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, and that should take a bite out of the drought for a number of parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…into Monday.”

The chance of rain this weekend would contradict what Dixon McMakin and his longtime predecessor, Dan Borne, would tell the crowd at LSU’s Tiger Stadium about the chance of rain being “never.” And if you go to tomorrow night’s game, give yourself plenty of extra time, with police beefing up security starting four hours before kickoff. 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.”

Congressman Clay Higgins is asking President Trump to halt all shrimp imports for the time being. In a letter, Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Higgins’ request has the full support of Louisiana Shrimp Association President Acy Cooper. He notes that the FDA prohibits the use of antibiotics in domestically-caught shrimp, and he says domestic shrimp is tested more stringently than imported shrimp, and that’s not right.

Cut 7 (06) “…killing our people.”

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.

Intense debate breaks out over a bill to push back the closed party primaries by a month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

State Senator Jay Luneau says he will not run for U.S. Senate, saying partisanship in DC is far worse than it is in Louisiana. That leaves Democrats still without a candidate to challenge Bill Cassidy.

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.”

Nicholls State ranks as the number-one best value college in Louisiana. This, according to the website Niche-dot-com. Dr. Todd Keller, the provost and vice president for academic affairs, says surveys find that students really enjoy their time at Nicholls.

Cut 11 (12) “…away from home.”

At the state capitol, intense debate broke out over a bill to push back the closed party primaries by a month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Nicholls State is ranked as the best value college in Louisiana. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Superdome emerges at the top of one list, but it’s unclear as to whether it’s cause for celebration. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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On the first day of the special session, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved legislation to push back qualifying and the primary election dates for the 2026 federal elections by one month. Black lawmakers oppose the move — Shreveport Senator Sam Jenkins told the bill’s author, Caleb Kleinpeter from Port Allen, that the legislature should not be changing election laws this close to the election.

Cut 4 (04) “…all the time.”

Qualifying for the party primaries is currently scheduled for January, and the primary elections are set for April and May. Klieinpeter’s bill, which now heads to the Senate floor for another vote, pushes qualifying back to February and the closed party primary would be in May and the run-off in June. Jenkins says the legislature should not change the election procedure when the elections are months away.

Cut 5 (09) “…the election back.”

Republican lawmakers are looking to push the election back, because it’s possible the U-S Supreme Court will rule the state’s current congressional map as unconstitutional. Jenkins believes it’s premature for Louisiana to act, since the nation’s highest court has not ordered Louisiana to move its election dates back, and delaying the elections could influence the Supreme Court’s decision. Here’s Kleinpeter’s response.

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s it.”

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For Buc-ee’s fans in North Louisiana, the big day is finally here – groundbreaking on the massive 70-thousand-square-foot Buc-ee’s in Ruston. Mayor Ronny Walker says it follows after major progress on site prep.

Cut 7 (06) “…of that construction.”

For those of you who don’t know, inside Buc-ee’s, you can buy its world famous Beaver Nuggets, delicious barbecue sandwiches or some unique souvenirs, and it has the cleanest bathrooms on the planet. Mayor Walker says it will help keep all vehicles moving, including those that do not run on gasoline.

Cut 8 (04) “…13 EV chargers.”

…and, of course, 120 gas pumps. Walker says people can’t wait for the new Buc-ee’s to open in early 2027.

Cut 9 (08)  “…in 17 months.”

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Nicholls State ranks as the number-one best value college in Louisiana, according to Niche.com. The ranking is based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates and student debt. Dr. Todd Keller, the provost and vice president for academic affairs, says Nicholls’ average cost and tuition are significantly lower than the national and state averages and students feel at home.

Cut 10 (13) “…on the campus.”

Nicholls’ alumni median earnings five years after graduation average 49-thousand dollars per year, which is four-thousand dollars more than the national average. Keller says 95-percent of its alumni are employed one year after graduation, and the  surveys find that students really enjoy their time at Nicholls.

Cut 11 (12) “…away from home.” 

Nicholls also ranks third for safest college campuses in Louisiana. Keller says Nicholls’ in-state tuition of eight-thousand dollars is almost half of Louisiana’s average.

Cut 12 (14) “…into their careers.” 

Louisiana Tech ranks second for value, followed by U-L Lafayette, Louisiana Christian and ULM.

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When you go to a Saints game in New Orleans, you are going to the most haunted stadium in the NFL – and it has nothing to do with the team’s dismal record the last two years. That rating is courtesy of the sports website Pickswise. George Rogan with Pickswise says one major factor is the close proximity to St. Louis Cemetery.

Cut 13 (09)  “…of all stadiums.”

Rogan says the fact that the Superdome is 50 years old also has a lot to do with it.

Cut 14 (09) “…into the area”

Of course, you can’t mention evil spirits without bringing up the 2018 NFC Championship Game, in which three officials didn’t call an obvious pass interference against the Rams that would have all but sealed a trip to the Super Bowl for the Saints. Rogan says the overall spookiness of the state played a role in the Superdome’s ranking.

Cut 15 (08) “…source called GeoSpirits.”

The least haunted stadium is Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

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Last year, LSU’s defense allowed Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed to come off the bench and rush for three touchdowns in the 38-23 loss. LSU sophomore defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux remembers it all too well and says the team is more prepared this time around.

Cut 16 (11) “…the job done.”

With two losses on the season already, LSU’s margin for error is now zero. Moving forward, Breaux says the Tigers have the ability to change the trajectory of the season around with a win against number-three Texas A&M on Saturday.

Cut 17 (10) “…do our part.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night is at 6:30.

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With running back Kendre Miller out for the year, Saints rookie and sixth-round draft pick Devin Neal is expected to take on a larger role this week against the Buccaneers. Neal says his play as a running back can be described as balanced.

Cut 18 (16) “…game as well.”

Kickoff in New Orleans is 3:05 p.m.

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UL-Lafayette’s football team is 2-and-5 on the year heading into the heart of conference play. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says his team has to do a better job of executing more important plays when the game is on the line.

Cut 19 (14) “…oh-for-six.”

With the disappointing start, Desormeaux still has belief in his team despite the outside noise and says the Cajuns will continue to play hard for the remainder of the season.

Cut 20 (19) “…playing incredibly hard.”

The Cajuns travel to Alabama to take on Troy on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. as they look to win their first game since week five.

A new statewide poll finds President Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana is 48-percent, but Governor Jeff Landry’s is only 39-percent. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon believes Landry is having a hard time connecting with voters.

Cut 10 (07)  “…social media posts.”

Louisiana Radio Network reached out for response from the governor’s office, and one of his consultants pointed out that the group that paid for the poll, Unite America, supports groups with a strong, liberal bias.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore age limits for collegiate athletes. Cassidy says he initially became concerned following a conversation with a legendary Louisiana collegiate coach.

Cut 3 (09) “…their late 20s.”

This comes as more and more schools recruit older athletes from overseas.

The FBI cites an NBA game played in New Orleans as part of its evidence into illegal sports betting. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is among more than 30 people charged in a massive investigation into illegal NBA betting and rigged poker games. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says in March of 2023, Rozier took himself out of a game early at the Smoothie King Center to ensure he would underperform.

Cut 12 (07) “…under statistics.”

The cameras have been rolling in Louisiana and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana, says there are several films being shot in Louisiana as we speak.

Cut 6 (12) “…starting next year.”

A new statewide poll finds President Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana is 48-percent, but Governor Jeff Landry’s is only 39-percent. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon believes Landry is having a hard time connecting with voters.

Cut 10 (07)  “…social media posts.”

Louisiana Radio Network reached out for response from the governor’s office, and one of his consultants pointed out that the group that paid for the poll, Unite America, supports groups with a strong, liberal bias.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore age limits for collegiate athletes. Cassidy says he initially became concerned following a conversation with a legendary Louisiana collegiate coach.

Cut 3 (09) “…their late 20s.”

This comes as more and more schools recruit older athletes from overseas.

A game played in New Orleans is part of the FBI’s evidence that resulted in the arrest of an NBA player for illegal sports betting. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Yesterday, Governor Landry said SNAP recipients would not get their benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. But today, he seems to be changing his tune. In a statement, his office says Landry is in discussion with other governors across the country and with the state’s legislative leadership, and he’s making it a priority that vulnerable people do not go hungry.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore an age limit and limits on foreign athletes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A game played in New Orleans is part of the FBI’s evidence that resulted in the arrest of an NBA player for illegal sports betting. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore age limits for collegiate athletes. Cassidy says he initially became concerned following a conversation with a legendary Louisiana collegiate coach.

Cut 3 (09) “…their late 20s.”

This comes as more and more schools recruit older athletes from overseas. For instance, LSU’s men’s basketball team has a freshman from Israel on its roster named Ron Zipper, who will turn 23 years old during the season. Cassidy says with most collegiate freshmen, athletes or otherwise, being 18 or 19 years old, that puts them at a competitive disadvantage.

Cut 4 (15) “…cannot match.”

Cassidy says American universities should provide opportunities for American citizens first and foremost. He says he does mind an occasional overseas player on an NCAA roster, but there needs to be limitations.

Cut 5 (13) “…on beyond that.”

Cassidy noted that LSU had recruited Eddie Palubinskas from Australia in the early 1970s as a 22-year-old and was later an assistant coach for the Tigers, trying to teach Shaquille O’Neal how to make free throws, with very limited success.

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The cameras have been rolling in Louisiana and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana, says there are several films being shot in Louisiana as we speak.

Cut 6 (12) “…starting next year.”

Waggenspack says after years of going overseas, film production is shifting back to the states; and he says Louisiana is the perfect state for filmmakers to shoot their projects.

Cut 7 (09) “…here real soon.”

Waggenspack says filmmakers – and television producers – are showing a greater willingness to produce their films and shows domestically instead of going overseas.

Cut 8 (07) “…here at home.”

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A new statewide poll finds President Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana is 48-percent, but Governor Jeff Landry’s is only 39-percent. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon says Landry had an aggressive legislative agenda during his first year in office and that might have turned off a few voters.

Cut 9 (13)  “…turned off voters.”

In Landry’s first year in office, he got lawmakers to approve a tough on crime legislative package, tax reform, displaying the Ten Commandments in every public-school classroom and changing federal elections to a party primary election system.

Couvillon believes Landry is having a hard time connecting with voters.

Cut 10 (07)  “…social media posts.”

The poll also asked voters if they thought the state is heading in the right direction. Only 26 percent said it is heading in the right direction, 54-percent say it’s heading in the wrong direction and 20-percent did not have an opinion. Couvillon says the poll of 600 likely voters was conducted last week and the federal government shutdown probably played a role in the responses.

Cut 11 (06) “…nationally.”

Louisiana Radio Network reached out for response from the governor’s office, and one his consultants pointed out that the group that paid for the poll, Unite America, supports groups with a strong, liberal bias.

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The FBI cites a NBA game played in New Orleans as part of its evidence into illegal sports betting. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is among more than 30 people charged in a massive investigation into illegal NBA betting and rigged poker games. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says in March of 2023, Rozier took himself out of a game early at the Smoothie King Center to ensure he would underperform.

Cut 12 (07) “…under statistics.”

According to the official NBA stats, Rozier only played ten minutes in that game, which the Pelicans won 115-96. Tisch says the defendants placed more than 200-thousand dollars in wagers on the “unders” of his prop bets, and those bets paid out ten of thousands of dollars in profits.

Cut 13 (05)  “…their cash.”

Tisch says Rozier has played his last game in the NBA.

Cut 14 (06) “…for integrity.”

Rozier was arrested Thursday morning at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. He’s facing money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges, according to the indictment.

The FBI cites an NBA game played in New Orleans as part of its evidence into illegal sports betting. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is among more than 30 people charged in a massive investigation into illegal NBA betting and rigged poker games. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says in March of 2023, Rozier took himself out of a game early at the Smoothie King Center to ensure he would underperform.

Cut 12 (07) “…under statistics.”

The cameras have been rolling in Louisiana and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana, says there are several films being shot in Louisiana as we speak.

Cut 6 (12) “…starting next year.”

Nervous times for SNAP recipients amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Governor Landry had previously said they would not get their November benefits; but today, he’s saying he’s in discussion with other governors across the country and the state’s legislative leadership, and he’s making it a priority that vulnerable people do not go hungry. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 23 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The shutdown is now in its 23rd day; and with the House currently in recess, there’s no end in sight.

The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon for a special session, in which lawmakers will discuss moving the primary calendar 30 days as the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of the state’s congressional map. New Orleans Democratic Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) has concerns about moving the calendar.

Cut 15 (12) “…in the process.”

Lawmakers might also consider doing away with the closed primaries altogether and going back to open primaries, and a new poll shows that almost 70-percent of voters across the state would favor that. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling notes that the last time Louisiana went to party primaries, it didn’t last long.

Cut 9 (10)  “…quickly repealed it.”

Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients that they will not receive cash assistance from the government on their cards starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana, says this action could be avoided.

Cut 10 (11) “…still get paid.”

It’s unknown if the USDA plans to utilize contingency funds to ensure November SNAP benefits.

The LSU Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon. Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says with this meeting, the committee moves into the final stages of selecting the university system’s next president.

Cut 4 (12) “…soon become public.”

The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon to begin a 22-day special session to adjust the primary election calendar. According to the bill co-authored by Port Allen Republican Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, the dates for the primary and runoff would be pushed back 30 days. This comes as the Supreme Court considers its ruling on the constitutionality of the creation of the state’s second majority Black congressional district. Kleinpeter says when the Supreme Court will rule is anyone’s guess.

Cut 13 (07)  “…back before Christmas.”

There’s also the possibility that someone may file a bill that would do away with the closed primary and go back to an open primary, which would eliminate the primary and runoff altogether and go straight to Election Day on November 3rd, 2026. New Orleans Democratic Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) is all for that.

Cut 16 (08) “…the closed primaries.”

Governor Landry is warning SNAP recipients they will not receive government cash assistance for food purchases if the federal government shutdown continues. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The LSU Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon, during which it will determine which candidates will be invited to formally apply for the job. Next Wednesday, it will conduct interviews with those candidates and will select three finalists.

A new poll finds overwhelming support for open primary elections as opposed to closed party primaries. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients they will not receive government cash assistance for food purchases if the federal government shutdown continues. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The legislature begins a special session at two this afternoon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon. Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says with this meeting, the committee moves into the final stages of selecting the university system’s next president.

Cut 4 (12) “…soon become public.”

Hutchinson says several people have expressed interest in becoming the new leader of the LSU system.

Cut 5 (12) “…were highly qualified.”

Next Wednesday morning, the committee will conduct interviews with the candidates it invited to apply for the position and will select three finalists to recommend to the Board of Supervisors. Hutchinson says after that, a series of meetings will be held with those finalists.

Cut 6 (09) “…to vote on.”

Hutchinson says they hope to have the new president selected by Thanksgiving and have that new president begin shortly after the first of the year.

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A new statewide poll finds Louisiana residents overwhelmingly support an open primary election system over a closed party primary. Pollster John Couvillon says 69-percent of the 600 respondents favor an open primary, which is a similar percentage to when JMC Analytics and Polling asked this same question in the first quarter of this year.

Cut 7 (11) “…be coming online.”

Next year’s federal elections will be closed party primaries, which means registered Republicans and no party voters can only vote in the Republican primary and Democrats and no party voters can only vote in the Democratic primary.

Couvillon says Louisiana voters prefer the simplicity of an open party primary.

Cut 8 (06) “…who you want.”

A group called Unite America paid for the poll. Unite America promotes itself as an organization that invests in nonpartisan election reform.

In 2024, Governor Jeff Landry helped convince the Louisiana Legislature to pass legislation to switch to closed party primaries for election to federal offices and other offices like P-S-C and BESE.

A spokesperson for Landry says Unite America’s philanthropic work supports groups with strong, liberal bias, like Environmental Defense Fund, Anti-Defamation League and the Nature Conservancy.

Couvillon says the last time Louisiana went to party primaries, it didn’t last long.

Cut 9 (10)  “…quickly repealed it.”

Landry’s argument for changing to party primaries was that states that were more successful than Louisiana used that system to elect their officials.

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Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients that they will not receive cash assistance from the government on their cards starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana, says this action could be avoided.

Cut 10 (11) “…still get paid.”

It’s unknown if the USDA plans to utilize contingency funds to ensure November SNAP benefits. Governor Jeff Landry blames Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the rest of the Senate Democrats who are not voting for a funding bill to re-open the federal government.

Moeller says more than 800-thousand households in Louisiana rely on SNAP benefits.

Cut 11 (09) “…of the month.” 

Moeller says instead of having a special session to change the dates of next year’s federal party primary elections, legislators should hold meetings on how they could use state dollars to pay for November SNAP benefits.

Cut 12 (06) “…get paid out.” 

There’s no guarantee the federal government will reimburse Louisiana or any other state if they use state resources to bridge the gap until the federal government reopens.

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The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon to begin a 22-day special session to adjust the primary election calendar. According to the bill co-authored by Port Allen Republican Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, the dates for the primary and runoff would be pushed back 30 days. This comes as the Supreme Court considers its ruling on the constitutionality of the creation of the state’s second majority Black congressional district. Kleinpeter says when the Supreme Court will rule is anyone’s guess.

Cut 13 (07)  “…back before Christmas.”

Kleinpeter says even though Governor Landry scheduled the session for 22 days, he expects it to gavel out sine die much sooner.

Cut 14 (08) “…just in case.”

New Orleans Democratic Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) also expects the session to be done well before the November 13th deadline. She has concerns about moving the calendar.

Cut 15 (12) “…in the process.”

There’s also the possibility that someone may file a bill that would do away with the closed primary and go back to an open primary, which would eliminate the primary and runoff altogether and go straight to Election Day on November 3rd, 2026. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s in favor of that – and so is Newell.

Cut 16 (08) “…the closed primaries.”

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The Saints return to New Orleans to host their divisional rival with the Buccaneers on Sunday. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield did not hide his hatred for the team in black and gold.

Cut 17 (09) “…don’t like them.”

Saints head coach Kellen Moore responded to Mayfield’s comments by saying he understands how big the rivalry is, and he expects Sunday to be a fun matchup.

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ULM is coming off a frustrating 37-14 loss to Troy on Saturday, falling to 3-and-4 on the year. Head coach Bryant Vincent says the Warhawks are not giving up on the season, and the team will continue to bring the fight each game.

Cut 18 (14) “…were thinking wrong.”

The Warhawks travel to Hattiesburg on Saturday to face Southern Mississippi at 2:30 p.m.

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During the weekly SEC teleconference, LSU head coach Brian Kelly gave an update on junior linebacker Whit Weeks’ availability heading into Saturday’s matchup with number-three Texas A&M.

Cut 19 (14) “…in the week.”

The Tigers are 0-and-5 when Whit Weeks does not play or start. LSU senior defensive tackle Bernard Gooden practiced on Tuesday but did not do everything.

LSU 6-foot-7 sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green has totaled 193 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games. Green spent time playing with the LSU basketball team last year but made the transition to just football this year. Kelly says Green has done all the things necessary to break out this season.

Cut 20 (17) “…-playing the game.”