Lottery registration for Fortify Homes Program Grants opens today through Friday with 300 grants to residents living in Louisiana’s Coastal Zone.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Nearly all Entergy Customers have had their power restored since Hurricane Francine. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Bossier (BOZH-er) Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning you of a new scam. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is opening lottery registration for grants starting today through Friday. The program offers 300 grants to residents living in Louisiana’s Coastal Zone, aimed at fortifying homes against future storms and hurricanes. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says these grants, previously available on a first-come, first-served basis, received feedback and now should give residents more opportunity to receive the grant.

Cut 4 (10) “…change that format.”

The program is a proactive approach to reduce insurance costs and minimize the need for extensive rebuilding after hurricanes. The program will also draw 200 registrants who will be placed on a waiting list…

Cut 5 (06) “…various reasons.”

Temple emphasizes eligible residents must live in the state’s designated Coastal Zone, an area frequently affected by hurricanes, and it must be your primary residence.

Cut 6 (12) …citizens as possible.”

Homeowners can register through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program website, with recipients being notified the following week after the registration period closes.

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Entergy says they’ve restored power to virtually all customers who can safely receive electric service after Hurricane Francine. Vice President of Customer Service, Michelle Bourg (BERG) says nearly half of the more than 300,000 customers who lost power had it restored one day after the storm. She credits the upgrades and improvements to infrastructure after the devastating storms of the last few years…

Cut 7 (10) “…secret sauce”

Bourg says since the storms of 2020 and 2021, Entergy’s standards have changed and so have the needs of customers…

Cut 8 (13) “…they’re taller.”

Fewer people lost power during Hurricane Francine than in previous storms and Borg says that’s due to Entergy’s attention to the need for reinforcement and improvement especially in coastal areas…

Cut 9 (10)  “…higher standard.”

At the height of response efforts over eight thousand storm responders worked around the clock to restore service to customers.

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Advocates from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network were on Capitol Hill urging lawmakers to take the final steps in passing a bill to allow Medicare payment for innovative multi-cancer early detection screening tests. One of them, Brenda McCain from Natchitoches (NACK-uh-tish) Parish, who says a simple test can go a long way.

Cut 10 (05) “…can be treated.”

McCain says whatever Congress decides will have a profound effect on people’s well-being.

Cut 11 (05) “…made in Congress.”

McCain notes that nearly everyone in the country knows someone who’s been affected by cancer.

Cut 12 (07) “…decrease cancer deaths.”

McCain notes that the bill already has the support of more than two-thirds of Congress, encompassing representatives of both parties.

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The Bossier (BOZH-er) Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning of a new scam. Lieutenant Matt Gaydos says the scammer claims to have taken control of the victim’s computer or device, putting a virus on it to allow the scammer to retrieve sensitive information.

Cut 13 (07)  “…out of them.”

Gaydos says the scammer demands money as a ransom.

Cut 14 (16) “…to that account.”

Gaydos says so far, no one has fallen victim to the scam, mainly because not everyone knows how to use Bitcoin. He says scammers know that their tactics have a very low percentage of succeeding, but it only takes a very small number of people to bite in order to strike it rich.

Cut 15 (08) “…money really quickly.”

If you get an email like this, the very best thing to do is to delete it right away.

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The Saints could not have gotten off to a better start, winning their first two games in dominating fashion – 47-10 over the Panthers and 44-19 over the Cowboys. Still, Coach Dennis Allen says there are flaws that the team needs to work through as the season progresses.

Cut 16 (16)   “…the first half”

On the defensive side, Defensive End Carl Granderson says while his unit’s performance against the Cowboys was dominant, it wasn’t perfect.

Cut 17 (11) “…to force turnovers.”

The Saints will try to make it three in a row to start the season Sunday afternoon against the Eagles in the Superdome. Kickoff is at noon.

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One of the big surprises on LSU’s offense this year is wide receiver Aaron Anderson, who leads the team in receiving yards. The redshirt junior from New Orleans has caught 15 passes this year, three more than all of last year. Coach Brian Kelly says Anderson has grown in every aspect of his life…

Cut 18 (21)  “…so much better.”

Caden Durham had a big game on Saturday as he led the Tigers with 98 yards rushing and two touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, 50 of his yards came after contact. But Kelly is not ready to name Durham as the top back…

Cut 19 (12) “….looking for 

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Louisiana Tech is hoping to see more from its running game when they host Tulsa on Saturday night. The Bulldogs rushed for just 43 yards in their loss to North Carolina State. Marquis Crosby is still dealing with an injury he suffered in the season opener and only had two carries last week. Cumbie says they would like to get former Acadiana star Omiri Wiggins going…

Cut 20 (24) “..that room”

Senator Bill Cassidy is despondent over this weekend’s assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump – the second time in a two-month span that someone tried killing him.

Cut 12 (09) “…or should become.”

Cassidy joins seven fellow Republican U.S. senators in calling for the Secret Service to beef up protection for Trump, saying it should be at the level of a sitting president.

Entergy says it’s restored power to virtually all customers who can safely receive electric service after Hurricane Francine. Michelle Bourg (BERG), the vice president of customer service, says nearly half of the 300-thousand customers who lost power had it restored just one day after the storm.

This week marks Voter Registration Week, with efforts underway to ensure residents are prepared for the upcoming November 5th election. Louisiana has a high registration rate, with about 90-percent of eligible residents registered to vote.

Governor Landry’s request for a major disaster declaration for the state was approved by the White House following Hurricane Francine.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Starting this season, Pelicans fans can watch their team on TV for free. Greg Bensel with the Pelicans says the new deal will greatly boost TV viewership.

Cut 4 (11) “…to TV access.”

This week marks Voter Registration Week, with efforts underway to ensure residents are prepared for the upcoming November 5th election. Joel Watson with the secretary of state’s office reminds citizens to register or to update their registration.

Cut 6 (12) “…October 15th or online.”

Watson says Louisiana has a high registration rate, with about 90-percent of eligible residents registered to vote.

A new report shows that sexual harassment remains a problem. The study by Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute shows that 82-percent of women and 42-percent of men experience some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime.Lead researcher Anita Raj says one way to stem the tide is to begin the awareness campaign at an early age.

Cut 12 (09) “…experience before 13.”

Starting this season, Pelicans fans can watch their team on TV for free. Greg Bensel with the Pelicans says the new rights deal with Gray Media will give many more fans the opportunity to watch games on TV.

Cut 3 (12) “…seven-million new viewers.”

The 11 stations that will carry Pelicans games will all form the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network.

Enrollment at Northwestern State is at its highest level in five years. University President James Genovese (JEN-oh-veeze) says enrollment at the main campus in Natchitoches (NACK-uh-tish) is up considerably.

Cut 14 (09) “…vibrant and healthy.”

And President Genovese says nearly every single on-campus housing unit is occupied.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says Hurricane Francine was a “low impact” event and should not lead to an insurance rate hike.

Cut 4 (12) “…if you will.”

Temple emphasized that while the hurricane caused some localized damage, it did not reach the level of destruction that typically triggers widespread rate hikes.

Congressman Steve Scalise says Secret Service staffing for former President Donald Trump needs to be beefed up in light of Sunday’s assassination attempt. Scalise blames the lack of Secret Service staffing on diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Cut 8 (11) “…service agent for.”

Scalise says there are plenty of qualified applicants to get staffing up to proper levels. The White House is also calling on the Secret Service to beef up protection for the former President.

Despite the Me Too movement, sexual harassment remains very prevalent in the United States. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Pelicans make it official – you can watch the team’s games on free TV this season. The team announced a new media rights deal with Gray Media to televise all their games, except nationally televised games, free over the air. The new deal will allow the team to reach nearly seven-million viewers – much more than the number who were able to watch the games on Bally Sports.

Republican Congressman Steve Scalise is taking issue with Secret Service staffing in light of Sunday’s assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. Scalise says morale within the agency is down due to what he cites as DEI hiring practices.

Cut 9 (12)  “…look to apply.”

The White House is also calling on the Secret Service to beef up protection for the former President.

A study by Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute shows that 82-percent of women and 42-percent of men experience some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. Lead researcher Anita Raj says sexual harassment in the workplace remains a concern, but that’s not the only place that’s happening.

Cut 11 (09) “…concerts and bars.”

Raj says one way to stem the tide of sexual harassment is to begin the awareness campaign at an early age, since many people experience sexual harassment well before adulthood.

After Hurricane Francine, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple assured residents that the storm was a “low-impact” event and should not lead to an increase in insurance rates. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Late last night, President Biden approved Louisiana’s request for a major disaster declaration for the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Francine. The declaration covers eight parishes, and it allows those residents to apply for federal assistance to help with the cost of home repairs, temporary housing and uninsured property losses.

After Hurricane Francine, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple assured residents that the storm was a “low-impact” event and should not lead to an increase in insurance rates. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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More scrutiny for the Secret Service after another assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Despite the Me Too movement, sexual harassment remains very prevalent in the United States. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple addressed concerns following Hurricane Francine, assuring the public that the storm was a “low impact” event and should not lead to an increase in insurance rates.

Cut 4 (12) “…if you will.”

Temple emphasized that while the hurricane caused some localized damage, it did not reach the level of destruction that typically triggers widespread rate hikes. He praised the preparedness of communities and the resilience of infrastructure in minimizing the storm’s effects including Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 5 (09) “…zero properties flooded .”

Hurricane Barry made landfall as a Category I in July 2019.

Temple concluded that insurance companies interested in doing business because of insurance reforms in Louisiana are still committed to coming to the state.

Cut 6 (10) …state anyway.”

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Republican Congressman Steve Scalise is taking issue with Secret Service staffing in light of Sunday’s assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. Scalise says staffing needs to be beefed up.

Cut 7 (09) “…has to change”

Scalise blames the lack of Secret Service staffing on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Cut 8 (11) “…service agent for.”

Scalise says this is not an issue of not enough applicants; he says there are plenty of applicants to beef up Secret Service protection. He says the issue is hurting morale within the agency.

Cut 9 (12)  “…look to apply.”

The White House is also calling on the Secret Service to beef up protection for the former President.

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Despite the recent Me Too movement, sexual harassment continues to be very prevalent. According to the #MeToo 2024 report by Tulane University’s Newcome Institute, a survey of more than 33-hundred adults found that 82-percent of women and 42-percent of men experience some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. Lead researcher Anita Raj says sexual harassment in the workplace remains a concern.

Cut 10 (10) “…the United States.”

Raj says sexual harassment isn’t just happening in the workplace, however.

Cut 11 (09) “…concerts and bars.”

Raj says one way to stem the tide of sexual harassment is to begin the awareness campaign at an early age, since many people experience sexual harassment well before adulthood.

Cut 12 (09) “…experience before 13.”

The study showed that more than one in four adults – more than 68-million people – experienced sexual harassment in the past year alone.

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Enrollment at Northwestern State is at its highest level in five years.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the fall semester.”

University President James Genovese (JEN-oh-veeze) says enrollment at the main campus in Natchitoches (NACK-uh-tish) is up considerably.

Cut 14 (09) “…of previous years.”

And President Genovese says nearly every single on-campus housing unit is occupied.

Cut 15 (07) “…on campus now.”

Genovese says the increase in enrollment has brought upon a renewed sense of energy, including an electric gameday atmosphere.

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Through three weeks of the season, LSU ranks dead last in the Southeastern Conference in points per game allowed and they rank third to last in total defense, allowing 380 yards a game. But Coach Brian Kelly says he likes his linebackers, he says defensive line is coming along and believes the secondary can play at a higher level

Cut 16 (12)   “…we did that”

The Tigers had tackles for a loss, five sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception.

LSU started the game with three linebackers on the field for the first time this year as Whit Weeks joined Greg Penn and Harold Perkins. Perkins played strongside linebacker and three tackles, one for a loss and a fumble recovery. Kelly called it progress for one of their best defensive players…

Cut 17 (22) “…great energy.”

Kelly believes LSU is really close to playing the football needed in order to win the SEC. He says they are looking at personnel, preparation and the coaching of the schemes in order to get LSU to that point…

Cut 18 (25)  “…that situation.”

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A big intrastate battle is set to go down on Saturday in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns host Tulane. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says Tulane will be the toughest team they’ve faced this season…

Cut 19 (19) “….play em” 

The Cajuns are 2-and-0, while Tulane has suffered losses to Oklahoma and Kansas State after opening the season with a win over Southeastern Louisiana.

The 2-and-0 ULM Warhawks will visit top ranked Texas on Saturday. Coach Bryant Vincent’s team is a 44 point underdog…

Cut 20 (20) “…very detailed”

Kick off in Austin is at 7 PM.

Answered prayers in Webster Parish as a girl who disappeared from her home was found safe. Crews spent all day searching for ten-year-old Peyton Saintignan, and an Arkansas company flying a drone was able to find her asleep in a wooded area. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says this is not the first time Peyton disappeared from her home.

Cut 7 (10) “…just started walking.”

Hundreds of volunteers joined several law enforcement agencies in searching for her.

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife were on their way to Donald Trump’s home when the Secret Service stopped a 58-year-old man from carrying out what authorities are calling an assassination attempt on the former president. Johnson emphasized the need for heightened security measures.

Cut 11 (06) “…if necessary.”

Johnson posted on “X” that no leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient.

You could not have dreamed of a better start to the season for the Saints as New Orleans is 2-0 after clobbering the Cowboys 44 to 19 yesterday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Entergy Louisiana says it’s restored power to nearly all customers whose power was knocked out by Hurricane Francine in just three days. The company says it credits the fast restoration time to ongoing training and enhancements made to its incident response program. As of late this afternoon, only a small percentage of customers along certain water routes and in the hardest-hit areas of Terrebonne Parish were still in the dark.

A happy ending in Webster Parish as a girl who disappeared from her home was found safe. Crews spent all day searching for ten-year-old Peyton Saintignan, and an Arkansas company flying a drone was able to find her asleep in a wooded area. Sheriff Jason Parker says this is not the first time Peyton disappeared from her home.

Cut 7 (10) “…just started walking.”

In all, they had about 200 people searching for her.

It’s National Suicide Prevention Month. Louisiana State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Robyn Thomas says one important resource she wants everyone to know about is 9-8-8, which replaced the Lifeline crisis line in 2022…

Cut 12 (10) “…for a family.”

9-8-8 has specialized lines for veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ+ under 25, and hearing impaired.

You could not have dreamed of a better start to the season for the Saints as New Orleans is 2-0 after clobbering the Cowboys 44 to 19 yesterday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Despite the #MeToo movement bringing the issue to the forefront, a new national survey shows alarmingly high rates of sexual harassment and assault. According to the #MeToo 2024 report, a survey of more than 33-hundred adults found that 82-percent of women and 42-percent of men experience some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime.

Louisiana is awarded a 70-million-dollar federal grant to accelerate student reading over the next five years. Deputy Superintendent of Education Dr. Jenna Chiasson says the state plans to use this funding to enhance teacher training, provide access to evidence-based reading programs, and increase family engagement in student learning.

Cut 5 (12) “…literacy improvement .”

This grant aligns with Louisiana’s educational goals of boosting student achievement and closing the literacy gap, especially for historically underserved communities.

A new report by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana shows that the number of students receiving college tuition money through the state’s TOPS program is down for the third year in a row. PAR President Steven Procopio says says some qualifying students are declining to participate in the program.

Cut 9 (10)  “…on the table.”

September is Suicide Prevention Month and professionals, survivors, and advocates are sharing resources. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Saints make it two in a row to start the season in a big way, demolishing the Cowboys, 44-19. Alvin Kamara gained 180 all-purpose yards and scored four touchdowns. Kamara says the whole team is firing on all cylinders.

Cut 16 (14)   “…sky’s the limit”

70-million-dollars in federal grant funding has been awarded to Louisiana to accelerate student reading over the next five years. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A new report shows participation in Louisiana’s TOPS program is down for the third year in a row. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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September is Suicide Prevention Month and professionals, survivors, and advocates are sharing resources. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana has been awarded a 70-million-dollars federal grant to accelerate student reading over the next five years. This funding will expand the state’s comprehensive literacy plan, focusing on improving literacy outcomes for students at all levels. The grant aims to support students, schools, and educational systems struggling with reading proficiency. Deputy Superintendent of Education Dr. Jenna Chiasson says the funds were from the U-S Department of Education…

Cut 4 (11) “…five years.”

The initiative will focus on involvement in areas where literacy rates are particularly low, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most vulnerable students. Chiasson says the state plans to use this funding to enhance teacher training, provide access to evidence-based reading programs, and increase family engagement in student learning.

Cut 5 (12) “…literacy improvement .”

This grant aligns with Louisiana’s educational goals of boosting student achievement and closing the literacy gap, especially for historically underserved communities. Chiasson hopes that this targeted approach will lead to long-term improvements in reading proficiency and overall academic success for Louisiana students.

Cut 6 (12) …building their knowledge.”

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A new report by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana shows that the number of students receiving college tuition money through the state’s TOPS program is down for the third year in a row. PAR President Steven Procopio says one of the biggest reasons is that the state is losing population. And as a result, the state is paying out less money through the program.

Cut 7 (09) “…now it’s 270.”

Under the program, students who achieve at least a 2.5 GPA and an ACT score of 20 receive get their tuition to any public college or university in Louisiana paid for. It does not, however, pay for other expenses like room and board. Procopio says the drop in the number of students participating in the TOPS program is no indication of how well the state is educating its students.

Cut 8 (10) “…getting the amount.”

Procopio says some qualifying students are declining to participate in the program, and there could be several reasons for that.

Cut 9 (10)  “…on the table.”

The female-to-male distribution of students receiving TOPS money is about 60-40, which Procopio says is not surprising.

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It’s National Suicide Prevention Month. Throughout September suicide survivors, mental health professionals, advocates, and community members unite to promote prevention and share resources. Louisiana State Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Robyn Thomas says it’s also a time to remember those affected by suicide and focus effort on directing treatment to those who need it most. One important resource she wants everyone to know about is 9-8-8…

Cut 10 (12) “…twenty-four/seven.”

Thomas urges Louisianans to learn how 9-8-8 can help individuals struggling with mental health issues. She says, if you know someone who needs help you can call for them or with them. 9-8-8 serves those who may just need a listening ear, and those who may need more…

Cut 11 (07) “…crisis team.”

9-8-8 has specialized lines for veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ+ under 25, and hearing impaired. The three – digit number replaced Lifeline crisis line in 2022…

Cut 12 (11) “…impacting you.”

Thomas urges the public to learn more by visiting Louisiana988.org. To learn about accessing lines for the deaf and others, visit 988Lifeline.org which directs visitors on using video lines, TTY lines and other communication options.

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Governor Landry says the damage done by Hurricane Francine should be no excuse for insurance companies to raise their rates even further. Landry told a Friday news conference that the carriers’ red tape is what makes matters worse.

Cut 13 (12)  “…money as well.”

Landry says the insurance companies, in some cases, have only themselves to blame for some of the bigger payouts from this storm.

Cut 14 (13) “…been paid out.”

Landry says the state has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure to minimize damage caused by hurricanes, and that should mean something to the insurance carriers in how much they charge in premiums.

Cut 15 (15) “…floodplain as well.”

Louisiana residents pay some of the highest home and auto insurance premiums in the country, and lawmakers have been meeting to devise ways to reduce those premiums.

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The Saints entered Sunday’s game against the Cowboys in Arlington as six-point underdogs and proceeded to prove to the world that oddsmakers know nothing about football. The Saints scored touchdowns on their first six possessions and dismantled the Cowboys, 44-19. Alvin Kamara gained 180 all-purpose yards — 115 on the ground and 65 through the air — and scored four touchdowns. Kamara says the whole team is firing on all cylinders.

Cut 16 (14)   “…sky’s the limit”

In all, the Saints gained 190 rushing yards, and Coach Dennis Allen says that took a load off quarterback Derek Carr.

Cut 17 (15) “…of protecting him.”

Dating back to last week’s win over Carolina, the Saints’ first-team offense scored on its first 15 possessions to start the season. The streak was broken when Carr threw an interception early in the fourth quarter. The Saints got it back on the very next play when Tyrann Mathieu picked off a Dak Prescott pass. The Saints improve to 2-0 and host the Eagles next Sunday.

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The LSU Tigers won a crazy game in Columbia, South Carolina, rallying back from a 17-0 deficit to beat the Gamecocks 36 to 33. The Tigers gave up two long rushing touchdowns, LSU had special teams miscues and Garrett Nussmeier threw an interception in the fourth quarter. But Nussmeier also led LSU on two fourth-quarter scoring drives. Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 18 (20)  “…really good team.”

LSU found its running game in the second quarter, thanks to freshman Caden Durham, who rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns, averaging nearly nine yards a carry. Kelly has been looking for a running back to step up…

Cut 19 (11) “….nature of it” 

The LSU defense played well for much of the game, holding South Carolina to one yard in the third quarter, three turnovers, five sacks and nine tackles for a loss. But they also allowed the Gamecocks to take the opening the drive to score and there were the two long rushing touchdowns. Kelly says

Cut 20 (16) “…executed.”