The Louisiana Fire Service is mobilized to support rescue and recovery operations in South Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Baton Rouge Fire Chief Mike Kimble says teams with the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal have built a robust unit capable of urban rescue and swift water rescue.

Cut 5 (08) “…as we speak.”

The teams arrived last week.

A young child is killed in a crash in Claiborne Parish, and troopers say the fact that the child was improperly restrained made the difference between life and death. Trooper Eddie Thomas says 31-year-old Jordan Burton of Homer drove her Toyota SUV across the center line on Highway 146, crashing into a Ram pickup.

Cut 12 (08) “…local hospital.”

But the five-year-old and ten-year-old in the SUV were not properly restrained. The five-year-old was killed, and the ten-year-old was severely injured.

Here we go again – we’re keeping an eye on the tropics for another potential storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Will there be a special session on insurance reform? That’s what nearly every Louisianian saddled with sky-high auto and property insurance rates wants to know. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment, the chairman of the House Insurance Committee ,cautions that there’s almost nothing that the legislature can do to lower your insurance rates.

Cut 10 (11) “…a competitive quote.”

There’s the possibility of another named storm in the Gulf of Mexico this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the National Hurricane Center is watching a disorganized area of low pressure in the western Caribbean that has a medium chance of developing into at least a tropical depression.

Cut 6 (09) “…anybody’s guess.”

There’s the possibility of this potential storm following a similar path as Hurricane Helene, but Keim says it’s way too early to tell.

University Medical Center New Orleans is expanding its Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery, adding three new physicians and opening a new 16-bed Transitional Recovery Unit.

Cut 4 (11) “…referrals now.”

Center Director Dr. Michael Cook says the new unit aims to create a focused, supportive environment that promotes optimal recovery for patients.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine acquires a new linear accelerator to provide more advanced radiation treatment for the treatment of cancer in pets. Ginger Guttner with the school says these new machines are tailored specifically for household pets.

Cut 8 (15) “…terms of positioning.”

Having the only place that has a linear accelerator on site, the hospital sees patients from across the state and beyond.

A tremendous honor for Centenary College. U.S. News and World Report has designated the private Shreveport school as a Top National Liberal Arts College. School President Dr. Christopher Holoman says the school has many things going for itself – things that graduating high school seniors look for in choosing a college to attend.

Cut 11 (09) “…that drive enrollment.”

Brutal loss for the Saints in Atlanta as the Falcons kicked a 58-yard field goal with two seconds left to beat the Saints, 26 to 24. It’s the second straight loss for quarterback Derek Carr and the Saints…

Cut 13 (10)  “…they sting”

It doesn’t get any easier for the Saints – they’re in Kansas City a week from tonight for a Monday Night Football tilt with the two-time defending Super Bowl Champion Chiefs.

University Medical Center New Orleans is expanding its Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery to meet the rising demand in the Greater New Orleans area. Dr. Michael Cook, the director of the Center for Weight loss and Bariatric Surgery, says it will allow it to provide more comprehensive care.

Cut 6 (12) …patients’ lifetime.”

The expansion of the Center will see around one thousand patients annually.

Owners of pets battling cancer now have an innovative place to go for radiation treatment. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Here we go again – we’re keeping an eye on the tropics for another potential storm. The National Hurricane Center says conditions in the Western Caribbean could become favorable for development of a storm in the next few days. It says as of right now, there’s a medium chance for a tropical depression to form late in the week.

Tragedy in Shreveport as a Shreveport police officer is killed in a rollover crash and another is critically hurt. Shreveport Police say the officers were in a private vehicle and were headed to work at around two Friday afternoon. The other officer was rushed to a hospital, and that officer’s injuries are life-threatening.Two other vehicles were involved in the crash. At this time, the circumstances surrounding the crash are unclear.

In Lake Charles, United Way of Southwest Louisiana is partnering with their counterparts in Tallahassee to provide relief for the people impacted by Hurricane Helene. United Way of Southwest Louisiana President and CEO Denise Durel says the people of Florida could use your help.

Cut 13 (08) “…neighbors in Florida.”

Durel says the very best thing you can donate is cash, but they will accept in-kind donations as well.

Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Pioneer will celebrate National Public Lands Day at ten Saturday morning with a ranger-led hike. Poverty Point Site Manager Mark Brink says National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort, promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging the use of public spaces for recreation, education, and health.

Cut 5 (13) “…parks as well.”

The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival returns this weekend in downtown New Iberia. Join King Sucrose and Queen Sugar as they preside over the festivities, keeping the tradition alive. President Lisa Norris says families can explore Shadows-on-the-Teche, featuring a petting zoo, cookie decorating, a cupcake walk, and more kid-friendly activities.

Cut 4 (06) “…games and prizes.”

Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Poverty Point World Heritage site in Pioneer this Saturday at 10 AM with a ranger-led hike.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Amazon’s investment in Louisiana continues with the opening of its new massive fulfillment center in Shreveport.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival returns this weekend in downtown New Iberia.  As Louisiana’s top sugarcane-producing region, Iberia Parish is the ideal host for this annual event.  Sugar Cane Festival President Lisa Norris says festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of activities, including parades, carnival rides, and livestock shows.

Cut 3 (09) “…farmers.”

Join King Sucrose and Queen Sugar as they preside over the festivities, keeping the tradition alive. Norris says families can explore Shadows-on-the-Teche, featuring a petting zoo, cookie decorating, a cupcake walk, and more kid-friendly activities.

Cut 4 (06) “…games and prizes.”

For more information, visit the event website.

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Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Pioneer will celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday at 10 AM with a ranger-led hike. Poverty Point Site Manager Mark Brink says National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort, promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging the use of public spaces for recreation, education, and health.

Cut 5 (13) “…parks as well.”

The guided hike will explore the ancient mounds and earthworks of Poverty Point, highlighting the historical and natural significance of the site. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves to help pick up litter along the trail. The hike, which begins at the museum, will last about two hours, depending on the group’s pace. The event is subject to weather conditions.

Cut 6 (07) “…of Earthworks.”

The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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LSU is about a three touchdown favorite heading into Saturday night’s matchup with South Alabama out of the Sun Belt Conference. The Jaguars are 2-and-2 and they’ve scored 135 points in their last two games, which has the attention Coach Brian Kelly and the players…

Cut 7 (08) “…they have.”

South Alabama averages 48 points a game and averages 7.6 yards a play. The Tigers have a problem when it comes to giving up big plays. Kelly wants his defense to play fundamentally sound, especially in the secondary…

Cut 8 (09) “…better back there.”

Kick off on Saturday is at 6:45 and the weather should be perfect for a night game in Tiger Stadium.

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Amazon opens its first fulfillment center in Shreveport. Paige Carter, the chief development officer at Louisiana Economic Development, says this is the culmination of the cooperation of a lot of entities.

Cut 9 (13)  “…in our communities.”

The five-floor 2.5-million-square-foot facility is expected to serve three-million customer shipments per week. Carter says Louisiana currently employs more than three-thousand people throughout the state.

Cut 10 (14) “…positioned for tomorrow.”

And Carter says those are just the direct jobs. She says Amazon has made a commitment to the state that has supported many more indirect jobs.

Cut 11 (10) “…around our state.”

Amazon has also partnered with community schools to set up career pipelines.

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In Lake Charles, United Way of Southwest Louisiana is partnering with their counterparts in Tallahassee to provide relief for the people impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Cut 12 (12) “…Florida are today.”

United Way of Southwest Louisiana President and CEO Denise Durel says the people of Florida could use your help.

Cut 13 (08) “…neighbors in Florida.” 

Durel says the very best thing you can donate is cash.

Cut 14 (05) “…in-kind as well.”

You can make your contribution either on United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s website, by texting UNITEDGULF – one word – to 40403 or through the U.S. Mail.

One of the last officers facing serious charges in the 2019 arrest and death of Black motorist Ronald Greene has had his negligent homicide charge dropped. Legal analyst Tim Meche (MESH) says Greene’s exact cause of death remains unclear, weakening the case against State Trooper Kory York.

Cut 15 (09) “…Ronald Greene.”

York still faces a lesser charge of felony malfeasance.

As New Orleans gets set to host the Super Bowl, DOTD is undertaking four infrastructure projects near the Superdome. District Engineer Administrator Scott Boyle says what’s unique about this is that DOTD is working on city-owned streets.

Cut 7 (13) “…striping in crosswalks.”

Boyle says the work will be done by December 15th.

After nearly 12-thousand registered for the fortified roofs lottery, the number of people chosen for the grants has doubled from 300 to 600. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says feedback has been nothing short of positive.

Cut 12 (13) “…their house faster.”

Temple says those selected are in the process of being notified.

The state achieves a record-high educational attainment level of 51-percent, up from 47-percent since 2021. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the goal is to hit 60-percent by 2030…

Cut 4 (12) “…degree or beyond.”

The 51-percent represents over 30-thousand Louisianians who have earned degrees or credentials.

Prosecutors drop the negligent homicide charge against one of the last officers facing serious charges in the 2019 arrest and death of Black motorist Ronald Greene. Legal Analyst Tim Meche (mesh) says the decision to dismiss the charge against State Trooper Kory York a month before trial isn’t as big a deal as it may seem…

Cut 13 (12)  “…malfeasance in office.”

Greene was dragged, shackled, and restrained face down following a high-speed chase and died of his injuries. 

DOTD is undertaking four infrastructure projects near the Superdome as New Orleans prepares to host the Super Bowl for the 11th time. District Engineer Administrator Scott Boyle says the work will be done well before the city welcomes the world for Super Bowl Week.

Cut 8 (07) “…by December 15th.”

The “Louisiana Prospers” initiative achieved a record-high educational attainment level since its launch in 2019.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The vice chair of the Louisiana Board of Regents resigns in protest of Governor Landry’s chair appointment. Jay Seale the Third calls the appointment of Misty Cordell “deeply offensive,” saying he put her in charge because she’s loyal to him. Seale also took issue with Landry making the appointment without notifying former chair Gary Solomon Junior. Under a new law, the governor now has the power to appoint chairs of boards.

The Louisiana Board of Regents launched the “Louisiana Prospers” initiative in 2019 and this year achieved a record-high educational attainment level of 51-percent.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Due to tremendous response, the insurance commissioner has doubled the number of grants this round in the Fortified Homes program. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The negligent homicide charge against State Trooper Kory York has been dropped in the 2019 arrest and death of Ronald Greene.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The state has achieved a record-high educational attainment level of 51-percent, up from 47-percent since 2021, and represents over 30-thousand Louisianians who have earned degrees or credentials. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says goal is to hit 60-percent by 2030…

Cut 4 (12) “…degree or beyond.”

This progress shows ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education, improve workforce readiness, and create pathways for residents to gain valuable credentials. Reed says the plan serves as a roadmap for building a more prosperous future for Louisiana’s workforce.

Cut 5 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

With six years remaining to reach its 2030 target, Reed says “Louisiana Prospers” is on track to make a significant impact, positioning the state’s residents to better compete in the modern job market and enhance their overall quality of life.

Cut 6 (09) …it’s a destination.”

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DOTD is undertaking four infrastructure projects near the Superdome as New Orleans prepares to host the Super Bowl for the 11th time. District Engineer Administrator Scott Boyle says what’s unique about this is that DOTD is working on city-owned streets.

Cut 7 (13) “…striping in crosswalks.”

Boyle says the work will be done well before the city welcomes the world for Super Bowl Week.

Cut 8 (07) “…by December 15th.”

Boyle says the work being done will benefit the city long after the game is played and everyone returns home.

Cut 9 (10)  “…come after that.”

The Louisiana legislature has allocated just over five-million dollars for these four projects.

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The State of Louisiana now has a very good idea of how popular the fortified roofs grant program is. Last week, nearly 12-thousand registered for the lottery that was originally going to select 300 people to receive a grant of up to ten-thousand dollars for a fortified roof. Due to the overwhelming response, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple doubled the number of grants for this period to 600. Temple says there’s plenty of funding to accommodate that number.

Cut 10 (11) “…current fiscal year.”

Temple says before they up that number even further, they want to make sure the limited number of inspectors can handle the load.

Cut 11 (13) “…the next round.”

As for feedback on the fortified roofs themselves, Temple says it’s been nothing but positive.

Cut 12 (13) “…their house faster.”

Temple says those who have been selected in this round of grants for the Fortified Homes Program are in the process of being notified.

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Louisiana prosecutors have dropped the negligent homicide charge against State Trooper Kory York, one of the last officers facing serious charges in the 2019 arrest and death of Ronald Greene, a Black motorist. Greene died after being dragged, shackled, and restrained face down following a high-speed chase. Legal Analyst Tim Meche (mesh)says the decision to dismiss the charge, just a month before York’s trial isn’t as big a deal as it may seem…

Cut 13 (12)  “…malfeasance in office.”

Kory York faces a lesser charge of felony malfeasance. Union Parish District Attorney John Belton stated that the evidence against York did not meet the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required for conviction. Meche says Belton’s goal was to present a more focused case to the jury…

Cut 14 (04) “…matters that just don’t matter.”

While a forensic pathologist cited factors such as cocaine use, stun gun applications, and physical struggle as contributing to Greene’s death, the exact cause remains unclear, weakening the case.

Cut 15 (09) “…Ronald Greene.”

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Saints quarterback Derek Carr isn’t lamenting over the loss of center Erik McCoy.

Cut 16 (09)   “…in there playing.”

Lucas Patrick took over at center last week after McCoy went down with the groin injury that’s going to keep him out for as much as eight weeks. It’s unclear at this time who will start at center this Sunday in Atlanta. Whoever it is, Carr says he’s ready.

Cut 17 (15) “…things like that.”

The Saints will try to get back to their winning ways on Sunday; kickoff is at noon.

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Louisiana Tech begins Conference USA play on Saturday as they visit F-I-U. The Bulldogs have scored just eight offensive touchdowns in three games. Coach Sonny Cumbie admits players on offense are pressing to make big plays happen…

Cut 18 (18)  “…good players.”

Tech is coming off an overtime loss at home to Tulsa. They are 1-and-2 on the season, with the only win coming against an F-C-S team. Cumbie still feels really good about his team…

Cut 19 (19) “….put it together.”  

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The LSU Tigers will face a South Alabama team on Saturday night that’s scored 135 points in its last two games. Coach Brian Kelly says quarterback Gio Lopez can run it and throw it and the Jaguars leading rusher Fluff Bothwell is averaging nearly ten yards a carry…

Cut 20 (18) “…extremely efficient” 

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is under fire for a post he made on X calling Haitians thugs and slapstick gangsters. It was in response to an article about a Haitian nonprofit suing former President Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance over claims of them eating pets. Democrats, including the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, have called on the House to censure Higgins. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s unlikely, however, that Higgins’ fellow Republicans will hold him accountable.

Cut 7 (13) “…dogs and cats.”

Higgins has since deleted his post; and in talking with reporters at the Capitol, he seemed to walk back those comments. Higgins said it was never meant to be a dig against Haitian people as a whole.

Cut 12 (09) “…not a color.”

Higgins said he realized his words hurt several people, and that’s why he took the post down.

A man arrested more than 40 times in St. John the Baptist Parish was arrested again this week. Sheriff Mike Tregre (treg) says this arrest stemmed from an investigation that began in June, targeting Casey Spies for suspected involvement in distributing methamphetamine.

Cut 3 (08) “…keep arresting him.”

Judge Vercell Fiffie (fee-fee) set Spies’ bond at $10,500, which he posted after paying a 10-percent cash bond of $1,050.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new pilot program aimed at increasing opportunities for pregnant women to get tested for syphilis. Dr. Stephanie Taylor, the medical director of the STD/HIV program for LDH, says the state has had significant challenges with congenital syphilis which cause severe complications, including fetal death and miscarriage. Dr. Taylor says it’s a rapid test.

Cut 9 (07)  “…treatment that day.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is under fire for a post he made on X calling Haitians thugs and slapstick gangsters. It was in response to an article about a Haitian nonprofit suing former President Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance over claims of them eating pets.  ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins displayed this kind of behavior even before he was elected to Congress.

Cut 8 (09) “…of a camera.”

Democrats, including the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, have called on the House to censure Higgins, but Cross says that’s likely not going to happen.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new pilot program aimed at increasing opportunities for pregnant women to get tested for syphilis. Dr. Stephanie Taylor, the medical director of the STD/HIV program for LDH, says it’s a rapid test.

Cut 9 (07)  “…treatment that day.”

A Laplace man arrested over 40 times in St. John the Baptist Parish, was arrested again this week and was out on bond less than three hours later.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Lake Charles man arrested this month for allegedly sexually abusing a girl under 13 now has more charges. Further investigation revealed that 32-year-old Andrew Taraba offered to pay the girl during two of the incidents, so he is now charged with trafficking of children for sexual purposes.