Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Congressman Graves says the bill removes the penalty for those who work in the public sector.

Cut 3 (13) “…in public service.”

Graves says under a law passed decades ago, public workers have seen their Social Security benefits drop by as much as two-thirds, forcing them to turn to programs like food stamps to make ends meet.

Deer hunting season begins tomorrow with the opening of archery season in Deer Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10, in southwest Louisiana. Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says archery season is very popular in the state.

Cut 14 (04) “…each year statewide.”

Bordelon says last year was the highest reported harvest since tagging started in 2008, and he expects this year to be at least just as big.

Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a steady drop in crime. Rafael Goyeneche (goy-eh-NECH-ee), the president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, which has been tracking crime trends in the city on a weekly basis, says police are taking a more proactive approach when conducting operations like traffic stops and drug busts.

Cut 8 (11) “…non-fatal shootings.”

Goyeneche says as a result, officers are preventing crimes before they’re committed.

The LSU Tigers are big favorites to beat UCLA tomorrow. The Bruins are off to a tough start under first year coach Deshaun Foster, struggling to beat Hawaii and getting rolled by Indiana. Coach Brian Kelly expects the Bruins will be motivated a group when they enter Tiger Stadium tomorrow afternoon…

Cut 19 (12) “….football team”  

Kick off is at 2:30.

“Lights Out Louisiana” encourages residents, businesses, and cities to turn off lights between 11 P-M and 6 A-M, particularly in high-rise buildings and near wetlands where birds congregate. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a significant drop in crime. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Thanks to Team Rubicon, a Jean Lafitte family is moving back home today. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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In fall, birds leave their nests and fly south, marking an important part of their migration journey. This period is particularly critical in Louisiana, a key stopover for many bird species traveling along the Mississippi Flyway. LWF Communication Director Jimmy Frederick says the “Lights Out Louisiana” initiative aims to protect these migratory birds by reducing light pollution, which can disorient them, especially at night.

Cut 4 (12) “…November 1st.”

Bright city lights confuse birds, causing them to veer off course, collide with buildings, or become exhausted. During migration seasons, particularly in the fall, dimming or turning off unnecessary lights at night helps birds stay on track and avoid fatal accidents. Frederick says flipping the switch can make a huge difference.

Cut 5 (10) “…a little bit of money.”

“Lights Out Louisiana” encourages residents, businesses, and cities to turn off lights between 11 P-M and 6 A-M, particularly in high-rise buildings and near wetlands where birds congregate. This simple measure can significantly reduce bird fatalities, allowing fledgling birds and experienced adults alike to safely complete their journey.

Cut 6 (09) …makes a big difference.”

Visit LA-Wildlife-Fed-dot-org for more information.

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Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a steady drop in crime. Rafael Goyeneche (goy-eh-NECH-ee), the president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, which has been tracking crime trends in the city on a weekly basis, says the drop is very significant.

Cut 7 (11) “…crime as well.”

Goyeneche says one of the biggest reasons behind the drop in crime is that police are taking a more proactive approach when conducting operations like traffic stops and drug busts.

Cut 8 (11) “…non-fatal shootings.”

Goyeneche says by taking this proactive approach, officers are preventing crimes before they’re committed.

Cut 9 (16)  “…significant felony arrests.”

Furthermore, New Orleans Police have a full camera network at their disposal, with the cameras able to zoom in on a vehicle’s VIN number through the windshield from several blocks away, making it easier for them to pinpoint potential stolen vehicles being used in crimes.

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Thanks to the Veteran-led organization, Team Rubicon, the big move-in day is here for the Roth family who have been living in a trailer outside their home since Hurricane Ida destroyed their home and they were unable to get the help they needed through FEMA or SBA loans. Brian Andrus with Team Rubicon says they look to help people who may have been left behind.

Cut 10 (09) “…active as well.”

Team Rubicon rebuilt the Roth’s home at no cost to them or the community. Andrus says their mission is not just about the home; they work with families on resiliency…

Cut 11 (09) “…process is completed.”

Team Rubicon was started in 2010 by Veteran Jake Wood as a response to tragedies in Haiti. They have rebuilt multiple homes in Louisiana and the Roth’s home is the 13^th one since Hurricanes Laura and Ida. Andrus says they serve those in need around the world…

Cut 12 (08) “…is out here.”

You can donate to Team Rubicon by visiting T-R-U-S-A dot org.

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Deer hunting season begins tomorrow with the opening of archery season in Deer Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10, in southwest Louisiana. Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says archery season is the longest of all hunting seasons.

Cut 13 (08)  “…in the state.”

Bordelon says archery season is very popular in the state.

Cut 14 (04) “…each year statewide.”

Bordelon says last year was the highest reported harvest since tagging started in 2008, and he expects this year to be at least just as big.

Cut 15 (09) “…the previous year.”

Seasons in the other deer areas begin next month. Deer hunters need to have a basic hunting license and deer license, or an equivalent combination; and all deer hunters must obtain deer tags.

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Louisiana Tech will host Tulsa on Saturday night. The Bulldogs are looking to rebound from a loss to North Carolina State last Saturday, while the Golden Hurricanes are coming off back to back losses to Arkansas State and Oklahoma State. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie expects a highly competitive game..

Cut 16 (12)   “…football games”

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The Ragin Cajuns will host Tulane on Saturday at 11 AM. U-L Lafayette is 2-and-0, while the Green Wave are 1-and-2. Tulane has a first year starting quarterback in Darian Mensah. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says he would like to pressure Mensah without relying on the blitz…

Cut 17 (18) “…find some receivers.”

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ULM is a 44.5 point underdog on Saturday night as they will visit top ranked Texas. The Warhawks are 2-and-0 and Coach Bryant Vincent says a lot can be gained by playing the Longhorns in Austin…

Cut 18 (18)  “…Sun Belt.”

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The LSU Tigers are big favorites to beat UCLA on Saturday. The Bruins are off to a tough start under first year coach Deshaun Foster. UCLA struggled to beat Hawaii and then they got rolled by Indiana. Coach Brian Kelly expects the Bruins will be motivated a group when they enter Tiger Stadium tomorrow afternoon…

Cut 19 (12) “….football team”  

LSU wide receiver CJ Daniels says getting off to a fast start on Saturday will be a key…

Cut 20 (11) “..this weekend”

Kick off is at 2:30.

An inmate escapes from the Iberia Parish Jail, but his time on the run is short-lived. Kristian Broussard broke out of jail early yesterday evening and was captured shortly before midnight. Jail spokeswoman Katherine Breaux says authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the search.

Cut 10 (07) “…of a mile.”

Broussard was being held on second-degree murder charges.

The St. Tammany Parish community rallies behind shelter pets after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. DIrector Rob Bremer warned that if the problem wasn’t solved soon, the shelter might have to start euthanizing them tomorrow morning.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the community.”

The community responded in a big way, showing up in droves to adopt animals during the shelter’s extended hours.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow for India, with the goal of increasing tourism to the state from that country. Nungesser says India and the Middle East are emerging markets for tourism, and Louisiana’s unique offerings present a compelling case for international travelers.

Cut 4 (10) “…business here.”

This mission highlights Louisiana’s focus on global outreach, particularly in non-traditional markets, to expand its tourism footprint.

Two people are under arrest and one remains on the loose in connection with the murder of a 12-year-old Alexandria girl. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten and 31-year-old Deroyce May are each charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder in the shooting death earlier this month of Hope Alexandria. Police are still looking for 32-year-old Latraykus May.

An Iberia Parish jail inmate’s run for freedom comes to a quick end. Kristian Broussard escaped at about 5:30 yesterday evening. Jail spokeswoman Katherine Breaux says deputies deployed resources within four minutes to track him down, and Broussard was captured shortly before midnight.

Cut 9 (10)  “…aggravated escape.”

Broussard is being held on charges of second-degree murder.

The St. Tammany Parish community rallies behind shelter pets after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter Director Rob Bremer says it’s seen a spike in animals being surrendered.

Cut 6 (13) “…the perfect storm.”

Bremer put out a warning to the community that if the problem wasn’t solved soon, the shelter might have to start euthanizing them tomorrow morning. People responded by showing up in droves to adopt those pets.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Office of Tourism, are set to embark on a mission to India to promote Louisiana tourism internationally.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Two men face more than 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to a double murder in Jefferson Davis Parish. In a plea deal, 29-year-old Javari Guidry and 27-year-old Jordan Legros pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2018 shooting deaths of 72-year-old Walter Gotreaux and his 70-year-old wife, Darlene.

The Louisiana government accepts its first cryptocurrency payment, signaling a step toward modernizing the state’s financial systems. State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming says by adopting such technologies, Louisiana could set a precedent for other states looking to innovate within government operations.

Cut 12 (10) “…government-controlled digital currency.”

The first purchase was a hunting license using Bitcoin Lightning.

The Memphis Zoo successfully breeds the first Louisiana Pine Snake using artificial insemination. Conservation and Research Director Steve Reichling says this opens new possibilities for breeding programs aimed at species which are difficult to breed naturally.

Cut 5 (12) “…probably declining.”

The Louisiana Pine Snake is a federally threatened species.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law that makes abortion-inducing drugs mifepristone and misoprostol Schedule Four controlled substances on October 1st. Murrill says it is NOT an outright ban.

Cut 8 (13) “…for emergency purposes.”

Lawmakers passed the law after the ex-husband of a state senator’s daughter unsuccessfully tried inducing an abortion by lacing her drink with an abortion-inducing drug.

Two people are under arrest and one remains on the loose in connection with the murder of a 12-year-old Alexandria girl. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten and 31-year-old Deroyce May are each charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder in the shooting death earlier this month of Hope Alexandria. Police are still looking for 32-year-old Latraykus May.

The Public Service Commission selects Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure to run its new statewide energy efficiency program. Commissioner Davante Lewis says Louisiana will set the example through this move.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the nation.”

Not everyone is on board with the model. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says it will significantly raise the budget and, in turn, will raise people’s utility rates.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law concerning a pair of abortion-inducing medications. As of October 1st, mifeprestone and misoprostol will be classified as Schedule Four controlled substances. Murrill says that will not prevent doctors from prescribing them, and they have nothing to worry about in doing so.

Cut 9 (14)  “…actions or prosecution.”

Other Schedule Four controlled substances in Louisiana include Valium, Xanax and Ambien.

Researchers at the Memphis Zoo breed the Louisiana Pine Snake with artificial insemination for the first time.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Louisiana Army National Guard soldier died while on a training mission. The National Guard says 32-year-old Mitchell Benham of Folsom was in Title 32 status conducting inactive duty training at Fort Johnson on Sunday when he died. The incident is under investigation.

If you live in the coastal zone, you have today and tomorrow to register for the Fortify Homes grant program. Under a new lottery system, 300 people will be selected.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law concerning a pair of abortion-inducing drugs.

Cut 7 (10) “…substances in Louisiana”

Murrill says the new law, which goes into effect October 1st, does not prevent doctors from prescribing those drugs, and it will not hold doctors criminally or civilly liable for doing so. Other drugs classified as Schedule Four controlled substances in Louisiana include Valium, Xanax and Ambien.

Researchers at the Memphis Zoo breed the first Louisiana Pine Snake using artificial insemination. Conservation Director Steve Reichling says this breakthrough could serve as a model for other endangered or threatened species.

Cut 6 (09) …they’re valuable.”

Reichling’s method involves the use of frozen sperm samples instead of fresh ones.

The Public Service Commission selects Baton Rouge-based Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure to run its new statewide energy efficiency program. Commissioner Davante Lewis hailed the choice.

Cut 13 (12)  “…1st of 2026.”

Not everyone is on board with the statewide energy efficiency model. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says it will significantly raise the budget and, in turn, will raise people’s utility rates.

Cut 16 (09)   “…towns in Louisiana”

Aptim has experience in this – it has run Wisconsin’s statewide program since 2011.

A Bossier Parish middle school student is arrested for allegedly making threats against his school on social media. Sheriff Julian Whittington says a concerned parent notified the school. The 13-year-old is charged with one count of terrorizing.

Researchers at the Memphis Zoo breed the Louisiana Pine
Snake with artificial insemination for the first time.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana’s attorney general clarifies a new law going into effect next month concerning a pair of abortion-inducing drugs. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Public Service Commission unanimously selects an outside firm to run its upcoming statewide energy efficiency program. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Memphis Zoo Director of Conservation and Research Steve Reichling has successfully bred the first Louisiana Pine Snake using artificial insemination, marking a significant conservation achievement, as the Louisiana Pine Snake is a federally threatened species. Reichling’s method involved for the first time the use of frozen sperm samples, instead of fresh ones.

Cut 4 (10) “…calling it a breakthrough.”

The Louisiana Pine Snake feeds on pocket gophers and it has become one of the rarest snakes in North America due to the loss of long leaf pine forest. Reichling says artificial insemination opens new possibilities for breeding programs aimed at repopulating and maintaining genetic diversity in species that are difficult to breed naturally

Cut 5 (12) “…probably declining.”

By utilizing this technique, conservationists hope to bolster efforts to increase the species’ numbers both in captivity and, eventually, through reintroduction into their natural habitats. This breakthrough could serve as a model for other endangered or threatened species.

Cut 6 (09) …they’re valuable.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law concerning abortion medication that’s going into effect on October 1st. Lawmakers passed the law after the ex-husband of a state senator’s daughter unsuccessfully tried inducing an abortion by lacing her drink with an abortion-inducing drug.

Cut 7 (10) “…substances in Louisiana”

Murrill says the new law does not ban the drugs outright.

Cut 8 (13) “…for emergency purposes.”

Murrill says doctors who prescribe those drugs for legitimate purposes should have nothing to worry about.

Cut 9 (14)  “…actions or prosecution.”

Other drugs classified as Schedule Four drugs in Louisiana include Valium, Xanax and Ambien.

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Louisiana’s state government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment, signaling a step toward modernizing the state’s financial systems. State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming aims to modernize both the state government and the Louisiana economy. By incorporating cryptocurrency, Louisiana seeks to embrace emerging technologies that can enhance convenience, efficiency, and transparency in its transactions.

Cut 10 (09) “…bitcoin lightning.”

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, known for their decentralized nature, offer the potential for faster and more secure transactions. This move may also position Louisiana as a more attractive destination for tech companies and investors, promoting economic growth and development within the state.

Cut 11 (13) “…by 2028.”

In addition to integrating cryptocurrency, Fleming has a vision of leveraging digital tools to improve the state’s financial infrastructure, including exploring blockchain technology. By adopting such technologies, Louisiana could set a precedent for other states looking to innovate within government operations.

Cut 12 (10) “…government-controlled digital currency.”

The first purchase was a hunting license using Bitcoin Lightning.

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The Public Service Commission is launching a statewide energy efficiency program in 2026, and it has selected an outside firm to run it. The commission unanimously selected Baton Rouge-based Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure over two other finalists. Commissioner Davante Lewis hailed the choice.

Cut 13 (12)  “…1st of 2026.”

Lewis says Louisiana will set the example through this move.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the nation.”

The commission approved a transition to a statewide energy efficiency model earlier this year, and not everyone is on board with it. Eric Skrmetta says it will significantly raise the budget.

Cut 15 (11) “…top of that.”

And Skrmetta says that, in turn, will raise people’s utility rates.

Cut 16 (09)   “…towns in Louisiana”

Aptim has experience in this – it has run Wisconsin’s statewide program since 2011.

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Who Dat Nation is fired up for Sunday’s game as the 2-and-0 Saints welcome the 1-and-1 Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the Caesars Superdome. Quarterback Derek Carr says he’s expecting an electric atmosphere…

Cut 17 (17) “…are really excited.”

Carr says they have to put the 2-and-0 start behind them and focus on beating the Eagles…

Cut 18 (13)  “…going to count.”

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LSU’s defense showed signs it can be dominant in the 36-33 win over South Carolina. The Tigers held the Gamecocks to one total yard in the third quarter, but also gave up long touchdown runs in the second and fourth quarters. Senior defensive end Bradyn Swinson says they are close to being a good defense

Cut 19 (17) “….long ride 

Swinson only had two sacks last year. He had three sacks in the win over South Carolina and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Swinson on the identity they are trying to create with this defense….

Cut 20 (14) “..everybody loved”

Seems like a lot of people want to take advantage of the state’s Fortify Homes program. The Department of Insurance opened the three-day registration period today for people living in the coastal areas. The department says it’s experiencing a large volume of users, and that’s making it difficult for people to apply online. The department urges you to keep trying until the deadline of five p-m Friday. Since it’s implementing a lottery system to choose 300 people, those who apply early do not have any advantage over those applying late in the application period.

Police in Lafayette make a second arrest for the double murder that took place at a barbershop during Labor Day Weekend. 19-year-old Quincy Duhon Junior and 48-year-old Johnny Trailer Junior were fatally shot. Sergeant Robin Green says detectives worked hard on this case.

Cut 10 (12) “…for awhile.”

Shylon Mouton and Jeffery Broussard, both of Lafayette, are facing two counts of first degree murder.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announces its class of 2025. Chairman Doug Ireland says the headliner is football standout Andrew Whitworth, who won championships at all three levels – high school, college and pro.

Cut 14 (08) “…with the Rebels.”

And after winning the national championship with Nick Saban’s LSU squad in 2003, Whitworth went on to play in the NFL for 16 years, ending his career with a win in Super Bowl 56.

Scary moments at a recent freshman high school football game as a player for East Ascension High School suffered a medical emergency. Video footage shows the player going down after taking a hit to the chest. The game was called at that point, and the junior varsity game was also cancelled. The student is said to be alert and talking in the hospital.

A man who went on a shooting spree outside a Shreveport movie theater in 2021 is sentenced to more than a century in prison. 20-year-old Ikerryunt’a Stewart pleaded guilty to manslaughter and eight counts of attempted second-degree murder.

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes, Senator John Kennedy had some choice words for Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab American Institute.

Cut 6 (13) “…do not support.”

Kennedy ended his remarks by telling Berry to, quote, “hide your head in a bag,” which drew gasps from those in attendance.

DOTD marks one year of progress on the $127 million I-20 rehabilitation project in Bossier City. Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says the project will ensure the interstate can handle the growing traffic demands.

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s what happens.”

The phased construction approach has allowed work to progress while minimizing disruptions.

LSU Alexandria saw more than a one-third increase in the number of undergraduates enrolled for the fall semester.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Louisiana Army National Guard soldier died while on a training mission. The National Guard says 32-year-old Mitchell Benham of Folsom was in Title 32 status conducting inactive duty training at Fort Johnson on Sunday when he died. The incident is under investigation.

A junior high school student in Livingston Parish is in custody for allegedly having a weapon on campus. The sheriff’s office did not specify the type of weapon the student had. No students were threatened.