence. This, after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assured him during his confirmation hearing that he would not push any such conspiracies. Jake Tapper confronted Cassidy about that on CNN’s “State of the Union,” saying that Kennedy lied to him.

Cut 6 (08) “…it at that.”

Drone Institute announced a 340-thousand-dollar expansion of its Lafayette headquarters. CEO George Femmer says the project will consolidate drone operations, data processing and pilot training into one facility.

Cut 10 (14) “…up to snuff.”

DCFS is addressing concerns about response times at its Child Safety Response Center. Secretary Rebecca Harris says throughout the year, the department has made great strides in reducing both call center hold times and online submission response times. Harris says the health and welfare of children throughout the state is the top priority at the department.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of that call.”

The Lane Kiffin watch is on in a big way in Baton Rouge. Ole Miss said Friday that an announcement on his future will come this Saturday; then over the weekend, reports surfaced that LSU is finalizing a 90-million-dollar deal to lure Kiffin to Baton Rouge. Those two developments have LSU fans excited.

Cut 13 (08)  “…Ole Miss coach.”

Ole Miss’ announcement will come one day after the team’s Egg Bowl matchup against Mississippi State.

It’s a mere formality at this point, but the LSU Board of Supervisors is moving to authorize new President Wade Rousse to officially fire football coach Brian Kelly. The motion at the conclusion of a special meeting was made by John Carmouche.

Cut 9 (11)  “…his employment agreement.”

The meeting was called in response to Kelly’s lawsuit, in which he’s seeking his full 54-million-dollar buyout. Kelly claims the school is trying to fire him for cause to get out of paying him any of it.

As for Kelly’s full-time successor, it’s pretty much common knowledge at this point that it’s Lane Kiffin or bust. And those who have been waiting on pins and needles on a decision from the Ole Miss head coach on whether to come to Baton Rouge or to stay in Oxford – or to go to Gainesville – will have to wait another week. Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter says an announcement on Kiffin’s future will come next Saturday, the day after the Egg Bowl.

Twenty-six vet clinics and spay-neuter providers around the state will divide 24-thousand dollars raised by the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council. The council raised the money through the sale of special Animal Friendly license plates, thanks to a new law that authorized the Office of Motor Vehicles to design, manufacture and sell them. Jeff Dorson, the chairman of the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council, says the license plate purchases are going towards a great cause.

Cut 11 (07) “…desperately needed.”

Legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be back in the Superdome Sunday calling the Saints game against the Falcons for Fox Sports. Brees says he’s impressed with the play of Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, saying he has an elite ability to evade sacks while finding ways to extend plays in the pocket.

Cut 8 (07) “…bring him down.”

LSU fans who have been waiting with baited breath to see whether Lane Kiffin would become the next head coach of the Tigers will have to wait a little bit longer. Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter says an announcement on Kiffin’s future in Oxford will come next Saturday, the day after the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be back in New Orleans this weekend for the Saints game against the Falcons — but not just to watch the game. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Trump administration unveils its oil and gas leasing five-year draft plan. It involves holding seven lease sales off Louisiana’s Gulf coast. Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux (FOE-shay) says the companies which will compete for the leases operate with the utmost of integrity.

Cut 4 (12) “…to get stronger.”

Twenty-six vet clinics and spay-neuter providers around the state will divide 24-thousand dollars raised by the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council through the sale of special Animal Friendly license plates. 50 dollars from the sale of every plate goes towards the cause. Jeff Dorson, the chairman of the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council, says there are other ways you can donate to limit pet overpopulation.

Cut 13 (05)  “…it accordingly.”

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association is hailing the Trump administration’s draft proposal for a new five-year oil and gas exploration plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be back in New Orleans this weekend for the Saints game against the Falcons — but not just to watch the game. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association is hailing the Trump administration’s draft plan to hold seven lease sales off Louisiana’s Gulf coast. The plan would open more than 1.2-billion acres to oil and gas exploration. President Tommy Faucheux (FOE-shay) says it’s a welcome commitment to furthering America’s energy dominance.

Cut 3 (12) “…for the future.”

Faucheux says the companies which will compete for the leases operate with the utmost of integrity.

Cut 4 (12) “…to get stronger.”

The five-year plan proposed by the Trump administration would replace the five-year plan enacted under the Biden administration which curtailed oil and gas exploration as part of Biden’s efforts to combat climate change. Faucheux says thanks to modern technology, it’s possible to explore for oil and gas while protecting the environment.

Cut 5 (13) “…and Louisianans safe.”

There will be a 60-day public comment period before the Department of the Interior issues its final plan.

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Drew Brees will be on the call for FOX for Sunday’s Falcons and Saints game. Brees says no matter how poorly both teams are doing, the NFC South rivalry between New Orleans and Atlanta will continue to remain strong.

Cut 6 (06) “…meaning of the rivalry.”

Kickoff at the Caesars Superdome is at 3:25 p.m.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough is coming off his first career win in the NFL after throwing for 282 yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. Brees says that Shough impressed him.

Cut 7 (08) “…avoiding tackles.”

Brees says that Shough has an elite ability to evade sacks while finding ways to extend plays in the pocket.

Cut 8 (07) “…bring him down.”

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It’s a mere formality at this point, but the LSU Board of Supervisors is moving to authorize new President Wade Rousse to fire football coach Brian Kelly. The board made that move during a special called meeting in response to a lawsuit Kelly filed against the school. Following an executive session that lasted almost an hour, John Carmouche made the motion in open session.

Cut 9 (11)  “…his employment agreement.”

Board Chair Scott Ballard announced the unanimous passage of Carmouche’s motion.

Cut 10 (06) “…motion is approved.”

In his lawsuit, Kelly is seeking his full 54-million-dollar contract buyout. He claims that LSU is looking to fire him for cause as a way of getting out of paying him any portion of his buyout.

___________________________________________________

Twenty-six vet clinics and spay-neuter providers around the state will divide 24-thousand dollars raised by the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council. The council raised the money through the sale of special Animal Friendly license plates, thanks to a new law that authorized the Department of Motor Vehicles to design, manufacture and sell them. Jeff Dorson, the chairman of the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council, says the license plate purchases are going towards a great cause.

Cut 11 (07) “…desperately need.”

Animal Friendly license plates cost about 50 dollars more than regular plates, but the surcharge goes straight to the cause. Dorson says the purchases will help the council limit pet overpopulation.

Cut 12 (10) “…pet overpopulation.”

If people don’t purchase Animal Friendly license plates, Dorson says the Pet Council also accepts donations throughout the year.

Cut 13 (05)  “…it accordingly.”

Twenty-six vet clinics and spay-neuter providers around the state will divide 24-thousand dollars raised by the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council. The council raised the money through the sale of special Animal Friendly license plates, thanks to a new law that authorized the Department of Motor Vehicles to design, manufacture and sell them. Jeff Dorson, the chairman of the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council, says the license plate purchases are going towards a great cause.

Cut 11 (07) “…desperately need.”

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association is hailing the Trump administration’s draft plan to hold seven lease sales off Louisiana’s Gulf coast. President Tommy Faucheux (FOE-shay) says it’s a welcome commitment to furthering America’s energy dominance.

Cut 3 (12) “…for the future.”

It’s a mere formality at this point, but the LSU Board of Supervisors is moving to authorize new President Wade Rousse to fire football coach Brian Kelly. The board made that move during a special called meeting in response to a lawsuit Kelly filed against the school. Following an executive session that lasted almost an hour, John Carmouche made the motion in open session.

Cut 9 (11)  “…his employment agreement.”

A Saints legend will be back in the Superdome for Sunday’s game against the Falcons – Drew Brees. He’s calling the game for Fox alongside Adam Amin. Brees says no matter how poorly both teams are doing, the NFC South rivalry between New Orleans and Atlanta will continue to remain strong.

Cut 6 (06) “…meaning of the rivalry.”

Much to Brees’ chagrin, his bosses at Fox insist that he remain impartial as he calls the game.

The LSU Board of Supervisors moves to authorize new President Wade Rousse to officially fire former football coach Brian Kelly. The board made that move during a special called meeting in response to a lawsuit Kelly filed against the school. Board Chair Scott Ballard announced the unanimous passage of John Carmouche’s motion.

Cut 10 (06) “…motion is approved.”

Kelly’s lawsuit is seeking to force the school to pay his entire buyout.

The Trump administration unveils a draft five-year oil and gas leasing plan, which will in part hold seven lease sales off Louisiana’s Gulf coast. Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux (FOE-shay) says thanks to modern technology, it’s possible to explore for oil and gas while protecting the environment.

Cut 5 (13) “…and Louisianans safe.”

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be back in New Orleans this weekend for the Saints game against the Falcons — but not just to watch the game. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Brees might not recognize the home team based on the look they’ll be sporting Sunday. That’s because the Saints will be wearing a uniform combination they have never worn before – black from head to toe. Thanks to a new rule governing alternate helmets, they’re wearing their black alternate helmets with their regular black jerseys and black pants.

It’s a mere formality at this point, but the LSU Board of Supervisors is moving to authorize new President Wade Rousse to fire football coach Brian Kelly. The board made that move during a special called meeting in response to a lawsuit Kelly filed against the school. Following an executive session that lasted almost an hour, John Carmouche made the motion in open session.

Cut 9 (11)  “…his employment agreement.”

The second round of the high school football playoffs begins tonight. In Division Three Non-Select, eleventh-seeded Richwood travels to seventh-seeded Oak Grove. Spencer Verrett with the LHSAA Network says Richwood will have its hands full.

Cut 15 (12) “…good numbers recently.”

The Trump administration unveils its oil and gas leasing five-year draft plan. It involves holding seven lease sales off Louisiana’s Gulf coast. Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux (FOE-shay) says the companies which will compete for the leases operate with the utmost of integrity.

Cut 4 (12) “…to get stronger.”

The five-year plan proposed by the Trump administration would replace the five-year plan enacted under the Biden administration which curtailed oil and gas exploration as part of Biden’s efforts to combat climate change.

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association is hailing the Trump administration’s draft plan to hold seven lease sales off Louisiana’s Gulf coast. President Tommy Faucheux (FOE-shay) says it’s a welcome commitment to furthering America’s energy dominance.

Cut 3 (12) “…for the future.”

The plan would open more than 1.2-billion acres to oil and gas exploration.

Students in Louisiana continue to improve in the classroom. The State Department of Education says the statewide performance score for this year is 80.9; four years ago, it was 75.3. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says this progress shows what’s possible when the state is focused on strong instruction.

Cut 8 (11) “…students in need.”

This fall has been so dry that 40-percent of the state is now in a drought. But for some – some – there is relief on the way. Parts of the northern parishes could get up to two inches of rain in the next seven days. But State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the southern parishes will have to settle for only about a quarter of an inch.

Cut 12 (09) “…much improvement there.”

Even though Ole Miss has the weekend off, the eyes of the college football world are on their head coach, Lane Kiffin. They’re awaiting his decision on whether he will remain in Oxford or whether he will go to LSU or Florida, should either school offer him their vacant coaching positions. Christopher Boan (“Bowen”) with Bookies-dot-com says as of right now, the odds favor him not needing a real estate agent.

Cut 4 (08) “…goes to Florida.”

Even though his team is on a bye week this week, the eyes of the college football world are on Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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In public education news, Louisiana’s statewide performance score has increased for a fourth consecutive year. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The second round of the Louisiana High School football playoffs begins tonight. Andre Champagne looks at some key non-select matchups.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Even though Ole Miss has the weekend off, the eyes of the college football world are on their head coach, Lane Kiffin. They’re awaiting his decision on whether he will remain in Oxford or whether he will go to LSU or Florida, should either school offer him their vacant coaching positions. Christopher Boan (“Bowen”) with Bookies-dot-com says as of right now, the odds favor him not needing a real estate agent.

Cut 4 (08) “…goes to Florida.”

Kiffin and Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter are scheduled to meet this morning, and Boan says Ole Miss will pull out all the stops to keep Kiffin in Oxford.

Cut 5 (11) “…from anybody.”

Boan says if LSU fails to land Kiffin, one name that’s been floating around in Tigerland is that of another SEC head coach, Eli Drinkwitz of Missouri.

Cut 6 (08) “…that SEC move.”

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For the fourth consecutive year, the State Department of Education is reporting an increase in public school and district performance scores. The statewide performance score for this year is 80.9 — up from 75.3 in 2021. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says it’s the highest overall score under the current 150-point system.

Cut 7 (07) “…in our state.”

Brumley says this progress shows what’s possible when the state is focused on strong instruction.

Cut 8 (11) “…students in need.”

Overall, 21 percent of schools earned a letter grade of A, 31-percent received a B, 32-percent got a C, and 16-percent received a D or F.  Next year, the percentage of A and Bs could drop as the state will move to a new accountability formula.

Brumley says schools and districts will be measured using a straightforward scorecard that raises expectations for student performance and places greater emphasis on whether students graduate ready for a career, college or military service.

Cut 9 (14)  “…A-and-B category.”

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This has been a very dry fall so far here in Louisiana – so much so that 40-percent of the state is in a drought. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says drought conditions haven’t been this bad in the state in quite a while.

Cut 10 (10) “…November of 2024.”

Grymes says in some parts of the state, relief is on the way. Parts of the northern parishes could see at least two inches of rain in the next week.

Cut 11 (11) “…of the state.”

Grymes says the southern parishes, on the other hand, may have to settle for only about a quarter of an inch of rain over the next seven days.

Cut 12 (09) “…much improvement there.”

Grymes says this could be a sign of things to come in the months ahead, as given the current weather pattern, we could be in for a dry winter this winter.

____________________________________________________________

The second round of the Louisiana high school football playoffs kicks off tonight. One of the marquee matchups is Barbe at West Monroe. Spencer Verrett of the LHSAA Network says the Buccaneers have one of the best offenses in Louisiana, led by running back Jordan Griffin and says they will test the Rebels defense.

Cut 13 (08)  “…business against Barbe.”

In Division Two, the Franklin Parish Patriots host the Lutcher Bulldogs. Verrett says he could see either team making a run, but he expects the Patriots to come out on top.

Cut 14 (11) “…last year ended.”

Last year the Patriots’ season ended in the quarterfinals, losing 42-28 to Iowa.

In Division Three, eleventh-seeded Richwood travels to seventh-seeded Oak Grove. After being winless in 2024, the Rams have a chance to continue to build on their impressive season, but Verrett says it won’t come easy against a hot Tigers team.

Cut 15 (12) “…good numbers recently.”

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LSU sophomore quarterback Michael Van Buren is expected to make his second straight start this week against Western Kentucky. Last week in his first win with the Tigers, Van Buren threw for 221 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas. Van Buren says that he’s been soaking everything up from the coaching staff this season, which has allowed him to stay ready.

Cut 16 (15) “…get the victory.”

Van Buren came into Baton Rouge to serve as the backup to senior Garrett Nussmeier in hopes to eventually become the starter. Even with all the coaching changes, Van Buren is glad he ended up at LSU.

Cut 17 (16)  “…me do that.”

Van Buren said that he will stay with the program through the coaching changes.

_______________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech is down to two quarterbacks after sophomore Evan Bullock exited last week’s game with an upper-body injury in the 28-3 loss to Washington State. Bullock and Blake Baker are both out for the year. Junior Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) will be the starter for this week’s game against Liberty, and head coach Sonny Cumbie says the entire offense will have to elevate its play.

Cut 18 (16)  “…continue to elevate.”

Louisiana Tech leads the Conference USA and is number-16 in the nation in most penalties with 76 through ten games. Cumbie said that the Bulldogs have to do better of being disciplines, but said the team may be getting called for more penalties since they are leaving Conference USA for the Sun Belt next year.

Cut 19 (09) “…sometimes you wonder.”

The Bulldogs kick off against Liberty in Ruston tomorrow afternoon at two.

A Baton Rouge immigration lawyer is reminding you of your rights should you be approached by a Border Patrol officer during the immigration crackdown operation that will be getting underway soon in and around New Orleans. David Rozas says the right to remain silent extends to everyone in the country, whether they’re citizens or immigrants.

Cut 6 (11) “…to remain silent.”

The LSU Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting tomorrow to discuss former football coach Brian Kelly’s lawsuit against the school as he seeks his full 54-million-dollar buyout. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says the board will spend nearly the whole meeting in executive session; and it will announce the next steps in open session afterwards.

Cut 11 (11) “…of that meeting.”

Two Vermillion Parish men are arrested in connection with an attack on a man walking home from a festival in Lafayette last month. Surveillance video led investigators to 23-year-olds Tristan Frederick and Tynes Chaney in connection with the assault of Dustyn Cope. Lafayette Police Sergeant Robyn Green says attacks like this one cast a very dark shadow on the city.

Cut 5 (10) “…we have here.”

Plastipak Manufacturing announces a major expansion of its Pineville manufacturing facility. It will create 15 direct jobs and 25 indirect jobs while retaining 340 current positions. Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill says this is a huge economic win for the entire Central Louisiana region.

Cut 14 (12) “…and business climate.”