The Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning on Louisiana’s congressional map that analysts say could chip away at the 1965 Voting Rights Act. At issue is the creation of the state’s second majority Black district. Janai Nelson, the head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, says its creation was not done with the purpose of achieving a certain outcome.

Cut 4 (08) “…not party discrimination.”

But Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ahg-yee-NYA-gah) rejects Nelson’s assertion that the creation of that district was done without regard to political preference.

Cut 6 (10) “…same political candidates.”

While the Supreme Court normally issues its rulings in June, the court is expected to rule on this case in the next two to three months, so that if a new map needs to be drawn, it can be done in time for the 2026 elections.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a 16-year-old boy in connection with Saturday night’s shooting on the LSU campus that injured two people. Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely Jr. says thanks to good detective work, they identified the shooter and released a photo of the suspect, seeking the public’s help in finding him.

Cut 8 (11) “…juvenile detention.”

With burn bans in effect in 11 parishes, there is relief in sight. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says a cold front will boost rain chances this weekend. He says much of the northern half of the state could see one inch or more, while southern parishes could get a half inch of rain or less.

Cut 11 (09) “…of the drought”

Grymes says the state has not seen much rain since late August and expects more parishes will issue outdoor burn bans this week.

Oral arguments are underway at the Supreme Court at this hour on the constitutionality of Louisiana’s congressional map – specifically the state’s two majority Black districts. The Supreme Court heard the case in the last term and punted it to this term. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says given the court’s conservative makeup, there’s a good chance that the state will need to redraw its congressional map once again.

Cut 6 (12) “…votes in line.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning about green fentanyl. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says just like regular fentanyl, one dose of green fentanyl equivalent to just two grains of salt is enough to kill you.

Cut 15 (07) “…is extremely high.”

Optimism among small business owners nationwide fell in September. It’s the first decline in three months. NFIB spokesman Todd Pack says one in five small business owners cited labor quality as their single most important problem, which is forcing owners to increase pay.

Cut 12 (10) “…wages sometime soon.”

Teenagers on Instagram using teen-specific accounts now have their content restricted to PG-13 by default, and their parents can further restrict what they see. Haggai Davis, the chief operating officer of 180 Pros, a Baton Rouge IT services company, says regardless of any parental controls, there’s certain content they should never have to worry about their kids getting access to.

Cut 9 (10)  “…take it down.”

The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the state’s congressional map – specifically on its two majority Black districts. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Small business optimism declined in September for the first time in three months. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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An urgent warning about a highly lethal drug. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments today on the constitutionality of the state’s congressional map – specifically, the two majority Black districts. This is the second time the Supreme Court is hearing this case. This past June, the court punted the issue to this session. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says by doing so, it reframed the issue from a narrow issue of whether the districts violate the Voting Rights Act.

Cut 4 (14) “…drawing congressional districts.”

Ciolino says the drawing of the current congressional map, with its two majority Black districts, was born from a Supreme Court decision so that it would comply with Section Two of the Voting Rights Act.

Cut 5 (13) “…drawing those lines.”

What’s interesting is during the last Supreme Court term, Attorney General Liz Murrill urged the court to uphold the current congressional map. Now, she’s urging the court to overturn it. Ciolino says Murrill’s shift in position is in response to a major shift in the court’s focus – and given the court’s conservative makeup, there’s a good chance that the state will need to redraw its congressional map once again.

Cut 6 (12) “…votes in line.”

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Teenagers on Instagram using teen-specific accounts now have their content restricted. Haggai Davis, the chief operating officer of 180 Pros, a Baton Rouge IT services company, says from now on, the content they will be able to see on Instagram will be similar to what they can expect to see at a PG-13 movie.

Cut 7 (11) “…adult-oriented content.”

Davis says Instagram’s parent company, Meta, is also adding a feature that allows parents to set an even stricter setting for their children.

Cut 8 (08) “…to the teens.”

Parents will be able to control things like political content and even the time of day when they can access the site. Davis says regardless of their settings or whether their kids’ accounts are teen-specific, there’s certain content they should never have to worry about their kids getting access to.

Cut 9 (10)  “…take it down.”

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Optimism among small business owners nationwide fell in September. It’s the first decline in three months. NFIB spokesman Todd Pack says the uncertainty index also rose to its fourth-highest reading in over 51 years.

Cut 10 (09) “…tight labor market.”

Pack says 14-percent of owners reported inflation as their single biggest problem, and 64-percent of those small business owners surveyed reported that supply chain disruptions were affecting their businesses.

Cut 11 (09) “…prices in check.”

Pack says one in five small business owners cited labor quality as their single most important problem, which is forcing owners to increase pay.

Cut 12 (10) “…wages sometime soon.”

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning about green fentanyl. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says the only difference between green fentanyl and regular fentanyl is the color.

Cut 13 (09)  “…100-percent deadly.”

The sheriff’s office says green fentanyl has the consistency of sidewalk chalk, gel or tar. It says it can easily be mistaken for cannabis or other less potent drugs. Sheriff Sticker says green fentanyl has been linked to an increase in opioid-related emergency calls throughout the Northshore and greater New Orleans.

Cut 14 (10) “…overdoses and use.”

Sticker reminds you that fentanyl is extremely powerful – about 50 times more potent than heroin. Sticker says a dose equivalent to just two grains of salt is enough to kill you.

Cut 15 (07) “…is extremely high.”

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McNeese State football is off to a 1-and-5 start after being blown out by Southeastern. Sophomore quarterback Jake Strong struggled against the Lions, completing only 5-of-14 passes for 37 yards and two interceptions. Head coach Matt Viator says the Cowboys’ offense has to do a much better job against Houston Christian on Saturday.

Cut 16 (15) “…to do better.”

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The Southern Jaguars are off to their worst start to a season since 1971 after the 45-14 loss to Bethune-Cookman. Head coach Terrance Graves says it’s important to instill belief in his players and encourages the fan base to stick with the Jaguars through a tough start.

Cut 17 (16) “…more than anybody.”

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Grambling is now 3-and-3 after a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Texas Southern. The Tigers had multiple crucial turnovers, including a fumble in the fourth quarter that allowed Texas Southern to run the clock out. Head coach Mickey Joseph says his young team has to clean up their play.

Cut 18 (16) “…get them better.”

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Vanderbilt’s number-7 scoring offense will be tested against LSU on Saturday, as the Tigers boast the number-5 scoring defense, allowing less than 12 points per game. Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea says the Commodores’ offensive success will come down to execution and patience.

Cut 19 (18) “…schedule at times.”

In LSU’s 24-17 win over Vanderbilt last season, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 28-of-37 passes for 332 yards and threw for a touchdown. Lea says Nussmeier has plenty of strengths and that his team has to limit the big plays against the Tigers.

Cut 20 (14) “…fight against points.”

Police presence at LSU’s next home football game will be beefed up following a pair of shootings near the stadium this past Saturday. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says he will meet with his counterpart at LSU Police tomorrow to coordinate efforts. Morse says even though his department is shorthanded in manpower, securing the campus and the surrounding area is of utmost importance on gamedays.

Cut 4 (07) “…help them out.”

Shreveport State Senator Alan Seabaugh announced that he is running for District Attorney in Caddo Parish. Although Democratic incumbent James Stewart has not formally announced his intentions of running for re-election, LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says he expects him to do so – and he would expect a race between Stewart and Seabaugh to be a competitive one.

Cut 10 (11) “…have been increasing.”

One of Bill Cassidy’s Republican challengers is encouraged by the money his campaign is bringing in. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning about green fentanyl. It says it’s just like any other fentanyl, but it’s dyed in green, and it’s just as deadly. The sheriff’s office says green fentanyl has been linked to an increase in opioid-related emergency calls throughout the Northshore and greater New Orleans.

Security on and near the LSU campus will be beefed up ahead of the Tigers’ next home game October 25th. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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State Senator Blake Miguez is encouraged by the money his campaign is bringing in. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Those of you going to LSU’s next home game on October 25th against Texas A-and-M can expect extra security on and near campus. This, after for the second time this season, gunfire marred the festivities. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says his department will help LSU campus police in any way it’s asked to do.

Cut 3 (07) “…like us to.”

Morse says he will meet with his counterpart at LSU Police tomorrow to coordinate efforts. He says even though his department is shorthanded in manpower, securing the campus and the surrounding area is of utmost importance on LSU football gamedays.

Cut 4 (07) “…help them out.”

Before this past Saturday’s game, a man accidentally shot himself in a leg, and two people were injured in a shooting by the campus’ north gates. Chief Morse says the latter incident happened with officers nearby; and as such, arrests will be coming soon.

Cut 5 (06) “…of video evidence.”

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State Senator Blake Miguez says his campaign has more than two and a half million dollars in cash on hand. His campaign released that figure as a preview of the campaign finance report that, along with everyone else’s, is due to the Federal Elections Commission tomorrow. Miguez says his contributions are coming from real people.

Cut 6 (08) “…this great state.”

Miguez’s cash on hand, however, pales in comparison to the nine-million in cash Senator Bill Cassidy reported last quarter. Miguez says he’s not concerned by how much money Cassidy has – he believes voters are tuning Cassidy out because of his vote to convict then-former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in 2021.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the ocean.”

Miguez says his campaign is building momentum, and he believes whoever advances to the runoff against Cassidy will ultimately be the next U.S. Senator from Louisiana.

Cut 8 (06) “…Cassidy this spring.”

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Shreveport State Senator Alan Seabaugh is announcing (at 2:00 this afternoon) that he is running for District Attorney in Caddo Parish – an office currently held by Democrat James Stewart. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says Seabaugh is expected to attack Stewart’s record.

Cut 9 (14)  “…that particular issue.”

Although Stewart has not formally announced his intentions of running for re-election, Sadow says he expects him to do so – and assuming no other prominent candidates jump into the race, he would expect a race between Stewart and Seabaugh to be a competitive one.

Cut 10 (11) “…have been increasing.”

Sadow says while not insurmountable, Stewart would enter the race with a slight advantage.

Cut 11 (15) “…would be favored.”

It’s day 14 of the federal government shutdown. The U-S Senate is expected to vote again today on a House-passed measure to fund the government. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the House is not in session, so the Senate does not have another option.

Cut 4 (07) “…to compromise.”

The funding proposal has already failed seven times, as Senate Republicans have not been able to get enough support from Democrats.

Former Governor John Bel Edwards says he will not be a candidate in next year’s U-S Senate race. Edwards, who served eight years as governor from 2016 to 2023, says this is not the right time to re-enter public office. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards’ announcement is not surprising, since it’s very difficult for a Democrat to win a statewide race in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “…Donald Trump.”

The Climate Prediction Center has issued a La Nina Advisory, what does that mean for Louisiana’s weather. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Those of you going to LSU’s next home game on October 25th against Texas A-and-M can expect extra security on and near campus. This, after for the second time this season, gunfire marred the festivities. Before this past Saturday’s game, a man accidentally shot himself in a leg, and two people were injured in a shooting by the campus’ north gates.

Fallen Iberville Parish Deputy Charles Riley was laid to rest yesterday. The 33-year-old Riley and another deputy were shot last week while interviewing a suspect at the Iberville Parish Courthouse. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi, whose son was the other deputy shot and continues to recover from his injuries, said Riley was a great family man and public servant.

Cut 14 (11) “…his community.”

The Climate Prediction Center issues a La Nina Advisory. That means La Nina conditions are present and expected to continue. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a La Nina also means we could see less precipitation this winter.

Cut 11 (10) “..across the Midwest.”

Former Governor John Bel Edwards has made it official. He will not run for U-S Senate next year. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

While Edwards won’t be in the mix for U.S. Senate, State Senator Blake Miguez certainly is, and his campaign says he has more than two and a half million dollars in cash on hand. That, however, pales in comparison to the nine-million in cash Senator Bill Cassidy reported last quarter. Campaign finance reports are due to the Federal Elections Commission tomorrow.

Voters in New Orleans will choose their next mayor tomorrow. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has a warning for those of you who get botox injections – getting them in an improper way could kill you. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A short special session is being planned for later this month that would give lawmakers the ability to change the dates of the party primaries for next year’s federal election. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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It’s been a dry September and October, and the forecast is calling for little chance of rain over the next week. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the dry weather is helping farmers harvest their crops, but he’s getting concerned about wildfires becoming more common. He says last week there were 43 wildfires that consumed 274 acres.

Cut 4 (07) “…by human activities.”

The latest U.S. drought monitor shows much of Louisiana is abnormally dry, and sections of south Louisiana are experiencing moderate drought conditions. Strain says he would like to see some rain soon.

Cut 5 (13) “…year for wildfires.”

Outdoor burn bans are in effect for Caddo and Desoto parishes in north Louisiana; and in south Louisiana, burn bans are in effect for St. Landry and Acadia parishes. Strain says if you live outside of those parishes and plan to burn a trash pile, stay with it.

Cut 6 (04) “…don’t leave it.”

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Voters in New Orleans, except those who cast early ballots, go to the polls tomorrow to choose their next mayor. Based on opinion polls, there is no doubt that Helena Moreno will come out on top by a wide margin. The question is – will she get the 50-percent-plus-one share of the vote to win outright and avoid a runoff? John Couvillon, the founder of JMC Analytics and Polling, says this is essentially Moreno’s race to lose.

Cut 7 (13) “…City Council position.”

Couvillon says the other main candidates in the race – Royce Duplessis and Oliver Thomas – have not been able to make any headway during the campaign.

Cut 8 (14) “…New Orleans nowadays.”

Couvillon says one candidate who does not stand a chance to win could end up deciding whether the race advances to a runoff on November 15th.

Cut 9 (13)  “…of the votes.”

All candidates are vying to succeed the term limited – and federally indicted – LaToya Cantrell.

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If you’re looking to get botox injections, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you always to get them in medical settings and from licensed sources. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says if you don’t, you’ll put yourself at great risk of being infected with botulism.

Cut 10 (16) “…is administered incorrectly.”

Botulinum toxin is the long name for botox. In addition to smoothing wrinkles and facial lines, botox has medical uses, such as for treatment of chronic migraines, spasms and bladder dysfunction. Sokol says last month, two Louisiana residents became severely ill after getting botox injections in non-recommended ways.

Cut 11 (15) “…non-medical setting.”

Sokol says if you experience symptoms of botulism, seek medical help immediately.

Cut 12 (11) “…and muscle weakness.”

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A special session is likely later this month to discuss pushing back the qualifying and party primary dates for the 2026 federal election. The U-S Supreme Court hears oral arguments next week about Louisiana’s Congressional map, which has two majority minority districts. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter says if the court rules after qualifying in January that the state needs to draw a new map, Louisiana would be stuck with the current one for two more years.

Cut 13 (11)  “…to our constituents.”

Qualifying to participate in the Republican and Democratic Party primaries for next year’s federal elections is scheduled for January 14^th and 16^th. The party primary is scheduled for April 18^th, and a run-off would take place May 30^th. Kleinpeter says they would like to move these dates back.

Cut 14 (05) “…on some dates.”

There has been talk about redrawing the Congressional district map, but Kleinpeter says they will wait for the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the current map.

Cut 15 (09) “…primary qualifying dates.”

Kleinpeter expects the special session will only last a few days and this would be the only major item.

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After losing to Northwestern of the Big Ten conference last week, it’s all Sun Belt games the rest of the way for the ULM Warhawks. Tomorrow, ULM is at Coastal Carolina as Coach Bryant Vincent is looking to go 2-and-0 in conference play.

Cut 16 (18) “…importance of it.”

ULM is 3-and-2 overall, while Coastal is 2-and-3 and 1-and-1 in the Sun Belt. Vincent says now that they are in the second half of the season, they need to move closer to playing their best football.

Cut 17 (12) “…all three phases.”

Kick off 6 p-m.

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LSU’s starting left guard Paul Mubuenga (moo-BING-uh) is listed as doubtful to play Saturday night against South Carolina due to a high ankle sprain. This could result in true freshman Carius Curne getting his first start, as he worked at left guard during spring and fall practices. Coach Brian Kelly was asked this week on when he knows an o-lineman is ready to make his first start.

Cut 18 (22) “…is catastrophic mistakes.”

LSU is trying to get more production out of its offense. Kelly says a simplified approach might be the key.

Cut 19 (13) “…and lets roll.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill is addressing the video released by State Police that showed Kyren Lacy speeding along Highway 20 in Lafourche Parish just prior to a fatal crash last December. Murrill says the video leaves no doubt into Lacy’s role in the crash.

Cut 4 (15) “…of the events.”

The Louisiana Military Department breaks ground on a new 37-million dollar National Guard Readiness Center in Lafayette. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says it will be much bigger than the current armory on Surrey Street.

Cut 6 (10) “…combat team headquarters.”

Collins says they hope to be able to have the facility up and running by the fall of 2027.

After examining cases of carbon monoxide entering homes in Louisiana following Hurricane Ida in 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends whole home generators should be located at least 25 feet from the home. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A traffic stop in Acadia Parish leads to a huge drug bust. Police pulled over a vehicle on I-10 and found narcotics, firearms and 12-thousand dollars inside. Two Baton Rouge men – Denarrya Lathers and Alvin Deville Jr. – are arrested and are facing a slew of charges.

A special session will likely take place this month, but redistricting will not be on the agenda. The U-S Supreme Court hears oral arguments next week about the state’s Congressional map, which has two majority minority districts. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter says if the court rules that the state needs to draw a new map after January’s ballot qualifying, Louisiana would be stuck with the current one for two more years.

Cut 13 (11)  “…constituents.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill is addressing the video State Police released this week that shows Kyren Lacy speeding in Lafourche Parish just before a deadly head-on collision. Murrill says based on her findings, she has not seen any wrongdoing on State Police’s part.

Cut 5 (09) “…from the video.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says whole home generators should be located at least 25 feet from the home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Ken Pastroick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says this comes after the C-P-S-C looked at several cases of carbon monoxide entering homes in southeast Louisiana following Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Cut 9 (09)  “…even die.”

The Louisiana Military Department breaks ground on a new 37-million dollar National Guard Readiness Center in Lafayette. The facility will be located near the Cajundome, and the National Guard will lease the property from UL-Lafayette. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says the goal is for the facility to be ready by the fall of 2027.

Cut 8 (08) “…construction goes through.”