Louisiana gets its infrastructure report card; and like much of the rest of the country, the state has room for improvement. Report Card Chairman Kirk Lowery says Louisiana’s coastal grade was a C-minus. He says while the state has done more than 140 projects that have protected two-million residents living near the coast, there’s a lot more work that needs to be done and not a lot of money to pay for it.

Cut 6 (10) “…funds in 2031.”

Louisiana’s lowest grades were D’s in roads and in drinking water. Its best grades were C-pluses in aviation and solid waste.

The State Bond Commission approves New Orleans’ request for a 125-million-dollar loan to cover payroll costs into January. Outgoing mayor LaToya Cantrell was not at yesterday’s meeting. But Mayor-elect Helena Moreno was there and told the commission her incoming administration is working on improving operational efficiencies.

Cut 9 (04)  “…cent to waste.”

The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted in connection with the disappearance of a rare state artifact. A Baton Rouge grand jury indicted Clay Schexnayder on a charge of felony theft greater than 25-thousand dollars in the disappearance of an ancient cypress board. Tyler Bridges has been covering the story for The Advocate.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the state capitol.”

Schexnayder is also charged with malfeasance in office.

Paul Skenes is the first Cy Young winner from LSU. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace led Major League Baseball with a 1.97 ERA and had 216 strikeouts. Skenes, who was recruited as a catcher coming out of high school, told the MLB Network he never thought he would become a dominant pitcher in the big leagues…

Cut 3 (12) “…looks like.”

The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted in connection with the disappearance of a rare state artifact. A Baton Rouge grand jury indicted Clay Schexnayder for felony theft and malfeasance in office in the disappearance of the ancient cypress board. Tyler Bridges, who has been covering the story for The Advocate, says Schexnayder was indicted because he was the last person to know of the whereabouts of the ancient artifact.

Cut 15 (07) “…office in Gonzales.”

Former LSU head football coach Brian Kelly claims in his lawsuit against the school that Monday was the first time that he was told the school was seeking to fire him for cause. Tiger Rag magazine Executive Editor Todd Horne says Kelly’s suit claims that then-athletic director Scott Woodward did not have the authority to fire him.

Cut 11 (08) “…approve or disapprove.”

The lawsuit was filed in Baton Rouge.

The American Society of Civil Engineers is out with its quadrennial report card for Louisiana’s infrastructure. Grading ten metrics, it gives Louisiana an overall grade of a C-minus, which is just below the national grade of a C. Report Card Chairman Kirk Lowery says Louisiana’s lowest grades were D’s in roads and in drinking water.

Cut 5 (10) “…if something fails.”

Louisiana’s best grades were C-pluses in aviation and solid waste.

When he says he’s retiring, he apparently means it to the letter. Former UL-Lafayette President Joseph Savoie will officially retire December 31st and will forgo a sabbatical and previously planned faculty appointment in the College of Education and Human Development. In an email to university employees, Dr. Savoie said he made the decision out of the best interests of the university.

Louisiana gets its infrastructure report card, and Andrew Greenstein reports like much of the rest of the country, Louisiana has room for improvement.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Tiger Rag is providing more insight into Brian Kelly’s 54-million dollar buyout dispute. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted on a pair of charges related to the disappearance of an ancient artifact. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The American Society of Civil Engineers is out with its quadrennial report card for Louisiana’s infrastructure. Grading ten metrics, it gives Louisiana an overall grade of a C-minus, which is just below the national grade of a C. Report Card Chairman Kirk Lowery says Louisiana’s bridges got a D-plus.

Cut 4 (11) “…and capital improvement.”

Lowery says Louisiana’s lowest grades were D’s in roads and in drinking water.

Cut 5 (10) “…if something fails.”

Lowery says Louisiana’s coastal grade was a C-minus. He says while the state has done more than 140 projects that have protected two-million residents living near the coast, there’s a lot more work that needs to be done and not a lot of money to pay for it.

Cut 6 (10) “…funds in 2031.”

Louisiana’s best grades were C-pluses in aviation and solid waste.

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The State Bond Commission has approved the City of New Orleans’ request to secure a 125-million-dollar loan to cover payroll costs into January. The city must have a dedicated fund for the loan, and Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack will oversee it. Waguespack took questions from Governor Jeff Landry.

Cut 7 (12) “…they can transfer.”

Waguespack was asked how New Orleans got into this payroll crisis. Waguespack says factors include improper budgeting practices, no oversight of overtime spending and the loss of federal COVID recovery dollars.

Cut 8 (13) “…your biggest issue.”

Outgoing mayor LaToya Cantrell was not at Wednesday’s Bond Commission meeting. But Mayor-elect Helena Moreno was there and told the commission her incoming administration is working on improving operational efficiencies.

Cut 9 (04)  “…cent to waste.”

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In Brian Kelly’s lawsuit against LSU, it claims that Monday was the first time the former Tigers coach was told the school was seeking to fire him for cause. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says sources close to the situation tell him that’s not the case, as Kelly was informed of the possibility that he could be fired for cause the day after LSU’s loss to Texas A&M.

Cut 10 (14) “…is what happened.” 

In the petition for declaratory judgement that Kelly’s attorneys filed in state court in Baton Rouge, it says that Kelly has not been formally terminated, and Scott Woodward did not have the authority to fire the coach. Horne says Woodward’s role was to negotiate a buyout.

Cut 11 (08) “…approve or disapprove.”

Horne says Kelly has not been formally terminated because an agreement on the size of the buyout was not reached. He says LSU’s final offer to Kelly was a 30-million-dollar buyout in two lump sums, and Kelly’s attorneys countered with 43-million.

Cut 12 (13) “…can win that.”

It’s unknown what information LSU has on Kelly to fire him with cause. According to Kelly’s contract, they could fire him for cause over various behavioral issues, committing NCAA rules violations, crimes or serious misconduct that constitutes moral turpitude.

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The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted in connection with the disappearance of a rare state artifact. A Baton Rouge grand jury indicted Clay Schexnayder on a charge of felony theft greater than 25-thousand dollars in the disappearance of an ancient cypress board. Tyler Bridges has been covering the story for The Advocate.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the state capitol.”

Bridges says where the board is today is anyone’s guess.

Cut 14 (06) “…office in Gonzales”

Bridges says Schexnayder was indicted because he was the last person to know of the whereabouts of the ancient artifact.

Cut 15 (07) “…office in Gonzales.”

Schexnayder is also charged with malfeasance in office. In a brief statement as she announced the indictment, Attorney General Liz Murrill said, quote, “You don’t get to keep state property. It doesn’t belong to you.”

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Louisiana Tech dropped to 5-and-4 after a heartbreaking 25-24 loss to Delaware last Saturday. Blake Baker, the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending injury after tearing his ACL. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says the team is devastated.

Cut 16 (17) “…swallow for us.”

The Bulldogs are planning to play both Evan Bullock and Trey Kukuk (Q-kuk) at quarterback in this week’s game at Washington State.

Two of Louisiana Tech’s four losses have been by one point. Cumbie says he believes his team will respond the right way this week.

Cut 17 (19)  “…good football team.”

Kickoff in Pullman on Saturday is at 9 p.m. Central time.

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It’s going to be an early kickoff for LSU football this weekend, as the Tigers face the Arkansas Razorbacks at 11:45 a.m. Senior defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory says the team will be ready to go early.

Cut 18 (09)  “…for this week.”

Interim head coach Frank Wilson said the Tigers will play both quarterbacks this weekend. Guillory defended Garrett Nussmeier after seeing a lot of criticism on social media and says he has full faith in both Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren to give LSU a shot at winning on Saturday.

Cut 19 (19) “…opportunity to win.”

Senior wide receiver Zavion Thomas says Nussmeier is a great teammate and that he and Nussmeier have a great relationship both on and off the field.

Cut 20 (12) “…for each other.”

All eyes are on the House of Representatives as it gets set to vote on the funding package that the Senate passed earlier this week. With the long-overdue addition of Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose two votes if Democrats are united in their opposition. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says the chances are good that Johnson can keep his party united.

Cut 10 (09) “…shutdown should end.”

Two law enforcement officers and the suspect are injured in a shooting in Tangipahoa Parish early this morning. State Police say a sheriff’s deputy pulled a driver over on U.S. 51, but the driver sped off and led officers from several agencies on a pursuit. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says shots were exchanged during the pursuit.

Cut 12 (09) “…for his injuries.”

The percentage of kindergarten through third graders that can read on or above grade level has reached 50-percent. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees starts a new job this Sunday – he will be alongside Adam Amin calling the game between the Packers and the Giants on Fox. And starting at quarterback for the Giants will be none other than Jameis Winston – the guy who replaced Brees as the Saints quarterback when Brees retired after the 2020 season.

All eyes are on the House of Representatives as it debates and votes on the funding package that the Senate passed this week to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which is now in its 43rd day. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says he expects this vote to fall along party lines.

Cut 9 (08)  “…opposition to it.”

With the long-overdue addition of Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, Johnson can only afford to lose two votes if Democrats are united in their opposition in order to pass the bill and end the shutdown.

Two law enforcement officers and the suspect are injured in a shooting in Tangipahoa Parish early this morning. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says while the extent of the injuries required the officers to be admitted into the hospital, they are expected to recover.

Cut 14 (07) “…was life-threatening.”

Investigators say a sheriff’s deputy pulled a driver over on U.S. 51, but the driver sped off and led officers from several agencies on a pursuit. Shots were exchanged during the pursuit.

Nick Saban returning to LSU to coach? It’s a possibility according to one online sportsbook. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted in connection with the theft of a rare state artifact. A Baton Rouge grand jury indicted Clay Schexnayder on a charge of felony theft greater than 25-thousand dollars in the disappearance of an ancient cypress board that was last seen in his legislative office in Gonzales.

The 43-day federal government shutdown could soon be over, as the House is back in session to debate the funding package passed by the Senate. As for who won the standoff, LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Republicans clearly came out on top, saying Democrats got no concessions on health care that they demanded from the G-O-P.

Cut 11 (07) “…sometime in December.”

Two law enforcement officers and the suspect are injured in a shooting in Tangipahoa Parish early this morning. State Police say a Tangipahoa Parish sheriff’s deputy pulled a driver over on U.S. 51, but the driver sped off and led officers from several agencies on a pursuit. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says shots were exchanged during the pursuit, and the suspect and two officers were injured.

Cut 13 (13)  “…by a gunshot.”

Louisiana Kindergarten through third grade students are again showing improvement in reading proficiency. The Louisiana Department of Education released the fall results from the beginning of year literacy screener today showing 50 percent of K-3 students at grade level or higher. Deputy Education Superintendent Jenna Chaisson credits policy shifts and dedicated educators.

Cut 8 (13) “…on grade level.”

According to online Sportsbook, Bet Online, Nick Saban is the favorite to be the next head coach at LSU. His odds are two to one. Josh Barton with Bet Online says when they first started taking bets on who will be the next head coach at LSU, Saban was a longshot with odds of 75 to 1….

Cut 3 (12) “…jumped at it.”

Nick Saban returning to LSU to coach? It’s a possibility according to one online sportsbook. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The percentage of kindergarten through third graders that can read on or above grade level has reached 50-percent. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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According to online Sportsbook, Bet Online, Nick Saban is the favorite to be the next head coach at LSU. His odds are two to one. Josh Barton with Bet Online says when they first started taking bets on who will be the next head coach at LSU, Saban was a longshot with odds of 75 to 1….

Cut 3 (12) “…jumped at it.”

The 74-year-old Saban has said multiple times he does not want to coach again. But Barton says there are a lot of LSU fans hoping Saban returns to Tiger Town and they decided to throw some dollars on it….

Cut 4 (11) “…75 to 1.”

Barton says Bet Online had to increase the odds that Saban would be the next head coach again at LSU, because there was so much action the future hall of fame coach…

Cut 5 (09) “…adjust accordingly.”

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin at 15 to 4 is the second favorite, followed by Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who was the co-offensive coordinator at LSU during the 2019 national championship season.

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Louisiana Kindergarten through third grade students are again showing improvement in reading proficiency. The Louisiana Department of Education released the fall results from the beginning of year literacy screener today showing 50 percent of K-3 students at grade level or higher. 56 percent met the proficiency benchmark. Deputy Superintendent of Education, Jenna Chaisson says this shows that the young students are ready to learn.

Cut 6 (10) “…in reading.”

Third graders showed the most growth, improving by five points. Second grade increased by four points, first grade by 2 and kindergarten by 1 point. Chaisson says this is the third year, the Department of Education has administered a statewide literacy screener.

Cut 7 (10) “…that grade level.”

Chaisson is pleased with the steady progress of young students over the last five to six years. She credits policy shifts and dedicated educators.

Cut 8 (13) “…on grade level.”

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All eyes will be on the House of Representatives this afternoon and this evening as it debates and votes on the funding package that the Senate passed this week to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which is now in its 43rd day. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says he expects this vote to fall along party lines.

Cut 9 (08)  “…opposition to it.”

With the long-overdue addition of Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, Johnson can only afford to lose two votes if Democrats are united in their opposition in order to pass the bill and end the shutdown. Hogan says the chances are good that Johnson can keep his party united.

Cut 10 (09) “…shutdown should end.”

As for who won the 43-day standoff, Hogan says Republicans clearly came out on top, saying Democrats got no concessions on health care that they demanded from the G-O-P.

Cut 11 (07) “…sometime in December.”

Hogan points out that in order for that vote to advance, it would need 60 votes, which would require the support of 13 Republicans, and he says that’s not going to happen.

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Two law enforcement officers and the suspect are injured in a shooting in Tangipahoa Parish early this morning. State Police say a Tangipahoa Parish sheriff’s deputy pulled a driver over on U.S. 51, but the driver sped off and led officers from several agencies on a pursuit. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says shots were exchanged during the pursuit.

Cut 12 (09) “…for his injuries.”

Trooper Mayfield says two officers suffered injuries during the incident.

Cut 13 (13)  “…by a gunshot.”

Mayfield says while the extent of the injuries required the officers to be admitted into the hospital, they are expected to recover.

Cut 14 (07) “…was life-threatening.”

All eyes will be on the House as it will debate and vote on the funding package that the Senate passed earlier this week. With the long-overdue addition of Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose two votes if Democrats are united in their opposition. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says the chances are good that Johnson can keep his party united.

Cut 10 (09) “…shutdown should end.”

Could LSU’s new head football coach be one of its old head football coaches? That’s what online sportsbook BetOnline may be implying by giving Nick Saban 2-to-1 odds of being the Tigers’ next coach. Josh Barton with BetOnline says don’t read too much into it – the site had to increase Saban’s odds because there was so much action on the future hall of fame coach…

Cut 5 (09) “…adjust accordingly.”

The percentage of kindergarten through third graders that can read on or above grade level has reached 50-percent. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The American Society of Civil Engineers is out with its quadriennial report card for Louisiana’s infrastructure. Grading ten metrics, it gives Louisiana an overall grade of a C-minus, which is just below the national grade of a C. Louisiana’s best grades were C’s in dams and levees; its worst grades of D’s were in drinking water and roads.

A little Slidell boy is killed in his driveway, and his grandmother is under arrest. Jeff Palermo reports on the tragic death of Carson Lawson.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Today could be the day that the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history comes to an end. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Brian Kelly’s lawsuit against LSU could potentially scare away head coaching candidates from coming to Baton Rouge. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A five-year-old Slidell boy is killed, and his grandmother is charged in his death. Police chief Daniel Seuzeneau says Carson Lawson was sitting in front of 55-year-old Kristen Anders’ GMC Yukon SUV yesterday morning when Anders got in and pulled out of the driveway, not realizing the boy was in front of the vehicle.

Cut 4 (12) “…didn’t see him.”

Anders ran over Carson and killed him instantly. Tests showed that Anders was under the influence of alcohol and nervous system suppressants. She was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide. Chief Seuzeneau says it was a very tough scene for all officers who responded.

Cut 5 (09) “…all of us.”

Seuzeneau says this is a tragedy for the entire family, in more ways than one.

Cut 6 (09) “…for this incident.”

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Today could be the day that the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history comes to an end. The House gavels back in session today for the first time since September 19th to consider the funding package passed by the Senate that would keep the government open through January 30th. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says the only way that the shutdown was going to end was going to be when enough members of one party caved, and in this case it was the Democrats.

Cut 7 (09) “…short-term deal.”

Stockley says Democrats got no guarantees of an extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies that they had insisted on as a condition of passing the funding package. Still, Stockley says the battle over the subsidies is far from over.

Cut 8 (12) “…but it’s tenuous.”

Stockley says regardless of which side may claim victory in this deal, lawmakers from both sides will pay a dear price for this shutdown, which enters its 43rd day today.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the hot seat.”

The House will open its business today with the long-overdue swearing in of Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, who will also provide the 218th signature on a discharge petition that will force a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. The addition of Grijalva means assuming no Democrats cross party lines, Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose only two Republican votes to pass the funding package and reopen the government.

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Brian Kelly’s lawsuit against LSU could potentially hurt its head coaching search. ESPN Baton Rouge Radio’s Matt Moscona appeared on the Moon Griffon show and says LSU has notified potential coaches and their representatives about the upcoming lawsuit.

Cut 10 (09) “…coming and why.” 

Moscona says he believes that the LSU football coaching search is in a better place than it was a week ago after adding structure with a new president and athletic director.

Cut 11 (10) “…full-time AD yet.”

Moscona also believes that Kelly’s lawsuit might not sit well with some of the potential candidates after the university refused to pay the former head coach’s 54-million-dollar buyout.

Cut 12 (09) “…my client’s deal?”

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Veterans Day may be over, but you can still show your appreciation to America’s veterans by stopping into your local Raising Cane’s restaurant and making a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation. Danny Caudle, the area leader for the Baton Rouge market for Raising Cane’s, says the Gary Sinise Foundation honors and supports military veterans, first responders and their families in need, and it’s a charity that the restaurant chain greatly believes in.

Cut 13 (05)  “…Gary Sinise Foundation.”

Raising Cane’s will match donations up to 250-thousand dollars. Caudle says if you’d like to donate, it’s very easy.

Cut 14 (10) “…the QR Code.”

Caudle says Raising Cane’s is partnering with Pittsburgh Pirates and former LSU star Paul Skenes, who will find out today whether he has won the National League Cy Young Award.

Cut 15 (12) “…partnership for us.”

This season, Skenes struck out 216 batters, which means he’s donating 21,600 dollars to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

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The LSU offense did not see much success against Alabama in the 20-9 loss; but when it did, the Tigers moved the pocket so that quarterbacks Garrett Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren had more time to throw. Interim head coach Frank Wilson says Nussmeier was more comfortable with the rollout plays.

Cut 16 (23) “…out the womb.”

LSU has lost three straight games for the second consecutive season after losing to Vanderbilt, Texas A&M and Alabama. The Tigers have also lost four out of their last five after starting 4-and-0. Interim head coach Frank Wilson is encouraging fans to show up for the team.

Cut 17 (18)  “…so do we.”

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ULM has lost five in a row heading into Saturday’s game against South Alabama. The Warhawks have to win the rest of their games in order to make it to a bowl game. Head coach Bryant Vincent says his team hasn’t lost faith in one another.

Cut 18 (14)  “…and this mission.”

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McNeese is riding a two-game winning streak, which is the longest of the season for the Cowboys. Head coach Matt Viator attributes his team’s positive attitudes to the recent success.

Cut 19 (14) “…off for them.”

The Cowboys look to make it three straight as they host Texas Rio Grande Valley Saturday at 6 p.m.

Brian Kelly is turning to the court system to force LSU to pay him his entire 54-million-dollar buyout. According to the lawsuit, LSU is telling Kelly he has not been formally terminated and that it will seek to fire him with cause. Wilson Alexander is covering the story for the The Advocate newspaper and says according to Kelly’s contract, LSU must inform him that he was fired for cause within seven days after his firing.

Cut 10 (08) “…cause.”

The suspensions of seven U-L Lafayette football players for their roles in Saturday’s postgame brawl with Texas State players are not sitting well with Dave Schultz, the host of the Locked On Sun Belt podcast. Schultz notes that the Cajuns got the brunt of the suspensions – including senior safety Tyree Skipper, who was suspended for the rest of the season.

Cut 12 (06) “…for the season.”

Another application period of the Louisiana fortified roof grant program opens tomorrow and will be open for one week. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple made the announcement yesterday as he announced the installation of ten-thousand fortified roofs in Louisiana. Temple says the procedure is the same as the previous one – it’s a lottery; and if you had registered for a previous lottery, your registration is still active for this next drawing.

Cut 4 (03) “…for the grant.”

The grant program is limited to those who live in the coastal zone, as well as in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake.

Representative Julie Emerson is inviting businesses to Louisiana looking to relocate from New York City in the wake of that city’s mayoral election. The Carencro Republican says her post is intended primarily to promote Louisiana as a business-friendly state.

Cut 7 (09) “…for our people.”