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.”

A special session is set to begin in the first week of November as Governor Landry will ask lawmakers to approve his ambitious tax reform plan. It would lower state income taxes for most, but widens the sales tax base. Jason DeCuir (de-QUEER) from Advantus Consulting is an expert on tax law and says legislators are taking a close look at all the new services that would be taxed under the governor’s plan….

Cut 12 (08) “…be taxed.”

A new 10-point grading scale is in place, replacing the previous 7-point system. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps, the author of House Bill 424 which dictated the change, says it aims to standardize grading practices and to align Louisiana more closely with many other states.

Cut 9 (10)  “…calculations accurate.”

This shift provides students with a broader range to achieve higher grades, potentially enhancing their GPAs.

Discussing politics is always a stress-inducing activity, and this presidential election season is certainly no exception. Dr. Michelle Moore, the chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, says people should enter such discussions with open minds and to listen carefully to the opposing view.

Cut 6 (16) “…think that way.”

Moore says if you can’t do that, the best thing to do is to avoid those situations altogether.

Taylor Swift’s first of three shows at the Superdome is tomorrow night. Joseph Bocanegra with StubHub says Friday and Sunday are going to be in demand, but nothing compared to Saturday…

Cut 4 (07) “…to get in.”

Swifties from all over the world have been arriving throughout the week, spending money in the city and boosting the city’s economy.

A special session is set to begin in the first week of November as Governor Landry will ask lawmakers to approve his ambitious tax reform plan. It would lower state income taxes for most, but widens the sales tax base. Jason DeCuir (de-QUEER) from Advantus Consulting is an expert on tax law and says legislators are taking a close look at all the new services that would be taxed under the governor’s plan….

Cut 12 (08) “…be taxed.”

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.”

A new 10-point grading scale is in place, replacing the previous 7-point system. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps, the author of House Bill 424 which dictated the change, says it aims to standardize grading practices and to align Louisiana more closely with many other states.

Cut 9 (10)  “…calculations accurate.”

This shift provides students with a broader range to achieve higher grades, potentially enhancing their GPAs.

Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour” continues this weekend with three shows at the Superdome tomorrow through Sunday. Joseph Bocanegra with StubHub says the demand is unlike anything they’ve seen in 20 years.

Cut 3 (08) “…certainly up there.”

If you’re still looking for tickets, be prepared to fork over at least a thousand dollars a piece before fees.

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.”

Louisiana sues the Department of Homeland Security because a Chinese national who entered the country illegally was found to have tuberculosis. Governor Jeff Landry says patient zero tested positive at Richwood Correction Center in Monroe and was then sent to Acadia Parish…

Cut 9 (05) “….had active tuberculosis”

Discussing politics is always a stress-inducing activity, and this presidential election season is certainly no exception. Friendships and family relationships have been destroyed over political differences. Dr. Michelle Moore, the chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, says people should enter such discussions with open minds and to listen carefully to the opposing view.

Cut 6 (16) “…think that way.”

Moore says if you can’t do that, the best thing to do is to avoid those situations altogether.

Some reassuring words from Governor Landry after a Chinese national being held in a federal prison in the state is shown to be infected with tuberculosis.

Cut 7 (06) “…in any danger.”

Landry says the patient crossed into the U.S. from Mexico illegally, was detained in California and was subsequently transferred to Louisiana. The patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless non-detainees. Attorney General Liz Murrill sued ICE, demanding that it not release any prisoners from the state’s federal prisons without medical clearance from the state department of health.

Speaking of Murrill, she’s speaking out on reports of hotels canceling reservations made months in advance and offering those rooms at jacked-up rates ahead of Taylor Swift’s sold-out shows at the Superdome.

Cut 13 (10)  “…and deceptive practices.”

A 108-year-old Baton Rouge runner who competed in the National Senior Games has passed away.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A pair of Louisianians have been floated as potential cabinet members under Donald Trump, should he win re-election in two weeks. Politico says outgoing Congressman Garret Graves could be considered for transportation secretary and former Governor Bobby Jindal could be tapped for secretary of health and human services. Of course, that’s a big “if” – polls show a very tight race between Trump and Kamala Harris.

If Donald Trump gets re-elected in two weeks, a pair of Louisianians could be up for cabinet positions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Landry is assuring the people of Louisiana that there is no danger after a Chinese national being held in a federal prison in the state is infected with a drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A 108-year-old Baton Rouge runner who competed in the National Senior Games passed away Tuesday.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A pair of Louisianians have been floated as potential cabinet members under Donald Trump, should he win re-election in two weeks. Politico says outgoing Congressman Garret Graves could be considered for transportation secretary and former Governor Bobby Jindal could be tapped for secretary of health and human services. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Graves becoming transportation secretary would be beneficial for Louisiana.

Cut 4 (06) “…we lack money.”

As for Jindal running health and human services, Pinsonat notes that more than 40-percent of Louisiana’s population is on Medicaid, so that would be a plus. In addition, Jindal would bring youth to the White House.

Cut 5 (08) “…and Trump.”

Pinsonat says whether Trump ultimately picks Jindal, should he win the White House, is a big “if.”

Cut 6 (09) “…that’s for sure.”

Polls show a very tight race between Trump and Kamala Harris in the final days before Election Day.

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Governor Landry is assuring the people of Louisiana that there is currently no danger after a Chinese national being held in a federal prison in the state is shown to be infected with tuberculosis.

Cut 7 (13) “…in any danger.”

Landry says the patient came into the U.S. illegally.

Cut 8 (10) “…illegal border crossing.”

So the patient was detained by federal immigration authorities and was subsequently transferred to Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…had active tuberculosis.”

The patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless non-detainees. Attorney General Liz Murrill sued ICE, demanding that it not release any prisoners from the state’s two federal prisons without medical clearance from the state department of health.

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The oldest woman to compete in the National Senior Games passed away peacefully in Baton Rouge at the age of 108. Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, who earned her nickname for her incredible speed as a senior sprinter, began running at the age of 100 after being inspired by a 100-year-old who completed a 100-yard dash. Owner of Varsity Sports Jenni Peters says she’s known Hawkins since she was six years old…

Cut 10 (06) “…in her yard.”

Hawkins stayed active throughout her life, enjoying gardening and cycling, but shifted her focus to running when she became the oldest competitor in cycling events, and Peters says that Hawkins would often join her running group…

Cut 11 (08) …fit for years.”

Known for her wit and humility, Hawkins often joked about her running abilities, saying she knew she could run because she used to dash to answer the telephone. Peters says her legacy as a trailblazing athlete and an inspiration to seniors worldwide lives on.

Cut 12 (10) “…age group.”

Hawkins remained busy and vibrant up until her final moments, even receiving a visitor just before her peaceful passing at St. James Place.

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Scammers are getting ready to prey on Swifties descending on New Orleans this week for her three concerts at the Superdome. Attorney General Liz Murrill says her office is getting reports of hotels canceling reservations made months in advance and offering those rooms at jacked-up rates.

Cut 13 (10)  “…and deceptive practices.”

While the concerts have long been sold out, demand for tickets is very high. Murrill says if you’re still looking for tickets, be very vigilant.

Cut 14 (07) “…a credit card.”

And Murrill says do your research before forking over your hard-earned money.

Cut 15 (08) “…to be true.”

All hotels in the city are sold out this weekend, and tickets are going for at least one-thousand dollars apiece on the secondary market.

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Saints running back Alvin Kamara is a happy man about his two-year contract extension that’s worth 24.5 million dollars. Kamara says it’s not about the money, his main priority is to remain a Saint…

Cut 16 (16)   “…anywhere else.”

The Saints could have traded Kamara before this year NFL trade line or released him after the season, but his new contract calls for him to remain in New Orleans through the 2026 season. Kamara says he’s not interested in playing anywhere else…

Cut 17 (09) “…for me.”

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Eighth ranked LSU will take a six-game winning streak into College Station on Saturday night when they battle 14th ranked Texas A&M. The Tigers defense is getting better and safety Sage Ryan says they want to build on last week’s performance against Arkansas…

Cut 18 (16)   “…we have.”

Texas A&M’s strength is its ground game. The Aggies are 12th in the country in rushing yards per game, averaging 219 yards a game. Ryan says their main focus is to stop the run…

Cut 19 (13) “….the plan”  

LSU’s improved defense is a reason why the Tigers are 6-and-1, 3-and-0 in the SEC. Ryan says after a tough season last year, he’s glad to be part of this defense…

Cut 20 (15) “…off the field.”

Governor Landry is assuring people that there is no danger, even as an inmate in a federal prison in the state is found to have a rare, drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. Landry said in a news conference that the patient came from China and crossed into the U.S. illegally.

Cut 14 (15) “…worked to eradicate.”

Landry says the patient was transferred to a federal prison in Louisiana; and from there, to a medical facility.

LSU unveils plans for a new 107-million dollar Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building.  Dean of the College of Engineering Vicki Colvin says the project will enhance the university’s construction management program.

Cut 9 (11)  “…on Mars.”

A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Metairie books practically an entire downtown New Orleans hotel for the Taylor Swift concerts, but not to make an easy profit. Rebecca Fox booked 191 rooms at the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome hotel for about 500 dollars each for four nights this week and resold them at that price. She feels that Taylor Swift fans are being price-gouged, and that’s not right.

Cut 5 (08) “…for the stuff (2x)”

Tickets to the shows are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars on the resale market.

Sunny and dry conditions persist in Louisiana, and the fire danger continues to increase. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Washington Parish fire fighters were busy battling a wildfire yesterday…

Cut 12 (10) “…very, very dry.”

Governor Landry is assuring the people of Louisiana that there is no danger, even as an inmate in a federal prison is found to be infected with a rare form of tuberculosis. Surgeon General Ralph Abraham says the patient has a very resistant strain of the bacteria.

Cut 16 (13)   “…a foreign country”

The state says the patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless other non-detainees.

Following hurricanes Helene and Milton, Louisiana’s insurance outlook remains stable. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple advises caution, as the global market for reinsurance affects rates in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (09) “…next two months bring.”

The state has only faced one major storm this year.

LSU has unveiled plans for a new 107 million dollar Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building.  Dean of the College of Engineering Vicki Colvin says it will offer advanced lab and faculty spaces to support cutting-edge research and to prepare students for Louisiana’s growing construction industry.

Cut 10 (07) “…technology for them.”

The new building will be located on South Stadium Drive next to Tiger Stadium.

Sunny and dry conditions persist in Louisiana, and the fire danger continues to increase. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says a chain hanging from a vehicle likely started a roadside fire in Washington Parish last night….

Cut 13 (11) “…very, very dry.” 

And those conditions are expected to linger for at least the next week.