The 43-day federal government shutdown could soon be over, as the House is back in session to debate the funding package passed by the Senate. As for who won the standoff, LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Republicans clearly came out on top, saying Democrats got no concessions on health care that they demanded from the G-O-P.

Cut 11 (07) “…sometime in December.”

Two law enforcement officers and the suspect are injured in a shooting in Tangipahoa Parish early this morning. State Police say a Tangipahoa Parish sheriff’s deputy pulled a driver over on U.S. 51, but the driver sped off and led officers from several agencies on a pursuit. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says shots were exchanged during the pursuit, and the suspect and two officers were injured.

Cut 13 (13)  “…by a gunshot.”

Louisiana Kindergarten through third grade students are again showing improvement in reading proficiency. The Louisiana Department of Education released the fall results from the beginning of year literacy screener today showing 50 percent of K-3 students at grade level or higher. Deputy Education Superintendent Jenna Chaisson credits policy shifts and dedicated educators.

Cut 8 (13) “…on grade level.”

According to online Sportsbook, Bet Online, Nick Saban is the favorite to be the next head coach at LSU. His odds are two to one. Josh Barton with Bet Online says when they first started taking bets on who will be the next head coach at LSU, Saban was a longshot with odds of 75 to 1….

Cut 3 (12) “…jumped at it.”

Nick Saban returning to LSU to coach? It’s a possibility according to one online sportsbook. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The percentage of kindergarten through third graders that can read on or above grade level has reached 50-percent. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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According to online Sportsbook, Bet Online, Nick Saban is the favorite to be the next head coach at LSU. His odds are two to one. Josh Barton with Bet Online says when they first started taking bets on who will be the next head coach at LSU, Saban was a longshot with odds of 75 to 1….

Cut 3 (12) “…jumped at it.”

The 74-year-old Saban has said multiple times he does not want to coach again. But Barton says there are a lot of LSU fans hoping Saban returns to Tiger Town and they decided to throw some dollars on it….

Cut 4 (11) “…75 to 1.”

Barton says Bet Online had to increase the odds that Saban would be the next head coach again at LSU, because there was so much action the future hall of fame coach…

Cut 5 (09) “…adjust accordingly.”

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin at 15 to 4 is the second favorite, followed by Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who was the co-offensive coordinator at LSU during the 2019 national championship season.

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Louisiana Kindergarten through third grade students are again showing improvement in reading proficiency. The Louisiana Department of Education released the fall results from the beginning of year literacy screener today showing 50 percent of K-3 students at grade level or higher. 56 percent met the proficiency benchmark. Deputy Superintendent of Education, Jenna Chaisson says this shows that the young students are ready to learn.

Cut 6 (10) “…in reading.”

Third graders showed the most growth, improving by five points. Second grade increased by four points, first grade by 2 and kindergarten by 1 point. Chaisson says this is the third year, the Department of Education has administered a statewide literacy screener.

Cut 7 (10) “…that grade level.”

Chaisson is pleased with the steady progress of young students over the last five to six years. She credits policy shifts and dedicated educators.

Cut 8 (13) “…on grade level.”

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All eyes will be on the House of Representatives this afternoon and this evening as it debates and votes on the funding package that the Senate passed this week to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which is now in its 43rd day. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says he expects this vote to fall along party lines.

Cut 9 (08)  “…opposition to it.”

With the long-overdue addition of Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, Johnson can only afford to lose two votes if Democrats are united in their opposition in order to pass the bill and end the shutdown. Hogan says the chances are good that Johnson can keep his party united.

Cut 10 (09) “…shutdown should end.”

As for who won the 43-day standoff, Hogan says Republicans clearly came out on top, saying Democrats got no concessions on health care that they demanded from the G-O-P.

Cut 11 (07) “…sometime in December.”

Hogan points out that in order for that vote to advance, it would need 60 votes, which would require the support of 13 Republicans, and he says that’s not going to happen.

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Two law enforcement officers and the suspect are injured in a shooting in Tangipahoa Parish early this morning. State Police say a Tangipahoa Parish sheriff’s deputy pulled a driver over on U.S. 51, but the driver sped off and led officers from several agencies on a pursuit. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says shots were exchanged during the pursuit.

Cut 12 (09) “…for his injuries.”

Trooper Mayfield says two officers suffered injuries during the incident.

Cut 13 (13)  “…by a gunshot.”

Mayfield says while the extent of the injuries required the officers to be admitted into the hospital, they are expected to recover.

Cut 14 (07) “…was life-threatening.”

All eyes will be on the House as it will debate and vote on the funding package that the Senate passed earlier this week. With the long-overdue addition of Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose two votes if Democrats are united in their opposition. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says the chances are good that Johnson can keep his party united.

Cut 10 (09) “…shutdown should end.”

Could LSU’s new head football coach be one of its old head football coaches? That’s what online sportsbook BetOnline may be implying by giving Nick Saban 2-to-1 odds of being the Tigers’ next coach. Josh Barton with BetOnline says don’t read too much into it – the site had to increase Saban’s odds because there was so much action on the future hall of fame coach…

Cut 5 (09) “…adjust accordingly.”

The percentage of kindergarten through third graders that can read on or above grade level has reached 50-percent. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The American Society of Civil Engineers is out with its quadriennial report card for Louisiana’s infrastructure. Grading ten metrics, it gives Louisiana an overall grade of a C-minus, which is just below the national grade of a C. Louisiana’s best grades were C’s in dams and levees; its worst grades of D’s were in drinking water and roads.

A little Slidell boy is killed in his driveway, and his grandmother is under arrest. Jeff Palermo reports on the tragic death of Carson Lawson.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Today could be the day that the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history comes to an end. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Brian Kelly’s lawsuit against LSU could potentially scare away head coaching candidates from coming to Baton Rouge. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A five-year-old Slidell boy is killed, and his grandmother is charged in his death. Police chief Daniel Seuzeneau says Carson Lawson was sitting in front of 55-year-old Kristen Anders’ GMC Yukon SUV yesterday morning when Anders got in and pulled out of the driveway, not realizing the boy was in front of the vehicle.

Cut 4 (12) “…didn’t see him.”

Anders ran over Carson and killed him instantly. Tests showed that Anders was under the influence of alcohol and nervous system suppressants. She was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide. Chief Seuzeneau says it was a very tough scene for all officers who responded.

Cut 5 (09) “…all of us.”

Seuzeneau says this is a tragedy for the entire family, in more ways than one.

Cut 6 (09) “…for this incident.”

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Today could be the day that the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history comes to an end. The House gavels back in session today for the first time since September 19th to consider the funding package passed by the Senate that would keep the government open through January 30th. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says the only way that the shutdown was going to end was going to be when enough members of one party caved, and in this case it was the Democrats.

Cut 7 (09) “…short-term deal.”

Stockley says Democrats got no guarantees of an extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies that they had insisted on as a condition of passing the funding package. Still, Stockley says the battle over the subsidies is far from over.

Cut 8 (12) “…but it’s tenuous.”

Stockley says regardless of which side may claim victory in this deal, lawmakers from both sides will pay a dear price for this shutdown, which enters its 43rd day today.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the hot seat.”

The House will open its business today with the long-overdue swearing in of Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, who will also provide the 218th signature on a discharge petition that will force a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. The addition of Grijalva means assuming no Democrats cross party lines, Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose only two Republican votes to pass the funding package and reopen the government.

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Brian Kelly’s lawsuit against LSU could potentially hurt its head coaching search. ESPN Baton Rouge Radio’s Matt Moscona appeared on the Moon Griffon show and says LSU has notified potential coaches and their representatives about the upcoming lawsuit.

Cut 10 (09) “…coming and why.” 

Moscona says he believes that the LSU football coaching search is in a better place than it was a week ago after adding structure with a new president and athletic director.

Cut 11 (10) “…full-time AD yet.”

Moscona also believes that Kelly’s lawsuit might not sit well with some of the potential candidates after the university refused to pay the former head coach’s 54-million-dollar buyout.

Cut 12 (09) “…my client’s deal?”

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Veterans Day may be over, but you can still show your appreciation to America’s veterans by stopping into your local Raising Cane’s restaurant and making a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation. Danny Caudle, the area leader for the Baton Rouge market for Raising Cane’s, says the Gary Sinise Foundation honors and supports military veterans, first responders and their families in need, and it’s a charity that the restaurant chain greatly believes in.

Cut 13 (05)  “…Gary Sinise Foundation.”

Raising Cane’s will match donations up to 250-thousand dollars. Caudle says if you’d like to donate, it’s very easy.

Cut 14 (10) “…the QR Code.”

Caudle says Raising Cane’s is partnering with Pittsburgh Pirates and former LSU star Paul Skenes, who will find out today whether he has won the National League Cy Young Award.

Cut 15 (12) “…partnership for us.”

This season, Skenes struck out 216 batters, which means he’s donating 21,600 dollars to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

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The LSU offense did not see much success against Alabama in the 20-9 loss; but when it did, the Tigers moved the pocket so that quarterbacks Garrett Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren had more time to throw. Interim head coach Frank Wilson says Nussmeier was more comfortable with the rollout plays.

Cut 16 (23) “…out the womb.”

LSU has lost three straight games for the second consecutive season after losing to Vanderbilt, Texas A&M and Alabama. The Tigers have also lost four out of their last five after starting 4-and-0. Interim head coach Frank Wilson is encouraging fans to show up for the team.

Cut 17 (18)  “…so do we.”

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ULM has lost five in a row heading into Saturday’s game against South Alabama. The Warhawks have to win the rest of their games in order to make it to a bowl game. Head coach Bryant Vincent says his team hasn’t lost faith in one another.

Cut 18 (14)  “…and this mission.”

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McNeese is riding a two-game winning streak, which is the longest of the season for the Cowboys. Head coach Matt Viator attributes his team’s positive attitudes to the recent success.

Cut 19 (14) “…off for them.”

The Cowboys look to make it three straight as they host Texas Rio Grande Valley Saturday at 6 p.m.

Brian Kelly is turning to the court system to force LSU to pay him his entire 54-million-dollar buyout. According to the lawsuit, LSU is telling Kelly he has not been formally terminated and that it will seek to fire him with cause. Wilson Alexander is covering the story for the The Advocate newspaper and says according to Kelly’s contract, LSU must inform him that he was fired for cause within seven days after his firing.

Cut 10 (08) “…cause.”

The suspensions of seven U-L Lafayette football players for their roles in Saturday’s postgame brawl with Texas State players are not sitting well with Dave Schultz, the host of the Locked On Sun Belt podcast. Schultz notes that the Cajuns got the brunt of the suspensions – including senior safety Tyree Skipper, who was suspended for the rest of the season.

Cut 12 (06) “…for the season.”

Another application period of the Louisiana fortified roof grant program opens tomorrow and will be open for one week. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple made the announcement yesterday as he announced the installation of ten-thousand fortified roofs in Louisiana. Temple says the procedure is the same as the previous one – it’s a lottery; and if you had registered for a previous lottery, your registration is still active for this next drawing.

Cut 4 (03) “…for the grant.”

The grant program is limited to those who live in the coastal zone, as well as in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake.

Representative Julie Emerson is inviting businesses to Louisiana looking to relocate from New York City in the wake of that city’s mayoral election. The Carencro Republican says her post is intended primarily to promote Louisiana as a business-friendly state.

Cut 7 (09) “…for our people.”

Former LSU football coach Brian Kelly has filed a lawsuit so he can receive every cent of the 54-million-dollar buyout he is owed. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Slidell woman is arrested in connection with the death of her five-year-old grandson. Police say 55-year-old Kristen Anders was under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants when she ran over the little boy this morning.

Representative Julie Emerson is rolling out the welcome mat for New York City businesses looking to relocate from the city in the wake of that city’s mayoral election. The Carencro Republican, who chairs the state House Ways and Means Committee, says even though the effects are not yet known since Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has not yet taken office, businesses anxious over his policies are more than welcome to set up shop in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…to do that.”

On the heels of announcing the installation of ten-thousand fortified roofs in Louisiana, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announces another round of fortified roof grants. Temple says the application period opens tomorrow morning and will be open for one week.

Cut 3 (05) “…applicants on that.”

This round of grants is once again limited to those who live in the coastal zone, as well as in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake.

Brian Kelly’s legal team has filed a lawsuit against LSU in an effort to get the school to pay the former Tigers football coach his full 54-million-dollar buyout. Wilson Alexander is covering the story for the The Advocate newspaper and says the suit claims that LSU is telling Kelly he has not been formally terminated, and they will seek to fire him for cause.

Cut 9 (11)  “…formally terminated.”

Seven U-L Lafayette football players are suspended, including senior safety Tyree Skipper for the rest of the season, for their roles in a postgame fight against players from Texas State. When the Sun Belt announced the suspensions, the conference said it considered the matter closed and would have no further comment. That last line did not sit well with Dave Schultz from the Locked On Sun Belt podcast.

Cut 13 (08)  “…deal with it (2x).”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announces another grant round for the Louisiana fortified roof program. It’s limited to those who live in the coastal zone, as well as in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake. Temple says this will by no means be the last grant period for the fortified roof program.

Cut 5 (11) “…in coastal Louisiana.”

Temple made the announcement during a celebration of the installation of ten-thousand fortified roofs in the state.

State Representative Julie Emerson is inviting business owners in New York City who are anxious following the results of that city’s mayoral election to set up shop in Louisiana. Emerson says many businesses are relocating to Southern states, which she says have tax policies that are more favorable to businesses; and with the tax reform that the legislature passed last year, Louisiana is ready to join that trend.

Cut 8 (07) “…create jobs here.”

Another application period of the Louisiana fortified roof grant program opens tomorrow and will be open for one week. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple made the announcement yesterday as he announced the installation of ten-thousand fortified roofs in Louisiana. Temple says the procedure is the same as the previous one – it’s a lottery; and if you had registered for a previous lottery, your registration is still active for this next drawing.

Cut 4 (03) “…for the grant.”

The grant program is limited to those who live in the coastal zone, as well as in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake.

Representative Julie Emerson is inviting businesses to Louisiana looking to relocate from New York City in the wake of that city’s mayoral election. The Carencro Republican says her post is intended primarily to promote Louisiana as a business-friendly state.

Cut 7 (09) “…for our people.”

The suspensions of seven U-L Lafayette football players for their roles in Saturday’s postgame brawl with Texas State players is not sitting well with Dave Schultz, the host of the Locked On Sun Belt podcast. Schultz notes that it was the Texas State players who started the fight, but the Cajuns got the brunt of the suspensions – including senior safety Tyree Skipper, who was suspended for the rest of the season, in effect ending his collegiate career.

Cut 12 (06) “…for the season.”

Schultz says Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill owes the players, the coaches, the schools and the fans more details.

Representative Julie Emerson is rolling out the welcome mat for New York City businesses looking to relocate from the city in the wake of that city’s mayoral election. The Carencro Republican, who chairs the state House Ways and Means Committee, says even though the effects are not yet known since Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has not yet taken office, businesses anxious over his policies are more than welcome to set up shop in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…to do that.”

On the heels of announcing the installation of ten-thousand fortified roofs in Louisiana, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announces another round of fortified roof grants. Temple says the application period opens tomorrow morning and will be open for one week.

Cut 3 (05) “…applicants on that.”

This round of grants is once again limited to those who live in the coastal zone, as well as in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake.

Two Louisiana football programs are being punished for their involvement in fights in their respective games. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A middle school student in Lafourche Parish is facing charges for allegedly sharing explicit photos of female classmates created with artificial intelligence. The investigation was opened back in August after some boys shared some of those images, which led to an altercation on a school bus. Additional arrests are possible.

The LSU-Brian Kelly saga has worked its way to the courtroom. The Tigers’ former head football coach has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, demanding his full 54-million-dollar buyout after the school fired him October 26th. Kelly claims in his lawsuit filed in East Baton Rouge Parish that LSU is trying to claim that it fired him for cause and is trying to get out of paying him anything.

LSU is not the only Louisiana school dealing with college football drama. Seven U-L Lafayette players are suspended following a postgame altercation with Texas State. Senior Tyree Skipper is suspended for the rest of the season, while the others are suspended for one game each. Head Coach Mike Desormeaux says the fight put a damper on the mood in the locker room after the win.

Cut 11 (08) “…you’d like to.”

Also, 18 Grambling players are suspended for their role in a fight against Bethune-Cookman.

At least there’s no drama in Louisiana high school football going into the playoffs, which start this week. North DeSoto is the top seed in the division two non-select bracket. Spencer Verett with the LHSAA Network says the Griffins have a really good team, but there’s also Iowa, Franklin Parish and Lakeshore; and defending champ Cecilia is a 13-seed.

Cut 14 (10) “…in this one.”

LSU’s School of Information Studies is marking this Veterans Day with a 91-thousand-dollar grant aimed at preserving the records of Vietnam-era military veterans. Dr. Edward Benoit, the interim director of S-I-S, says the two-year planning project will create a program for librarians, archivists and Veteran Service Organizations to help those veterans document and preserve those records.

Cut 4 (07) “…of that nature.”