The Louisiana State Police now has 55 new troopers, having graduated from Cadet Class 104 during a ceremony in Baton Rouge. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says they completed their 24-week training and are ready to go on patrol.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana state trooper.”

Manale says if you’re interested in becoming a Louisiana state trooper, there will be additional training classes coming up.

Governor Landry has come out and said while he does not oppose passenger rail service connecting Baton Rouge and New Orleans, he’d rather see money go towards widening I-10 between the two cities. John Spain, a member of the Southern Rail Commission, says, why not both?

Cut 9 (10)  “…can have both.”

Spain says polls show solid interest in a passenger rail line between the two cities.

The fall Angola Rodeo is back each Sunday in October, offering the best in prison rodeo excitement.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Faith House is relaunching the Purple Light Project to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The campaign encourages community members to replace their porch lights with purple bulbs.  Prevention and Development Director Kristen Boutte (BOO-tay) says it symbolizes peace, courage, survival, and solidarity with survivors.

Cut 12 (05) “…October for sure.”

Boutte says for a donation of $10 or more, Faith House will provide a complimentary purple bulb.

Passenger rail between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, or widen I-10 between the two cities? A southern rail commissioner asks, why not both? Governor Landry says while he does not oppose the rail project, he’d rather see money go towards widening I-10. Commissioner John Spain says passenger rail would ease congestion along that route.

Cut 10 (11) “…of that congestion”

Landry has questioned whether a Baton Rouge-New Orleans train corridor would get used. Spain says polls show that it would.

The Louisiana State Police now has 55 more officers, after they graduated from Cadet Class 104 this morning. They completed their 24-week training that began in late April. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says if you’re interested in becoming a Louisiana state trooper, there will be additional training classes coming up.

Cut 8 (06) “…later in 2025.”

Faith House is relaunching the Purple Light Project to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The campaign encourages community members to replace their porch lights with purple bulbs.  Prevention and Development Director Kristen Boutte (BOO-tay) says it symbolizes peace, courage, survival, and solidarity with survivors.

Cut 12 (05) “…October for sure.”

Boutte says for a donation of $10 or more, Faith House will provide a complimentary purple bulb. Donations can be made online at Faith-House-Acadiana-dot-com

The mayor of Pineville is staying in office for two more weeks. Rich Dupree’s resignation was originally scheduled to take effect today. But in order to avoid a special election, he’s delaying it to October 18th due to a new law establishing closed primaries which is moving the 2026 election by a couple weeks. Dupree announced his resignation amid allegations of an improper relationship with a staffer.

Governor Landry has come out and said while he does not oppose passenger rail service connecting Baton Rouge and New Orleans, he’d rather see money go towards widening I-10 between the two cities. John Spain, a member of the Southern Rail Commission, says, why not both?

Cut 9 (10)  “…can have both.”

Spain says polls show solid interest in a passenger rail line between the two cities.

The fall Angola Rodeo is back each Sunday in October, offering the best in prison rodeo excitement.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

55 State Police cadets graduate from Cadet Class 104 this morning during a ceremony in Baton Rouge. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says they completed their 24-week training and are ready to go on patrol.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana state trooper.”

Manale says if you’re interested in becoming a Louisiana state trooper, there will be additional training classes coming up.

Cut 8 (06) “…later in 2025.”

More information is available on the Louisiana State Police’s website at lsp-dot-org.

The Louisiana State Police now has 55 more officers. They graduated from Cadet Class 104 this morning during a ceremony outside Istrouma (is-TROO-ma) Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says they completed their 24-week training that began in late April.

Cut 6 (14) “…physical training regimen.”

The Angola Prison Rodeo is back every Sunday this month, featuring adrenaline-pumping events like Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, and the renowned Guts-n-Glory. Warden Tim Hooper says visitors can enjoy delicious Southern cuisine and shop a variety of handmade crafts.

Cut 3 (11) “…come out a purchase.”

Tickets are available for 20 dollars each.

Not getting enough sleep? You’re not alone. Sean Richardson reports about 40-percent of Louisiana residents get less than seven hours of sleep per night.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The dockworkers’ strike is over – at least for the time being. Hundreds of dock workers at the Port of New Orleans and Port of Greater Baton Rouge are back on the job today as the International Longshoremen’s Association has suspended its strike until January 15th.

Twenty Louisiana State Police officers are in North Carolina helping with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This is a ten-day deployment; and Captain Nick Manale (mah-NAAL-ee) says if further relief efforts are needed beyond that, State Police may consider sending more troopers there.

Cut 6 (11) “…continue that deployment.”

Troopers are handing out supplies at distribution sites, staffing medical and evacuation shelters and manning roadblocks for impassible and dangerous roads.

Nearly 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Dr. Phillip Conner attributes this to the state’s prevalent industries where residents work long, irregular hours in energy, oil fields, offshore rigs, or casinos, leading to “shift worker syndrome,”

Cut 7 (10) “…ongoing struggle.”

The organization that bills itself as Louisiana’s business roundtable calls Governor Landry’s tax reform plan ambitious, but one with many benefits. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The mayor of Pineville is staying in office for two more weeks. Rich Dupree’s resignation was originally scheduled to take effect today. But in order to avoid a special election, he’s delaying it to October 18th due to a new law establishing closed primaries which is moving the 2026 election by a couple weeks.

Troopers from the Louisiana State Police are helping with relief efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_______________________________________________

Just about 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night lack of sleep poses a risk to physical and mental health. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

The organization that bills itself as Louisiana’s business roundtable calls Governor Landry’s tax reform plan ambitious, but one with many benefits. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

Twenty Louisiana State Police officers are in North Carolina helping with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Cut 4 (09) “…and dangerous roads.”

State Police Captain Nick Manale (mah-NAAL-ee) says the level of devastation that the troopers are seeing is mind-boggling, even for those coming from a state accustomed to devastating hurricanes.

Cut 5 (07) “…in our state.”

The troopers are in North Carolina for a ten-day deployment; and Captain Manale says if further relief efforts are needed beyond that, State Police may consider sending more troopers there.

Cut 6 (11) “…continue that deployment.”

__________________________________________________

Nearly 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Dr. Phillip Conner, whose Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana recently opened a new location in Lafayette, attributes this to the state’s prevalent industries where residents work long, irregular hours in energy, oil fields, offshore rigs, or casinos, leading to “shift worker syndrome,”

Cut 7 (10) “…ongoing struggle.”

In addition to shift work, Connor says conditions like sleep apnea—linked to obesity, smoking, and pollution—are common and can cause serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cut 8 (10) “…drivers for it.”

Conner urges those experiencing chronic fatigue or poor performance in daily tasks to evaluate their sleep patterns.  Connor emphasized a big indicator is how you’re feeling in the morning…

Cut 9 (13)  “…not where it should be.”

The Sleep Disorder Center collaborates with the Veterans Administration and accepts various insurance plans, aiming to be a full-service provider.

_____________________________________________________

The Committee of 100 for Economic Development says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan would boost investment and economic growth at a time when Louisiana could really use both. CEO Adam Knapp says the committee studied this issue back in 2015, and many of the things that Landry is proposing are the same things the committee proposed back then. Among them is simplifying the business tax code to lower taxes while removing loopholes.

Cut 10 (12) “…the tax code.”

Knapp says lower income taxes and corporate taxes will spur economic development and will boost population.

Cut 11 (15) “…higher population growth.”

But Knapp says any changes cannot come at the expense of the state’s education system.

Cut 12 (11) “…for the economy.”

Knapp acknowledges that this is an ambitious plan set forth by the governor, with more than a dozen moving parts. Some parts of the tax plan would require voter approval should they be passed by the legislature.

_____________________________________________________

Louisiana delegates, including members of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), the Office of Cultural Development, and Senator Jeremy Stine, will attend the 19th Francophone Summit in Paris today and tomorrow. Hosted by the International Organization of the Francophonie (frank-o-phony).  CODOFIL Business and International Specialist Jonathan Oliver says the summit promotes the French language and international cooperation in culture, education, commerce, and politics.

Cut 13 (10)  “…a world stage.”

The summit’s theme, “Create, Innovate, and Do Business in French,” aligns with Louisiana’s efforts to highlight its French heritage and promote economic and tourism opportunities. Olive says the delegation re-signed the France-Louisiana Cooperation Accords for 2025-2030, originally established in 1968, to support French immersion programs in Louisiana schools.

Cut 14 (09) “…the French language.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser emphasized the value of OIF membership in promoting Louisiana’s culture globally. Oliver views these initiatives as key to preparing future generations for a globalized world.

Cut 15 (08) “…their professional career.”

Louisiana has been an observing member of the OIF since 2018.

________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns leave for Hattiesburg today for their Sun Belt opener tomorrow night against Southern Miss. U-L Lafayette is 3-and-1, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says a new season begins on Saturday night…

Cut 16 (14)   “…as well.”

This is the 55th meeting between the two schools on the football field. The Golden Eagles are 1-and-3, while the Cajuns are coming off an impressive win over Wake Forest. Desormeaux says in order to win the Sun Belt championship, they have to take care of business on Saturday

Cut 17 (15) “…probably out.”

______________________________________________

The Saints are back at practice getting ready for Monday night’s game against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. K-C is 4-and-0, while the Saints are 2-and-2. Coach Dennis Allen’s team had the opportunity to be undefeated, but failed to hold on to late leads the last two weeks…

Cut 18 (20)  “…done that yet.”

____________________________________________

ULM will welcome undefeated James Madison into Malone Stadium on Saturday night. The Dukes are 4-and-0 and lead the Sun Belt in points allowed per game, giving up just 18 points a contest. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent says J-M-U presents a tough challenge for ULM’s offense…

Cut 19 (15) “….we do.”  

Vincent is hoping for a big crowd on Saturday night…

Cut 20 (21) “…this town” 

The Louisiana House Ways and Means State Tax Structure Subcommittee heard from the Tax Foundation during its hearing on tax reform. Manish Bhatt (“Bot”), the senior policy analyst at the foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy, said due in large part to the complexity of Louisiana’s current tax code, Louisiana’s overall national competitiveness ranking is rather low.

Cut 10 (05) “…of our index.”

Bhatt says if Governor Landry’s tax reform plan was in place, Louisiana’s ranking would be much higher.

Louisiana voters have key deadlines approaching for the presidential election. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the Geaux Vote Mobile app can be your guide for the November fifth election…

Cut 3 (09) “…voting booth with you.”

The deadline to register in person, by mail, or at the Office of Motor Vehicles is Monday. The deadline to register online is October 15th.

A Natchitoches police officer is under arrest for allegedly selling anabolic steroids from his squad car. 36-year-old Officer Jonas McFerrin is booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on a total of three charges. The arrest comes on the heels of a two-month-long investigation. McFerrin is currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The Louisiana Lottery expands its retail base to include Walmart and Smoke’n Go stores. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has installed equipment in 56 Walmart locations across the state, and they have agreed to cash winnings of up to 600 dollars.

Cut 7 (09) “…they’re already shopping.”

Winnings over 600 dollars will need to be redeemed at the lottery office due to tax implications. There’s an incentive for retailers to join the lottery’s retail base, since they earn a five-percent commission on ticket sales and bonuses for selling large winning tickets.

The presidential election is 33 days away.  Sean Richardson has key dates and deadlines Louisiana voters need to know.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________

A TikTok influencer is charged in the murder of a Baton Rouge therapist. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

Louisiana voters have key deadlines approaching for the presidential election. In addition to voting for President, Congressional and local races are also on the ballot. Deputy Secretary for the Secretary of State’s Office, Joel Watson, says the Geaux Vote Mobile app can be your guide for the November fifth election…

Cut 3 (09) “…voting booth with you.”

The deadline to register in person, by mail, or at the Office of Motor Vehicles is Monday. The deadline to register online using the GeauxVote Online Registration System is October 15th. Watson says early voting is from October 18th to the 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.…

Cut 4 (05) “…no Sunday voting.”

Absentee voting is underway, and the deadline to request an absentee ballot is November 1st by 4:30 p.m. The deadline for registrars to receive absentee ballots is November 4^th by 4:30 p.m.  Watson says the sooner you can request an absentee ballot the better…

Cut 5 (09) “…return that ballot.”

On Election Day, Nov. 5, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Voters are encouraged to verify their registration status and view sample ballots using the GeauxVote portal.

___________________________________

The Louisiana Lottery expands its retail base to include Walmart and Smoke’n Go stores. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has installed equipment in 56 Walmart locations across the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…allowed by law.”

Chopin says that will be a huge help for lottery players.

Cut 7 (09) “…they’re already shopping.”

Winnings over 600 dollars will need to be redeemed at the lottery office due to tax implications. Chopin says the addition of Walmart and Smoke’n Go boosts its retailer base to more than 28-hundred.

Cut 8 (05) “…mom and pops.”

There’s an incentive for retailers to join the lottery’s retail base, since they earn a five-percent commission on ticket sales and bonuses for selling large winning tickets.

____________________________________

The Louisiana House Ways and Means State Tax Structure Subcommittee heard from the Tax Foundation during its hearing on tax reform. Manish Bhatt (“Bot”), the senior policy analyst at the foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy, testified on Louisiana’s current ranking in its annual State Business Tax Climate Index, rating Louisiana on five weighted factors.

Cut 9 (06)  “…unemployment insurance taxes.”

Bhatt says due in large part to the complexity of Louisiana’s current tax code, Louisiana’s overall national competitiveness ranking is rather low.

Cut 10 (05) “…of our index.”

Bhatt says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is very ambitious; but if it was in place, Louisiana’s ranking would be much higher.

Cut 11 (10) “…a huge leap.”

Among other things, the Tax Foundation’s report says Louisiana’s lack of a uniform sales tax administration disproportionately affects small businesses.

The chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus apparently is not a fan of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says the tax cuts that Landry is proposing are skewed very heavily towards the wealthiest people in the state.

Cut 9 (14)  “…in their pocket.”

Landry has proposed making up for lost income tax revenue by taxing services that have previously gone untaxed.

A New Library Learning Commons is coming to LSU, and it will be more than just a replacement for the current Library that has long had millions of dollars in deferred maintenance.  Interim Executive Director of Planning, Design, and Construction, Paul Favalora says students will have access to academic success partners

Cut 6 (10) …presentation skills.”

Violent crime rates are dropping across the state as well as across the country. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Tik Tok influencer is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Baton Rouge mental therapist William Abraham. 20-year-old Terryon Thomas was arrested in Dallas on an unrelated charge. The relationship between the two is unclear; investigators say there’s no evidence to suggest that Thomas was Abraham’s client.

It appears that Governor Landry will have a hard sell of his tax reform plan, including his call for a flat three-percent tax on income over 12-thousand-500 dollars, to Democrats in the legislature. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard, the chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus, says that will only benefit only one group of taxpayers.

Cut 8 (13) “…first tax bracket.”

Violent crime in Louisiana and across the country are significantly down. AH Datalytics co-founder Jeff Asher says we need to look at 2022-23 for specific factors and that can rain on the parade of officials looking to take credit for violent crime reduction in the state.

Cut 12 (09) “…beyond anyone’s control.”

Faculty and students have said for years it’s time for a new library on LSU’s campus and there are now plans to build one. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The guardians of a non-verbal child with intellectual disabilities are arrested for allegedly failing to care for the child. Concordia Parish deputies arrested 32-year-old Laurie Stewart and 27-year-old Tony Williams of Vidalia on child desertion charges. The sheriff’s office received several 911 calls, and deputies arrived to find the child nude, dirty, emaciated and home alone.