Hurricane Milton tore through the Florida panhandle overnight, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The United Cajun Navy sent three advance teams to Florida to be in position to help in the response. Spokesman Brian Trascher:

Cut 11 (12) …in Destin, Florida.”

Even though the eye of the storm has left the state, areas along the east coast are still being pounded by tropical storm-force winds.

One of the key parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is to lower the state income tax for many, but taxing services that are currently not taxed, like car washes. There are concerns that it will lead to budget cuts, but Landry says his plan will grow the economy.

Cut 9 (12)  “…competitive.”

Louisiana is among more than a dozen states suing TikTok. Attorney General Liz Murrill says TikTok is intentionally peddling adult content to kids.

Cut 4 (14) “…of that age.”

This is not a partisan issue; these lawsuits have been filed by both Republican and Democratic attorneys general.

Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit say they have not found any criminal negligence in connection with two disappearances by a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl. Peyton Saintignan (san-TIG-nee) walked out of her home twice within a one-month span; and both times, she was found safe in the woods.

Louisiana could see what is known as the Northern Lights again tonight. A geomagnetic solar storm will result in purple and green streaks across the nighttime sky.

Louisiana is among more than a dozen states suing TikTok. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_______________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry would like to eliminate the state income tax, but that means higher state sales taxes.  Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

Saints Coach Dennis Allen drops a bombshell during his news conference yesterday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

You can add Louisiana to the list of states suing TikTok. In separate lawsuits, more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia are accusing the app of deceiving the public about the dangers of using it. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says TikTok is intentionally peddling adult content to kids.

Cut 4 (14) “…of that age.”

Murrill says the lawsuit is not about the content itself – it’s about TikTok’s intentional lack of action to prevent that material from being accessible by kids.

Cut 5 (13) “…reaching young kids.”

And Murrill claims in her lawsuit that this is being done on purpose.

Cut 6 (09) “…12-year-old (2x).”

Along with forced changes to the algorithms, Murrill is seeking fines, penalties and other costs in her suit. This is not a partisan issue; these lawsuits have been filed by both Republican and Democratic attorneys general. New York and California are leading the coordinated effort. TikTok has strongly denied the allegations.

__________________________________________________

Governor Landry says his tax reform plan would result in every working man and woman in the state having more money in their pocket. One of the key parts of the plan is to lower the state income tax for many, but taxing services that are currently not taxed, like car washes. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson explains why this would mean a tax break for most

Cut 7 (14) “…to Texas.”

That was Nelson speaking to the House Ways and Means Committee, which will consider all tax changes during a proposed special session in November. Nelson believes most Louisiana residents would like to pay lower income taxes, even though the state already has one of the highest sales tax rates in the country…

Cut 8 (07) “…Louisiana citizens.”

There are concerns the governor’s tax plan will lead to budget cuts, because less tax revenue will be collected. But the governor says his tax reform proposal will grow the state’s economy…

Cut 9 (12)  “…competitive.”

Landry told WWL radio in New Orleans that his tax plan also calls for permanent teacher pay raises, instead of an annual stipend payment that needs approval from legislators every year…

Cut 10 (13) “…teacher pay raise.”

______________________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy is in Florida ready to help in the recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Milton. Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says they sent three advance teams to Florida.

Cut 11 (12) …in Destin, Florida.”

All three of those locations are well above Milton’s track, which took the storm through the Tampa area across the peninsula, maintaining hurricane strength all the while. Trascher says its storm chasers encountered some surreal sights even before Milton made landfall.

Cut 12 (05) “…storm chasers were.”

Trascher says the teams will remain in Florida as long as necessary.

Cut 13 (18)  “…pass the baton.”

_______________________________________________

A huge announcement from Saints Coach Dennis Allen, as he has named rookie Spencer Rattler the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. Allen says a lot of thought went into this decision.

Cut 14 (11) “…he can do.”

Jake Haener had entered the season as the number-two quarterback, and he went into the game Monday night after Derek Carr went down with his oblique injury. Allen says the number-two role was fluid from the get-go.

Cut 15 (20) “…the best opportunity.”

Rattler will try to lead the Saints to their first win since week two; kickoff Sunday is at noon.

________________________________________________

13th ranked LSU continues to prepare for its game against ninth ranked Ole Miss on Saturday night. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier on what he’s seeing from this Rebels defense…

Cut 16 (16)   “…I’m excited.”

It should be an electric atmosphere for this SEC showdown and LSU linebacker Greg Penn can’t wait…

Cut 17 (16) “…play.”

LSU gave up a school record 706 yards of offense in its last meeting against Ole Miss. The Tigers missed 34 tackles that day. Penn says they’ve been working on the fundamentals that leads to sure tackling…

Cut 18 (15)  “…execute.”

_________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech takes on Middle Tennessee tonight in a matchup of Conference USA teams who lost their league openers. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie is giving Evan Bullock a second consecutive start at quarterback after he performed well in the loss to FIU…

Cut 19 (19) “….this as well.”  

Tech’s offense has struggled this season as they’re averaging just 19 points per game. Cumbie has relinquished play calling duties and co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Nathan Young will call plays tonight…

Cut 20 (20) “…in that role” 

Drivers filling up their tanks today had quite the sticker shock, with regular unleaded spiking by about five cents overnight to $2.82 a gallon. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says this price increase is due to Hurricane Milton, and it shouldn’t be too long until gas prices come back down.

Cut 11 (06) “…Texas and Louisiana.”

Mid-grade is averaging $3.25 and premium is averaging $3.63.

A woman and her daughter are found dead inside their home in Vernon Parish. Deputies discovered the bodies of 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter Fredda Pierce. Sheriff Sam Craft says detectives started processing and collecting evidence.

Cut 13 (12) “…inch by inch.” 

Craft stated that there is currently no perceived danger to the public.

The Louisiana National Guard is ready to help Florida in anticipation of major damage from Hurricane Milton.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter! 

Cut 6 (10) “…quality of result.”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the English tests will take up to 70 minutes less time to complete, while the time to complete the math tests will drop by about 40 minutes.

More than 500 Louisiana National Guard soldiers are mobilized to support Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says a  60-Soldier Light Medium Truck Company will also assist…

Cut 4 (08) “…critical supplies.”

The Louisiana Guard is also on standby to aid in states affected by Hurricane Helene.

A woman and her daughter are found dead inside their home in Vernon Parish. Sheriff Sam Craft says deputies discovered the bodies of 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter Fredda Pierce.

Cut 12 (12) “…two homicide victims.”

Craft stated that there is currently no danger to the public.

Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter! State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the English and math tests given to students in the third through eighth grade will take about 20-percent less time to complete.

Cut 8 (06) “…taking LEAP tests.”

Teachers and parents are hailing the move, saying that the tests cause undue stress for their kids.

Drivers filling up their tanks today had quite the sticker shock. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices spiked by about five cents overnight.

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollars a barrel.”

Redman says you can thank Hurricane Milton for this, since shipping lanes are currently closed to tankers. But he notes that since Florida is not an oil-producing state, prices should come back down once things get back to normal.

Uncertainty among small business owners is at an all-time high. NFIB State Director Leah Long says inflation remains the top issue for almost a quarter of all small business owners.

Cut 11 (09) …a lot of purchases.”

Long says small business owners remain cautious about future conditions, with uncertainty dampening investment and hiring decisions, despite some optimism around the upcoming holiday season.

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Oncologist Dr. Melanie Sheen with Ochsner/MD Anderson Cancer Center in New Orleans says early detection, treatment, and survival have dramatically improved and advances continue with game-changing medications coming out in the last five years… 

Cut 7 (09) “…fatal disease..”

Louisiana is joining more than a dozen other states in a lawsuit against TikTok. State Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office says TikTok is exploiting young people and has deceived the public about the dangers of its app. A national investigation shows that certain features of the app are specifically designed to addict kids.

If you play Mega Millions, get ready for some changes next spring. The price for each ticket is increasing from two dollars to five dollars. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says that will lead to bigger jackpots, with all other prizes going up as well.

Cut 14 (12) “…non-jackpot prizes.”

That’ll be on top of other changes to distinguish Mega Millions from Powerball. The odds of hitting the jackpot will be slightly improved, but they will still pale in comparison to you starting at quarterback for the Saints this Sunday.

A ten-year-old Webster Parish girl who went viral for sleepwalking from home late one night last month disappeared from her home again Monday night. Pat Culverhouse with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office says like the last time, the girl was found safe in the woods.

Cut 5 (08) “…her so quickly.”

The girl was checked by medical personnel at the scene and appears to be okay. Culverhouse says it’s unclear what will happen now that this has happened twice.

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Medical Oncologist Dr. Melanie Sheen with Ochsner/MD Anderson Cancer Center in New Orleans says early breast cancer often has no signs or symptoms and certain changes may or may not signal cancer, but you should make your doctor aware of them immediately.

Cut 8 (10) “…you can feel.”

Sheen says women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40.

Small business owners are feeling more uncertain than ever, as the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index points in September was 91.5, marking the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Sticker shock at the gas pump – gas prices shot up five cents overnight. The average for a gallon of regular unleaded in Louisiana is now $2.82 a gallon. All this as Hurricane Milton bears down on the Florida peninsula.

GOHSEP is pitching to help states impacted by severe storms. Nearly 100 personnel have been deployed to Virginia and the Carolinas following Hurricane Helene, and another 77 are headed to Florida as Milton bears down on that state. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says states often turn to Louisiana to help out in the wake of severe weather.

Cut 3 (16) “…and help out.”

Speaking of Milton, the time for people in the Tampa area to evacuate is now. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says job one is to move away from the coast and onto higher land.

Cut 8 (06) “…on the coast.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is back from India promoting tourism in Louisiana.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson. ”

The Public Affairs Research Council releases its Guide to the 2024 Constitutional Amendments, outlining the impact of five constitutional amendments appearing on the Nov. 5 and Dec. 7 ballots. PAR President Dr. Steven Procopio says these amendments are somewhat hyperboring and not considered controversial…

Cut 10 (07) “…functioning of government.”

Two men are arrested in the shooting deaths of an innocent 11-year-old girl and her 50-year-old uncle in LaPlace Friday night. St. John Parish Sheriff Michael Tregre (Traag) says Cartez Foster and Patrick Maxon were plotting revenge at the Sugar Ridge Subdivision – they had been beaten up after they attacked a woman.

Cut 8 (10) “…verbal confrontation.”

Sa’Miya McClain and Ron Tate and their family were unaware of what was unfolding, and they ended up getting caught in the crossfire.

New Orleans is inviting you to wear blue today in support of law enforcement. Today is New Orleans Law Enforcement Day. Melanie Talia (TAAL-ee-uh), the president and CEO of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, says they chose this date for a specific reason.

Cut 5 (09) “…in blue.”

Several iconic buildings, including the Superdome, will be illuminated in blue this evening.

In the aftermath of hurricanes Francine and Helene, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says Louisiana needs to have stronger building codes in coastal regions, suggesting it should be a legislative priority when lawmakers convene in 2025.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Senator Bill Cassidy hosted a rural community funding summit in Monroe yesterday. Cassidy told those in attendance that through the bipartisan infrastructure bill, more than nine-million dollars have been doled out for projects throughout Louisiana. Cassidy says funding, though, is not restricted to rural areas.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says stronger building codes are needed in coastal regions to withstand major storms, saying they could prevent future displacement of these communities.

Cut 10 (09) “…more resilient homes.”

Homeowners who build to code can expect insurance discounts, but Temple says the benefits extend far beyond that.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Humane Society of Louisiana sent a caravan to Asheville, North Carolina, to help its counterpart there. Director Jeff Dorson says with another storm approaching, it could use some help in continuing its mission.

Cut 15 (10) “…and dog food.”

Three years ago, Asheville-based feline advocacy group Sister Kitten delivered much-needed supplies to Louisiana in the wake of severe storms here; Dorson says the Humane Society was able to return the favor following Helene.

St. John Parish announced arrests in the shooting deaths of an 11-year-old girl and her 50-year-old uncle. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

If you play Mega Millions, get ready to fork over more money for your chance at life-changing money. Starting in April, each Mega Millions ticket will go up from two dollars to five dollars. That’s just one of several changes the game will be undergoing, including increasing your odds of hitting the jackpot.

Two men are under arrest in the shooting deaths of an 11-year-old girl and her 50-year-old uncle in LaPlace last week. St. John Parish Sheriff Michael Tregre (Traag) says Sa’Miya McClain and Ron Tate and their family were unaware that Cartez Foster and Patrick Maxon were going to their subdivision to shoot the person who beat them.

Cut 9 (11)  “…both incidents.”

One other victim in the home was grazed in her leg.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has emphasized the need for stronger building codes in coastal regions, saying reforms could strengthen coastal Louisiana’s resilience against future storms.

Cut 12 (10) “…after an event.”

Temple says strengthening building codes should be a legislative priority when lawmakers reconvene in Baton Rouge in 2025.

New Orleans is turning blue today, and not because the Saints lost last night. Today is New Orleans Law Enforcement Day; and Melanie Talia (TAAL-ee-uh), the president and CEO of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, says wearing blue or shining blue lights is a way for everyone to express appreciation for law enforcement.

Cut 6 (11) “…local law enforcement.”

They chose October 8th – 10/8 – to observe Go Blue Day because 10-8 is police code for “in service.”.

At the request of the National Football League, the CIty of New Orleans is establishing a “clean zone” in the city from one week before the Super Bowl and two days afterwards. During this time, street vendors will be barred from selling items or services using NFL-related branding without a permit. The clean zone includes the French Quarter, the Central Business District and other areas in the vicinity. Violators face fines of up to 500 dollars.