Governor Landry reportedly had something to do with Brian Kelly losing his job as LSU’s head football coach. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU is expected to be aggressive in getting the best football coach it can find. So who’s the betting favorite to replace Brian Kelly? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A real taste of fall is coming, as the strongest cold front of the season makes its way through the Bayou State later today. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin.”

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Governor Landry reportedly had outsized influence in Scott Woodward’s decision to fire Brian Kelly as LSU’s head football coach. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says such involvement by Landry is not unprecedented.

Cut 4 (14) “…of his personality.”

Alford says Landry injecting himself into LSU football’s business has been par for the course for him – last season, over objections from the university and veterinary experts, Landry facilitated the transport of a live tiger to be wheeled onto the field at Tiger Stadium prior to the Alabama game.

Cut 5 (08) “…miss that opportunity.”

Alford says it’s not that unusual for governors to be involved to some degree in their respective states’ football programs – in fact, in an indirect way, they already are.

Cut 6 (09) “…our flagship university.”

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Bookies-dot-com has Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin as the betting favorite to be the next head coach of the LSU Tigers. Kiffin’s odds are at +375 or 21-percent. Christopher Boan, the lead writer for Bookies-dot-com, says Kiffin has the seventh-ranked Rebels in position to make the College Football Playoff, but he could build a consistent winner in Baton Rouge.

Cut 7 (05) “…last 25 years.”

BetOnline has Tulane Coach Jon Sumrall as the favorite to be the next LSU coach at +150. Boan says Bookies-dot-com gives Sumrall a 10-percent chance of being the next head coach. He says the 43-year-old is an up-and-comer in the coaching ranks.

Cut 8 (08) “…he’s a dog.”

Bookies-dot-com has Louisville coach Jeff Brohm and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham as two other coaches who have decent odds replace Kelly. Boan says Brohm and Dillingham are having success at their alma maters.

Cut 9 (09)  “…Kenny Dillingham’s case.”

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Now that Julie Emerson has become the fifth prominent candidate to challenge Bill Cassidy for the Republican Senate nomination, how does that change the primary race? ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says given the number of challengers he’s facing, Cassidy has almost no chance of securing a majority of the vote in the primary, but he’s all but guaranteed to finish in the top two.

Cut 10 (11) “…in the office.”

Cross says usually, entering the race at this relatively late stage might work against Emerson and her ability to raise enough money to mount a serious challenge. However, these days, the late start won’t hurt her quite as much.

Cut 11 (13) “…and other media.”

Cross says since Emerson has entered the race, there’s one name that we will likely NOT see on the Senate ballot.

Cut 12 (12) “…to get in.”

(Cross says with Emerson in, that means Julia Letlow likely has decided not to enter the race.)

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State Police have arrested a 21-year-old Monroe man for allegedly staging multiple car crashes and collecting thousands of dollars in fraudulent insurance claims. Senior Trooper Ryan Davis says they started their investigation in February, after the Louisiana Department of Insurance alerted them that Adrian Simpson was involved in insurance fraud.

Cut 13 (08)  “…September of 2025.” 

Davis says as the investigation progressed, investigators learned that Sampson had planned, staged and orchestrated crashes to file fraudulent insurance claims.

Cut 14 (11) “…for personal gain.”

Davis says Sampson potentially gained 156-thousand dollars from the victims of his fraudulent claims. He’s facing 49 felony counts of racketeering, insurance fraud, criminal damage to property, and staged crashes.

Cut 15 (09) “…from Mr. Sampson.”

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the State Police Insurance Fraud-Auto Theft Unit in Monroe at 318-362-4588.

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UL-Lafayette is now 2-and-6 on the year after Saturday’s 35-23 loss to Troy. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says from this point forward, each game will matter a little more, as the Cajuns now have to win out to become bowl eligible.

Cut 16 (12) “…at right now.”

UL-Lafayette hasn’t missed a bowl game since 2017.

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ULM is now 3-and-5 after a 49-21 loss to Southern Mississippi on Saturday. Head coach Bryant Vincent still has full faith in the job that he and his players are working towards with building the program.

Cut 17 (19) “…at this point.”

The Warhawks return to Monroe to host Old Dominion this Saturday afternoon at 2:30.

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In the Saints’ 23-3 loss to the Buccaneers, starting quarterback Spencer Rattler was benched after turning the ball over twice. Rookie Tyler Shough (“shuck”) came into the game late in the third quarter and threw for 128 yards with an interception. Head coach Kellen Moore says the team has not decided on a starer for this week’s game against the Rams.

Cut 18 (12)  “…can moving forward.”

Rattler was taken out of the game after fumbling and throwing an interception. With the quarterback competition being reopened, Rattler says his mentality will remain the same as it’s been all season as the Saints prepare to take on the Rams.

Cut 19 (13) “…the same way.”

Shough says he has to do a better job moving forward.

Cut 20 (10) “…the job done.”

Cut 24 (05) “…to get fired.” (use laughs as bed)

Former Saints coach Bum Phillips’ words of wisdom could come in handy for Brian Kelly; as he has been fired for the first time in his coaching career. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says things quickly unraveled yesterday, when LSU athletic director Scott Woodward demanded that Kelly make changes to his coaching staff.

Cut 9 (09)  “…from there.”

Senator Bill Cassidy has yet another challenger for his U.S. Senate seat, as State Representative Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. The Carencro Republican heavily touted her conservative credentials in her four-minute introductory video.

Cut 5 (13) “…for their children.”

While inflation slowed down last month, it is still up year-over-year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says prices are three-percent higher than they were at this time last year. Bankrate analyst Stephen Kates says the way this year started, the three-percent year-over-year inflation is much better than what analysts had been bracing for.

Cut 8 (13) “…down from there.”

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reopened all Farm Service Agency offices across the country. During a visit to Amite late last week, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the USDA will soon announce a plan to provide additional relief to American farmers.

Cut 14 (13) “…government to reopen.”

Make it five – Senator Bill Cassidy has a fifth prominent Republican challenger for his seat, as Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. In her introductory video, the Carencro state representative says as chairwoman of the House Ways and Means Committee, she led the effort to reform Louisiana’s tax code.

Cut 4 (13) “…in economic outlook.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says overall prices rose by three-tenths of a percent from August to September; when highly variable items like food and energy are excluded, prices rose by two-tenths of a percent. Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate, says both of those figures came in lower than expected.

Cut 6 (08) “…August to September.”

The Brian Kelly era is over at LSU. Jeff Palermo reports on why it didn’t work and what happens next…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Despite the government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reopened all Farm Service Agency offices across the country. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement while visiting Amite late last week.

Cut 13 (06)  “…out right now”

Senator Bill Cassidy has yet another challenger for his U.S. Senate seat, as State Representative Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. The Carencro Republican heavily touted her conservative credentials in her four-minute introductory video.

Cut 5 (13) “…for their children.”

Cassidy now has five prominent challengers running against him in next year’s Republican primary.

While inflation has slowed down last month, it is still up year-over-year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says even though overall inflation fell by three-tenths of a percent from August to September, prices are still three-percent higher than at this time last year. Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate, says that’s higher than normal.

Cut 7 (09) “…higher than that.”

The Brian Kelly era is over at LSU. Jeff Palermo reports on why it didn’t work and what happens next…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says the situation quickly unraveled on Sunday, following the Tigers embarrassing loss to Texas A&M. Horne says athletic director Scott Woodward demanded that Kelly make changes to his coaching staff.

Cut 9 (09)  “…from there.”

Make it five – Senator Bill Cassidy has a fifth prominent Republican challenger for his seat, as Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. In her introductory video, the Carencro state representative says as chairwoman of the House Ways and Means Committee, she led the effort to reform Louisiana’s tax code.

Cut 4 (13) “…in economic outlook.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says overall prices rose by three-tenths of a percent from August to September; when highly variable items like food and energy are excluded, prices rose by two-tenths of a percent. Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate, says both of those figures came in lower than expected.

Cut 6 (08) “…August to September.”

Aclara, a Canadian mining company, is investing 277-million dollars into building the nation’s first heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares says by bringing Aclara to the Port of Vinton, the company will diversify what is done in Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 29 (10) “…the state.” 

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Senator Bill Cassidy has yet another challenger for his U.S. Senate seat, as State Representative Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. The Carencro Republican introduced herself to statewide voters in a four-minute video. 

Cut 3 (10) “…the state legislature.”

Emerson’s entrance in the race now gives Cassidy five prominent challengers in the Republican primary, who also include John Fleming, Blake Miguez, Eric Skrmetta and Kathy Seiden.

Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Kelly was fired yesterday after an ugly 45-29 loss to Texas A&M the previous night. Kelly was 34-14 in just under four seasons at LSU, and Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says that apparently wasn’t good enough for school administration.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he got fired.”

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure those who rely on food stamps will still receive their SNAP benefits despite the federal government shutdown. The Louisiana House passed a resolution Friday, urging the Louisiana Department of Health to provide SNAP funding in November. State Senate President Cameron Henry says the Senate will take up the same resolution on Wednesday.

Cut 9 (03)  “…at hand.”

There are 792-thousand Louisianians who rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food every month, and the state receives 150-million dollars every month from the USDA to provide the food assistance.

For those of you who collect Social Security, your benefits will increase 2.8-percent next year. That works out to an average of 56 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says with the price of everything going up, every dollar helps, so this increase will come in very handy.

Cut 5 (12) “…a fixed income.”

Despite the federal government shutdown, SNAP recipients might still receive assistance to purchase food in November. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The nation’s first rare earth separation facility is coming to Southwest Louisiana. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Brian Kelly era at LSU is over. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (39) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For those of you who collect Social Security, your benefits will increase 2.8-percent next year. That works out to an average of 56 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says these cost of living adjustments are good news for Louisiana seniors.

Cut 4 (10) “…income for retirees.”

Muhl says with the price of everything going up, every dollar helps, so this increase will come in very handy.

Cut 5 (12) “…a fixed income.”

Muhl says lawmakers from both parties have pledged to protect Social Security, and they need to continue to do so.

Cut 6 (12) “…and grandkids tomorrow.”

This year’s increase evenly splits the difference of last year’s increase of 2.5-percent and the ten-year average of 3.1-percent.

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Louisiana is taking steps to make sure those who rely on food stamps will still receive their SNAP benefits despite the federal government shutdown. The USDA funds SNAP, but because of the shutdown the federal agency is not allocating any SNAP funding for November. Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says they are planning on using state dollars to make sure people do not go hungry…

Cut 7 (09) “…SNAP shortfall.”

The Louisiana Department of Health oversees the SNAP program in Louisiana. Henry says there’s likely 150-million dollars available in L-D-H’s budget that can cover the costs for November.

In an emergency declaration order, Governor Jeff Landry also suggested using money from the Rainy Day fund as a SNAP stopgap. Henry says they will look at that option if the government shutdown drags on…

Cut 8 (08) “…that place.”

There are 792-thousand Louisianians who rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food every month and the state receives 150-million dollars every month from the USDA to provide the food assistance. The Louisiana House passed a resolution on Friday urging the L-D-H to provide SNAP funding in November and Henry says the Louisiana Senate will take up the same resolution on Wednesday…

Cut 9 (03)  “…at hand.”

It’s unclear if the state will be reimbursed for covering SNAP costs in November. It’s also unknown when the federal government shutdown will end as negotiations are at a stalemate.

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Aclara, a Canadian mining company, is investing 277-million dollars into building the nation’s first heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares says the facility will refine rare earth metals that will be used for electric vehicles, wind turbines, drones and robotics.

Cut 10 (15) “…powered magnets.”

By bringing Aclara to the Port of Vincent, Bares says the company will diversify what is done in Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…the state.” 

Aclara selected the Port of Vinton location after evaluating more than 100 potential U.S. sites for its proximity to key chemical suppliers, access to Gulf Coast logistics and availability of skilled industrial workers. Bares says bringing the company to Calcasieu Parish is a testament to the infrastructure of the parish.

Cut 12 (10) “…readily available.” 

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027.

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The winningest active coach in NCAA Football did not win at a high enough level in Baton Rouge and Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Kelly was fired on Sunday after an ugly 45-29 loss to Texas A&M. It was the third loss in four games for a team that had national championship aspirations. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Kelly was 34-14 in three-plus seasons with LSU.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he go fired…

In a statement, Athletics Director Scott Woodward said as a proud alum, current caretaker of the athletics programs, he will not compromise LSU’s pursuit of excellence and he will not lower the school’s standards.

LSU hired Kelly in December 2021 after 12 years at Notre Dame. He signed a ten-year contract and with six years remaining on his deal, his buyout is north of 50-million dollars.

LSU says the terms of the separation are still being finalized. Guilbeau says Kelly will fight for every penny he’s owed.

Cut 14 (14) “…an out.”

New Orleans native and longtime assistant coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach. LSU will name a permanent successor to Kelly after the regular season. Guilbeau says Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is likely on top of LSU’s wish list.

Cut 15 (10) “…great coach.”

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, Vanderbilt’s Cleark Lea, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, Arizona State’s  Kenny Dillingham are all possible candidates.

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The Saints had another turnover-filled game as they lost to NFC South rival Tampa Bay 23-3 on Sunday. For the second week in a row, New Orleans turned it over four times. Starting quarterback Spencer Rattler was benched for rookie Tyler Shough (Shuck) after turning it over twice. Coach Kellen Moore says he was looking for a spark and was not signaling out Rattler….

Cut 16 (16) “…not there.”

The Saints’ next game is against the Rams in Los Angeles this Sunday. Moore says he’s not interested in flipping back and forth between quarterbacks, so he hopes to decide soon on who will start this Sunday in L-A…

Cut 17 (17) “…address that.”

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The Brian Kelly era at LSU is over. The last straw came Saturday night as the Tigers got blown out at home by Texas A&M, 49-25. A meaningless LSU touchdown in the final minute of the game amid chants of “Fire Kelly” in the student section made the final score appear less lopsided. During the postgame news conference on the night before he was fired, Head Coach Brian Kelly said he took full responsibility for the team’s performance — not only Saturday night but throughout the entire underachieving season.

Cut 18 (08)  “…falls with me.”

LSU led at halftime, 18-14. But the Aggies outscored the Tigers 35-7 in the third quarter to seal LSU’s — and ultimately Kelly’s — fate. Kelly says he felt the fans’ pain.

Cut 19 (07) “…for four quarters.”

With their record now 5-and-3, a trip to the College Football Playoff is now out of the question for LSU. Associate head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson takes over as interim coach and will try to salvage the season and get the Tigers to a halfway decent bowl game. Linebacker West Weeks says despite the team now being unable to fulfill its preseason goal, he and his teammates will not quit.

Cut 20 (13) “…everybody else is.”

Louisiana could be in for a wet weekend this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while that will certainly help with the drought, it could douse many weekend plans.

Cut 5 (13) “…rain gear.”

As Grymes just alluded to, Mother Nature could contradict Dixon McMakin when he tells the Tiger Stadium crowd at LSU that the chance of rain is “never,” continuing the tradition started by Dan Borne. And if you’re going to the game Saturday, allow yourself some extra time. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says depending on which direction you’re coming from, traffic will either be diverted or restricted.

Cut 11 (11) “…areas on campus.”

20th ranked LSU is a slight underdog Saturday night as they host third ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are undefeated, and they’re looking for their first win in Tiger Stadium since 1994. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed had three rushing touchdowns against LSU last year, and Coach Brian Kelly says they want Reed to run east-west towards the sidelines, instead of north-south.

Cut 13 (10)  “…this week.”

On Sunday, the Saints host one of their division rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Earlier this week, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield said he didn’t like the Saints. Saints head coach Kellen Moore says the team knows what Mayfield said, and they are looking forward to Sunday’s matchup.

Cut 15 (14) “…this one.”

Drought conditions have been expanding across the Bayou State, but Louisiana is set to receive some much needed rain this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says two inches of rain could fall across south Louisiana tomorrow and Sunday…

Cut 3 (09) “…in places.”

And that widespread rain should take a bite out of the drought in a number of parishes.

In a letter to President Trump, Congressman Clay Higgins is asking that all shrimp imports be paused. Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, fully supports a suspension of shrimp imports.

Cut 6 (11) “…changer for us.”

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure the elderly, disabled and children that are SNAP recipients will continue to receive benefits despite the government shutdown. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 21-year-old Abita Springs man is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his four-year-old sister. Detectives say Davahn Profit intentionally injured his little sister to the point that she had to be rushed to the hospital. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office would not elaborate on the nature of the girl’s injuries.

A four-year-old girl is dead after being run over in a convenience store parking lot in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the 30-year-old driver apparently didn’t realize what had happened.

Cut 9 (14)  “…to the station.”

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is applauding Congressman Clay Higgins for calling for a halt to shrimp imports, amid a spike in recalls of imported shrimp contaminated with radioactive chemicals. President Acy Cooper says if the government can make it so that shrimpers can earn a living again, there can be enough domestically-caught shrimp to meet the demand coast-to-coast.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the industry.”

If you’re going to the LSU game Saturday night, note that you will not be able to drive onto many areas on campus without a parking pass. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says if your parking pass is downloaded onto your mobile phone, there’s no need to pull it out while driving 70 miles an hour along I-10.

Cut 12 (13) “…attendants to see.”

On Sunday, the Saints host one of their division rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Earlier this week, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield said he didn’t like the Saints. Saints head coach Kellen Moore says the team knows what Mayfield said, and they are looking forward to Sunday’s matchup.

Cut 15 (14) “…this one.”