New Iberia is hosting the 34^th Annual World Championship Gumbo CookOff, and it kicks off tomorrow.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU is officially celebrating the centennial of Tiger Stadium tomorrow night. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A new Tulane University study explains why politically charged content on social media gets more engagement from those who disagree.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The World Championship Gumbo CookOff is a free, two-day event held every second weekend of October in New Iberia. Known as the “Super Bowl of Gumbo,” Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gary Colden says it attracts dozens of cooking teams and thousands of visitors to Downtown New Iberia, where chefs compete for top honors in various categories and earn bragging rights.

Cut 4 (05) “…Gumbo CookOff.”

Started over 30 years ago by the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, the event began with less than a dozen chefs serving gumbo from truck beds in 1989. Its goal was to generate revenue while celebrating a culinary tradition unique to the region. Since then, Colden says it has grown significantly, featuring 75 teams, 30,000 attendees, and over 100 gumbos to sample.

Cut 5 (07) “…all kinds of activities.”

Some categories include Amateur and Professional chicken and sausage, Amateur and Professional seafood, and Professional non-seafood. Colden says the cook-off has become a landmark event showcasing the region’s culinary talent, with live music and a lively atmosphere.

Cut 6 (08) “…or pets allowed please.”

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For the fourth consecutive year, Ochsner Children’s Hospital has been named the number-one children’s hospital in Louisiana in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. The hospital also earned Top 50 national rankings in three specialties: pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, pediatric gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, and pediatric orthopedics. This marks Ochsner’s eighth year on the list, Ochsner Pediatric System Chair Dr. Billy Lennarz says is a unique achievement for Louisiana hospitals.

Cut 7 (12) “…in one year.”

The rankings are based on data from 108 hospitals and expert opinions, with hospitals evaluated on clinical outcomes, resources, and care quality. Lennarz emphasized the hospital’s dedication to providing top-quality care to over 100,000 children annually, reaching beyond Louisiana to the Gulf South for very complex procedures…

Cut 8 (10) “…in children.”

Ochsner Children’s received national recognition in three pediatric specialties for the second year, with pediatric cardiology and heart surgery climbing to 31st. Pediatric gastroenterology ranked in the top 50 for the fourth time, and pediatric orthopedics for the third year in a row.  Lennarz says this is due to the Doctors Ochsner can bring to Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…all over the country”

With over 200 physicians specializing in more than 30 pediatric areas, Ochsner Children’s provides unmatched care in Louisiana, including the state’s only pediatric heart and liver transplant program.

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

Cut 10 (14) “…their seating areas.”

Bonnette says they have invited all living former players back to the stadium for the game.

Cut 11 (10) …prior to kickoff”

And fans will immediately notice something different when they enter the seating bowl.

Cut 12 (13) “…on their helmet (2x).”

Bonnette points out that this will be the first time LSU and Ole Miss will meet while both ranked in the top ten since 1962. Ole Miss is eighth and LSU is tenth in the coaches’ poll.

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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 researchers found what they call a “confrontation effect,” in which people are more likely to interact with content that goes against their views rather than content that aligns with their views. He says people seem to be more empowered when the person they’re arguing with is far away.

Cut 13 (08)  “…to people online.”

Mochon says constantly arguing hot-button topics online can have negative consequences offline.

Cut 14 (09) “…world as well.”

Mochon 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.

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ULM football is 4-1 for the first time since 1993 and the Warhawks are preparing to host Southern Miss tomorrow afternoon for Homecoming. The Warhawks are 2-0 in the Sun Belt, but Coach Bryan Vincent says this team has yet to accomplish any of its goals…

Cut 16 (16)   “…going to grow.”

Vincent is trying to turn around a football program that has not had a winning season since 2012. The coach says ULM can be more than just a program that wins seven or eight games a year…

Cut 17 (20) “…it has begun.”

Vincent says his team has confidence and belief which makes them capable of winning on Saturdays…

Cut 18 (15)  “…can go.”

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Just two days until Spencer Rattler leads the Saints against the Buccaneers in his first NFL start. Rattler is in for Derek Carr after Carr injured his oblique late in Monday night’s loss to Kansas City. Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak has all the confidence in the world in Rattler.

Cut 19 (14) “….respect for him.”  

Kubiak says not only does he have confidence in Rattler, but Rattler has a lot of confidence in himself.

Cut 20 (14) “…two guys’ personalities.” 

Kickoff at the Superdome is at noon.

Governor Landry continues touting his tax reform plan. It calls for lower income taxes for most, in exchange for taxes on services not currently being taxed. The governor says this is a step towards getting rid of state income taxes…

Cut 10 (12) “…it’s insulting.”

Landry plans to call lawmakers into a special session in November

Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit say they have not found any criminal negligence in connection with two disappearances by a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl. Trooper Eddie Thomas says State Police are working with public safety partners but are not releasing a lot of information at this time.

Cut 5 (04) “…give you.”

Peyton Saintignan (SAN-tee-ahn) walked out of her Dubberly home twice within a one-month span; and both times, she was found safe in the woods.

Tonight, Louisiana will have the rare chance to witness the Northern Lights. NOAA Space Scientist Rob Steenburgh says if you’re in a cloud-free area with minimal light pollution get ready for a show…

Cut 12 (13) “…extend as long”

The phenomenon occurs when solar wind particles collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. While that could disrupt electronic equipment and communication signals, it also provides a spectacular view. Steenburgh says cameras can see the lights before our eyes can so take a picture and see what you get

Two people are arrested in Grant Parish for allegedly using a drone to fly contraband into the federal prison there. The five-foot-wide drone was carrying 32-thousand dollars worth of tobacco and eight-thousand dollars worth of marijuana, along with THC vapes, ten cell phones and a stolen pistol.

The state is rolling out new computer science standards next fall. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Forecasters are predicting perfect conditions for viewing the aurora borealis tonight.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit say they have not found any criminal negligence in connection with two disappearances by a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl. Peyton Saintignan (SAN-tee-ahn) walked out of her Dubberly home twice within a one-month span; and both times, she was found safe in the woods. Trooper Eddie Thomas

Cut 3 (05) “…this time.”

Peyton was last reported missing on Monday night and located safely on Tuesday. A similar situation occurred in September. Thomas says they are actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding this incident…

Cut 4 (06) “…thorougly.”

KTBS-TV Shreveport reports that the Department of Children and Family Services are also involved in the investigation into Peyton’s two disappearances. Thomas says L-S-P is working closely with its public safety partners, but they are not releasing a lot of information at this time

Cut 5 (04) “…give you.”

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The state is rolling out its first-ever academic content standards for computer science. BESE President Ronnie Morris says these standards will apply to all grade levels from start to finish.

Cut 6 (08) “…grade-level appropriate.”

Morris says by the end of fifth grade, students should be able to identify and select the appropriate hardware to complete computing tasks. Then three years later…

Cut 7 (10) “…a computer system.”

Then by the end of their senior year, students should be able to analyze the levels of interactions between the application’s software and the system’s software, as well as the hardware layers. Morris says educating kids in computer science at a very young age will greatly benefit them as they pursue their careers.

Cut 8 (12) “…that is relevant”

The new standards take effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

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Governor Jeff Landry points to North Carolina as an example on what tax reform could do for the wallet for taxpayers. In 2013, the North Carolina State legislature approved legislation that significantly reduced individual and corporate income tax rates. Landry says taxpayers in the Tar Heel state saw their incomes grow…

Cut 9 (12)  “…11-thousand dollars.”

Landry’s tax reform plan calls for lower income taxes for most, in exchange the state sales tax will remain at 4.45 percent and services currently not taxed, would be taxed. The governor says this is step towards getting rid of state income taxes…

Cut 10 (12) “…it’s insulting.”

Landry plans to call lawmakers into a special session in November and if the tax reform proposal receives approval, the plan goes before voters in March as it will make changes to the state’s constitution…

Cut 11 (09) “…one vote.”

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Tonight, Louisiana will have the rare chance to witness the Northern Lights. NOAA Space Scientist Rob Steenburgh says if you’re in a cloud-free area with minimal light pollution get ready for a show…

Cut 12 (13) “…edxtend as long”

Forecasters from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles predict clear skies, perfect for viewing the aurora borealis. The phenomenon occurs when solar wind particles collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Due to a recent increase in solar activity, Steenburgh says these “lights” could be visible as far south as Louisiana, Texas, and parts of Florida.

Cut 13 (12) “…inch by inch.” 

The event is triggered by a coronal mass ejection—a large burst of solar wind and magnetic fields from the sun—which could create a G4-level geomagnetic storm. While this storm could disrupt electronic equipment and communication signals, it also provides a unique opportunity for residents to view the Northern Lights. Steenburgh says cameras can see the lights before our eyes can so take a picture and see what you get…

Cut 14 (10) “…human eye can see.”

Steenburgh says the light show starts as soon as the sun sets.

For the second time this year, you could have an opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. NOAA Space Scientist Rob Steenburgh:

Cut 12 (13) “…extend as long”

Forecasters from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles predict clear skies, perfect for viewing the aurora borealis. The phenomenon occurs when solar wind particles collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. 

Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit say they have not found any criminal negligence in connection with two disappearances by a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl. Trooper Eddie Thomas says State Police are working with public safety partners but are not releasing a lot of information at this time.

Cut 5 (04) “…give you.”

Peyton Saintignan (san-tee-AHN) walked out of her Dubberly home twice within a one-month span; and both times, she was found safe in the woods.

Governor Landry points to North Carolina as an example of what tax reform could do for taxpayers’ wallets. In 2013, North Carolina approved legislation that significantly reduced individual and corporate income tax rates. Landry says taxpayers in the Tar Heel state saw their incomes grow…

Cut 9 (12)  “…11-thousand dollars.”

Landry’s tax reform plan calls for lower income taxes for most, in exchange for taxes on services not currently taxed.

The state is rolling out its first-ever academic content standards for grades K-through-12 in computer science. BESE President Ronnie Morris says starting at a very young age will greatly benefit kids as they pursue their careers years later.

Cut 8 (12) “…that is relevant”

Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit want to know why a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl disappeared from her home twice within a one-month span. Both times, Peyton Santignon (SAN-tee-ahn) was found safe in the woods. Trooper Eddie Thomas says investigators are actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding this incident…

Cut 4 (06) “…thorougly.”

Investigators did say that at this time, they have not found any criminal negligence involved in either disappearance.

The state is rolling out its first-ever academic content standards for computer science. BESE President Ronnie Morris says by the end of fifth grade, students should be able to identify and select the appropriate hardware to complete computing tasks. Then three years later…

Cut 7 (10) “…a computer system.”

The new standards take effect in the fall of 2025.

The United Cajun Navy is in Florida, helping in the recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Milton. Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says the teams will remain in Florida as long as necessary.

Cut 13 (18)  “…pass the baton.”

Milton tore through the I-4 corridor of central Florida, connecting Tampa and Orlando, maintaining hurricane strength as it traveled east across the peninsula. The winds tore the roof off Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, which was being used as a staging area for first responders.

A major part of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is to lower the income tax for everyone while taxing services not currently taxed, like car washes and pet grooming. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says despite the state already having one of the highest sales tax rates in the country, he believes most Louisianians would like to pay less income taxes.

Cut 8 (07) “…Louisiana citizens.”

Landry told WWL radio in New Orleans that his tax plan also calls for permanent teacher pay raises, instead of an annual stipend payment that needs approval from legislators every year…

Cut 10 (13) “…teacher pay raise.”

A special session will be held next month for lawmakers to consider Landry’s proposal.

You can add Louisiana to the list of states suing TikTok. In separate lawsuits, more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia are accusing the app of deceiving the public about the dangers of using it. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says this is not about the content itself – it’s about TikTok’s intentional lack of action to prevent that material from being accessible by kids.

Cut 5 (13) “…reaching young kids.”

Along with forced changes to the algorithms, Murrill is seeking fines, penalties and other costs in her suit.

Spencer Rattler gets the nod at quarterback as the Saints look to snap a three-game losing streak against the Buccaneers Sunday. The rookie from South Carolina starts in place of Derek Carr, who will miss multiple games with an oblique injury. Jake Haener will be the backup.

Hurricane Milton tore through the Florida panhandle overnight, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The United Cajun Navy sent three advance teams to Florida to be in position to help in the response. Spokesman Brian Trascher:

Cut 11 (12) …in Destin, Florida.”

Even though the eye of the storm has left the state, areas along the east coast are still being pounded by tropical storm-force winds.

One of the key parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is to lower the state income tax for many, but taxing services that are currently not taxed, like car washes. There are concerns that it will lead to budget cuts, but Landry says his plan will grow the economy.

Cut 9 (12)  “…competitive.”

Louisiana is among more than a dozen states suing TikTok. Attorney General Liz Murrill says TikTok is intentionally peddling adult content to kids.

Cut 4 (14) “…of that age.”

This is not a partisan issue; these lawsuits have been filed by both Republican and Democratic attorneys general.

Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit say they have not found any criminal negligence in connection with two disappearances by a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl. Peyton Saintignan (san-TIG-nee) walked out of her home twice within a one-month span; and both times, she was found safe in the woods.

Louisiana could see what is known as the Northern Lights again tonight. A geomagnetic solar storm will result in purple and green streaks across the nighttime sky.

Louisiana is among more than a dozen states suing TikTok. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry would like to eliminate the state income tax, but that means higher state sales taxes.  Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Saints Coach Dennis Allen drops a bombshell during his news conference yesterday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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You can add Louisiana to the list of states suing TikTok. In separate lawsuits, more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia are accusing the app of deceiving the public about the dangers of using it. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says TikTok is intentionally peddling adult content to kids.

Cut 4 (14) “…of that age.”

Murrill says the lawsuit is not about the content itself – it’s about TikTok’s intentional lack of action to prevent that material from being accessible by kids.

Cut 5 (13) “…reaching young kids.”

And Murrill claims in her lawsuit that this is being done on purpose.

Cut 6 (09) “…12-year-old (2x).”

Along with forced changes to the algorithms, Murrill is seeking fines, penalties and other costs in her suit. This is not a partisan issue; these lawsuits have been filed by both Republican and Democratic attorneys general. New York and California are leading the coordinated effort. TikTok has strongly denied the allegations.

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Governor Landry says his tax reform plan would result in every working man and woman in the state having more money in their pocket. One of the key parts of the plan is to lower the state income tax for many, but taxing services that are currently not taxed, like car washes. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson explains why this would mean a tax break for most

Cut 7 (14) “…to Texas.”

That was Nelson speaking to the House Ways and Means Committee, which will consider all tax changes during a proposed special session in November. Nelson believes most Louisiana residents would like to pay lower income taxes, even though the state already has one of the highest sales tax rates in the country…

Cut 8 (07) “…Louisiana citizens.”

There are concerns the governor’s tax plan will lead to budget cuts, because less tax revenue will be collected. But the governor says his tax reform proposal will grow the state’s economy…

Cut 9 (12)  “…competitive.”

Landry told WWL radio in New Orleans that his tax plan also calls for permanent teacher pay raises, instead of an annual stipend payment that needs approval from legislators every year…

Cut 10 (13) “…teacher pay raise.”

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The United Cajun Navy is in Florida ready to help in the recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Milton. Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says they sent three advance teams to Florida.

Cut 11 (12) …in Destin, Florida.”

All three of those locations are well above Milton’s track, which took the storm through the Tampa area across the peninsula, maintaining hurricane strength all the while. Trascher says its storm chasers encountered some surreal sights even before Milton made landfall.

Cut 12 (05) “…storm chasers were.”

Trascher says the teams will remain in Florida as long as necessary.

Cut 13 (18)  “…pass the baton.”

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A huge announcement from Saints Coach Dennis Allen, as he has named rookie Spencer Rattler the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. Allen says a lot of thought went into this decision.

Cut 14 (11) “…he can do.”

Jake Haener had entered the season as the number-two quarterback, and he went into the game Monday night after Derek Carr went down with his oblique injury. Allen says the number-two role was fluid from the get-go.

Cut 15 (20) “…the best opportunity.”

Rattler will try to lead the Saints to their first win since week two; kickoff Sunday is at noon.

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13th ranked LSU continues to prepare for its game against ninth ranked Ole Miss on Saturday night. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier on what he’s seeing from this Rebels defense…

Cut 16 (16)   “…I’m excited.”

It should be an electric atmosphere for this SEC showdown and LSU linebacker Greg Penn can’t wait…

Cut 17 (16) “…play.”

LSU gave up a school record 706 yards of offense in its last meeting against Ole Miss. The Tigers missed 34 tackles that day. Penn says they’ve been working on the fundamentals that leads to sure tackling…

Cut 18 (15)  “…execute.”

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Louisiana Tech takes on Middle Tennessee tonight in a matchup of Conference USA teams who lost their league openers. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie is giving Evan Bullock a second consecutive start at quarterback after he performed well in the loss to FIU…

Cut 19 (19) “….this as well.”  

Tech’s offense has struggled this season as they’re averaging just 19 points per game. Cumbie has relinquished play calling duties and co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Nathan Young will call plays tonight…

Cut 20 (20) “…in that role” 

Drivers filling up their tanks today had quite the sticker shock, with regular unleaded spiking by about five cents overnight to $2.82 a gallon. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says this price increase is due to Hurricane Milton, and it shouldn’t be too long until gas prices come back down.

Cut 11 (06) “…Texas and Louisiana.”

Mid-grade is averaging $3.25 and premium is averaging $3.63.

A woman and her daughter are found dead inside their home in Vernon Parish. Deputies discovered the bodies of 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter Fredda Pierce. Sheriff Sam Craft says detectives started processing and collecting evidence.

Cut 13 (12) “…inch by inch.” 

Craft stated that there is currently no perceived danger to the public.

The Louisiana National Guard is ready to help Florida in anticipation of major damage from Hurricane Milton.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter! 

Cut 6 (10) “…quality of result.”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the English tests will take up to 70 minutes less time to complete, while the time to complete the math tests will drop by about 40 minutes.

More than 500 Louisiana National Guard soldiers are mobilized to support Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says a  60-Soldier Light Medium Truck Company will also assist…

Cut 4 (08) “…critical supplies.”

The Louisiana Guard is also on standby to aid in states affected by Hurricane Helene.

A woman and her daughter are found dead inside their home in Vernon Parish. Sheriff Sam Craft says deputies discovered the bodies of 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter Fredda Pierce.

Cut 12 (12) “…two homicide victims.”

Craft stated that there is currently no danger to the public.

Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter! State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the English and math tests given to students in the third through eighth grade will take about 20-percent less time to complete.

Cut 8 (06) “…taking LEAP tests.”

Teachers and parents are hailing the move, saying that the tests cause undue stress for their kids.

Drivers filling up their tanks today had quite the sticker shock. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices spiked by about five cents overnight.

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollars a barrel.”

Redman says you can thank Hurricane Milton for this, since shipping lanes are currently closed to tankers. But he notes that since Florida is not an oil-producing state, prices should come back down once things get back to normal.