Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging the legislature to scrap the closed primaries and go back to open primaries. California, Washington and Alaska are the only states in which all candidates of all parties appear on the same ballot for federal races. Nungesser says if all states followed their lead, the rhetoric would be toned down considerably on Capitol Hill.

Cut 5 (12) “…of the country.”

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a young woman from Wisconsin who was found dead on the I-10 Twin Spans in an apparent hit-and-run. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape says Edashia Caraway was in New Orleans for the NBA Youngboy concert.

Cut 6 (12) “…second vehicle stops.”

The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is currently the highest in the nation at 19-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says living in poverty will often lead to other adverse effects for kids as they get older, so it’s very important that the cycle be broken. 

Cut 11 (09) “…et cetera.”

The Louisiana Tech football team rallied back from down 13 at halftime, but they couldn’t finish the job as they lost to Western Kentucky, 28-27 in double overtime. The Bulldogs have lost two in a row, but defensive back Cedric Woods from Monroe says adversity will only make them stronger.

Cut 13 (12)  “…help us grow.”

Tech is now 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Conference USA.

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a Wisconsin tourist. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl are dead in what New Orleans Police are calling a murder-suicide. Witnesses say the man was pacing the girl’s neighborhood for an hour this morning; and when the girl stepped outside to go to her bus stop, the man shot her several times before turning the gun on himself. The relationship between the two is unclear at this time.

With the legislature debating whether to push the closed primaries back a month with a Supreme Court decision looming, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says he’d like to go back to open primaries. Nungesser says open primaries yield a more representative government, while closed primaries usually leave general election voters a choice between two extremists.

Cut 4 (13) “…are left out.”

The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is the highest in the country at 19-percent – far above the national average of 13-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says the lack of affordability of child care is one reason behind that big number.

Cut 10 (13) “…economic well-being.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging the legislature to scrap the closed primaries and go back to open primaries. California, Washington and Alaska are the only states in which all candidates of all parties appear on the same ballot for federal races. Nungesser says if all states followed their lead, the rhetoric would be toned down considerably on Capitol Hill.

Cut 5 (12) “…of the country.”

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a young woman from Wisconsin who was found dead on the I-10 Twin Spans in an apparent hit-and-run. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape says Edashia Caraway was in New Orleans for the NBA Youngboy concert.

Cut 6 (12) “…second vehicle stops.”

The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is the highest in the country at 19-percent – far above the national average of 13-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says the lack of affordability of child care is one reason behind that big number.

Cut 10 (13) “…economic well-being.”

The Louisiana Tech football team rallied back from a 13-point halftime deficit but lost to Western Kentucky 28-27 in double overtime. The Bulldogs got back into the game when Devin Gandy returned a kick to start the second half for a touchdown, but the Bulldogs could not score touchdowns on two trips to the Red Zone in the fourth quarter. Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 12 (12) “…boils down too.”

With the legislature debating whether to push the closed primaries back a month with a Supreme Court decision looming, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says he’d like to go back to open primaries. Nungesser says open primaries yield a more representative government, while closed primaries usually leave general election voters a choice between two extremists.

Cut 4 (13) “…are left out.”

Poverty among children in Louisiana is on the rise. The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is currently the highest in the country. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says economic factors are a major reason.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Louisiana as well.”

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a Wisconsin tourist. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With the legislature set to debate the status of the primaries starting tomorrow, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser leaves no doubt as to where he stands on the whole thing – if it was up to him, he’d scrap the closed primaries altogether and go back to open primaries. Nungesser says closed primaries are a major reason why the political climate in this country is as bad as it’s ever been.

Cut 3 (10) “…vote for you.”

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is calling on parents that have kids involved in early childhood education to take its parent poll. LPIC’s chief executive officer, Dr. Libbie Sonnier, says the survey highlights key issues, including the rising cost of childcare.

Cut 10 (10) “…early childhood education.”

If you have a creative way to tell people not to drive distracted, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers would like to see your best work. The law firm is once again holding its annual scholarship contest for students who create compelling videos urging people not to drive while distracted. Marketing Coordinator Hannah Cutrer (kuh-TREHR) says there are certain things that judges will be looking for.

Cut 7 (09) “…behind the wheel.”

The grand prize for the best overall video is a scholarship worth more than four-thousand dollars.

The amount of money Americans spend on Halloween is getting pretty spooky. Katherine Cullen with the National Retail Federation says this year’s spending will make mincemeat out of last year’s record of 12.2-billion dollars.

Cut 4 (07) “…dollars this year.”

Cullen says the most popular Halloween purchase is candy, which Americans will spend almost four-billion dollars on this year.

Here’s a scary thought – Americans are spending big on Halloween. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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If you have a creative way to urge people not to drive while distracted, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers wants to hear from you. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Four people are killed in a pair of plane crashes in Louisiana yesterday. Three of them were from the Houston area. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The amount of money Americans spend on Halloween is getting pretty spooky. Katherine Cullen with the National Retail Federation says this year’s spending will make mincemeat out of last year’s record of 12.2-billion dollars.

Cut 4 (07) “…dollars this year.”

Cullen says the most popular Halloween purchase is candy, which Americans will spend almost four-billion dollars on this year. She says while not as many people will be buying costumes, the money spent on costumes will exceed that spent on candy – and the best part is, costumes won’t rot your teeth.

Cut 5 (09) “…from last year.”

She says in all, Americans are spending big on Halloween.

Cut 6 (13) “…than last year.”

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If you have a creative way to tell people not to drive distracted, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers would like to see your best work. The law firm is once again holding its annual scholarship contest for students who create compelling videos urging people not to drive while distracted. Marketing Coordinator Hannah Cutrer (kuh-TREHR) says there are certain things that judges will be looking for.

Cut 7 (09) “…behind the wheel.”

In years past, the contest was open to high school students. But Cutrer says this year, the eligibility requirements are expanded.

Cut 8 (09) “…college in Louisiana.”

All prizes are in the form of scholarships. The grand prize for the best overall video is a scholarship worth more than four-thousand dollars – the exact dollar figure would amount to free advertising for Dudley DeBosier. Cutrer says there are other prizes as well.

Cut 9 (13)  “…for that one.”

The deadline for submission is December 31st, and the winner will be chosen sometime in March.

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The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is calling on parents that have kids involved in early childhood education to take their parent poll. LPIC’s chief executive officer, Dr. Libbie Sonnier, says the survey highlights key issues, including the rising cost of childcare.

Cut 10 (10) “…early childhood education.”

The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and it can be found at policyinstitutela.org.

Sonnier says each response helps depict a clear picture of what’s working and where families still need more support.

Cut 11 (11) “…voices be heard.” 

LPIC has conducted this survey since 2020 and the information gathered is used to inform policymakers about the most pressing needs and challenges facing families with young children.

Cut 12 (14) “…a big impact.” 

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BESE has created the Artificial Intelligence Committee. It’s a working group of education, technology, business and policy leaders that will look at how to expand AI integration in Louisiana classrooms and workforce development programs. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson chairs the new committee and says they want to see how AI can enhance teaching and empower students.

Cut 13 (11)  “…high level things.”

Henderson says one of their major goals is to determine how Louisiana schools can prepare students for an AI-driven economy.

Cut 14 (09) “…impact everybody’s life.”

Henderson says this committee will recommend an A-I Literacy framework for educators, students and system leaders.

Cut 15 (07) “…in different outcomes?”

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Texas A&M is coming off a 45-42 win over Arkansas and heads into Baton Rouge still unbeaten. Head coach Mike Elko says the Aggies have to play way better on defense against LSU if they want to stay undefeated.

Cut 16 (22) “…that last week.”

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The Pelicans begin their season tonight as New Orleans travels to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. Head coach Willie Green is expecting big things from Zion Williamson and wants to see a full, healthy season for him.

Cut 17 (17) “…in this league.”

Tipoff in Memphis is at 7 p.m.

The Pelicans have ten new players on this year’s roster. Veteran guard Jordan Poole says the preseason games helped the team get more into a rhythm and grow more chemistry on the floor.

Cut 18 (21) “…put everything together.”

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Southern named former Alcorn State head coach and current co-offensive coordinator Fred McNair as the interim head coach. McNair, who’s the older brother of the late NFL quarterback Steve McNair, says he’s looking forward to helping turn things around for the rest of the season.

Cut 19 (15) “…at the end.”

At Alcorn State, McNair had an overall record of 48-and-33. He will make his debut as the interim head coach for Southern on Saturday when the Jags take on FAMU. McNair says the goal this week is to get back into the win column.

Cut 20 (18) “…try to win.”

Two plane crashes occurred in Louisiana today, killing four people. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 21 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Over the weekend, four people were killed in a pair of house fires in Louisiana. Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says one happened Saturday morning in Hessmer, in Avoyelles Parish.

Cut 12 (04) “…ten-year-old boy.”

The other fire happened late Sunday night in Houma, in which a 70-year-old man was killed, while his brother suffered serious injuries.

Children’s advocates in Louisiana are sounding the alarm amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Susan East Nelson, the executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, says if the shutdown goes on much longer – and there’s no end in sight – some 800-thousand SNAP recipients might not get their benefits come November 1st.

Cut 3 (10) “…the state level.”

With LSU’s title hopes all but gone, Head Coach Brian Kelly finds himself on the hot seat. If LSU fires him, not only will it have to spend 53-million dollars to buy out the six years left on his contract, but it’ll also have to pay tens of millions more for a new coaching staff. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Glenn Guilbeau says it’s a lot of money, which is why the school is hoping Kelly can still produce a respectable season.

Cut 7 (11) “…to name two”

Two deadly plane crashes in Louisiana today. In Lafayette Parish, three people were killed when a Baron Beechcraft went down in a field near the intersection of West Gloria Switch Road and LA 93 near the community of Vatican. Later, in Jackson Parish, a plane went down in a wooded area near Old Snipe Road about five miles from Ruston Airport in neighboring Lincoln Parish. The pilot was the only person aboard that plane and did not survive. No word on the cause of either crash.

Four people are dead in a pair of house fires in Louisiana over the weekend. Three people, including a ten-year-old boy, were killed Saturday morning in Avoyelles Parish, while a 70-year-old man was killed Sunday night in Houma. Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says these fires underscore the sheer importance of always having working smoke detectors in your home.

Cut 14 (06) “…at this time.”

No word on the cause of either fire.

Two disappointing losses on the road for the LSU football team, and Coach Brian Kelly finds himself on the hot seat in his fourth season in Tiger Town. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This year’s cotton crop in Louisiana, which was expected to be the smallest ever, was even smaller than forecast. But LSU AgCenter Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says the yields have been excellent.

Cut 11 (09) “…good looking cotton.”

The ongoing federal government shutdown is leading to some nervous times for Louisiana’s 800-thousand SNAP recipients. If it goes on much longer, they will not get their benefits come November 1st. Susan East Nelson, the executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, says the timing couldn’t be any worse.

Cut 4 (13) “…meals at school.”

The LSU football team’s subpar 5-and-2 record has head coach Brian Kelly on the hot seat, especially since the season started with visions of the College Football Playoff. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he could see athletic director Scott Woodward firing Kelly after this season if LSU goes 8-and-4 or 7-and-3, even though the buyout would be 53-million dollars.

Cut 6 (05) “…for football.”

President Trump honors Louisiana’s national championship baseball teams. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Children’s advocates in Louisiana are sounding the alarm amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Susan East Nelson, the executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, says if the shutdown goes on much longer – and there’s no end in sight – some 800-thousand SNAP recipients might not get their benefits come November 1st.

Cut 3 (10) “…the state level.”

The Shreveport community issues an emotional plea for information after two girls die from injuries suffered in a house fire last week. Nine-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and five-year-old Danielle Spearman were taken off life support over the weekend. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese says while the fire is being investigated as arson, investigators are still looking for specific details.

Cut 13 (08)  “…some concrete information.”

Gas prices in Louisiana are coming down. The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.62. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says that’s six cents lower than at this time last week, and gas prices will likely drop even lower.

Cut 6 (07) “…decline for drivers.”

Chabarria says gas prices typically drop this time of year, with gas stations transitioning from summer blend to winter blend. Louisiana’s average gas price is the sixth lowest in the country.

President Trump honored Louisiana’s two national championship baseball teams at the White House – LSU and LSU-Shreveport. The latter went undefeated, while the former had a record of 53-and-15. Trump says with LSU having so many future Major Leaguers, they perhaps should have done even better.

Cut 11 (10) “…have been better.” (laughs)