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

Cut 13 (08) “…him and Biden.” 

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

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

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

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

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

Cut 9 (11)  “…that’s underway.”

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

Cut 5 (13) “…their usable lifespan.”

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

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

Cut 3 (36) “…Im Sean Richardson.”

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

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

Cut 6 (12) …in drainage ditches.”

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

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

Cut 13 (11)  “…recovery from there.”

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

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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

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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_______________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 4 (14) “…the waste tires.”

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

Cut 5 (13) “…their usable lifespan.”

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

Cut 6 (12) …in drainage ditches.”

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

__________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (09) “…October 6, 2024.”

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

Cut 8 (08) “…anonymity.”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “…that’s underway.”

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

_____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (11) “…checked out.”

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

Cut 11 (05) “…became victims.”

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

Cut 12 (04) “…for sure.”

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

_____________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (11)  “…recovery from there.”

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

Cut 14 (09) “…an interest penalty.”

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

Cut 15 (13) “…very little money.”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 16 (15)   “…want to be”

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

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

Cut 17 (15) “…even better.”

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

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

Cut 18 (18)  “…for us.”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 19 (19) “….in the game”  

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

Cut 20 (11) “..other guys”

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

Cut 3 (10) “…other states have.”

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

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

Cut 13 (12) “…hardworking people.” 

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

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

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

Cut 3 (10) “…other states have.”

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

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

Cut 10 (12) “…ensuing days.”

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

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

Cut 6 (12) “…pounding on them.”

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

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

Cut 12 (05) “…on the road again.”

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

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

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

Solmes says the facility would create hundreds of good jobs.

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

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

Cut 4 (08) “…dangerous situation.”

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

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

Cut 10 (08) “…amount that’s due.”

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

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_______________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (33) “…at Tiger Stadium.”

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 4 (08) “…dangerous situation.”

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

Cut 5 (11) “might have a problem.”

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

Cut 6 (05) …Tensas.”

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

__________________________________________________

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

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

Solmes says the facility would create hundreds of good jobs.

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

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

Cut 9 (14)  “…afforded to us.”

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

_____________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (08) “…amount that’s due.”

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

Cut 11 (12) “…children who need it.”

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

Cut 12 (05) “…on the road again.”

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

_____________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (15)  “…over 20 years.”

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

Cut 14 (08) “…to make a play.”

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

Cut 15 (17) “…finish strong.”

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

________________________________________________

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

Cut 16 (16)   “…this week”

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

Cut 17 (14) “…defense.”

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

Cut 18 (15)  “…we did.”

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 19 (09) “….like to”  

____________________________________________

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

Cut 20 (20) “..like that”

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.