The sheriff of Assumption Parish is recovering after being shot at yesterday afternoon. Sheriff Leland Falcon was confronting a shooting suspect when the suspect grabbed a shotgun and shot towards him. A deputy returned fire, hitting the suspect. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says Falcon was grazed by the suspect’s bullet and was briefly hospitalized.

Cut 8 (08) “…of the process.”

A northeast Louisiana assistant police chief, meanwhile, finds himself on the other side of the law. State Police arrested Rayville Assistant Police Chief Czyz (“chizh”) Williams for theft and malfeasance in office. Trooper Ryan Davis says Williams was selling department property and pocketing the money.

Cut 12 (08) “…for personal gain.”

Davis says Williams was also soliciting donations for non-existing crime prevention programs and keeping the money for himself.

Southeastern Louisiana University officially opens its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. It’s part of the renovation and expansion of D. Vickers Hall, adding an additional 33-thousand square feet to the 80-thousand-square-foot facility. University President Dr. William Wainwright says it’s a building for the entire student body.

Cut 5 (15) “…Broadcast Media Center.”

You can vote for America’s Best Haunted Destination on The 64-dot-com. Two Louisiana destinations are among the 64 in the field – The Myrtles in St. Francisville and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans. The Myrtles has long been recognized as one of the spookiest places in Louisiana, and site founder Jason Woo says he’s not at all surprised at that.

Cut 10 (05) “…quite a bit.”

A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish, as he’s shot by a shooting suspect he was confronting. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says Sheriff Leland Falcon was grazed by a bullet and is doing fine. He says Falcon never fired his weapon, but one of his deputies returned fire and hit the suspect. Cavalier says that suspect and the victim of the original shooting that led to the 911 call were taken to hospitals.

Cut 7 (14) “…with moderate injuries.”

Southeastern Louisiana University officially opens its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. President Dr. William Wainwright says the university is proud to have the name of one of its most prominent graduates affixed to the facility.

Cut 4 (11) “…state facility renovation.”

An assistant police chief in Richland Parish finds himself on the other side of the law after allegedly selling firearms that belonged to the police department. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

You can vote for America’s Best Haunted Destination on The 64-dot-com. Site founder Jason Woo says two Louisiana destinations are among the 64 in the field – The Myrtles in St. Francisville and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans. First round voting is underway right now, and it ends Saturday.

An area on the LSU campus that was the catalyst for one of the two shootings last weekend will now be off-limits for the remainder of the football season. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The legislature begins a special session next week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Come next school year, high school sophomores will have fewer standardized tests to contend with. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Yesterday, LSU announced a series of security enhancements for the remainder of the football season after a pair of shootings on campus last weekend. One of those shootings stemmed from an unsanctioned event at a field that the university broke up, and Interim President Matt Lee says that venue is now off-limits.

Cut 4 (14) “…inaccessible to everyone.”

Unity Field, which is located near the intersection of Highland Road and South Stadium Drive, is where most of the school’s Black fraternity members tailgate. Lee denies that race has anything to do with the decision to cordon it off.

Cut 5 (07) “…problems for us.”

Lee says a student group, which he did not specify, organized the unsanctioned event that culminated in the shooting and is being held accountable.

Cut 6 (10) “…our existing policies.”

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Governor Landry has called a special session to adjust the calendar for the 2026 election cycle amid the Supreme Court case on the state’s second majority Black congressional district. The session will start next Thursday and will last 22 days. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says the governor set the length to be on the safe side.

Cut 7 (11) “…proposals from lawmakers.”

The plan is to move the calendar back 30 days – qualifying to mid-February, the primary to May 16th and a runoff, if necessary, to June 27th. Alford says even though there’s a Republican supermajority in both houses of the legislature, getting everyone on the same page is not a slam-dunk.

Cut 8 (10) “…support for that.”

All this comes as the Supreme Court considers its ruling on the constitutionality of the creation of the state’s second majority Black congressional district. Alford notes that if the calendar is not altered, the state would be forced to use the current map for the 2026 election cycle even if the Supreme Court strikes down the current map.

Cut 9 (11)  “…maps is settled.”

A redrawing of the map will not be part of this special session.

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High school sophomores will soon have fewer standardized tests to take at the end of the school year. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the number of standardized tests they will take will go down from six to four. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says it’s one less thing that those students will have to worry about.

Cut 10 (09) “…with their teacher.”

Currently, sophomores at the end of the school year take two tests in English, two tests in math and one each in biology and civics. Brumley says the new tests will essentially combine the two English and math tests into one each.

Cut 11 (08) “…making reductions there.”

Brumley says students will need to pass the English and math tests, along with either the biology or the civics test, in order to earn their high school diploma.

Cut 12 (10) “…to that diploma.”

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The Fighting Tigers are at Vanderbilt tomorrow, and two starters on defense could miss the game. Coach Brian Kelly gave an updated injury report yesterday.

Cut 13 (08)  “…Gooden is doubtful.”

Linebacker Whit Weeks and defensive tackle Bernard Gooden are starters on LSU’s defense. Weeks’ ankle that had offseason surgery on it is bothering him, and Gooden has an injured collarbone.

LSU’s defense will be challenged with facing Vanderbilt’s number-seven scoring offense. Kelly says the Tigers’ defense has to play disciplined throughout the entire game while doing its one-eleventh.

Cut 14 (12) “…to beat you.”

LSU wide receiver Barion Brown only had two receptions for 22 yards in the 20-10 win over South Carolina. Kelly says the coaching staff has to be able to create more opportunities for Brown to be the playmaker he is capable of being.

Cut 15 (15) “…opportunities for him.”

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ULM is coming off a messy 23-8 loss to Coastal Carolina last week after the Warhawks turned the ball over three times. As ULM prepares to face a red-hot Troy team, head coach Bryant Vincent says his team is focused on winning each week and learning from their prior mistakes.

Cut 16 (13) “…to get there.”

With an early Sun Belt conference loss, the Warhawks will most likely have to win out if they want to contend for the Sun Belt Championship. Vincent says each game is a must win moving forward.

Cut 17 (21) “…out this year.”

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Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will face the Saints for the first time since being fired by the team in November last year. Allen says that he has lots of great memories in New Orleans, but winning on Sunday remains the main focus.

Cut 18 (17) “…challenge this week.”

Even though it’s Allen’s first time facing the Saints since being fired, he says the game between the Bears and Saints should be fixated on the players rather than him facing his old team.

Cut 19 (15) “…of the game.”

Allen spent over ten years total coaching in New Orleans during his career. Defensive end Cam Jordan says that he appreciated his many years with Allen as his defensive coordinator and says no love has been lost.

Cut 20 (12) “…of my games.”

The legislature is being called into a special session. Governor Landry says lawmakers will tackle adjusting the calendar for the 2026 election cycle amid the Supreme Court case on the state’s second majority Black district. The session will start next Thursday and will run 22 days.

LSU announces enhanced security measures for football home games for the rest of the season. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

About four in five Louisiana children are missing out on afterschool programs according to a survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance. Afterschool Alliance executive director Jodi Grant says 48-percent of Louisiana parents say the programs are too expensive.

Cut 6 (10) “…programs.”

Grant says the survey also found that 44-percent say afterschool programs are unavailable in their community.

The EPA has returned the Smitty’s Supply site back to the company and the Tangipahoa River and connecting ponds back to the State of Louisiana. EPA Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says there is still some cleanup left to go.

Cut 10 (11) “…prevent further releases.”

Governor Landry has called a special session to adjust the calendar for the 2026 election cycle amid the Supreme Court case on the state’s second majority Black congressional district. The session will start one week from today and will last 22 days. Currently, the agenda does not include a redrawing of district lines.

A new survey finds strong support for more federal funding for afterschool programs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

For the remainder of the football season, those going to LSU home games can expect beefed-up security following a pair of shootings outside the stadium last week. Scott Ballard, the chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, says there will be additional police presence – not only those you can see, but also those you CAN’T see.

Cut 3 (09) “…behavior very quickly.”

Part of that surveillance support includes the use of drones.

The EPA has returned the Smitty’s Supply site back to the company and the Tangipahoa River and connecting ponds back to the State of Louisiana. EPA Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says this is the result of the cleanup progress following the explosion at the chemical plant in August. Mason says the EPA, however, is not going away.

Cut 9 (10)  “…are being met.”

For the remainder of the football season, those going to LSU home games can expect beefed-up security. Scott Ballard, the chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, says that will include additional police presence and surveillance, including the use of drones. Ballard says accessibility to campus will be restricted for those who do not have gameday parking permits.

Cut 4 (07) “…have interior permits.”

The EPA has returned the Smitty’s Supply site back to the company and the Tangipahoa River and connecting ponds back to the State of Louisiana. EPA Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says there will be a coordinated approach with Smitty’s handling the facility cleanup and the state leading the river and pond cleanup under EPA oversight, with Tangipahoa Parish serving as the local coordinator.

Cut 11 (08) “…this case, Smitty’s.”

Governor Landry has called a special session to adjust the calendar for the 2026 election cycle. The session will start one week from today and will last 22 days. As of right now, the agenda does not include any redrawing of congressional district lines.

About four in five Louisiana children are missing out on afterschool programs. This, according to a survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance. Executive director Jodi Grant says the study found that parents support more public funding for these programs.

Cut 8 (12) “…huge difference.”

Grant says they conducted this study in response to the Trump Administration withholding funds Congress appropriated for afterschool and summer learning programs. After a huge public outcry, the Trump administration released the one-point-four billion dollars this past summer, but federal funding going forward is uncertain.

There seems to be a good chance that the U.S. Supreme Court will strike down Louisiana’s congressional map with two majority Black districts, further chipping away at the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who appears to be the pivotal vote, asked Janai Nelson, the head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, about how long race-based remedies should last.

Cut 14 (22) “…to create districts?”

Nelson replied that race-based remedies do have time limits, and that’s grounded in case law. However…

Cut 15 (09) “…of the remedy.”

Louisiana officials are looking for a ruling by early next year.

The head of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development says plans to build a Hyundai steel mill in Ascension Parish remain on track — despite a published report indicating that Hyundai executives have several concerns. LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the matters raised by Hyundai have been addressed.

Cut 4 (10) “…amount of interaction.”

Governor Landry issues a moratorium on new applications for carbon capture injection wells in the state. While some are hailing the move, others, including Will Green, the president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, are expressing concern, saying any action that gives the impression that Louisiana is not open for business could end up hurting the state in the long run.

Cut 10 (06) “…to take advantage.”

Landry also wants state regulators to prioritize review of the more than 30 applications that have already been submitted.

The head of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development remains confident construction will start next year on a new Hyundai steel mill in Ascension Parish. Andrew Greenstein has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Plenty of reaction to Governor Landry’s executive order that halts all new proposed carbon capture projects. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s confidence is on the rise after showing signs of improvement in the Tigers’ 20-10 win over South Carolina. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The head of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development says plans to build a Hyundai steel mill in Ascension Parish remain on track — despite a published report indicating that Hyundai executives have several concerns, including road infrastructure and emergency preparedness. LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the matters raised by Hyundai have been addressed.

Cut 4 (10) “…amount of interaction.”

The Center Square published a story online that said in May, Hyundai executives reached out to state officials asking for an emergency response plan because the site of the steel mill is located near the C-F Industries ammonia plant in Donaldsonville. Hyundai also expressed concerns about road infrastructure capacity. Bourgeois says groundbreaking for phase two of the road work is scheduled for today.

Cut 5 (06) “…working those concerns.”

Bourgeois says she still anticipates groundbreaking for the new steel mill to happen during the third quarter of next year, and the facility is projected to become operational by 2029.

Cut 6 (07) “…and the company.”

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Governor Landry issues a moratorium on new applications for carbon capture injection wells in the state. Several lawmakers, including Charles Owen, have expressed concerns about pumping and storing carbon dioxide below the ground.

Cut 7 (09) “…get it right.”

Owen is glad that Landry took the action that he did.

Cut 8 (10) “…don’t want it.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, however, sees it another way. President and CEO Will Green says Landry’s announcement creates uncertainty and unpredictability.

Cut 9 (09)  “…open for business.”

Green says any action that gives the impression that Louisiana is not open for business could end up hurting the state in the long run.

Cut 10 (06) “…to take advantage.”

Landry also wants state regulators to prioritize review of the more than 30 applications that have already been submitted.

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The president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System plans to retire early next year. Dr. Monty Sullivan has been system president since 2014. L-C-T-C-S Vice President Chandler LeBoeuf says under Sullivan’s leadership, the system has reached new heights in workforce training and workforce alignment for more than 130-thousand students annually.

Cut 11 (11) “…out of reach.”

Twelve community and technical colleges make up the L-C-T-C-S. According to LeBoeuf, Dr. Sullivan says the system has been able to grow thanks to strategic partnerships that have resulted in workforce solutions for local businesses and industry.

Cut 12 (11) “…in that space.”

LeBoeuf says even though Dr. Sullivan is departing, the mission remains the same, helping Louisiana residents get prepared for opportunities in the workforce.

Cut 13 (11)  “…diplomas and alike.”

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Based on two and a half hours of oral arguments, the Supreme Court appears to be in a position to strike down Louisiana’s congressional map with two majority Black congressional districts. It would further chip away at the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which aimed to root out racial discrimination at the ballot box. Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked Janai Nelson, the head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, about how long race-based remedies should last.

Cut 14 (22) “…to create districts?”

Nelson replied that race-based remedies do have time limits, and that’s grounded in case law. However…

Cut 15 (09) “…of the remedy.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says she hopes to have a ruling within the next couple months.

Cut 16 (13) “…for our voters.”

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier showed improvement in throwing the ball in the Tigers’ 20-10 win over South Carolina. Nussmeier said the first few games of the season were tough due to his ab injury, but he says he’s gaining more confidence heading into this week’s game with Vanderbilt.

Cut 17 (21) “…keep doing that.”

LSU’s offensive line did a better job of opening up holes for the running backs against South Carolina as the Tigers rushed for a season-high 166 yards. Nussmeier says the offensive line is doing a good job of improving its play each week.

Cut 18 (13) “…work on that.”

LSU’s trip to Nashville will be the first time the team has played in Music City since the 2019 championship season, when the Tigers defeated Vanderbilt 66-38. Nussmeier says he’s looking forward to playing on the road and enjoys quieting down opposing crowds.

Cut 19 (15) “…a great challenge.”

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Sunday’s matchup between the Saints and Bears will be the first time Dennis Allen faces the Saints since being fired as the team’s head coach in November of last year. Allen’s defense in Chicago has forced 11 turnovers in the last three games, and quarterback Spencer Rattler says Allen poses many challenges as the Bears’ defensive coordinator.

Cut 20 (12) “…our ‘A’ game.”

Kickoff at Soldier Field in Chicago Sunday is noon.

The future of the state’s congressional map is in the hands of the Supreme Court, as it decides the constitutionality of the creation of the second majority Black district. Janai Nelson, the head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, says a third of the state’s eligible voters are Black; thus, Black voters in two of the state’s six Congressional districts should have the ability to elect the candidate of their choice.

Cut 3 (11) “…process is constitutional.”

Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ahg-yee-NYA-gah) argued for the State of Louisiana and says race should not be the main factor in determining the districts of a congressional map.

Cut 5 (13) “…their voting strength (2x).”

Much needed rain is in the forecast for this weekend. But Jeff Palermo reports we are not looking at a drought buster.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s campaign says the incumbent enters the fourth quarter of this year with ten-million dollars in cash on hand. That’s by far the most of any candidate in the Senate race. In its quarterly filing to the Federal Elections Commission, the Cassidy campaign says it raised almost two-million dollars in the third quarter from donors representing all 64 parishes.

The future of the state’s congressional map is in the hands of the Supreme Court, as it decides the constitutionality of the creation of the second majority Black district. Janai Nelson, the head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, says a third of the state’s eligible voters are Black; thus, Black voters in two of the state’s six Congressional districts should have the ability to elect the candidate of their choice.

Cut 3 (11) “…process is constitutional.”

Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ahg-yee-NYA-gah) argued for the State of Louisiana and says race should not be the main factor in determining the districts of a congressional map.

Cut 5 (13) “…their voting strength (2x).”

Much needed rain is in the forecast for this weekend. But Jeff Palermo reports we are not looking at a drought buster.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

High school students will soon have fewer standardized tests to look forward to. The State Department of Education says starting in the 2026-27 school year, the state will conduct just four tests of tenth graders, down from the current six. The number of English and math tests will drop by one each.