Following Hurricane Helene, election officials in North Carolina are turning to Louisiana for guidance on handling displaced voters. Louisiana Election Commissioner Sherri Wharton-Hadskey says North Carolina will have a special session next week to address emergency voting procedures, and it’s never an easy endeavor.

Cut 13 (08)  “…get it done.”

In 2020, Louisiana adapted its election processes after hurricanes Laura and Delta and introduced new protocols during the pandemic.

A Washington Parish School Board Member and candidate for Alderman in Franklinton was found dead in his car yesterday. Franklinton Police say they received a call about a “suspected death” yesterday and found the body of 67-year-old Frankie Crosby. Initially police said the department was investigating the death as a homicide but later announced there was no evidence that foul play was involved.

Is a flat tax a good idea or a bad idea? Colleen Crain reports it depends on who you ask.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Big day for us here at the Louisiana Radio Network, as today marks our 50th anniversary. Our owner, Jim Engster, says no matter where in the state news is happening, LRN is there to cover it.

Cut 6 (11) “…and parts unknown.”

One main component of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is a flat three-percent tax on incomes of over 12-thousand-500 dollars. Whether or not that’s a good idea depends on who you ask. Daniel Erspamer (ERS-pah-mer), the CEO of the Pelican Institute, says dropping income and corporate taxes will increase jobs and, in effect, population.

Cut 9 (11)  “…down over time.”

Jan (YAHN) Moller, the executive director of Invest in Louisiana, is among those opposed to the idea. He says Landry’s tax cuts would cost the state more than a billion dollars in lost tax revenue, and that would have a devastating effect.

Cut 7 (12) “…to budget cuts.”

Landry’s plan would make up that lost tax revenue by taxing services that are not currently being taxed. 

it’s a day of celebration for us at Louisiana Radio Network, as today marks our 50th anniversary. Our current owner, Jim Engster, points out that with us being based in Baton Rouge, we provide a very important service for radio stations that might not have the means to send staffers to cover the Capitol.

Cut 5 (14) “…away from us.”

LRN was one of a very small number of statewide radio networks when we started 50 years ago; today, there are 32 of them.

Big challenge for the Saints tonight as they face the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in their home stadium. Saints Quarterback Derek Carr says despite two straight losses in which the Saints failed to hold a late lead, the team is confident it can win close games…

Cut 14 (07) “…right now.”

Today is a day for celebration for us here at Louisiana Radio Network. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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One of the components of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal is a flat income tax. Is that a good idea or a bad idea? Colleen Crain reports it depends on who you ask.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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North Carolina is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and with the Presidential election around the corner, the Tar Heel State is asking Louisiana for help.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardosn.”

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Today is a day of celebration for us at Louisiana Radio Network, as today marks our 50th anniversary. LRN had its first broadcast on October 7th, 1974, and has been providing news and programming to radio stations across the state ever since. Jim Engster started in 1983 as an anchor and reporter; today, he’s the owner of the company. He says the network has grown tremendously over the last 50 years.

Cut 4 (16) “…one-half century.”

Engster says LRN, which is based in Baton Rouge, provides a very important service for radio stations that might not have the means to send staffers to cover the Capitol.

Cut 5 (14) “…away from us.”

Engster says no matter where in the state news is happening, LRN is there to cover it.

Cut 6 (11) “…and parts unknown.”

LRN was one of a very small number of statewide radio networks when we started 50 years ago; today, there are 32 of them.

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One main component of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is a flat three-percent tax on incomes of over 12-thousand-500 dollars. Whether or not that’s a good idea depends on who you ask. Jan (YAHN) Moller, the executive director of Invest in Louisiana, is among those opposed to the idea. He says that would cost the state more than a billion dollars in lost tax revenue, and that would have a devastating effect.

Cut 7 (12) “…to budget cuts.”

Landry’s plan would make up that lost tax revenue by taxing services that are not currently being taxed. Moller says sales taxes in the state are already disproportionately high.

Cut 8 (12) “…in the country.”

On the other hand, Daniel Erspamer (ERS-pah-mer), the CEO of the Pelican Institute, says dropping income and corporate taxes will increase jobs and, in effect, population.

Cut 9 (11)  “…down over time.”

Erspamer says broadening the sales tax base will have great benefits, including eventually simplifying the sales tax system itself.

Cut 10 (12) “…time as well.”

As for the notion that the income tax cut would only benefit the wealthiest of Louisiana taxpayers, Erspamer notes that it will also benefit lower earners, with the lowest earners not paying any income tax at all.

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Following Hurricane Helene, election officials in North Carolina are turning to Louisiana for guidance on handling displaced voters, as Louisiana has extensive experience implementing emergency voting procedures after natural disasters. Louisiana Election Commissioner Sherri Wharton-Hadskey has been consulting with them on strategies and best practices, stresses the importance of acting quickly to meet voter needs in emergencies…

Cut 11 (06) “…anyone else.”

In 2020, Louisiana adapted its election processes after Hurricanes Laura and Delta and introduced new protocols during the pandemic. Hadskey says Louisiana learned that speed was key…

Cut 12 (08) “…emergency circumstance.”

North Carolina lawmakers, aiming to ensure a safe and secure election on November 5, are seeking to implement similar procedures.  Hadskey says North Carolina will have a special session next week that will address new legislation for emergency voting procedures, and it’s never an easy endeavor…

Cut 13 (08)  “…get it done.”

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Big challenge for the Saints tonight as they face the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in their home stadium. K-C is 4-and-0 and the Saints have lost their last two, failing to hold on to late leads. New Orleans Quarterback Derek Carr says the team is confident they can win close games…

Cut 14 (07) “…right now.”

Winning at Arrowhead Stadium is not easy for visitors. Carr is one and eight lifetime playing against the Chiefs in Kansas City…

Cut 15 (10) “…huge challenge.”

Kick off is at 7:15

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The Ragin Cajuns won for the first time in Hattiesburg since 1993 as U-L Lafayette upended Southern Miss 23-13 on Saturday. The win snapped U-S-M’s 11-game home winning streak in the series. Coach Michael Desormeaux says his team was highly motivated to return to Lafayette with a win…

Cut 16 (11)   “…do that.”

The Cajuns defense was the story in this game as they held Southern Miss to 17 total yards in the final 30 minutes and pitched a shutout. Sophomore linebacker Cameron Whitfield had a school-record tying four sacks and forced a fumble. Desormeaux says the pressure on USM quarterback Tate Rodemaker was the key…

Cut 17 (29) “…by them.”

The Cajuns are back home this Saturday night against App State.

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ULM is 4-and-1 for the first time since 1993 after they shocked James Madison on Saturday night, pulling off a stunning 21 to 19 victory over the Dukes. J-M-U nearly had 400 yards of offense, but the Warhawks had a defensive touchdown, a long TD run by freshman Ahmad Hardy and Jake Godfrey caught a touchdown pass. Coach Bryant Vincent…

Cut 18 (10)  “…saw tonight.”

ULM is also now 2-and-0 in the Sun Belt and one of the biggest surprises in all of college football. Vincent says Warhawk nation will come together again next Saturday night to host Southern Miss for homecoming…

Cut 19 (21) “….all come together.”  

The Louisiana State Police now has 55 new troopers, having graduated from Cadet Class 104 during a ceremony in Baton Rouge. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says they completed their 24-week training and are ready to go on patrol.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana state trooper.”

Manale says if you’re interested in becoming a Louisiana state trooper, there will be additional training classes coming up.

Governor Landry has come out and said while he does not oppose passenger rail service connecting Baton Rouge and New Orleans, he’d rather see money go towards widening I-10 between the two cities. John Spain, a member of the Southern Rail Commission, says, why not both?

Cut 9 (10)  “…can have both.”

Spain says polls show solid interest in a passenger rail line between the two cities.

The fall Angola Rodeo is back each Sunday in October, offering the best in prison rodeo excitement.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Faith House is relaunching the Purple Light Project to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The campaign encourages community members to replace their porch lights with purple bulbs.  Prevention and Development Director Kristen Boutte (BOO-tay) says it symbolizes peace, courage, survival, and solidarity with survivors.

Cut 12 (05) “…October for sure.”

Boutte says for a donation of $10 or more, Faith House will provide a complimentary purple bulb.

Passenger rail between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, or widen I-10 between the two cities? A southern rail commissioner asks, why not both? Governor Landry says while he does not oppose the rail project, he’d rather see money go towards widening I-10. Commissioner John Spain says passenger rail would ease congestion along that route.

Cut 10 (11) “…of that congestion”

Landry has questioned whether a Baton Rouge-New Orleans train corridor would get used. Spain says polls show that it would.

The Louisiana State Police now has 55 more officers, after they graduated from Cadet Class 104 this morning. They completed their 24-week training that began in late April. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says if you’re interested in becoming a Louisiana state trooper, there will be additional training classes coming up.

Cut 8 (06) “…later in 2025.”

Faith House is relaunching the Purple Light Project to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The campaign encourages community members to replace their porch lights with purple bulbs.  Prevention and Development Director Kristen Boutte (BOO-tay) says it symbolizes peace, courage, survival, and solidarity with survivors.

Cut 12 (05) “…October for sure.”

Boutte says for a donation of $10 or more, Faith House will provide a complimentary purple bulb. Donations can be made online at Faith-House-Acadiana-dot-com

The mayor of Pineville is staying in office for two more weeks. Rich Dupree’s resignation was originally scheduled to take effect today. But in order to avoid a special election, he’s delaying it to October 18th due to a new law establishing closed primaries which is moving the 2026 election by a couple weeks. Dupree announced his resignation amid allegations of an improper relationship with a staffer.

Governor Landry has come out and said while he does not oppose passenger rail service connecting Baton Rouge and New Orleans, he’d rather see money go towards widening I-10 between the two cities. John Spain, a member of the Southern Rail Commission, says, why not both?

Cut 9 (10)  “…can have both.”

Spain says polls show solid interest in a passenger rail line between the two cities.

The fall Angola Rodeo is back each Sunday in October, offering the best in prison rodeo excitement.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

55 State Police cadets graduate from Cadet Class 104 this morning during a ceremony in Baton Rouge. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says they completed their 24-week training and are ready to go on patrol.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana state trooper.”

Manale says if you’re interested in becoming a Louisiana state trooper, there will be additional training classes coming up.

Cut 8 (06) “…later in 2025.”

More information is available on the Louisiana State Police’s website at lsp-dot-org.

The Louisiana State Police now has 55 more officers. They graduated from Cadet Class 104 this morning during a ceremony outside Istrouma (is-TROO-ma) Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says they completed their 24-week training that began in late April.

Cut 6 (14) “…physical training regimen.”

The Angola Prison Rodeo is back every Sunday this month, featuring adrenaline-pumping events like Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, and the renowned Guts-n-Glory. Warden Tim Hooper says visitors can enjoy delicious Southern cuisine and shop a variety of handmade crafts.

Cut 3 (11) “…come out a purchase.”

Tickets are available for 20 dollars each.

Not getting enough sleep? You’re not alone. Sean Richardson reports about 40-percent of Louisiana residents get less than seven hours of sleep per night.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The dockworkers’ strike is over – at least for the time being. Hundreds of dock workers at the Port of New Orleans and Port of Greater Baton Rouge are back on the job today as the International Longshoremen’s Association has suspended its strike until January 15th.

Twenty Louisiana State Police officers are in North Carolina helping with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This is a ten-day deployment; and Captain Nick Manale (mah-NAAL-ee) says if further relief efforts are needed beyond that, State Police may consider sending more troopers there.

Cut 6 (11) “…continue that deployment.”

Troopers are handing out supplies at distribution sites, staffing medical and evacuation shelters and manning roadblocks for impassible and dangerous roads.

Nearly 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Dr. Phillip Conner attributes this to the state’s prevalent industries where residents work long, irregular hours in energy, oil fields, offshore rigs, or casinos, leading to “shift worker syndrome,”

Cut 7 (10) “…ongoing struggle.”

The organization that bills itself as Louisiana’s business roundtable calls Governor Landry’s tax reform plan ambitious, but one with many benefits. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The mayor of Pineville is staying in office for two more weeks. Rich Dupree’s resignation was originally scheduled to take effect today. But in order to avoid a special election, he’s delaying it to October 18th due to a new law establishing closed primaries which is moving the 2026 election by a couple weeks.

Troopers from the Louisiana State Police are helping with relief efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Just about 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night lack of sleep poses a risk to physical and mental health. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The organization that bills itself as Louisiana’s business roundtable calls Governor Landry’s tax reform plan ambitious, but one with many benefits. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Twenty Louisiana State Police officers are in North Carolina helping with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Cut 4 (09) “…and dangerous roads.”

State Police Captain Nick Manale (mah-NAAL-ee) says the level of devastation that the troopers are seeing is mind-boggling, even for those coming from a state accustomed to devastating hurricanes.

Cut 5 (07) “…in our state.”

The troopers are in North Carolina for a ten-day deployment; and Captain Manale says if further relief efforts are needed beyond that, State Police may consider sending more troopers there.

Cut 6 (11) “…continue that deployment.”

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Nearly 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Dr. Phillip Conner, whose Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana recently opened a new location in Lafayette, attributes this to the state’s prevalent industries where residents work long, irregular hours in energy, oil fields, offshore rigs, or casinos, leading to “shift worker syndrome,”

Cut 7 (10) “…ongoing struggle.”

In addition to shift work, Connor says conditions like sleep apnea—linked to obesity, smoking, and pollution—are common and can cause serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cut 8 (10) “…drivers for it.”

Conner urges those experiencing chronic fatigue or poor performance in daily tasks to evaluate their sleep patterns.  Connor emphasized a big indicator is how you’re feeling in the morning…

Cut 9 (13)  “…not where it should be.”

The Sleep Disorder Center collaborates with the Veterans Administration and accepts various insurance plans, aiming to be a full-service provider.

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The Committee of 100 for Economic Development says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan would boost investment and economic growth at a time when Louisiana could really use both. CEO Adam Knapp says the committee studied this issue back in 2015, and many of the things that Landry is proposing are the same things the committee proposed back then. Among them is simplifying the business tax code to lower taxes while removing loopholes.

Cut 10 (12) “…the tax code.”

Knapp says lower income taxes and corporate taxes will spur economic development and will boost population.

Cut 11 (15) “…higher population growth.”

But Knapp says any changes cannot come at the expense of the state’s education system.

Cut 12 (11) “…for the economy.”

Knapp acknowledges that this is an ambitious plan set forth by the governor, with more than a dozen moving parts. Some parts of the tax plan would require voter approval should they be passed by the legislature.

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Louisiana delegates, including members of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), the Office of Cultural Development, and Senator Jeremy Stine, will attend the 19th Francophone Summit in Paris today and tomorrow. Hosted by the International Organization of the Francophonie (frank-o-phony).  CODOFIL Business and International Specialist Jonathan Oliver says the summit promotes the French language and international cooperation in culture, education, commerce, and politics.

Cut 13 (10)  “…a world stage.”

The summit’s theme, “Create, Innovate, and Do Business in French,” aligns with Louisiana’s efforts to highlight its French heritage and promote economic and tourism opportunities. Olive says the delegation re-signed the France-Louisiana Cooperation Accords for 2025-2030, originally established in 1968, to support French immersion programs in Louisiana schools.

Cut 14 (09) “…the French language.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser emphasized the value of OIF membership in promoting Louisiana’s culture globally. Oliver views these initiatives as key to preparing future generations for a globalized world.

Cut 15 (08) “…their professional career.”

Louisiana has been an observing member of the OIF since 2018.

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The Ragin Cajuns leave for Hattiesburg today for their Sun Belt opener tomorrow night against Southern Miss. U-L Lafayette is 3-and-1, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says a new season begins on Saturday night…

Cut 16 (14)   “…as well.”

This is the 55th meeting between the two schools on the football field. The Golden Eagles are 1-and-3, while the Cajuns are coming off an impressive win over Wake Forest. Desormeaux says in order to win the Sun Belt championship, they have to take care of business on Saturday

Cut 17 (15) “…probably out.”

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The Saints are back at practice getting ready for Monday night’s game against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. K-C is 4-and-0, while the Saints are 2-and-2. Coach Dennis Allen’s team had the opportunity to be undefeated, but failed to hold on to late leads the last two weeks…

Cut 18 (20)  “…done that yet.”

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ULM will welcome undefeated James Madison into Malone Stadium on Saturday night. The Dukes are 4-and-0 and lead the Sun Belt in points allowed per game, giving up just 18 points a contest. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent says J-M-U presents a tough challenge for ULM’s offense…

Cut 19 (15) “….we do.”  

Vincent is hoping for a big crowd on Saturday night…

Cut 20 (21) “…this town” 

The Louisiana House Ways and Means State Tax Structure Subcommittee heard from the Tax Foundation during its hearing on tax reform. Manish Bhatt (“Bot”), the senior policy analyst at the foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy, said due in large part to the complexity of Louisiana’s current tax code, Louisiana’s overall national competitiveness ranking is rather low.

Cut 10 (05) “…of our index.”

Bhatt says if Governor Landry’s tax reform plan was in place, Louisiana’s ranking would be much higher.

Louisiana voters have key deadlines approaching for the presidential election. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the Geaux Vote Mobile app can be your guide for the November fifth election…

Cut 3 (09) “…voting booth with you.”

The deadline to register in person, by mail, or at the Office of Motor Vehicles is Monday. The deadline to register online is October 15th.

A Natchitoches police officer is under arrest for allegedly selling anabolic steroids from his squad car. 36-year-old Officer Jonas McFerrin is booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on a total of three charges. The arrest comes on the heels of a two-month-long investigation. McFerrin is currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The Louisiana Lottery expands its retail base to include Walmart and Smoke’n Go stores. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has installed equipment in 56 Walmart locations across the state, and they have agreed to cash winnings of up to 600 dollars.

Cut 7 (09) “…they’re already shopping.”

Winnings over 600 dollars will need to be redeemed at the lottery office due to tax implications. There’s an incentive for retailers to join the lottery’s retail base, since they earn a five-percent commission on ticket sales and bonuses for selling large winning tickets.