Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore an age limit and limits on foreign athletes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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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. For instance, LSU’s men’s basketball team has a freshman from Israel on its roster named Ron Zipper, who will turn 23 years old during the season. Cassidy says with most collegiate freshmen, athletes or otherwise, being 18 or 19 years old, that puts them at a competitive disadvantage.

Cut 4 (15) “…cannot match.”

Cassidy says American universities should provide opportunities for American citizens first and foremost. He says he does mind an occasional overseas player on an NCAA roster, but there needs to be limitations.

Cut 5 (13) “…on beyond that.”

Cassidy noted that LSU had recruited Eddie Palubinskas from Australia in the early 1970s as a 22-year-old and was later an assistant coach for the Tigers, trying to teach Shaquille O’Neal how to make free throws, with very limited success.

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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.”

Waggenspack says after years of going overseas, film production is shifting back to the states; and he says Louisiana is the perfect state for filmmakers to shoot their projects.

Cut 7 (09) “…here real soon.”

Waggenspack says filmmakers – and television producers – are showing a greater willingness to produce their films and shows domestically instead of going overseas.

Cut 8 (07) “…here at home.”

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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 says Landry had an aggressive legislative agenda during his first year in office and that might have turned off a few voters.

Cut 9 (13)  “…turned off voters.”

In Landry’s first year in office, he got lawmakers to approve a tough on crime legislative package, tax reform, displaying the Ten Commandments in every public-school classroom and changing federal elections to a party primary election system.

Couvillon believes Landry is having a hard time connecting with voters.

Cut 10 (07)  “…social media posts.”

The poll also asked voters if they thought the state is heading in the right direction. Only 26 percent said it is heading in the right direction, 54-percent say it’s heading in the wrong direction and 20-percent did not have an opinion. Couvillon says the poll of 600 likely voters was conducted last week and the federal government shutdown probably played a role in the responses.

Cut 11 (06) “…nationally.”

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

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The FBI cites a 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.”

According to the official NBA stats, Rozier only played ten minutes in that game, which the Pelicans won 115-96. Tisch says the defendants placed more than 200-thousand dollars in wagers on the “unders” of his prop bets, and those bets paid out ten of thousands of dollars in profits.

Cut 13 (05)  “…their cash.”

Tisch says Rozier has played his last game in the NBA.

Cut 14 (06) “…for integrity.”

Rozier was arrested Thursday morning at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. He’s facing money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges, according to the indictment.

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.”

Nervous times for SNAP recipients amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Governor Landry had previously said they would not get their November benefits; but today, he’s saying he’s in discussion with other governors across the country and the state’s legislative leadership, and he’s making it a priority that vulnerable people do not go hungry. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 23 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The shutdown is now in its 23rd day; and with the House currently in recess, there’s no end in sight.

The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon for a special session, in which lawmakers will discuss moving the primary calendar 30 days as the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of the state’s congressional map. New Orleans Democratic Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) has concerns about moving the calendar.

Cut 15 (12) “…in the process.”

Lawmakers might also consider doing away with the closed primaries altogether and going back to open primaries, and a new poll shows that almost 70-percent of voters across the state would favor that. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling notes that the last time Louisiana went to party primaries, it didn’t last long.

Cut 9 (10)  “…quickly repealed it.”

Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients that they will not receive cash assistance from the government on their cards starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana, says this action could be avoided.

Cut 10 (11) “…still get paid.”

It’s unknown if the USDA plans to utilize contingency funds to ensure November SNAP benefits.

The LSU Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon. Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says with this meeting, the committee moves into the final stages of selecting the university system’s next president.

Cut 4 (12) “…soon become public.”

The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon to begin a 22-day special session to adjust the primary election calendar. According to the bill co-authored by Port Allen Republican Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, the dates for the primary and runoff would be pushed back 30 days. This comes as the Supreme Court considers its ruling on the constitutionality of the creation of the state’s second majority Black congressional district. Kleinpeter says when the Supreme Court will rule is anyone’s guess.

Cut 13 (07)  “…back before Christmas.”

There’s also the possibility that someone may file a bill that would do away with the closed primary and go back to an open primary, which would eliminate the primary and runoff altogether and go straight to Election Day on November 3rd, 2026. New Orleans Democratic Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) is all for that.

Cut 16 (08) “…the closed primaries.”

Governor Landry is warning SNAP recipients they will not receive government cash assistance for food purchases if the federal government shutdown continues. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The LSU Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon, during which it will determine which candidates will be invited to formally apply for the job. Next Wednesday, it will conduct interviews with those candidates and will select three finalists.

A new poll finds overwhelming support for open primary elections as opposed to closed party primaries. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients they will not receive government cash assistance for food purchases if the federal government shutdown continues. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The legislature begins a special session at two this afternoon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon. Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says with this meeting, the committee moves into the final stages of selecting the university system’s next president.

Cut 4 (12) “…soon become public.”

Hutchinson says several people have expressed interest in becoming the new leader of the LSU system.

Cut 5 (12) “…were highly qualified.”

Next Wednesday morning, the committee will conduct interviews with the candidates it invited to apply for the position and will select three finalists to recommend to the Board of Supervisors. Hutchinson says after that, a series of meetings will be held with those finalists.

Cut 6 (09) “…to vote on.”

Hutchinson says they hope to have the new president selected by Thanksgiving and have that new president begin shortly after the first of the year.

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A new statewide poll finds Louisiana residents overwhelmingly support an open primary election system over a closed party primary. Pollster John Couvillon says 69-percent of the 600 respondents favor an open primary, which is a similar percentage to when JMC Analytics and Polling asked this same question in the first quarter of this year.

Cut 7 (11) “…be coming online.”

Next year’s federal elections will be closed party primaries, which means registered Republicans and no party voters can only vote in the Republican primary and Democrats and no party voters can only vote in the Democratic primary.

Couvillon says Louisiana voters prefer the simplicity of an open party primary.

Cut 8 (06) “…who you want.”

A group called Unite America paid for the poll. Unite America promotes itself as an organization that invests in nonpartisan election reform.

In 2024, Governor Jeff Landry helped convince the Louisiana Legislature to pass legislation to switch to closed party primaries for election to federal offices and other offices like P-S-C and BESE.

A spokesperson for Landry says Unite America’s philanthropic work supports groups with strong, liberal bias, like Environmental Defense Fund, Anti-Defamation League and the Nature Conservancy.

Couvillon says the last time Louisiana went to party primaries, it didn’t last long.

Cut 9 (10)  “…quickly repealed it.”

Landry’s argument for changing to party primaries was that states that were more successful than Louisiana used that system to elect their officials.

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Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients that they will not receive cash assistance from the government on their cards starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana, says this action could be avoided.

Cut 10 (11) “…still get paid.”

It’s unknown if the USDA plans to utilize contingency funds to ensure November SNAP benefits. Governor Jeff Landry blames Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the rest of the Senate Democrats who are not voting for a funding bill to re-open the federal government.

Moeller says more than 800-thousand households in Louisiana rely on SNAP benefits.

Cut 11 (09) “…of the month.” 

Moeller says instead of having a special session to change the dates of next year’s federal party primary elections, legislators should hold meetings on how they could use state dollars to pay for November SNAP benefits.

Cut 12 (06) “…get paid out.” 

There’s no guarantee the federal government will reimburse Louisiana or any other state if they use state resources to bridge the gap until the federal government reopens.

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The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon to begin a 22-day special session to adjust the primary election calendar. According to the bill co-authored by Port Allen Republican Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, the dates for the primary and runoff would be pushed back 30 days. This comes as the Supreme Court considers its ruling on the constitutionality of the creation of the state’s second majority Black congressional district. Kleinpeter says when the Supreme Court will rule is anyone’s guess.

Cut 13 (07)  “…back before Christmas.”

Kleinpeter says even though Governor Landry scheduled the session for 22 days, he expects it to gavel out sine die much sooner.

Cut 14 (08) “…just in case.”

New Orleans Democratic Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) also expects the session to be done well before the November 13th deadline. She has concerns about moving the calendar.

Cut 15 (12) “…in the process.”

There’s also the possibility that someone may file a bill that would do away with the closed primary and go back to an open primary, which would eliminate the primary and runoff altogether and go straight to Election Day on November 3rd, 2026. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s in favor of that – and so is Newell.

Cut 16 (08) “…the closed primaries.”

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The Saints return to New Orleans to host their divisional rival with the Buccaneers on Sunday. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield did not hide his hatred for the team in black and gold.

Cut 17 (09) “…don’t like them.”

Saints head coach Kellen Moore responded to Mayfield’s comments by saying he understands how big the rivalry is, and he expects Sunday to be a fun matchup.

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ULM is coming off a frustrating 37-14 loss to Troy on Saturday, falling to 3-and-4 on the year. Head coach Bryant Vincent says the Warhawks are not giving up on the season, and the team will continue to bring the fight each game.

Cut 18 (14) “…were thinking wrong.”

The Warhawks travel to Hattiesburg on Saturday to face Southern Mississippi at 2:30 p.m.

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During the weekly SEC teleconference, LSU head coach Brian Kelly gave an update on junior linebacker Whit Weeks’ availability heading into Saturday’s matchup with number-three Texas A&M.

Cut 19 (14) “…in the week.”

The Tigers are 0-and-5 when Whit Weeks does not play or start. LSU senior defensive tackle Bernard Gooden practiced on Tuesday but did not do everything.

LSU 6-foot-7 sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green has totaled 193 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games. Green spent time playing with the LSU basketball team last year but made the transition to just football this year. Kelly says Green has done all the things necessary to break out this season.

Cut 20 (17) “…-playing the game.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging the legislature to scrap the closed primaries and go back to open primaries. California, Washington and Alaska are the only states in which all candidates of all parties appear on the same ballot for federal races. Nungesser says if all states followed their lead, the rhetoric would be toned down considerably on Capitol Hill.

Cut 5 (12) “…of the country.”

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a young woman from Wisconsin who was found dead on the I-10 Twin Spans in an apparent hit-and-run. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape says Edashia Caraway was in New Orleans for the NBA Youngboy concert.

Cut 6 (12) “…second vehicle stops.”

The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is currently the highest in the nation at 19-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says living in poverty will often lead to other adverse effects for kids as they get older, so it’s very important that the cycle be broken. 

Cut 11 (09) “…et cetera.”

The Louisiana Tech football team rallied back from down 13 at halftime, but they couldn’t finish the job as they lost to Western Kentucky, 28-27 in double overtime. The Bulldogs have lost two in a row, but defensive back Cedric Woods from Monroe says adversity will only make them stronger.

Cut 13 (12)  “…help us grow.”

Tech is now 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Conference USA.

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a Wisconsin tourist. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl are dead in what New Orleans Police are calling a murder-suicide. Witnesses say the man was pacing the girl’s neighborhood for an hour this morning; and when the girl stepped outside to go to her bus stop, the man shot her several times before turning the gun on himself. The relationship between the two is unclear at this time.

With the legislature debating whether to push the closed primaries back a month with a Supreme Court decision looming, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says he’d like to go back to open primaries. Nungesser says open primaries yield a more representative government, while closed primaries usually leave general election voters a choice between two extremists.

Cut 4 (13) “…are left out.”

The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is the highest in the country at 19-percent – far above the national average of 13-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says the lack of affordability of child care is one reason behind that big number.

Cut 10 (13) “…economic well-being.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging the legislature to scrap the closed primaries and go back to open primaries. California, Washington and Alaska are the only states in which all candidates of all parties appear on the same ballot for federal races. Nungesser says if all states followed their lead, the rhetoric would be toned down considerably on Capitol Hill.

Cut 5 (12) “…of the country.”

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a young woman from Wisconsin who was found dead on the I-10 Twin Spans in an apparent hit-and-run. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape says Edashia Caraway was in New Orleans for the NBA Youngboy concert.

Cut 6 (12) “…second vehicle stops.”

The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is the highest in the country at 19-percent – far above the national average of 13-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says the lack of affordability of child care is one reason behind that big number.

Cut 10 (13) “…economic well-being.”

The Louisiana Tech football team rallied back from a 13-point halftime deficit but lost to Western Kentucky 28-27 in double overtime. The Bulldogs got back into the game when Devin Gandy returned a kick to start the second half for a touchdown, but the Bulldogs could not score touchdowns on two trips to the Red Zone in the fourth quarter. Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 12 (12) “…boils down too.”

With the legislature debating whether to push the closed primaries back a month with a Supreme Court decision looming, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says he’d like to go back to open primaries. Nungesser says open primaries yield a more representative government, while closed primaries usually leave general election voters a choice between two extremists.

Cut 4 (13) “…are left out.”

Poverty among children in Louisiana is on the rise. The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is currently the highest in the country. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says economic factors are a major reason.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Louisiana as well.”

Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a Wisconsin tourist. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With the legislature set to debate the status of the primaries starting tomorrow, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser leaves no doubt as to where he stands on the whole thing – if it was up to him, he’d scrap the closed primaries altogether and go back to open primaries. Nungesser says closed primaries are a major reason why the political climate in this country is as bad as it’s ever been.

Cut 3 (10) “…vote for you.”

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is calling on parents that have kids involved in early childhood education to take its parent poll. LPIC’s chief executive officer, Dr. Libbie Sonnier, says the survey highlights key issues, including the rising cost of childcare.

Cut 10 (10) “…early childhood education.”

If you have a creative way to tell people not to drive distracted, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers would like to see your best work. The law firm is once again holding its annual scholarship contest for students who create compelling videos urging people not to drive while distracted. Marketing Coordinator Hannah Cutrer (kuh-TREHR) says there are certain things that judges will be looking for.

Cut 7 (09) “…behind the wheel.”

The grand prize for the best overall video is a scholarship worth more than four-thousand dollars.

The amount of money Americans spend on Halloween is getting pretty spooky. Katherine Cullen with the National Retail Federation says this year’s spending will make mincemeat out of last year’s record of 12.2-billion dollars.

Cut 4 (07) “…dollars this year.”

Cullen says the most popular Halloween purchase is candy, which Americans will spend almost four-billion dollars on this year.