We continue to keep an eye on a potential disturbance near the Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico that could impact Louisiana late this week. National Weather Service Meteorologist Donald Jones says even though it’s October, the sea surface temperatures in the Gulf are still in the mid-80s, which is warm enough to support tropical storm development.

Cut 5 (08) “…support tropical activity.”

The Department of Energy awards Entergy almost 14-million dollars in federal grants to strengthen its power grid in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. Kristen Granier (GRAHN-yay), the director of federal infrastructure policy at Entergy, says part of that money will be used to deploy a dynamic line rating sensor.

Cut 3 (11) “…as it’s flowing.”

Information obtained from this sensor can help it manage its energy infrastructure.

DCFS is urging parents of infants to make sure they’re creating safe sleep environments for their babies. Secretary Rebecca Harris says make sure there’s nothing inside the crib except the mattress – no pillows, blankets or stuffed animals.

Cut 9 (13)  “…very tragic situation.” 

DCFS says 90 babies in Louisiana die in their sleep every year, with most deaths being preventable.

The pregame ceremony was a tear-jerker; the game itself brought fans to tears in a different way. The Falcons embarrassed the Saints on national television last night, 45-24. Quarterback Tyler Shough said he was hoping for a better performance under the circumstances.

Cut 12 (09) “…get that win.”

Forecasters are watching a tropical disturbance in the southwestern Gulf, trying to determine what it will do. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Department of Children and Family Services is urging parents of infants to make sure that their babies have the proper environment for a safe sleep every night. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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On Saturday night in Ruston, Louisiana Tech and UL Lafayette will renew an over 100-year-old rivalry for the first time in over a decade. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The National Hurricane Center says a tropical depression or storm could form in the Gulf later this week and threaten the northern Gulf coast. National Weather Service Meteorologist Donald Jones says it’s hard to predict how much development we’ll see from this disturbance, but a wet weekend is possible.

Cut 4 (05) “…for heavy rainfall.”

Jones says even though it’s October, the sea surface temperatures in the Gulf are still in the mid-80s, which is warm enough to support tropical storm development.

Cut 5 (08) “…support tropical activity.”

Jones says wind shear in the gulf from the cold front that passed through the state last week will work to keep this system from developing into anything major.

Cut 6 (11) “…through the Gulf.”

If it becomes a tropical storm, it would be called Isaias (ees-ah-EE-ahs).

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DCFS is urging parents of infants to create a safe sleep environment for their babies. According to statistics, about 90 babies die in their sleep each year in Louisiana, with most deaths being preventable. Secretary Rebecca Harris says there are several basic rules that parents always need to follow.

Cut 7 (13) “…obstruct their breathing.”

Harris says adults should never share a bed with a baby under any circumstances.

Cut 8 (12) “…themselves for sleep.”

Also, it may seem counterintuitive for adults, but you should never place pillows or blankets inside a baby’s crib. Harris says the same goes for teddy bears and other stuffed animals.

Cut 9 (13)  “…very tragic situation.”

Harris says once a baby is old enough to move into a toddler bed, then you can add pillows and stuffed animals.

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The Saints make their return to national television for the first time in two years and proceed to stink up the field. On a night when they observed the 20th anniversary of the reopening of the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina, the Falcons dominated the Saints, 45-24. Head Coach Kellen Moore says it was not the performance he was looking for in front of a national TV audience.

Cut 10 (11) “…and move forward.”

There was certainly a lot of excitement before the game, with a stirring National Anthem performance by Irma Thomas, who also performed the national anthem at the Domecoming game 20 years earlier. That was followed by Steve Gleason leading the sellout crowd in the “Who Dat” chant. It took the Falcons three plays to take the crowd right out of the game, with Bijan Robinson scoring on a 59-yard run. Moore says the fact that his team laid an egg under those circumstances was especially frustrating.

Cut 11 (14) “…to catch up.”

Tyler Shough completed 30 out of 48 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown, with that touchdown pass coming late in the fourth quarter with the game well out of reach. Shough said he was hoping for a better performance under the circumstances.

Cut 12 (09) “…get that win.”

The Saints fall to 1-and-3 on the season and will try again Sunday against the Vikings in the Superdome.

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There are four data centers being built in Louisiana. During an appearance on Fox Business, Governor Jeff Landry called the construction of these data centers and others around the country the next American Renaissance.

Cut 13 (07)  “…here in America.”

Landry conducted the interview at the Hut 8 River Bend Data Center near St. Francisville in West Feliciana Parish. Data centers can hold massive amounts of digital files, they can handle corporate databases and serve as cloud backups. Landry says this type of technology is needed in today’s world.

Cut 14 (14) “…subscribe to it.”

The governor was asked about the concerns that data centers can lead to higher electricity bills for residents and drain the local water supply. Landry says the opponents of data centers are spreading non-factual information.

Cut 15 (09) “…to fictional data.”

Landry says the Hut 8 facility plans to use the same amount of water in a year as 15 to 20 households.

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt had his highest completion percentage of the season in the Tigers’ 63-14 win over McNeese, despite still dealing with a hamstring injury. Leavitt threw for 176 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, and coach Lane Kiffin says his injury actually helped him stay in the pocket and deliver. He says the biggest help for his improved accuracy was better protection.

Cut 16 (16) “…play really consistent.”

Kiffin says he would be really happy about where his team is at, if it weren’t for some major injuries. He says he still feels good about the program’s future after showing the success a transfer-heavy roster put together in one offseason can have. He says the team has come together quickly.

Cut 17 (18) “…a year ago.”

The big win over McNeese let a lot of backups see extended reps. Third-string quarterback Husan Longstreet saw some action under center and at punt returner. Kiffin says he and his staff think outside the box as much as anyone.

Cut 18 (17)  “…things like that.”

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Louisiana Tech makes its Sun Belt debut this week against UL Lafayette. The Bulldogs improved to 2-and-2 after a 31-29 win over Army, but the Cajuns are 4-and-1 for the first time since 2021. Tech coach Sonny Cumbie says he expects a great home atmosphere for the rivalry game.

Cut 19 (15) “…lost one game.”

Tech quarterback Trey Kukuk threw for 185 yards and ran for 40 yards and a touchdown against Army but injured his ankle near the end of the fourth quarter. Cumbie says Blake Baker, who was the starter before fracturing his hand against LSU, will start against the Cajuns.

Cut 20 (19) “…gets this week.”

The Bulldogs and Cajuns first met in 1910 but have not played since 2015. Tech has won the last eight in a row.

The National Hurricane Center says there’s about an 80-percent chance of a tropical cyclone forming in the Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico within the next seven days – and a 60-percent chance of one forming within the next 48 hours. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says this is something that you should keep monitoring throughout the week.

Cut 4 (10) “…get better organized.”

So far, it’s been a season for the ages for LSU defensive tackle Deuce Geralds. Not only did the freshman score an offensive touchdown Saturday night against McNeese, but he also recorded his fifth sack of the season, moving him closer to the all-time record for sacks by a freshman, which Harold Perkins Jr. set in 2022 with seven and a half. Geralds says he plans on leaving the current record in his dust.

Cut 8 (10) “…on my mind.”

Louisiana Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy continues to keep a door open to possibly running for President in 2028. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo ”

It’s been speculated that Louisiana went to the closed primary for U.S. Senate races specifically to get Bill Cassidy voted out. If that was the plan, it worked. With less than three months remaining in office, Cassidy has filed a bill requiring states to conduct open primaries for federal offices, saying 45-percent of the American electorate is politically independent.

The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on a potential disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico near the Bay of Campeche. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says there’s about an 80-percent chance of a tropical cyclone forming in the next seven days – and about a 60-percent chance of one forming in the next 48 hours.

Cut 3 (11) “…into southeastern Louisiana.”

Over the weekend, President Trump posted Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton’s cell phone number over a dispute about permanent daylight saving time. On NBC’s Meet The Press, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says Trump shouldn’t have done that.

Cut 12 (16) “…convince Tom.”

The Saints take on the Falcons on Monday Night Football, as the Black and Gold observes the 20th anniversary of the return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. It will forever be remembered for Steve Gleason’s blocked punt after the Falcons’ opening drive. Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano says the Falcons will be waiting for them to go after a punt tonight.

Cut 6 (08) “…be outstanding.”

LSU freshman defensive tackle Deuce Geralds is having quite a season. So far, he has five sacks, two and a half shy of the team’s freshman record, and he became the first Tiger ever to record a full sack and score an offensive touchdown in the same game. Geralds says when you put in the work, good things will happen.

Cut 9 (15)  “…God for it.”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s now an 80-percent chance of a disturbance in the Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico developing into a tropical cyclone within the next seven days. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while there’s a good chance that this could become Tropical Storm Isaias (EE-sah-EE-iss), it’s unlikely that it will strengthen into a hurricane.

Cut 5 (07) “…to deal with.”

So far, it’s been a season for the ages for LSU defensive tackle Deuce Geralds. Not only did the freshman score an offensive touchdown Saturday night against McNeese, but he also recorded his fifth sack of the season, moving him closer to the all-time record for sacks by a freshman, which Harold Perkins Jr. set in 2022 with seven and a half. Geralds says he plans on leaving the current record in his dust.

Cut 8 (10) “…on my mind.”

Louisiana Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy continues to keep a door open to possibly running for President in 2028. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo ”

It’s been speculated that Louisiana went to the closed primary for U.S. Senate races specifically to get Bill Cassidy voted out. If that was the plan, it worked. With less than three months remaining in office, Cassidy has filed a bill requiring states to conduct open primaries for federal offices, saying 45-percent of the American electorate is politically independent.

The National Hurricane Center says there’s about a 70-percent chance of a tropical cyclone forming in the Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico within the next seven days. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says this is something that you should keep monitoring throughout the week.

Cut 4 (10) “…get better organized.”

Could we have another President Kennedy? Different state, different party, different middle name – Louisiana Republican Senator John Neely Kennedy is keeping the door open on a run for the White House. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Kennedy says seeking re-election in 2028 remains his top option, but if he doesn’t like the field of Republican candidates running for president, he could pivot.

Cut 10 (10) “…for re-election.” 

Despite boasting the best cuisine on the planet, Louisiana is slimming down, dropping from the third most obese state in the country to the 19th. Dr. Oren Rom, the assistant vice chancellor for research at LSU Health Shreveport, credits GLP-1 drugs. He says the benefits of GLP-1 drugs appear to outweigh – pardon the pun – the side effects.

Cut 14 (10) “…in body weight.”

The Saints take on the Falcons tonight in an anniversary game of the team’s emotional return to the Superdome post-Hurricane Katrina. That night was, of course, defined by Steve Gleason blocking the game’s first punt, which the Saints recovered for a touchdown en route to a 23-3 win. Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano says the Falcons will be waiting for them to go after a punt tonight.

Cut 6 (08) “…be outstanding.”

College football fans across the state were sent into a frenzy last week after a Louisiana Regent suggested that the UL System should consider moving ULL, ULM and Louisiana Tech down from the FBS to the FCS. UL System president Rick Gallot says that comment was not a directive, but the system will have to consider all cost-cutting measures as it looks to correct athletics deficits.

Cut 4 (09) “…its expenses.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has designated LSU as a Distinguished Military College. U-S Air Force Colonel Joseph Musacchia, who is the commandant of the LSU Corps of Cadet, says Hegseth’s order gives LSU Corps of Cadets and ROTC graduates a better chance at starting their military career in the officer ranks.

Cut 10 (11) “…from the pack.”

The Saints host the Falcons tonight on Monday Night Football, and the game will be used to remember the rebirth of New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And the honors for Gleason will get underway even before the start of tonight’s game. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has announced that she will be presenting Gleason a key to the city.

LSU and several other teams are playing at home Saturday, and all eyes will be on the weather. Thunderstorms are in the forecasts, and that could cause delays. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says if thunderstorms delay any kickoff times, the delays shouldn’t be too significant.

Cut 4 (11) “…way it looks.”

As for the LSU game, the big question as they face a considerably outmatched McNeese team is whether starting quarterback Sam Leavitt will play. Zach Nagy with 247Sports believes Leavitt could get the start but be pulled shortly after. He says the Tigers need to be especially careful with their starting quarterback for the long term.

Cut 11 (13) “…ramps up more.”

The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches is ranked number one in the country for the best public high school teachers. This, according to the 2027 Niche rankings. LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Jason Anderson says students are challenged to pursue excellence, while learning from faculty who model those same values.

Cut 6 (08) “…every day.”

LSMSA was founded in 1983 as a residential high school for high-achieving students.

Baton Rouge is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. It would honor the best high school players, coaches, teams and contributors and would preserve high school football history through exhibits and memorabilia. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser nominated Baton Rouge.

Cut 12 (06) “…in Baton Rouge.” 

The other finalists are Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Ohio; and Valdosta, Georgia.

With another weekend of football ahead, all eyes are on the weather. That’s because thunderstorms could cause delays throughout the state. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says any thunderstorms that develop this evening should move out pretty quickly. However, tomorrow could be a different story.

Cut 3 (11) “…bit more prolonged.”

As far as rainfall totals go, Grymes says those numbers have come down from the original forecast, with the heaviest amounts being in southeast Louisiana.

Baton Rouge is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. The others are Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Ohio; and Valdosta, Georgia – none of which, according to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, could compete with Baton Rouge.

Cut 13 (07) “…put on festivities.”

The attorneys for an LSU football player accused of rape say in a statement that their client is maintaining his innocence and will fully cooperate with the investigation. An LSU student has accused second-year defensive end Damien Shanklin of raping her last year. His punishment was reduced this fall from a two-semester suspension to probation.

Shanklin and his teammates host McNeese tomorrow, but the big question is: will starting quarterback Sam Leavitt play? Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Mother nature could be a factor on the gridiron this weekend. Thunderstorms aren’t expected to be much of a factor tonight, but they could delay a kickoff or two tomorrow. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says rainfall amounts have come down from the original forecast, with the heaviest amounts being in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 5 (14) “…come down markedly.”

The best public high school teachers in the country can be found at the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches. The 2027 Niche rankings also rank the school as the best public high school in the country for STEM. But LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Jason Anderson says there’s more to the school than academics.

Cut 7 (09) “…young people grow.”

Baton Rouge is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. It’s competing with Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Ohio; and Valdosta, Georgia. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says landing the National High School Football Hall of Fame would be a huge win for Baton Rouge and Louisiana.

Cut 14 (06) “…year after year.”

As LSU gets set to take on McNeese, the big question is whether quarterback Sam Leavitt will play, as he nurses a hamstring injury. WAFB Sports Director Jacques Doucet says the situation reminds him of Garrett Nussmeier starting against Southeastern last season while he dealt with nagging injuries. He thinks LSU should keep Leavitt on the sideline, but he says that adds another risk.

Cut 10 (10) “…nothing wrong.”