We now know the date when lawmakers will convene in Baton Rouge for the special session on tax reform. Governor Landry declared that the special session will begin November 6th – the day after Election Day – and must end by November 25th. While Landry’s tax reform plan will be the main item on the agenda, it’s not the only one. Lawmakers will also consider changes to property insurance, juvenile procedures, the judicial branch and other items.

Children from across the state are becoming hospitalized after eating candy laced with THC. The legislature legalized the edibles back in 2022, albeit requiring purchasers to be at least 21 years old. But Mark Ryan, the executive director of the Louisiana Poison Control Center, says that’s not stopping kids from getting their hands on the stuff.

Cut 5 (13) “…so they’re accessible.”

During a stop in his home district, Republican Mike Johnson reflected on his one year as the U-S House Speaker. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

As Halloween approaches, the excitement in neighborhoods is palpable, with children and adults preparing for the spookiest night of the year. Dee Dee Daniels of Humbug Costumes in Kenner says when picking out a costume, don’t just copy a picture you found on the internet…

Cut 8 (04) “…inner character out.”

Daniels says the best tip she can give is to try it on before you take it home.

It looks and tastes like regular candy, but it’s sickening children at an alarming rate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Halloween is Thursday and if you haven’t gotten your costume picked out yet then you better get a move on.  Sean Richardson has the trick and treat…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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During a stop in his home district, Republican Mike Johnson reflected on his one year as the U-S House Speaker. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Children from across the state are becoming hospitalized at an alarming rate after eating candy laced with THC. Mark Ryan, the executive director of the Louisiana Poison Control Center, says over the last several years, the instances of kids becoming sick from eating THC-laced candy have increased steadily — and shockingly.

Cut 4 (20) “…we’re at 128.”

Ryan says part of the problem is that the makers of this THC-laced candy are marketing them specifically to children, using packaging that looks almost identical to that of common candy products. It’s available at vape shops and, although you need to be 21 to purchase them, that’s not stopping them from getting into the hands – and mouths of children.

Cut 5 (13) “…so they’re accessible.”

And the effects that this candy has on children can be frightening.

Cut 6 (17) “…are pretty common.”

The legislature legalized THC-laced edibles back in 2022, albeit requiring purchasers to be at least 21 years old. Ryan says it’s very likely that the legislature will take up potential changes to the law in the next regular session.

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As Halloween approaches, the excitement in neighborhoods is palpable, with children and adults preparing for the spookiest night of the year. Many are busy finalizing their costumes.  Dee Dee Daniels of Humbug Costumes in Kenner says to be original…

Cut 7 (09) “…build upon it.”

DIY enthusiasts are also getting creative, sharing ideas online for unique, homemade costumes. Daniels says don’t just copy a picture you found on the internet…

Cut 8 (04) “…inner character out.”

Daniels says as the countdown to October 31st continues, the thrill of finding or creating the perfect costume that brings out your unique personality is what this time of year is all about.

Cut 9 (05)  “…contest that way.”

Daniels says the best tip she can give is to try it on before you take it home.

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U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson believes we’ll see a Red Wave on election day with Republicans growing their majority in the House, taking control of the U-S Senate and winning the White House. Johnson expressed this confidence after early voting in Bossier Parish. Johnson has been campaigning on behalf of Republicans nationwide for the last several weeks…

Cut 10 (11) “…for the country”

Johnson says if former President Donald Trump is re-elected, you can expect immediate steps to secure the Southern border, efforts to improve the economy and there will also be regulatory reform…

Cut 11 (14) …economy.”

Johnson believes he’ll be re-elected as House Speaker if Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House. But there’s a possibility the Democrats take control of the House by flipping seats in New York and California. Johnson doesn’t see it that way…

Cut 12 (12) “…for the country.”

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Work is underway on the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project in Lake Charles. Senior Project Manager Micki Meier says this will bring protection from flooding to homes and businesses in Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermillion parishes.

Cut 13 (15)  “…floodproof them.”

Meier says part of the project involves building levies around certain properties.

Cut 14 (09) “…dry-floodproof them.”

As for the homes, the plan there is to actually elevate them by three to six feet, so that they’re out of the way of floodwaters.

Cut 15 (16) “…a permanent foundation.”

In all, the project will protect homes and businesses within a 47-hundred square mile area.

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LSU crumbled in the 2nd half in College Station as Texas A&M outscored the Tigers 31 to 6 in the final 30 minutes on their way to a 38-23 victory. The Tigers led by 10 points at halftime, but Garrett Nussmeier threw three interceptions in the second half as the Tigers could not run the football. Coach Brian Kelly says 24 yards rushing is not going to cut it…

Cut 16 (14)   “…has to.”

Nussmeier threw for 405 yards and two touchdowns, but the most effective quarterback was A&M’s Marcel Reed who completed two passes for 70 yards and rushed for 62 yards and three touchdowns. Reed came in for an ineffective Conner Weigman and it looked like the Tigers were not prepared for a running QB…

Cut 17 (21) “…preparation.”

LSU had a chance to score more points in the first half, but drives broke down, Damian Ramos missed two field goals, and there was a botched snap in the third quarter on another field goal try. Kelly says they have a lot to improve before their next game against Alabama on November 9th.

Cut 18 (21)   “…help ’em out.”

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There are many problems the Saints need to fix, now that their losing streak is up to six. The Saints jumped in front early on a safety, but that was pretty much it. The Chargers stifled the Saints offense and beat them, 26-8. After the game, Saints Coach Dennis Allen was searching for answers.

Cut 19 (10) “….just couldn’t overcome.”  

Spencer Rattler completed 12 out of 24 passes for 156 yards and no touchdowns before he was benched in favor of Jake Haener, who completed 9 of 17 for 122 yards. After the game, Rattler took his benching in stride.

Cut 20 (14) “…win the game.”

The Saints fall to 2-and-6 on the season and are in Charlotte next week to face the Carolina Panthers, who they beat in Week 1 in the Superdome.

The LSU Tigers can have sole possession of first place in the Southeastern Conference if they can beat Texas A-and-M in College Station on Saturday night. Both teams enter the game on six-game winning streaks. The Tigers are winning thanks to good quarterback play and a defense that’s getting better. Coach Brian Kelly says his defense is gaining confidence…

Cut 13 (13) “…now.” 

Texas A-and-M will not have its starting left guard for the game. Chase Bisontis has a lower leg injury and LSU receiver Chris Hilton could make his season debut on Saturday after practicing fully on Thursday.

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, but Taysom Hill, Chris Olave, Cesar Ruiz and Pete Werner are all expected to return.

ULM will try to go 4-and-0 in the Sun Belt as they visit South Alabama. The Jaguars are 2-and-1 in league play and Saturday is homecoming for South Alabama. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent would like to spoil the Jags homecoming…

Cut 20 (17) “….homecoming”

Kick-off is at 4 PM.

It’s also homecoming for Nicholls on Saturday as the Colonels host the McNeese Cowboys. Nicholls is coming off a 20 to nothing win over Northwestern State, while the Cowboys are looking to break a two-game losing streak.

It’s also homecoming for Northwestern State. The Demons are still searching for their first win since 2022 and they’ll host Lamar.

Big game in Hammond as Southeastern Louisiana and UIW battle for first place in the Southland.

And Grambling is at Texas Southern.

Early voting continues at a brisk pace this year. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says hundreds of thousands of voters have already cast their ballots.

Cut 9 (10)  “…cast their ballots.”

Remember, during early voting, you can vote at any polling place within your parish. On Election Day, you will need to go to your assigned precinct.

A preliminary test of a second inmate is positive for tuberculosis. The inmate is incarcerated at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson and the Department of Corrections says additional testing is being done to verify that the strain of bacteria for which the inmate tested positive is the one that causes TB. The department says this case is not related to the drug-resistant TB diagnosed at the ICE facility. DCI is not on lockdown, but the department has suspended routine inmate transfers into and out of the prison for the time being.

It’s shaping up to be a banner year at the Port of New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The outlook for Louisiana suggests that drier conditions will continue into next week at least.  LSU Public Heath Climatologist Barry Keim says currently, 59-percent of Louisiana is considered to be in a drought, and about 25-percent of the state is in severe drought or worse.

Cut 3 (10) “…on steroids.”

Dry conditions are expected to continue into next week across the state with no relief in sight.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It’s shaping up to be a banner year at the Port of New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The outlook for Louisiana suggests that drier conditions will continue into next week at least.  LSU Public Heath Climatologist Barry Keim says currently, 59-percent of Louisiana is considered to be in a drought, and about 25-percent of the state is in severe drought or worse.

Cut 3 (10) “…on steroids.”

Keim says since mid-September the state has only averaged about nine-tenths of an inch of rainfall which is about 17-percent of normal for this time of year, but this isn’t uniform across the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…parts of the state.”

Keim says in terms of relief for the state…

Cut 5 (12) “…wouldn’t bank on it”

Keim noted that even though it’s going to be a dry week it’s also going to be a beautiful one so enjoy the weather.

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The Port of New Orleans is on track for a record-breaking year this year.

Cut 6 (12) “…our cruise lines.”

Kimberly Curth with the Port of New Orleans says with that many passengers, the port is all the way back from the pandemic.

Cut 7 (10) “…to do that.”

Curth says one thing that drives passengers to the Port of New Orleans is that it’s located in the heart of the city, just steps from the French Quarter and world-class restaurants. She says the port is also the origin of various types of cruises.

Cut 8 (10) “…ocean-going cruising.”

All this comes as Carnival Cruise Lines finalized a five-year agreement for two year-round vessels in New Orleans – “The Valor” and “The Liberty.” Carnival celebrated its 30th year cruising from New Orleans and marked its seven-millionth guest originating from the port.

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Early voting continues at a brisk pace this year. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says hundreds of thousands of voters have already cast their ballots.

Cut 9 (10)  “…cast their ballots.”

Watson says the partisan breakdown this year is the opposite of what we saw during early voting four years ago.

Cut 10 (12) “…saw in 2020.”

Watson says while the number of early voters so far is huge, it pales in comparison to the number of ballots the office expects to be cast in the final days of early voting and on Election Day.

Cut 11 (15) “…before Election Day.”

Early voting runs through Tuesday, with no early voting on Sunday. Remember, during early voting, you can vote at any polling place within your parish. On Election Day, you will need to go to your assigned precinct.

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A huge game is set for Saturday night in College Station as the 8th-ranked LSU Tigers visit 14th-ranked Texas A-and-M. The winner will be the lone team in the SEC that’s undefeated in league play. The winner will also see their odds improve in making the college football playoff. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly expects his players to give it all they got…

Cut 12 (12) “…the line.”

Both teams enter the game on six-game winning streaks. The Tigers are winning thanks to good quarterback play and a defense that’s getting better. Kelly says his defense is gaining confidence…

Cut 13 (13) “…now.” 

LSU’s offense could benefit from the return of speedy wide receiver Chris Hilton, who has yet to play this season because of a leg injury. Kelly says Hilton was full go at practice on Thursday…

Cut 14 (11) “…game ready.”

Kick-off is at 6:30.

Tonight’s the night! Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Superdome for her first of three shows – and she’s giving the city a huge economic jolt. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says Swifties from all over the world have been spending money in the city all week long.

Cut 7 (09) “…restaurants and attractions.”

Romig says when they’re not enjoying the shows, they’re enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer.

Louisiana’s public colleges are seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says they are requesting more money because private employers are looking for more qualified workers…

Cut 10 (07) “…employment pipeline.”

The Board of Regents is seeking this additional cash, despite projections the state will have fewer dollars to spend.

Cervical cancer detection and prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A Lafayette couple is offering free rides to the polls. Chad and Jennifer Landry have been offering free rides to Lafayette residents. Chad Landry says it doesn’t matter which political party they’re affiliated with or which candidates they plan to vote for, he wants to make sure that anyone who wants to vote gets to vote. Early voting runs through Tuesday.

Louisiana’s public colleges are seeking 142-million dollars in additional state funding for the next fiscal year. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed understands the state has some financial challenges, but she says now is not the time to cut to higher ed…

Cut 12 (14) “…in higher education.” 

The funding request includes more dollars to support dual enrollment and the M-J Foster Promise Program. The budget request goes to the Landry administration, which presents a budget to lawmakers early next year.

Nurses at University Medical Center in New Orleans hit the picket lines today. They are staging a one-day strike against the hospital as contract negotiations continue. Among other things, the nurses are seeking better pay, enhanced workplace safety and better staffing ratios. The hospital says no patient care will be interrupted. 

Tonight is the night – Taylor Swift takes the stage for her first of three shows. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says Swifties have been in town all week long; and when they’re not enjoying the shows, they’re enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer.

Cut 8 (12) “…nights with Taylor.”

There will also be fun times in Monroe this weekend as Chennault Fest is happening today through Sunday at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Museum President and CEO Nell Calloway says you can practically call this a food festival.

Cut 14 (12) “…the holidays now.”

The festival is a fundraiser to raise money for the museum and for veterans groups. Admission is ten dollars for adults and five dollars for kids and veterans.

The big day is here – Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Superdome tonight for her first of three shows. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says the city has been leaving special friendship bracelets at the hotels for them to give to Taylor Swift fans from all over the world as they check in.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a great package.”

All hotels in downtown New Orleans are sold out all weekend long.

Cervical cancer prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing. Dr. Donna Williams, the associate director of LSU LSMC Health Cancer Center, says a swab is used for collection…

Cut 6 (08) “…a pap test.”

The FDA approved HPV self-collection in May of this year and studies show 98% accuracy.

The Board of Regents is seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year for Louisiana public colleges.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

An arrest is made in the deadly shooting of a teenager in St. James Parish. The sheriff’s office says 28-year-old Kendrick Armant is charged with criminal conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the shooting death of 19-year-old Makhai Martin on October 15th. Another 19-year-old was injured in the shooting. The sheriff’s office says this is still an active investigation.

Cervical cancer detection and prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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As Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Superdome for the first of three shows tonight, the city is already reaping the benefits. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Board of Regents is seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year for Louisiana public colleges.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Cervical cancer prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing. Cervical cancer which is caused by HPV was once only detected by pap tests that required a visit to a gynecologist.  Associate Director of LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, Dr. Donna Williams says, no HPV means no cervical cancer and self-collection will increase access to testing for the virus…

Cut 4 (10) “…completely curable.”

According to the Louisiana tumor registry, Louisiana sees over two hundred new cases of cervical cancer every year. Williams says if someone tests positive for HPV, the same sample can be used for a pap smear that would detect pre-cancer cells. If the abnormal cells are present, she could be treated easily in the doctor’s office…

Cut 5 (09) “…can tackle.”

Eventually self-collection for HPV will be done in the woman’s home but today samples are collected by the woman in her healthcare provider’s office which is especially helpful for women who have less convenient or less frequent access to healthcare.  Williams says a swab is used for collection…

Cut 6 (08) “…a pap test.”

The FDA approved HPV self-collection in May of this year and studies show 98% accuracy compared to samples collected by a healthcare provider.

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New Orleans is rolling out the red carpet for Taylor Swift, and with good reason – she’s about to give the city a huge economic jolt. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says Swifties from all over the world have been spending money in the city all week long.

Cut 7 (09) “…restaurants and attractions.”

Romig says when they’re not enjoying the shows, they’re enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer.

Cut 8 (12) “…nights with Taylor.”

Romig says the city has been leaving special friendship bracelets at the hotels for them to give to Taylor Swift fans as they check in.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a great package.”

All hotels in downtown New Orleans are sold out all weekend long.

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Louisiana’s public colleges are seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year. The Board of Regents is seeking this additional cash, despite projections the state will have fewer dollars to spend. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says they are requesting more money because private employers are looking for more qualified workers…

Cut 10 (07) “…employment pipeline.”

Hunter Reed says the funding request includes more dollars to support dual enrollment and the M-J Foster Promise Program which provides aid to adults seeking to earn high-demand, short-term credentials at Louisiana community college or technical school

Cut 11 (06) …can’t achieve it.”

Higher ed’s budget request goes to the Landry administration, who present a budget to lawmakers early next year. Reed understands the state has some financial challenges, but now is not the time to cut to higher ed…

Cut 12 (14) “…in higher education.”

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Fun times in Monroe this weekend as Chennault Fest is happening today through Sunday at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Museum President and CEO Nell Calloway says weather permitting, there will be hot air balloon rides.

Cut 13 (06)  “…miles an hour.”

Calloway says you can practically call this a food festival.

Cut 14 (12) “…the holidays now.”

There will be live music practically non-stop throughout the festival, and there will be plenty of activities for kids, including toys and games.

Cut 15 (14) “…goats, alligators, snakes.”

There will also be a 40-foot obstacle course Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of the National Guard. The festival is a fundraiser to raise money for the museum and for veterans groups. Admission is ten dollars for adults and five dollars for kids and veterans.

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A lot is on the line Saturday night when 8th ranked LSU meets 14th ranked Texas A&M in College Station. A win for the Tigers and they’ll have the inside track on all of the other SEC Teams in getting to the conference title game and a victory also improves their odds of making the college football playoff. But Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier says the focus is on beating the Aggies…

Cut 16 (16)   “…extracurriculars”

LSU Coach Brian Kelly is impressed with A&M’s defense…

Cut 17 (16) “…that’s in place.”

In last Saturday’s road win at Arkansas, the Tigers had six false start penalties and one snap infraction penalty called on them in the first half. It will be loud tomorrow night, but Nussmeier says they can’t let the crowd noise result in errors…

Cut 18 (14)   “…right direction.”

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ULM is a 7.5 point underdog heading into their road matchup against South Alabama on Saturday. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent expects a close game…

Cut 19 (18) “….where we are at”  

The Warhawks and the Cajuns are tied for first place in the Sun Belt West as both teams are 3-and-0 in league play. South Alabama is 2-and-1 in league play and Saturday night it’s the Jaguars homecoming. Vincent would like to spoil U-S-A’s homecoming…

Cut 20 (17) “…homecoming.”

Louisiana now has a 10-point grading scale, transitioning from the previous 7-point system. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps, who authored the bill, says the new system aims to create a more equitable grading system across the state, making it easier for students who transfer between schools or states.

Cut 10 (06) “…across the nation.”

A special session to consider Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is slated to begin the first week of November. Among other things, it calls for the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax to be expanded to several other services, like lawn care, pet grooming, used car sales and lobbying activities. Jason DeCuir from Advantus Consulting is an expert on tax law and says this is a big change to the state’s tax code, and legislators are taking a long look at it…

Cut 13 (11) “…parish rate is.”

Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour is coming to New Orleans for three record-breaking shows this weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Political discussions are often very uncomfortable, especially this year during what will likely be a very close presidential election. Dr. Michelle Moore, the chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, says if people can’t enter into such discussions with an open mind, the best thing to do is to avoid them altogether.

Cut 7 (11) “…engage with people.”