Lafayette is taking steps to strengthen its vibrant music ecosystem. Colleen Crain explains.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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People in the eight parishes affected most by Hurricane Francine can start applying for disaster benefits today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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On Saturday LDWF is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day by hosting events at four locations across the state.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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As Lafayette celebrates 50 years of Festival of D’Acadiens and Creole, they’re launching an initiative to strengthen its music community. For three weeks in October, Sound Music Cities will conduct a music census. Lafayette Mayor-President, Monique Boulet (boo-LAY) says the data collected from musicians, venue owners, educators, producers and all stakeholders will guide future support and growth.

Cut 4 (10) “…as it always has been.”

It’s also the 50^th year for Beausoleil (BO-so-lay). Boulet says the region is filled with an abundance of talent and the young musicians are blossoming.

Cut 5 (11) “…a genre alive.”

The Lafayette Music Census begins October first and runs for three weeks. Boulet says the project aims to keep the region’s music authentic and organic and support its growth for the next 50 years.

Cut 6 (11) …those dance halls.”

The Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco music of the region will be featured at Festival of D’Acadiens and Creole, October 11th through the 13^th.

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Those living in the eight parishes most affected by Hurricane Francine can start applying for DSNAP benefits today. Last week, the Department of Children and Family Services received federal approval for multiple forms of disaster food assistance. Sammy Guillory with DCFS says registration for the first three days is based on the applicant’s last name.

Cut 7 (10) “…N through Z.”

And next Monday and Tuesday, registration is open to everyone in those eight parishes. Once approved, applicants should get their DSNAP cards within two to three days. Guillory says there are certain requirements.

Cut 8 (13) “…based on that.”

Guillory says those who are already receiving SNAP benefits shouldn’t bother to apply.

Cut 9 (09)  “…get more benefits.”

Applications are done over the phone; those unable to do so, including the elderly and disabled, can apply in person.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day Saturday by hosting events at four locations across the state.  LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan says the event showcases what LDWF does daily.

Cut 10 (08) “…about this weekend.”

These events aim to promote outdoor activities, wildlife conservation, and responsible hunting and fishing practices. Sheahan says attendees can participate in hands-on activities like archery, fishing, and target shooting.

Cut 11 (13) “…see what we do.”

The events are designed to educate both newcomers and seasoned sportsmen about sustainable practices and the importance of wildlife management. Sheahan says National Hunting and Fishing Day spotlights Louisiana’s rich outdoor heritage while fostering community involvement in conservation efforts.

Cut 12 (08) “…able to do that.”

For information on event locations and times go to WLF-dot-Louisiana-dot-gov.

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Senator Bill Cassidy says Louisiana is getting four-million dollars for transportation projects. Two-million is going to New Orleans International Airport, which will use the money for an automated people mover system.

Cut 13 (11)  “…and New Orleans.”

As for the other two-million dollars…

Cut 14 (09) “…to alleviate congestion.”

Cassidy says shoring up the state’s infrastructure is vital for the state’s future.

Cut 15 (13) “…to move to.”

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Saints Pro bowl center Erik McCoy will reportedly miss the next six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his groin. McCoy was injured in the first quarter in the loss to the Eagles and New Orleans had trouble moving the ball against Philadelphia’s defense. WWL Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Lucas Patrick will take McCoy’s place at center…

Cut 16 (15)   “…type center”

Detillier says McCoy is the glue of the Saints offensive line…

Cut 17 (12) “…Erik McCoy .”

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ULM begins Sun Belt play this Saturday with a road game at Troy, the back-to-back conference champs. The Warhawks rank 130th in passing offense, coach Bryant Vincent knows they can be better…

Cut 18 (14)  “…execute.”

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Saturday’s LSU-South Alabama game will be a homecoming for Jaguars coach Major Applewhite, who grew up in Baton Rouge and was a star quarterback at Catholic High. But Applewhite is treating his trip to B-R as an opportunity to go 3-and-2 on the season…

Cut 19 (22) “….good performance”  

Applewhite is in his first season as the head coach at South Alabama and the Jaguars enter the game as huge underdogs. LSU is favored by 22.5. Applewhite on what it will take to pull off the upset…

Cut 20 (19) “..as a program”

With six weeks to go until the 2024 election, voter interest appears to be waning. JNC Analytics Founder and President John Couvillion (KOO-vee-ahn) says one reason is election fatigue…

Cut 13 (08) “…him and Biden.” 

Additionally, an increasing number of undecided voters and lower-than-expected turnout at campaign events suggest that enthusiasm may be significantly lower compared to that of previous election cycles. 

The Senate will once again be taking up Senator Bill Cassidy’s RISEE (RISE) Act. RISEE, with two E’s, stands for Reinvesting In Shorelines Economies and Ecosystems Act. Senator Cassidy says the bill amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA.

Cut 9 (13)  “…protection and resiliency.”

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane and make landfall in Florida’s Panhandle by Thursday, and Louisiana is out of the crosshairs.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The national champion LSU women’s gymnastics team is named the grand marshal of the 2024 Natchitoches Christmas Parade. Organizers say the team has everything they’re looking for – it represents camaraderie, provides wholesome family entertainment and upholds great values.

In an emotional press conference Monday afternoon, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree announced he will resign effective October 6th. In August, Dupree admitted to a brief affair with a former employee who later filed a hostile workplace environment complaint with the EEOC. Dupree said he was honored to have served as Mayor and was proud of his administration’s progress…

Cut 9 (11)  “…that’s underway.”

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is taking its fight against waste tires to the people. LDEQ Secretary Aurelia Giacometto (jock-uh-MET-oh) says tires that are properly disposed of not only keep the state clean, but also go to good use.

Cut 5 (13) “…their usable lifespan.”

The department is holding six town hall meetings across the state to gain input on changes that it can present to Governor Landry.

Bossier Parish authorities arrested an Elm Grove man who allegedly held a woman captive for three days and sexually assaulted her.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (36) “…Im Sean Richardson.”

Having passed up a re-election bid, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is trying to cram in his legislative priorities in the three-plus months he has left in office. Among the bipartisan bills he’s working on is one which would make it easier for governors to request lump-sum payments for recovery for smaller-scale disaster.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is taking its fight against waste tires to the people across the state. LDEQ Secretary Aurelia Giacometto (jock-uh-MET-oh) says improperly disposed tires continue to plague the state.

Cut 6 (12) …in drainage ditches.”

DEQ is holding a series of town hall meetings across the state to gain input on potential changes that it can present to Governor Landry.

Having passed up a re-election bid, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is trying to cram in his legislative priorities in the three-plus months he has left in office. Among the bipartisan bills he’s working on is one which would make it easier for governors to request lump-sum payments for recovery for smaller-scale disasters.

Cut 13 (11)  “…recovery from there.”

Graves is also working on a bill to hold FEMA accountable for delays in payments to disaster victims.

Amidst controversy, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree is stepping down. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A man who Bossier Parish investigators say held a woman against her will for three days and sexually assaulted her is under arrest. The sheriff’s office says 52-year-old Gary Free of Elm Grove held the woman in a cabin at the Red River South Marina before she was able to escape. Free was arrested and booked on numerous charges including second-degree kidnapping and first-degree rape.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is taking its fight against waste tires to the people of Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Amidst controversy, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree is stepping down. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Bossier Parish authorities arrested an Elm Grove man who allegedly held a woman captive for three days and sexually assaulted her.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is taking its fight against waste tires to the people across the state. LDEQ Secretary Aurelia Giacometto (jock-uh-MET-oh) says the department is holding six town hall meetings across the state to raise awareness of the issue.

Cut 4 (14) “…the waste tires.”

Secretary Giacometto says tires that are properly disposed not only keeps the state clean, but also provides a second use for those tires once they’re no longer suitable for use on vehicles.

Cut 5 (13) “…their usable lifespan.”

Giacometto says the issue of improperly disposed tires continues to plague the state.

Cut 6 (12) …in drainage ditches.”

Giacometto says the proper way to dispose of old tires is to bring them to your parish tire disposal center. There’s a $2.25 fee per tire levied by LDEQ which goes into a fund.

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In an emotional press conference Monday afternoon, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree announced he will resign. In August, Dupree admitted to a brief affair with a former employee who later filed a hostile workplace environment complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Cut 7 (09) “…October 6, 2024.”

Dupree did not comment on the EEOC complaint during his announcement but said he could not in good faith allow his family, supporters, or administration to endure mean spirited politics.

Cut 8 (08) “…anonymity.”

Dupree said he was honored to have served as Mayor and was proud of his administration’s progress…

Cut 9 (11)  “…that’s underway.”

Mayor Dupree plans transition meetings with staff and councilmembers over the next two weeks.

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A man who Bossier Parish investigators say held a woman against her will for three days and sexually assaulted her is under arrest. The sheriff’s office says 52-year-old Gary Free of Elm Grove held the woman in a cabin at the Red River South Marina before she was able to escape. Lieutenant Matt Gaydos says Free chased her with a handgun.

Cut 10 (11) “…checked out.”

Free jumped in the water at the marina to hide from deputies but was located by a Bossier Sheriff’s Office K-9. Free was eventually taken into custody and the firearm was recovered. Gaydos says Free also approached witnesses at the marina…

Cut 11 (05) “…became victims.”

After being interviewed by detectives, Free was arrested and booked on numerous charges including second-degree kidnapping and first-degree rape. Gaydos says this wasn’t a random crime.

Cut 12 (04) “…for sure.”

Free’s bond has been set at $2.1 million.

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Having passed up a re-election bid, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is trying to cram in his legislative priorities in the three-plus months he has left in office. Among the bipartisan bills he’s working on is one that he’s working on with Florida Democrat Jared Moskowitz which would make it easier for governors to request lump-sum payments for recovery for smaller-scale disasters.

Cut 13 (11)  “…recovery from there.”

Graves is also working with Republican Neal Dunn and Democrat Darren Soto, both also from Florida, on a bill to hold FEMA accountable for delays in payments to victims of disasters.

Cut 14 (09) “…an interest penalty.”

Graves is working with New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter on legislation that would, among other things, remove income limits to qualify for grants to pay off disaster recovery loans.

Cut 15 (13) “…very little money.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly is disappointed linebacker Harold Perkins will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Perkins suffered the devastating knee injury in last Saturday’s win over UCLA. Kelly says Perkins will be missed, but the defense will not lose their identity or fall apart…

Cut 16 (15)   “…want to be”

When LSU is in a three linebacker set, Whit Weeks would replace Harold Perkins at the strongside linebacker and his brother West would play Middle Linebacker. Major Burns would take Perkins place when they are running a nickel defense.

On offense, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is among the nation’s leaders in passing yards and passing touchdowns and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for a season-high 352 yards and three touchdowns against UCLA. Kelly says the Tigers offense is preparing to add to his offensive arsenal…

Cut 17 (15) “…even better.”

The Tigers are facing a very good offensive team this week. After opening the season with losses to North Texas and Ohio, South Alabama has scored a combined 135 points in blowout victories over Northwestern State and Appalachian State.

Jaguars starting quarterback is a redshirt freshman, Gio Lopez, who rushed and threw for over 100 yards last week. And freshman running back Fluff Bothwell is averaging nearly ten yards a carry. Kelly says South Alabama is a good football team…

Cut 18 (18)  “…for us.”

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The Saints lost starting center Erik McCoy to a groin injury early in its 15-12 loss to Philadelphia. New Orleans went on to accumulate only 219 yards of offense. Coach Dennis Allen doesn’t have an update on the severity of McCoy’s injury and admits it was a challenge not having him for most of the game.

Cut 19 (19) “….in the game”  

Saints defensive end and fan favorite Cam Jordan only appeared in 20 snaps on Sunday as the 35-year-old has only one tackle this season. Allen says they have younger defensive ends, Chase Young and Carl Granderson, who deserve to play more…

Cut 20 (11) “..other guys”

Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says they’re mainly looking to reform sales tax, personal income tax and corporate income and franchise tax. Nelson says the goal is to simplify the tax code.

Cut 3 (10) “…other states have.”

Nelson says the complexity of the tax code is preventing the state from attracting companies.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is making the case for her re-election directly to voters in Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District this week with the launch of her first ad for the 2024 election cycle.

Cut 13 (12) “…hardworking people.” 

In the 60-second ad, Letlow outlines her unifying vision to ensure that the next generation of Louisianans can use the state’s resources and natural advantages to catapult to success.

A tropical storm is developing in the Gulf of Mexico this week that is expected to be a Category 2 Hurricane later this week, but not expected to hit Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU turned it up in the second half of Saturday’s game to pull away from UCLA. Only problem is – many fans sitting along the east sideline didn’t stick around to see it. That’s because the scorching late afternoon heat made it so unbearable that several dozen fans required medical attention.

Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says they’re mainly looking to reform three types of taxes – sales tax, personal income tax and corporate income and franchise tax. Nelson says the goal is to simplify the tax code.

Cut 3 (10) “…other states have.”

Nelson says the complexity of the tax code is preventing the state from attracting companies.

Louisiana is experiencing relatively calm weather at the beginning of the week. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring more significant activity as the week progresses.

Cut 10 (12) “…ensuing days.”

While this system is still in its early stages and hasn’t fully developed, it has the potential to gain strength as it moves across the warm waters of the Gulf.

LSU turned it up in the second half of Saturday’s game to pull away from UCLA. Only problem is – many fans sitting along the east sideline didn’t stick around to see it. That’s because the scorching late afternoon heat made it so unbearable that several dozen fans required medical attention. Coach Brian Kelly addressed it after the game.

Cut 6 (12) “…pounding on them.”

Kelly said this is why LSU prefers to play games at night, especially in the first half of the season. LSU’s next home game against South Alabama this Saturday WILL have a late start time. Kickoff is slated for 6:45 p.m.

DCFS is offering a limited-time promotion to help parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support. Child Support Enforcement Director Konitra Jack says the “On the Road Again” initiative aims to help parents regain mobility and maintain employment, which can ultimately benefit both the parents and their children.

Cut 12 (05) “…on the road again.”

The promotion ends October 31, and all payments must be received by that date.

A Toronto-based biofuels firm is proposing what will be the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas plant in St. John the Baptist Parish. Woodland Biofuels Chief Business Development Officer J.P. Solmes (like “Holmes”) says the location has everything the company was looking for.

Cut 7 (15) “…dioxide transportation pipelines.”

Solmes says the facility would create hundreds of good jobs.

Black bears have invaded Pointe Coupee Parish, and authorities are calling for changes to address the growing bear population.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU turned it up in the second half of Saturday’s game to pull away from UCLA. Only problem is – many fans sitting along the east sideline didn’t stick around to see it. That’s because the scorching late afternoon heat made it so unbearable that several dozen fans required medical attention. Coach Brian Kelly said after the game that’s why the team likes playing games at night, especially early in the season.

Pointe Coupee Parish is being overrun by black bears. So says Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux.

Cut 4 (08) “…dangerous situation.”

Thibodeaux is advocating for action from wildlife authorities to better manage the black bear population and implement measures to reduce interactions between the animals and residents. He says anyone who comes across a black bear should keep his or her distance.

DCFS is offering a limited-time promotion called “On the Road Again” to assist parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support. Child Support Enforcement Director Konitra Jack says this initiative provides non-custodial parents  a chance to have them reinstated at a reduced fee.

Cut 10 (08) “…amount that’s due.”

The promotion ends October 31, and all payments must be received by that date.

A Canadian biofuels firm is proposing what will be the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas plant in St. John the Baptist Parish. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

UCLA gave LSU a run for its money in the first half. but the Tigers were too much in the second half, pulling away for a 34-17 win. The two teams went into the locker room at halftime tied, but LSU’s defense clamped down, shutting out the Bruins in the second half. LSU improves to 3-and-1 on the season and hosts South Alabama Saturday.

Black bears have invaded Pointe Coupee Parish, and authorities are calling for changes to address the growing bear population.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A Canadian biofuels firm is proposing what will be the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas plant in St. John the Baptist Parish. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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LSU improves to 3-and-1 after beating UCLA at Death Valley. That’s where we find Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 3 (33) “…at Tiger Stadium.”

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Multiple black bears have been seen in Pointe Coupee Parish.  Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux has raised concerns about the increasing number of black bears in the area, stating the parish is “overrun” with them.

Cut 4 (08) “…dangerous situation.”

According to Thibodeaux, black bears are becoming more frequent visitors to residential neighborhoods, rummaging through trash and causing concern among locals. Thibodeaux is calling for changes to address the growing bear population, which he says poses safety risks to residents.

Cut 5 (11) “might have a problem.”

Thibodeaux is advocating for action from wildlife authorities to better manage the black bear population and implement measures to reduce interactions between the animals and residents. He believes the current policies are not enough to address the situation and calls for more aggressive strategies, such as implementing new relocation efforts or revisiting hunting regulations.

Cut 6 (05) …Tensas.”

Thibodeaux urges residents who come across a black bear to keep their distance.

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A Toronto-based biofuels firm is proposing what will be the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas plant in St. John the Baptist Parish. Woodland Biofuels is investing 1.35-billion dollars to establish the facility in Reserve, about halfway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Chief Business Development Officer J.P. Solmes (like “Holmes”) says the location has everything the company was looking for.

Cut 7 (15) “…dioxide transportation pipelines.”

Solmes says the facility would create hundreds of good jobs.

Cut 8 (11) “…transportation-focused roles.”

Solmes says the state is offering economic incentives, making it all that much more attractive to do business in the state.

Cut 9 (14)  “…afforded to us.”

If the project gets the green light, the plant would start the first phase of commercial operation in 2028.

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DCFS is offering a limited-time promotion called “On the Road Again” to assist parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support. Child Support Enforcement Director Konitra Jack says this initiative provides non-custodial parents whose licenses have been administratively suspended by DCFS a chance to have them reinstated at a reduced fee.

Cut 10 (08) “…amount that’s due.”

The reinstatement process under this program allows eligible parents to restore their driving privileges at a lower cost, reducing financial burdens. Jack says the promotion aims to encourage non-custodial parents to stay current on their payments and avoid further penalties.

Cut 11 (12) “…children who need it.”

The “On the Road Again” initiative aims to help parents regain mobility and maintain employment, which can ultimately benefit both the parents and their children.

Cut 12 (05) “…on the road again.”

The promotion ends October 31, and all payments must be received by that date. Contact DCFS for more information.

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UCLA gave LSU a run for its money in the first half. but the Tigers were too much in the second half, pulling away for a 34-17 win. The two teams went into the locker room at halftime tied, but LSU’s defense clamped down, shutting out the Bruins in the second half. After the game, Coach Brian Kelly said except for a few mistakes on defense, the team played well on both sides of the ball.

Cut 13 (15)  “…over 20 years.”

As for the defense, Kelly told the players to execute the plays by doing their job and that’s what kept UCLA off the scoreboard from that point forward. Linebacker Whit Weeks led the way seven tackles…

Cut 14 (08) “…to make a play.”

It was another strong performance from Garrett Nussmeier who threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns. Nussmeier and the Tigers also started fast, scoring on their first drive…

Cut 15 (17) “…finish strong.”

LSU improves to 3-and-1 on the season and hosts South Alabama next Saturday.

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The Saints offense couldn’t be stopped in the first two games, but yesterday New Orleans only found the end zone once in a 15 to 12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s the first loss of the season for New Orleans, but quarterback Derek Carr says they still have a good team…

Cut 16 (16)   “…this week”

The Eagles were led by running back Saquon Barkley who had two rushing touchdowns. One went for 65 yards and the other TD run was set up by a Dennis Goedert 61-yard reception. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu says the defense played well, but allowed a couple of big plays

Cut 17 (14) “…defense.”

The Saints are now 2-and-1 and will be at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Carr says they are facing adversity for the first time, so now they have to respond…

Cut 18 (15)  “…we did.”

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Louisiana Tech rallied back from a ten point, fourth quarter deficit, only to lose in overtime 23-20 to Tulsa. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie is disappointed they could not send Bulldog fans home with a win…

Cut 19 (09) “….like to”  

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Tulane running back Makhi Hughes rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown as the Green Wave defeated the Cajuns 41-33 on a hot afternoon in Lafayette. Coach Michael Desormeaux’s team gave up 272 rushing yards

Cut 20 (20) “..like that”