Senator Bill Cassidy has yet another challenger for his U.S. Senate seat, as State Representative Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. The Carencro Republican introduced herself to statewide voters in a four-minute video. 

Cut 3 (10) “…the state legislature.”

Emerson’s entrance in the race now gives Cassidy five prominent challengers in the Republican primary, who also include John Fleming, Blake Miguez, Eric Skrmetta and Kathy Seiden.

Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Kelly was fired yesterday after an ugly 45-29 loss to Texas A&M the previous night. Kelly was 34-14 in just under four seasons at LSU, and Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says that apparently wasn’t good enough for school administration.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he got fired.”

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure those who rely on food stamps will still receive their SNAP benefits despite the federal government shutdown. The Louisiana House passed a resolution Friday, urging the Louisiana Department of Health to provide SNAP funding in November. State Senate President Cameron Henry says the Senate will take up the same resolution on Wednesday.

Cut 9 (03)  “…at hand.”

There are 792-thousand Louisianians who rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food every month, and the state receives 150-million dollars every month from the USDA to provide the food assistance.

For those of you who collect Social Security, your benefits will increase 2.8-percent next year. That works out to an average of 56 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says with the price of everything going up, every dollar helps, so this increase will come in very handy.

Cut 5 (12) “…a fixed income.”

Despite the federal government shutdown, SNAP recipients might still receive assistance to purchase food in November. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The nation’s first rare earth separation facility is coming to Southwest Louisiana. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Brian Kelly era at LSU is over. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (39) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For those of you who collect Social Security, your benefits will increase 2.8-percent next year. That works out to an average of 56 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says these cost of living adjustments are good news for Louisiana seniors.

Cut 4 (10) “…income for retirees.”

Muhl says with the price of everything going up, every dollar helps, so this increase will come in very handy.

Cut 5 (12) “…a fixed income.”

Muhl says lawmakers from both parties have pledged to protect Social Security, and they need to continue to do so.

Cut 6 (12) “…and grandkids tomorrow.”

This year’s increase evenly splits the difference of last year’s increase of 2.5-percent and the ten-year average of 3.1-percent.

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Louisiana is taking steps to make sure those who rely on food stamps will still receive their SNAP benefits despite the federal government shutdown. The USDA funds SNAP, but because of the shutdown the federal agency is not allocating any SNAP funding for November. Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says they are planning on using state dollars to make sure people do not go hungry…

Cut 7 (09) “…SNAP shortfall.”

The Louisiana Department of Health oversees the SNAP program in Louisiana. Henry says there’s likely 150-million dollars available in L-D-H’s budget that can cover the costs for November.

In an emergency declaration order, Governor Jeff Landry also suggested using money from the Rainy Day fund as a SNAP stopgap. Henry says they will look at that option if the government shutdown drags on…

Cut 8 (08) “…that place.”

There are 792-thousand Louisianians who rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food every month and the state receives 150-million dollars every month from the USDA to provide the food assistance. The Louisiana House passed a resolution on Friday urging the L-D-H to provide SNAP funding in November and Henry says the Louisiana Senate will take up the same resolution on Wednesday…

Cut 9 (03)  “…at hand.”

It’s unclear if the state will be reimbursed for covering SNAP costs in November. It’s also unknown when the federal government shutdown will end as negotiations are at a stalemate.

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Aclara, a Canadian mining company, is investing 277-million dollars into building the nation’s first heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares says the facility will refine rare earth metals that will be used for electric vehicles, wind turbines, drones and robotics.

Cut 10 (15) “…powered magnets.”

By bringing Aclara to the Port of Vincent, Bares says the company will diversify what is done in Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…the state.” 

Aclara selected the Port of Vinton location after evaluating more than 100 potential U.S. sites for its proximity to key chemical suppliers, access to Gulf Coast logistics and availability of skilled industrial workers. Bares says bringing the company to Calcasieu Parish is a testament to the infrastructure of the parish.

Cut 12 (10) “…readily available.” 

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027.

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The winningest active coach in NCAA Football did not win at a high enough level in Baton Rouge and Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Kelly was fired on Sunday after an ugly 45-29 loss to Texas A&M. It was the third loss in four games for a team that had national championship aspirations. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Kelly was 34-14 in three-plus seasons with LSU.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he go fired…

In a statement, Athletics Director Scott Woodward said as a proud alum, current caretaker of the athletics programs, he will not compromise LSU’s pursuit of excellence and he will not lower the school’s standards.

LSU hired Kelly in December 2021 after 12 years at Notre Dame. He signed a ten-year contract and with six years remaining on his deal, his buyout is north of 50-million dollars.

LSU says the terms of the separation are still being finalized. Guilbeau says Kelly will fight for every penny he’s owed.

Cut 14 (14) “…an out.”

New Orleans native and longtime assistant coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach. LSU will name a permanent successor to Kelly after the regular season. Guilbeau says Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is likely on top of LSU’s wish list.

Cut 15 (10) “…great coach.”

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, Vanderbilt’s Cleark Lea, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, Arizona State’s  Kenny Dillingham are all possible candidates.

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The Saints had another turnover-filled game as they lost to NFC South rival Tampa Bay 23-3 on Sunday. For the second week in a row, New Orleans turned it over four times. Starting quarterback Spencer Rattler was benched for rookie Tyler Shough (Shuck) after turning it over twice. Coach Kellen Moore says he was looking for a spark and was not signaling out Rattler….

Cut 16 (16) “…not there.”

The Saints’ next game is against the Rams in Los Angeles this Sunday. Moore says he’s not interested in flipping back and forth between quarterbacks, so he hopes to decide soon on who will start this Sunday in L-A…

Cut 17 (17) “…address that.”

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The Brian Kelly era at LSU is over. The last straw came Saturday night as the Tigers got blown out at home by Texas A&M, 49-25. A meaningless LSU touchdown in the final minute of the game amid chants of “Fire Kelly” in the student section made the final score appear less lopsided. During the postgame news conference on the night before he was fired, Head Coach Brian Kelly said he took full responsibility for the team’s performance — not only Saturday night but throughout the entire underachieving season.

Cut 18 (08)  “…falls with me.”

LSU led at halftime, 18-14. But the Aggies outscored the Tigers 35-7 in the third quarter to seal LSU’s — and ultimately Kelly’s — fate. Kelly says he felt the fans’ pain.

Cut 19 (07) “…for four quarters.”

With their record now 5-and-3, a trip to the College Football Playoff is now out of the question for LSU. Associate head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson takes over as interim coach and will try to salvage the season and get the Tigers to a halfway decent bowl game. Linebacker West Weeks says despite the team now being unable to fulfill its preseason goal, he and his teammates will not quit.

Cut 20 (13) “…everybody else is.”

Louisiana could be in for a wet weekend this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while that will certainly help with the drought, it could douse many weekend plans.

Cut 5 (13) “…rain gear.”

As Grymes just alluded to, Mother Nature could contradict Dixon McMakin when he tells the Tiger Stadium crowd at LSU that the chance of rain is “never,” continuing the tradition started by Dan Borne. And if you’re going to the game Saturday, allow yourself some extra time. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says depending on which direction you’re coming from, traffic will either be diverted or restricted.

Cut 11 (11) “…areas on campus.”

20th ranked LSU is a slight underdog Saturday night as they host third ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are undefeated, and they’re looking for their first win in Tiger Stadium since 1994. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed had three rushing touchdowns against LSU last year, and Coach Brian Kelly says they want Reed to run east-west towards the sidelines, instead of north-south.

Cut 13 (10)  “…this week.”

On Sunday, the Saints host one of their division rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Earlier this week, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield said he didn’t like the Saints. Saints head coach Kellen Moore says the team knows what Mayfield said, and they are looking forward to Sunday’s matchup.

Cut 15 (14) “…this one.”

Drought conditions have been expanding across the Bayou State, but Louisiana is set to receive some much needed rain this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says two inches of rain could fall across south Louisiana tomorrow and Sunday…

Cut 3 (09) “…in places.”

And that widespread rain should take a bite out of the drought in a number of parishes.

In a letter to President Trump, Congressman Clay Higgins is asking that all shrimp imports be paused. Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, fully supports a suspension of shrimp imports.

Cut 6 (11) “…changer for us.”

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure the elderly, disabled and children that are SNAP recipients will continue to receive benefits despite the government shutdown. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 21-year-old Abita Springs man is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his four-year-old sister. Detectives say Davahn Profit intentionally injured his little sister to the point that she had to be rushed to the hospital. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office would not elaborate on the nature of the girl’s injuries.

A four-year-old girl is dead after being run over in a convenience store parking lot in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the 30-year-old driver apparently didn’t realize what had happened.

Cut 9 (14)  “…to the station.”

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is applauding Congressman Clay Higgins for calling for a halt to shrimp imports, amid a spike in recalls of imported shrimp contaminated with radioactive chemicals. President Acy Cooper says if the government can make it so that shrimpers can earn a living again, there can be enough domestically-caught shrimp to meet the demand coast-to-coast.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the industry.”

If you’re going to the LSU game Saturday night, note that you will not be able to drive onto many areas on campus without a parking pass. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says if your parking pass is downloaded onto your mobile phone, there’s no need to pull it out while driving 70 miles an hour along I-10.

Cut 12 (13) “…attendants to see.”

On Sunday, the Saints host one of their division rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Earlier this week, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield said he didn’t like the Saints. Saints head coach Kellen Moore says the team knows what Mayfield said, and they are looking forward to Sunday’s matchup.

Cut 15 (14) “…this one.”

Louisiana is set to receive some much needed rain this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says two inches of rain could fall across south Louisiana tomorrow and Sunday, and that should take a bite out of the drought for a number of parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…into Monday.”

The chance of rain this weekend would contradict what Dixon McMakin and his longtime predecessor, Dan Borne, would tell the crowd at LSU’s Tiger Stadium about the chance of rain being “never.” And if you go to tomorrow night’s game, give yourself plenty of extra time, with police beefing up security starting four hours before kickoff. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says depending on which direction you’re coming from, traffic will either be diverted or restricted.

Cut 11 (11) “…areas on campus.”

Congressman Clay Higgins is asking President Trump to halt all shrimp imports for the time being. In a letter, Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Higgins’ request has the full support of Louisiana Shrimp Association President Acy Cooper. He notes that the FDA prohibits the use of antibiotics in domestically-caught shrimp, and he says domestic shrimp is tested more stringently than imported shrimp, and that’s not right.

Cut 7 (06) “…killing our people.”

Cooper says if the government can make it so that shrimpers can earn a living again, there can be enough domestically-caught shrimp to meet the demand coast-to-coast.

Intense debate breaks out over a bill to push back the closed party primaries by a month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

State Senator Jay Luneau says he will not run for U.S. Senate, saying partisanship in DC is far worse than it is in Louisiana. That leaves Democrats still without a candidate to challenge Bill Cassidy.

In a letter to President Trump, Congressman Clay Higgins is asking that all shrimp imports be paused. Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, fully supports a suspension of shrimp imports.

Cut 6 (11) “…changer for us.”

Nicholls State ranks as the number-one best value college in Louisiana. This, according to the website Niche-dot-com. Dr. Todd Keller, the provost and vice president for academic affairs, says surveys find that students really enjoy their time at Nicholls.

Cut 11 (12) “…away from home.”

At the state capitol, intense debate broke out over a bill to push back the closed party primaries by a month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Nicholls State is ranked as the best value college in Louisiana. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Superdome emerges at the top of one list, but it’s unclear as to whether it’s cause for celebration. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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On the first day of the special session, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved legislation to push back qualifying and the primary election dates for the 2026 federal elections by one month. Black lawmakers oppose the move — Shreveport Senator Sam Jenkins told the bill’s author, Caleb Kleinpeter from Port Allen, that the legislature should not be changing election laws this close to the election.

Cut 4 (04) “…all the time.”

Qualifying for the party primaries is currently scheduled for January, and the primary elections are set for April and May. Klieinpeter’s bill, which now heads to the Senate floor for another vote, pushes qualifying back to February and the closed party primary would be in May and the run-off in June. Jenkins says the legislature should not change the election procedure when the elections are months away.

Cut 5 (09) “…the election back.”

Republican lawmakers are looking to push the election back, because it’s possible the U-S Supreme Court will rule the state’s current congressional map as unconstitutional. Jenkins believes it’s premature for Louisiana to act, since the nation’s highest court has not ordered Louisiana to move its election dates back, and delaying the elections could influence the Supreme Court’s decision. Here’s Kleinpeter’s response.

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s it.”

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For Buc-ee’s fans in North Louisiana, the big day is finally here – groundbreaking on the massive 70-thousand-square-foot Buc-ee’s in Ruston. Mayor Ronny Walker says it follows after major progress on site prep.

Cut 7 (06) “…of that construction.”

For those of you who don’t know, inside Buc-ee’s, you can buy its world famous Beaver Nuggets, delicious barbecue sandwiches or some unique souvenirs, and it has the cleanest bathrooms on the planet. Mayor Walker says it will help keep all vehicles moving, including those that do not run on gasoline.

Cut 8 (04) “…13 EV chargers.”

…and, of course, 120 gas pumps. Walker says people can’t wait for the new Buc-ee’s to open in early 2027.

Cut 9 (08)  “…in 17 months.”

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Nicholls State ranks as the number-one best value college in Louisiana, according to Niche.com. The ranking is based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates and student debt. Dr. Todd Keller, the provost and vice president for academic affairs, says Nicholls’ average cost and tuition are significantly lower than the national and state averages and students feel at home.

Cut 10 (13) “…on the campus.”

Nicholls’ alumni median earnings five years after graduation average 49-thousand dollars per year, which is four-thousand dollars more than the national average. Keller says 95-percent of its alumni are employed one year after graduation, and the  surveys find that students really enjoy their time at Nicholls.

Cut 11 (12) “…away from home.” 

Nicholls also ranks third for safest college campuses in Louisiana. Keller says Nicholls’ in-state tuition of eight-thousand dollars is almost half of Louisiana’s average.

Cut 12 (14) “…into their careers.” 

Louisiana Tech ranks second for value, followed by U-L Lafayette, Louisiana Christian and ULM.

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When you go to a Saints game in New Orleans, you are going to the most haunted stadium in the NFL – and it has nothing to do with the team’s dismal record the last two years. That rating is courtesy of the sports website Pickswise. George Rogan with Pickswise says one major factor is the close proximity to St. Louis Cemetery.

Cut 13 (09)  “…of all stadiums.”

Rogan says the fact that the Superdome is 50 years old also has a lot to do with it.

Cut 14 (09) “…into the area”

Of course, you can’t mention evil spirits without bringing up the 2018 NFC Championship Game, in which three officials didn’t call an obvious pass interference against the Rams that would have all but sealed a trip to the Super Bowl for the Saints. Rogan says the overall spookiness of the state played a role in the Superdome’s ranking.

Cut 15 (08) “…source called GeoSpirits.”

The least haunted stadium is Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

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Last year, LSU’s defense allowed Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed to come off the bench and rush for three touchdowns in the 38-23 loss. LSU sophomore defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux remembers it all too well and says the team is more prepared this time around.

Cut 16 (11) “…the job done.”

With two losses on the season already, LSU’s margin for error is now zero. Moving forward, Breaux says the Tigers have the ability to change the trajectory of the season around with a win against number-three Texas A&M on Saturday.

Cut 17 (10) “…do our part.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night is at 6:30.

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With running back Kendre Miller out for the year, Saints rookie and sixth-round draft pick Devin Neal is expected to take on a larger role this week against the Buccaneers. Neal says his play as a running back can be described as balanced.

Cut 18 (16) “…game as well.”

Kickoff in New Orleans is 3:05 p.m.

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UL-Lafayette’s football team is 2-and-5 on the year heading into the heart of conference play. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says his team has to do a better job of executing more important plays when the game is on the line.

Cut 19 (14) “…oh-for-six.”

With the disappointing start, Desormeaux still has belief in his team despite the outside noise and says the Cajuns will continue to play hard for the remainder of the season.

Cut 20 (19) “…playing incredibly hard.”

The Cajuns travel to Alabama to take on Troy on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. as they look to win their first game since week five.

A new statewide poll finds President Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana is 48-percent, but Governor Jeff Landry’s is only 39-percent. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon believes Landry is having a hard time connecting with voters.

Cut 10 (07)  “…social media posts.”

Louisiana Radio Network reached out for response from the governor’s office, and one of his consultants pointed out that the group that paid for the poll, Unite America, supports groups with a strong, liberal bias.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore age limits for collegiate athletes. Cassidy says he initially became concerned following a conversation with a legendary Louisiana collegiate coach.

Cut 3 (09) “…their late 20s.”

This comes as more and more schools recruit older athletes from overseas.

The FBI cites an NBA game played in New Orleans as part of its evidence into illegal sports betting. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is among more than 30 people charged in a massive investigation into illegal NBA betting and rigged poker games. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says in March of 2023, Rozier took himself out of a game early at the Smoothie King Center to ensure he would underperform.

Cut 12 (07) “…under statistics.”

The cameras have been rolling in Louisiana and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana, says there are several films being shot in Louisiana as we speak.

Cut 6 (12) “…starting next year.”

A new statewide poll finds President Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana is 48-percent, but Governor Jeff Landry’s is only 39-percent. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon believes Landry is having a hard time connecting with voters.

Cut 10 (07)  “…social media posts.”

Louisiana Radio Network reached out for response from the governor’s office, and one of his consultants pointed out that the group that paid for the poll, Unite America, supports groups with a strong, liberal bias.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore age limits for collegiate athletes. Cassidy says he initially became concerned following a conversation with a legendary Louisiana collegiate coach.

Cut 3 (09) “…their late 20s.”

This comes as more and more schools recruit older athletes from overseas.

A game played in New Orleans is part of the FBI’s evidence that resulted in the arrest of an NBA player for illegal sports betting. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Yesterday, Governor Landry said SNAP recipients would not get their benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. But today, he seems to be changing his tune. In a statement, his office says Landry is in discussion with other governors across the country and with the state’s legislative leadership, and he’s making it a priority that vulnerable people do not go hungry.