Louisiana’s film industry is bracing for potential changes to the tax credits it currently enjoys. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says reducing or eliminating the tax breaks could put a major damper on the film industry in the state.

Cut 11 (14) …of that business.”

Tomorrow night, make sure you “fall back” before you go to bed by turning your clocks back one hour. The American Red Cross is urging you to use the occasion to also check your smoke detectors. Dr. Kenneth St. Charles, the regional CEO of the American Red Cross, says it’s very important.

Cut 14 (12) “…still working.”

The 56th Annual Pecan Festival is this weekend in Colfax, Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is criss-crossing the state tomorrow in a final push for Republicans to get out the vote. He’ll start his day in Minden at eight a-m. From there, he will visit Winnfield, and he will wrap up the day in Ruston. Louisiana Democrats, meanwhile, are holding a get out the vote rally this afternoon at state party headquarters in Baton Rouge. Former Governor John Bel Edwards will be among the speakers.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is pointing at the high number of bodily insurance claims as a reason why insurance rates are so high in Louisiana. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The 56^th Annual Pecan Festival is this weekend in Colfax, Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana’s film industry will be keeping a keen eye on the tax reform debate in Baton Rouge. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lawmakers will take another stab next year in addressing the state’s auto insurance rates that are among the highest in the country. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple believes one of the primary reasons  is that Louisiana motorists are more likely to claim an injury following a wreck…

Cut 4 (07) “…that’s driving cost.”

The Insurance Research Council says based on the recent data, crash victims in Louisiana are twice as likely to file a lawsuit than the national average.

Temple says multiple legislative committees have been meeting regularly since the summer and the medical payments that are made as a result of a lawsuit or settlement is part of the conversation…

Cut 5 (08) “…better than.”

But Ben Riggs, the director of Real Reform Louisiana, an insurance reform advocacy group, pushes back on the belief that bodily injury claims is what has insurance rates among the highest in the country

Cut 6 (09) “…medical data.”

Riggs says Louisiana has more bodily injury claims, because its roads are not safe…

Cut 7 (12) “…influence accidents.”

Riggs says lawmakers can reduce auto insurance rates by removing credit score as a factor. He says a driver’s low credit score can sometimes double their premium.

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The Louisiana Pecan Festival, held annually in Colfax on the first full weekend of November, celebrates the region’s rich pecan history. Pecan Festival President Danielle Yerby says the festival attracts around 65,000 visitors for this three-day event offering food, entertainment, and activities honoring the pecan, a staple of the local economy and culture.

Cut 8 (10) “…cracking ever since.”

Established in 1969, the festival originated as part of Grant Parish’s Centennial Celebration and was officially organized by Louisiana Pecan Festival Incorporated. Expanded to three days in the 1990s, Yerby says the festival now includes a Children’s Day with games, arts and crafts, cooking contests, a parade, and a Saturday fireworks display.

Cut 9 (05)  “…open to the public.”

Visitors can enjoy homemade pecan treats, jams, and other local goods at The Country Store. The event is accessible, with handicapped parking and wheelchair-friendly areas. The Louisiana Pecan Festival continues to celebrate the area’s heritage, drawing families and visitors from across the country.

Cut 10 (11) “…the Pecan Festival.”

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Louisiana’s film industry is bracing for potential changes to the tax credits it currently enjoys as lawmakers debate changes to the state’s tax code. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says reducing or eliminating the tax breaks could put a major damper on the film industry in the state.

Cut 11 (14) “…of that business.”

Waggenspack says the film industry provides a major boost to the state’s economy, even with the tax credits.

Cut 12 (10) “…the Louisiana economy. (For every $1 in tax credits, the film industry puts $6.32 into the state economy)

Up until recently, the film industry was synonymous with Los Angeles. However, Waggenspack points out that in 2002, Louisiana was one of the pioneers in attracting the motion picture industry to the state and out of California.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the top five.” (40 states have copycatted Louisiana’s tax credit program)

More specifically, Waggenspack says Louisiana is number four in the country in film production. He says there’s no shortage of people in the state who want to break into the industry, saying almost 90-thousand people are registered with MyCastingFile-dot-com.

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This weekend almost everyone across the country will be adjusting their clock for daylight savings time.  Dr. Kenneth St. Charles, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross, is emphasizing the importance of checking smoke detectors as clocks are set back.

Cut 14 (12) “…still working.”

He highlights this twice-yearly event as an opportune moment for individuals and families to ensure their smoke alarms are functioning properly. With daylight saving time signaling a change in routine, it’s crucial to remember that working smoke detectors can save lives in the event of a fire.

Cut 15 (11) “…get going.”

Dr. St. Charles urges everyone to test their alarms, replace batteries if necessary, and consider upgrading to newer models if their detectors are over ten years old. The Red Cross continues to promote fire safety education and encourages community members to take this simple action to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Cut 16 (13)   “…quicker and can save lives.”

By incorporating smoke detector checks into the daylight-saving time routine, families can enhance their safety measures and reduce the risk of fire-related tragedies.

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Thanks to their loss to Texas A&M last week, LSU has its work cut out for them if they expect to get into the new 12-team College Football Playoff. LSU currently sits at 6-and-2 and is ranked 16th in both major polls. Jerry Palm with CBS Sports says LSU getting into playoff position starts with them winning out.

Cut 17 (09) “…conference championship game.”

That starts next Saturday in Death Valley against Alabama, which Palm says is essentially a playoff game in itself.

Cut 18 (06)   “…Playoff this year.”

One thing that LSU can do to boost its chances of getting in is making it to the SEC Championship Game, which is not impossible. The easiest scenario would be for them to win out, Texas to beat Texas A&M and the winner of the upcoming Georgia-Tennessee game to lose a game. Palm says, however, dream on.

Cut 19 (09) “….to lose again.”  

Palm says there’s also a scenario where LSU, A&M, Texas and Georgia all finish with one conference loss and LSU and A&M get into the title game by virtue of tiebreakers.

The Saints have lost six in a row, their longest losing streak since 2005. So how is Owner Gayle Benson taking it? In an interview on WWL Radio, General Manager Mickey Loomis says he speaks with Mrs. Benson nearly every day

Cut 12 (14) “…solution.”

Quarterback Derek Carr says he hopes to return to action this Sunday against the Panthers in Carolina. Carr says he’s not putting too much pressure on himself to right the ship.

Cut 18 (19)   “…can do? Absolutely.”

You may recall that the Saints started their season with a blowout win over the Panthers in the Superdome.

ULM is back on the road this Saturday against the Marshall Thundering Herd. The Warhawks are coming off a 46-17 loss to South Alabama, while Marshall is 4-and-3 on the season, winning all four of its games at home. ULM Head Coach Bryant Vincent says his team is embracing the challenge…

Cut 20 (17) “..from any challenge.”

Kick-off is at 2:30 central time.

LSU’s non-conference slate for next season is complete after scheduling Southeastern Louisiana. The game will be played Saturday, September 20th, at Tiger Stadium, and LSU is paying Southeastern 750-thousand dollars for the game. Other non-conference opponents next season include Clemson, Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky.

A U-turn in the early voting trend in Louisiana, as for the first time, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in casting their ballots early. Of course, while the registered party of the early voters is known, how they voted is not. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says while opinion polls show Trump with a comfortable lead, it’s unclear whether he will increase his win margin in the state from four years ago.

Cut 4 (13) “…or from Republicans.”

It’s a sweet time to be a sugar cane grower in Louisiana this year. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Production Specialist Kenneth Gravois (GRAV-wah) says the state’s sugar cane crops are on pace to produce two-million tons of sugar this year.

Cut 6 (16) “…part of the industry.”

With over 110,000 residents leaving the state for other parts of the U.S. since 2020, Louisiana is experiencing a net outmigration according to the Council for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

An oddity in sports this weekend as two New Orleans football teams will be in Charlotte playing a Charlotte-based team. Tonight, Tulane is at Jerry Richardson Stadium to take on the UNC Charlotte 49ers. Three days later the Saints will be at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers.

A U-turn in the early voting pattern here in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With over 110,000 residents leaving the state for other parts of the U.S. since 2020, Louisiana is experiencing a net outmigration according to the Council for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Early voting is over in Louisiana; and unlike in previous years, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in casting their ballots early. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says part of that is because of a strong desire to return Donald Trump to the White House.

Cut 3 (13) “…by 58 percent.”

Of course, while the registered party of the early voters is known, how they voted is not. Hogan says while opinion polls show Trump with a comfortable lead, it’s unclear whether he will increase his win margin in the state from four years ago.

Cut 4 (13) “…or from Republicans.”

Hogan says another reason for the increase in the Republican vote is that the Republican Party is coming around to accepting early voting as an important part of the election process.

Cut 5 (15) “…haven’t yet voted.”

Finally, Hogan points out that in the last four years, more newcomers to the state have registered with the Republican Party than with the Democratic Party. If you didn’t take advantage of early voting, your final chance to vote is on Election Day on Tuesday at your assigned precinct’s polling place.

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It’s a sweet time to be a sugar cane grower in Louisiana this year. The state’s sugar cane crops are on pace to produce two-million tons of sugar this year.

Cut 6 (16) “…part of the industry.”

LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Production Specialist Kenneth Gravois (GRAV-wah) says Hurricane Francine affected sugar cane growth in the southernmost parishes.

Cut 7 (15) “…in sugar recovery.”

Gravois says cane tonnage per acre overall is good and should offset some sugar recovery losses in those affected parishes.

Cut 8 (16) “…two-million tons.”

Gravois says while the state could use some rain, it doesn’t need a lot of rain. And he hopes that the state can avoid any significant freezes.

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Louisiana has been experiencing a steady net outmigration trend, with over 110,000 residents leaving the state for other parts of the U.S. since 2020. That’s according to the Council for a Better Louisiana. In 2023 alone, the state saw a net loss of over 29,000 people. CABL President Barry Erwin says this pattern highlights a broader trend in domestic migration within the U.S.

Cut 9 (08)  “…than moving in.”

Erwin says high crime rates, concerns over the education system and limited job opportunities are primary reasons for why people are moving out of the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (05) “…real opportunity.”

Governor Landry says he can turnaround the years of out migration if the legislature approves meaningful tax reform in a special session that begins next week. Erwin says a tax system that promotes job growth can lead to a better Louisiana..

Cut 11 (10) “…better about staying.”

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The Saints have lost six in a row, their longest losing streak since 2005. So how does Owner Gayle Benson feel about the team’s losing ways? In an interview on WWL Radio, General Manager Mickey Loomis says he speaks with Mrs. Benson nearly every day

Cut 12 (14) “…solution.”

Loomis says Benson is in the locker room following every game to talk with the coaches, staff and players. He says the entire organization wants to get this season back on track…

Cut 13 (10)  “…thing around.”

The Saints have an excellent chance to snap the skid this Sunday as they visit Carolina, who has just one win on the season.

Early voting is over in Louisiana; and unlike in previous years, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in casting their ballots early. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says part of that is because of a strong desire to return Donald Trump to the White House.

Cut 3 (13) “…by 58 percent.”

DOTD launches the Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown pilot program in nine high schools. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says this program aims to promote safe driving habits by encouraging students to pledge to buckle up and to avoid using their phones while driving.

Cut 23 (10) “…save peoples lives.”

The school with the highest pledge participation will receive a $5,000 donation from Triple-A.

Little ghouls and goblins will be out in full force on a hunt for fun-sized treats tonight, so be especially on the lookout for them while driving. Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says since 2019, more than three-thousand people have been injured or killed in crashes on Halloween.

Cut 7 (12) “…Year’s Eve holidays.”

Will Mother Nature put a damper on trick-or-treating? LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says scattered showers and storms are expected during the day, but the weather is expected to improve in the nick of time.

Cut 13 (08)  “…down to about 30-percent.”

So that said, you should still make contingency plans just in case rain puts a damper on things.

Little ghouls and goblins will be roaming neighborhoods everywhere this evening, looking for some fun-sized treats. As they do, make sure they know how to stay safe. Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says if there’s a sidewalk, use it. If not, walk against the traffic. 

Cut 9 (16)  “…with oncoming vehicles.”

Since 2019, more than three-thousand people have been killed or hurt in crashes during Halloween.

As for what the weather holds in store for trick or treating, chances are it will be dry, despite what the weather may look like at this hour.

Cut 14 (08) “…that you could.”

So LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says families should make contingency plans just in case.

Nine high schools are participating in DOTD’s Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown pilot program. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says the program aims to reduce traffic fatalities by promoting lifelong safe driving practices among young Louisianans.

Cut 6 (05) “…for safety programs.”

The school with the highest participation receives a five-thousand dollar donation from Triple-A; the second-place school gets 25-hundred.

A new study by Bankrate shows that Americans on average spend just over 14-thousand dollars on infant care. Alex Gailey, an analyst with Bankrate who conducted the study, says one way for parents to offset some of those costs is to take advantage of tax credits.

Cut 12 (10) “…in your pocket.”

The state with the most affordable infant care by percentage of income is South Dakota at just under nine-percent. The least affordable, according to the study, is New Mexico at just over 20-percent.

Depending on where you’re at, the skies may be a little on the dark side with rain approaching. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says with a little luck, trick-or-treaters will be able to enjoy their Halloween festivities rain-free. Still, families should make contingency plans just in case.

Cut 15 (09) “…doing your thing.”

DOTD launches the Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) High School Showdown pilot program in nine high schools.  Spokesman Rodney Mallett says data from 2019-2023 shows a high risk among young drivers.

Cut 5 (11) “…wont wear their seatbelt.”

The program encourages students to pledge to buckle up and avoid using their phones while driving, with the highest participating school receiving a five-thousand-dollar donation from Triple-A for safety programs.

As most new parents know all too well, caring for infants can get very expensive. How much are Louisianians paying? For the answer, here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The high school graduation rate in Louisiana is on the rise. The State Department of Education says in the 2022-23 academic year, the graduation rate ticked up to 83.2-percent, up a half a point from 82.7 the previous year. National figures from 2022-23 are not yet available, but based on the previous year’s figures, Louisiana’s graduation rate ranks above the national average of 79-percent.

Destination Zero Death, AAA, and DOTD have launched the Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) High School Showdown pilot program in nine Louisiana high schools. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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When your little ghouls and goblins are out casing the neighborhood for some yummy treats, make sure they know the dos and don’ts about staying safe. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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As most new parents know all too well, caring for infants can get very expensive. How much are Louisianians paying? For the answer, here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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DOTD in partnership with Destination Zero Deaths and AAA, has launched the Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) High School Showdown pilot program in nine Louisiana high schools.  DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says this program aims to promote safe driving habits among students by encouraging them to pledge to buckle up and avoid using their phones while driving.

Cut 4 (10) “…save peoples lives.”

Participating high schools include Berwick, LaGrange, Terrebonne, Plain Dealing, Plainview, Chalmette, Ponchatoula, Walker, and Neville. Mallett says the Buckle UP Phone Down challenge between these schools is needed when recent statistics show unrestrained drivers and and passengers were involved in 34-percent of all fatalities…

Cut 5 (11) “…wont wear their seatbelt.”

Modeled after a successful Missouri initiative, the showdown rewards the top two schools with the highest pledge participation, offering $5,000 and $2,500 donations from AAA for safety programs. Schools are encouraged to use assemblies, classroom lessons, peer presentations, and other events to engage students. Mallett says the goal is to reduce traffic fatalities by promoting lifelong safe driving habits…

Cut 6 (05) “…for safety programs.”

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Little ghouls and goblins will be roaming neighborhoods everywhere this evening, looking for some fun-sized sweet things to enjoy after dinner each night until Thanksgiving. As they do, make sure they know how to stay safe. Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says Halloween is historically one of the deadliest nights of the year in terms of vehicle-pedestrian crashes.

Cut 7 (12) “…Year’s Eve holidays.”

Freeman says while your kids are out trick or treating, make sure they know the do’s and don’ts of walking around in the neighborhood.

Cut 8 (08) “…just for Halloween.”

And if there’s a sidewalk, make sure they use it. If not, be sure to walk against the traffic.

Cut 9 (16)  “…with oncoming vehicles.”

Furthermore, walking on the left side of the road makes it easier for drivers to make eye-contact with pedestrians.

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New parents know all too well how expensive it is to care for newborns. A new study by Bankrate shows that Americans on average spend just over 14-thousand dollars during the first year of their child’s life. Alex Gailey, an analyst with Bankrate who conducted the study, says on average, Louisianians pay slightly less.

Cut 10 (11) “…dollars per month.”

That translates to about 14-percent of a typical family’s income, which is slightly under the national average. Gailey says one thing that families can do to offset those costs is to do a little research on what child care subsidy programs they can take advantage of.

Cut 11 (14) …have nigher incomes.”

Gailey says families can also take advantage of tax credits.

Cut 12 (10) “…in your pocket.”

The state with the most affordable infant care by percentage of income is South Dakota at just under nine-percent. The least affordable, according to the study, is New Mexico at just over 20-percent.

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Louisiana may see some showers on Halloween, but trick-or-treaters can hopefully look forward to a clear evening, according to LSU Public Healt5h Climatologist Barry Keim. Keim says scattered showers and storms are expected during the day, but the weather is expected to improve for evening Halloween festivities.

Cut 13 (08)  “…down to about 30-percent.”

Communities across Louisiana are eagerly watching the forecast, as Halloween night brings neighborhood events, outdoor gatherings, and crowds of costumed children. Keim says families should make contingency plans for rain earlier in the day but stay optimistic

Cut 14 (11) “…that you could.”

For those preparing to head out, Keim suggests keeping an umbrella handy, but also staying tuned to updated forecasts. With a bit of luck, Louisiana trick-or-treaters will be able to enjoy their Halloween festivities rain-free by nightfall.

Cut 15 (09) “…doing your thing.”

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McNeese football coach Gary Goff says redshirt freshman Kamden Sixkiller will be the Cowboys starting quarterback the rest of the season as Clifton McDowell is done for the season with a hand injury. Sixkiller already has several starts under his belt and Goff is eager to see him keep developing…

Cut 16 (15)   “…twice.”

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Saints Quarterback Derek Carr says he hopes to return to action this Sunday against the Panthers in Carolina. Carr has been out since injuring his oblique October 7th late in their loss to the Chiefs. Carr says he had a great day of practice Wednesday and should be ready to go Sunday.

Cut 17 (15) “…it felt great.”

Carr says the injury is the most frustrating injury of his career, as it relegated him to the sidelines as he watched Spencer Rattler guide the team to three straight losses, the last of which he got benched. Carr says Rattler is getting too much of the blame.

Cut 18 (19)   “…team around him.”

The Saints will try to snap their six-game losing streak Sunday in Carolina. Kickoff is at noon.

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ULM is coming off its first Sun Belt defeat as the Warhawks were defeated by South Alabama 46 to 17. But Coach Bryan Vincent says his team is not dismayed

Cut 19 (11) “….success.”  

The Warhawks are back on the road this Saturday against the Marshall Thundering Herd. Marshall is 4-and-3 on the season, winning all four of its games at home. Vincent says his team is embracing the challenge…

Cut 20 (17) “..from any challenge.”

Kick-off is at 2:30 central time.

A 14-year-old boy is killed in a shooting in Terrebonne Parish. First Lieutenant Blake Tabor says the boy was breaking into the vehicles with two other juveniles, one of whom admitted to shooting the boy to death days later.

Cut 7 (11) “…14-year-old child.”

Tabor says while the investigation is still ongoing, they’re not looking for anyone else.

A supplement that’s widely available could be deadly. That’s the warning of St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape after a 36-year-old woman died in part of an overdose of Kratom. Dr. Tape says Kratom has been used for decades.

Cut 11 (16) “…you will overdose.”

Louisiana set a record for in-person early voting, beating its previous high set in 2020 by 32,000 votes. Sean Richardson has the numbers.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

An explosion near Camp Minden in Webster Parish. The LSP Hazardous Material Hotline got a notification from Goex Industries regarding an explosion that occurred at their facility. The facility was evacuated, and no injuries were reported. There is no indication of any threat to public safety and the incident has been contained.