The Louisiana Board of Regents launched the “Louisiana Prospers” initiative in 2019 and this year achieved a record-high educational attainment level of 51-percent.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Due to tremendous response, the insurance commissioner has doubled the number of grants this round in the Fortified Homes program. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The negligent homicide charge against State Trooper Kory York has been dropped in the 2019 arrest and death of Ronald Greene.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The state has achieved a record-high educational attainment level of 51-percent, up from 47-percent since 2021, and represents over 30-thousand Louisianians who have earned degrees or credentials. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says goal is to hit 60-percent by 2030…

Cut 4 (12) “…degree or beyond.”

This progress shows ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education, improve workforce readiness, and create pathways for residents to gain valuable credentials. Reed says the plan serves as a roadmap for building a more prosperous future for Louisiana’s workforce.

Cut 5 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

With six years remaining to reach its 2030 target, Reed says “Louisiana Prospers” is on track to make a significant impact, positioning the state’s residents to better compete in the modern job market and enhance their overall quality of life.

Cut 6 (09) …it’s a destination.”

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DOTD is undertaking four infrastructure projects near the Superdome as New Orleans prepares to host the Super Bowl for the 11th time. District Engineer Administrator Scott Boyle says what’s unique about this is that DOTD is working on city-owned streets.

Cut 7 (13) “…striping in crosswalks.”

Boyle says the work will be done well before the city welcomes the world for Super Bowl Week.

Cut 8 (07) “…by December 15th.”

Boyle says the work being done will benefit the city long after the game is played and everyone returns home.

Cut 9 (10)  “…come after that.”

The Louisiana legislature has allocated just over five-million dollars for these four projects.

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The State of Louisiana now has a very good idea of how popular the fortified roofs grant program is. Last week, nearly 12-thousand registered for the lottery that was originally going to select 300 people to receive a grant of up to ten-thousand dollars for a fortified roof. Due to the overwhelming response, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple doubled the number of grants for this period to 600. Temple says there’s plenty of funding to accommodate that number.

Cut 10 (11) “…current fiscal year.”

Temple says before they up that number even further, they want to make sure the limited number of inspectors can handle the load.

Cut 11 (13) “…the next round.”

As for feedback on the fortified roofs themselves, Temple says it’s been nothing but positive.

Cut 12 (13) “…their house faster.”

Temple says those who have been selected in this round of grants for the Fortified Homes Program are in the process of being notified.

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Louisiana prosecutors have dropped the negligent homicide charge against State Trooper Kory York, one of the last officers facing serious charges in the 2019 arrest and death of Ronald Greene, a Black motorist. Greene died after being dragged, shackled, and restrained face down following a high-speed chase. Legal Analyst Tim Meche (mesh)says the decision to dismiss the charge, just a month before York’s trial isn’t as big a deal as it may seem…

Cut 13 (12)  “…malfeasance in office.”

Kory York faces a lesser charge of felony malfeasance. Union Parish District Attorney John Belton stated that the evidence against York did not meet the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required for conviction. Meche says Belton’s goal was to present a more focused case to the jury…

Cut 14 (04) “…matters that just don’t matter.”

While a forensic pathologist cited factors such as cocaine use, stun gun applications, and physical struggle as contributing to Greene’s death, the exact cause remains unclear, weakening the case.

Cut 15 (09) “…Ronald Greene.”

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Saints quarterback Derek Carr isn’t lamenting over the loss of center Erik McCoy.

Cut 16 (09)   “…in there playing.”

Lucas Patrick took over at center last week after McCoy went down with the groin injury that’s going to keep him out for as much as eight weeks. It’s unclear at this time who will start at center this Sunday in Atlanta. Whoever it is, Carr says he’s ready.

Cut 17 (15) “…things like that.”

The Saints will try to get back to their winning ways on Sunday; kickoff is at noon.

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Louisiana Tech begins Conference USA play on Saturday as they visit F-I-U. The Bulldogs have scored just eight offensive touchdowns in three games. Coach Sonny Cumbie admits players on offense are pressing to make big plays happen…

Cut 18 (18)  “…good players.”

Tech is coming off an overtime loss at home to Tulsa. They are 1-and-2 on the season, with the only win coming against an F-C-S team. Cumbie still feels really good about his team…

Cut 19 (19) “….put it together.”  

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The LSU Tigers will face a South Alabama team on Saturday night that’s scored 135 points in its last two games. Coach Brian Kelly says quarterback Gio Lopez can run it and throw it and the Jaguars leading rusher Fluff Bothwell is averaging nearly ten yards a carry…

Cut 20 (18) “…extremely efficient” 

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is under fire for a post he made on X calling Haitians thugs and slapstick gangsters. It was in response to an article about a Haitian nonprofit suing former President Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance over claims of them eating pets. Democrats, including the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, have called on the House to censure Higgins. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s unlikely, however, that Higgins’ fellow Republicans will hold him accountable.

Cut 7 (13) “…dogs and cats.”

Higgins has since deleted his post; and in talking with reporters at the Capitol, he seemed to walk back those comments. Higgins said it was never meant to be a dig against Haitian people as a whole.

Cut 12 (09) “…not a color.”

Higgins said he realized his words hurt several people, and that’s why he took the post down.

A man arrested more than 40 times in St. John the Baptist Parish was arrested again this week. Sheriff Mike Tregre (treg) says this arrest stemmed from an investigation that began in June, targeting Casey Spies for suspected involvement in distributing methamphetamine.

Cut 3 (08) “…keep arresting him.”

Judge Vercell Fiffie (fee-fee) set Spies’ bond at $10,500, which he posted after paying a 10-percent cash bond of $1,050.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new pilot program aimed at increasing opportunities for pregnant women to get tested for syphilis. Dr. Stephanie Taylor, the medical director of the STD/HIV program for LDH, says the state has had significant challenges with congenital syphilis which cause severe complications, including fetal death and miscarriage. Dr. Taylor says it’s a rapid test.

Cut 9 (07)  “…treatment that day.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is under fire for a post he made on X calling Haitians thugs and slapstick gangsters. It was in response to an article about a Haitian nonprofit suing former President Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance over claims of them eating pets.  ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins displayed this kind of behavior even before he was elected to Congress.

Cut 8 (09) “…of a camera.”

Democrats, including the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, have called on the House to censure Higgins, but Cross says that’s likely not going to happen.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new pilot program aimed at increasing opportunities for pregnant women to get tested for syphilis. Dr. Stephanie Taylor, the medical director of the STD/HIV program for LDH, says it’s a rapid test.

Cut 9 (07)  “…treatment that day.”

A Laplace man arrested over 40 times in St. John the Baptist Parish, was arrested again this week and was out on bond less than three hours later.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Lake Charles man arrested this month for allegedly sexually abusing a girl under 13 now has more charges. Further investigation revealed that 32-year-old Andrew Taraba offered to pay the girl during two of the incidents, so he is now charged with trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

Kenner Police seize a scam website that mimicked the Geaux Pass website. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says people, including some of his officers, got a text message with an image demanding the payment of a $3.75 toll. 

Cut 13 (12)  “…out of Russia.”

Chief Conley says the scammers were using that small amount to gain access to other valuable information.

Louisiana Tech says this year’s freshman class is the largest in the school’s 130-year history. There are more than 12-thousand students enrolled in the 2024 Fall Quarter and 24-hundred are freshman.

Cut 10 (06) “…competitive advantage.”

University President Jim Henderson says Louisiana Tech’s investment in modern facilities, leading-edge research, and personalized student service also contributes to its rising enrollment.

The Louisiana Board of Regents is asked to develop plans to accommodate a potential 250-million-dollar systemwide budget cut for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This, as a point-four-five-percent sales tax would be scheduled to sunset then. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says such a budget cut would be devastating.

Cut 7 (14) “…would be applied.”

Hunter Reed says those cuts would have a disastrous ripple effect.

Lafayette Congressman Clay Higgins is coming under fire for a post on X he made about Haitians. After a Haitian nonprofit sued Former President Donald Trump and running mate J.D. Vance over their claims of them eating pets, Higgins repeated that claim in his post, telling them they’d better get out of the country on January 20th. Higgins has deleted the post.

The sunsetting of a .45-percent state sales tax has Louisiana’s public colleges and universities preparing for a big reduction in state funding. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Tech’s enrollment for this fall quarter is the largest in school history. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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The Kenner Police Department seizes a foreign website that spoofed the Geaux Pass website. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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As Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is working on his Social Security Reform bill with a Democratic colleague from Virginia, Senator Bill Cassidy is working on the Senate’s version. Like Graves’ bill, Cassidy’s Senate bill would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset

Cut 4 (08) “…to be corrected.”

The Windfall Elimination Provision reduces the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security while the Government Pension Offset reduces by two-thirds the benefit received by surviving spouses who also collect a government pension. Cassidy says one way or the other, those two provisions will be gone one day.

Cut 5 (10) “…pay for it.”

Cassidy says those who spend only a portion of their work career in the public sector are paying too high a penalty for doing so.

Cut 6 (11) …be getting cut.”

This is not a controversial bill; the vast majority of House members from both parties have signed a discharge petition to force a vote by the full house. Cassidy says the bill likely will not get onto President Biden’s desk until after the November election.

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The Louisiana Board of Regents is asked to develop plans to accommodate a potential 250-million-dollar systemwide budget cut for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This, as a point-45-percent sales tax would be scheduled to sunset then. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says such a budget cut would be devastating.

Cut 7 (14) “…would be applied.”

And those cuts would, in turn, have additional negative impacts.

Cut 8 (07) “…would be untouched.”

Hunter Reed says higher education is a solution to the state’s economy, so everything needs to be done to fully support it.

Cut 9 (13)  “…in our communities.”

The Board of Regents will be presenting a worst-case scenario budget on February 28th.

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Louisiana Tech says this year’s freshman class is the largest in the school’s 130-year history. There are more than 12-thousand students enrolled in the 2024 Fall Quarter and 24-hundred are freshman. University President Jim Henderson on why students are choosing La Tech…

Cut 10 (06) “…competitive advantage.”

Henderson says Louisiana Tech’s faculty has shown they can develop a student to their full potential and prepare team to thrive in a future of boundless opportunity….

Cut 11 (11) “…an employer.”

Total enrollment for the quarter is 12,039, a nearly four percent increase over 2023 and it’s the school’s highest enrollment since 2018. Henderson says a student at Tech has more than 135 degree programs to choose from., which is one of many reasons why a student wants to be a Bulldog..

Cut 12 (08) “…the city.”

Henderson says Louisiana Tech’s investment in modern facilities, leading-edge research, and personalized student service also contributes to its rising enrollment.

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Kenner Police take down a scam website that mimicked the Geaux Pass website. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says people, including some of his officers, were alerted to the website after getting a text message from an unknown number with an image demanding the payment of a $3.75 toll.

Cut 13 (12)  “…out of Russia.”

Chief Conley says the scammers were using that small amount to gain access to other valuable information.

Cut 14 (09) “…lick at it.”

Conley especially singled out Detective Brad Ricke (“Ricky”) for his diligent work that ultimately culminated with the department seizing the website.

Cut 15 (11) “…of that nature.”

Conley says people need to know that no government agency will ever ask for money through any electronic means. While you can certainly pay online, all payment requests are done through the U.S. Mail.

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Saints Coach Dennis Allen says starting Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy is headed to injured reserve because of a groin injury that requires surgery. It’s been reported McCoy will miss six to eight weeks. Allen is not providing a timetable, but in the meantime, the team needs to keep pushing forward…

Cut 16 (15)   “…with it”

McCoy has been called the glue of the offensive line and someone who is relied on to communicate blocking schemes at the line of scrimmage. Veteran Lucas Patrick is expected to replace McCoy at center. Allen says McCoy will be missed, but they have others who can step up…

Cut 17 (17) “…absence .”

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The injury to veteran defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory has given freshman Ahmad Breaux a chance to start on LSU’s defensive line. Breaux was a defensive end for the Ruston Bearcats last season, a state champion football team. With LSU short on defensive tackles, Breaux was asked to beef up so they can move him to the interior…

Cut 18 (18)  “…for months.”

Breaux says he’s added nearly 35 pounds since arriving in Baton Rouge and he’s up to 285 pounds. But Breaux says thanks to LSU defensive line coach Bo Davis, he plays much bigger than his listed weight…

Cut 19 (18) “….play like one.”  

LSU hosts South Alabama on Saturday

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The Ragin Cajuns will be at Wake Forest on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is coming off a loss to Tulane, where they gave up 272 rushing yards. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux expects the Demon Deacons to run the football…

Cut 20 (18) “…help em too” 

At least for the time being, the scorching hot days in Louisiana are coming to an end, as a cold front is barreling towards Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says as a result, fans attending Saturday’s LSU football game should not have brutally hot temperatures to contend with.

Cut 8 (11) “…be about 82.”

And there’s virtually no chance of rain.

A new pilot program begins next Tuesday, in which library card holders can obtain a free one-day pass to any of Louisiana’s state parks or historic sites.

Cut 3 (08) “…be return users.”

State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says when they obtain a park pass at the library branch, they can also check out a backpack for the occasion, containing all the essentials needed when visiting a state park.

A DOTD worker assisting a disabled vehicle was struck and killed by a driver who veered off the road on I-610 in New Orleans.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Entergy Louisiana is sending 130 lineworkers and support personnel to assist Georgia Power in response to the potential impacts from Hurricane Helene. Dylan Granger is leading a convoy of bucket trucks to the Peach State.

Cut 15 (07) “…the lights on.”

An Arabi man is arrested after he allegedly struck and killed a DOTD worker on I-610 West in New Orleans. Investigators say 23-year-old Eric Anthony Jr. was assisting a disabled vehicle yesterday when 26-year-old Oscar Perez-Moran veered onto the shoulder, hitting Anthony and two other vehicles. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (PEE-shoo) says by law, in the event of any crash involving serious injury or death, blood or breath tests are automatically taken…

Cut 10 (08) “…to come back.”

Investigators are still determining why Perez-Moran’s vehicle left the road.

At least for the time being, the scorching hot days in Louisiana are coming to an end.

Cut 6 (09) “…far this season.”

LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the cold front that’s barreling towards Louisiana is also pushing Hurricane Helene away from the state and towards Florida.

Police in Natchitoches are investigating the deadly shooting of a 17-year-old boy. Matthew Daniels was shot on July Street; he was taken to a hospital, where he died. Sergeant John Greely says at this point, it’s unclear what led to the shooting.

Cut 13 (07) “…that we have.” 

Greely says the location of where this shooting happened is one that officers have been called to several times.

A new pilot program is set to begin in which library card holders can obtain a free one-day pass to any of Louisiana’s state parks.

Cut 5 (09) “…rarin’ to go.”

State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says 18 out of the 68 library systems are participating in the pilot program, along with the state library in Baton Rouge, with the goal of eventually expanding this statewide. Cardholders can obtain a free one-day park pass once every six months.

At least for the time being, the scorching hot days in Louisiana are coming to an end. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is barreling towards Louisiana, and it’s also pushing Hurricane Helene away from the state and towards Florida.

Cut 7 (09) “…to the bayou.”

Keim says thanks to this cold front, fans attending Saturday’s LSU game should not have brutally hot temperatures to contend with, unlike last weekend.

A teenage boy is shot and killed in Natchitoches (NACK-uh-tish). Police Sergeant John Greely says officers were called to July Street on reports of gunshots in the area. But the victim, 17-year-old Matthew Daniels wasn’t there.

Cut 12 (08) “…Regional Medical Center.”

Sergeant Greely says at this point, it’s unclear what led to the shooting.

A DOTD worker assisting a disabled vehicle was struck and killed by a driver who veered off the road on I-610 in New Orleans.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Entergy Louisiana is sending 130 lineworkers and support personnel to assist Georgia Power in response to the potential impacts from Hurricane Helene. Entergy Louisiana Lineworker Dylan Granger says those heading there are from across the state, including Lake Charles, Monroe and New Orleans…

Cut 16 (03)  “…what we do.”

Those living in eight parishes most affected by Hurricane Francine can start applying for DSNAP benefits today. Sammy Guillory with DCFS says there are certain requirements.

Cut 8 (13) “…based on that.”

Today through Friday, registration goes by the first letter of the applicant’s last name.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day by hosting events at four locations across the state Saturday. Secretary Madison Sheahan says the event fosters community involvement in conservation efforts.

Cut 12 (08) “…able to do that.”

Attendees can participate in hands-on activities like archery, fishing, and target shooting.For more information, visit the department’s website.

Lafayette is launching an initiative to strengthen its music community, with Sound Music Cities conducting a music census. Mayor-President Monique Boulet (boo-LAY) 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 music census starts October 1st and lasts three weeks.

Also next Tuesday, a new pilot program begins in which library pass holders can obtain a free one-day pass to any of Louisiana’s state parks.

Cut 3 (08) “…be return users.”

State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says 18 out of the 68 library systems are participating in the pilot program, along with the state library in Baton Rouge, with the goal of eventually expanding this statewide.

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”