Here’s a scary thought – Americans are spending big on Halloween. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

If you have a creative way to urge people not to drive while distracted, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers wants to hear from you. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Four people are killed in a pair of plane crashes in Louisiana yesterday. Three of them were from the Houston area. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_________________________________________________

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. She says while not as many people will be buying costumes, the money spent on costumes will exceed that spent on candy – and the best part is, costumes won’t rot your teeth.

Cut 5 (09) “…from last year.”

She says in all, Americans are spending big on Halloween.

Cut 6 (13) “…than last year.”

_________________________________________________

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.”

In years past, the contest was open to high school students. But Cutrer says this year, the eligibility requirements are expanded.

Cut 8 (09) “…college in Louisiana.”

All prizes are in the form of scholarships. The grand prize for the best overall video is a scholarship worth more than four-thousand dollars – the exact dollar figure would amount to free advertising for Dudley DeBosier. Cutrer says there are other prizes as well.

Cut 9 (13)  “…for that one.”

The deadline for submission is December 31st, and the winner will be chosen sometime in March.

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is calling on parents that have kids involved in early childhood education to take their 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.”

The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and it can be found at policyinstitutela.org.

Sonnier says each response helps depict a clear picture of what’s working and where families still need more support.

Cut 11 (11) “…voices be heard.” 

LPIC has conducted this survey since 2020 and the information gathered is used to inform policymakers about the most pressing needs and challenges facing families with young children.

Cut 12 (14) “…a big impact.” 

_________________________________________________

BESE has created the Artificial Intelligence Committee. It’s a working group of education, technology, business and policy leaders that will look at how to expand AI integration in Louisiana classrooms and workforce development programs. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson chairs the new committee and says they want to see how AI can enhance teaching and empower students.

Cut 13 (11)  “…high level things.”

Henderson says one of their major goals is to determine how Louisiana schools can prepare students for an AI-driven economy.

Cut 14 (09) “…impact everybody’s life.”

Henderson says this committee will recommend an A-I Literacy framework for educators, students and system leaders.

Cut 15 (07) “…in different outcomes?”

_________________________________________________

Texas A&M is coming off a 45-42 win over Arkansas and heads into Baton Rouge still unbeaten. Head coach Mike Elko says the Aggies have to play way better on defense against LSU if they want to stay undefeated.

Cut 16 (22) “…that last week.”

__________________________________________________

The Pelicans begin their season tonight as New Orleans travels to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. Head coach Willie Green is expecting big things from Zion Williamson and wants to see a full, healthy season for him.

Cut 17 (17) “…in this league.”

Tipoff in Memphis is at 7 p.m.

The Pelicans have ten new players on this year’s roster. Veteran guard Jordan Poole says the preseason games helped the team get more into a rhythm and grow more chemistry on the floor.

Cut 18 (21) “…put everything together.”

_____________________________________________________

Southern named former Alcorn State head coach and current co-offensive coordinator Fred McNair as the interim head coach. McNair, who’s the older brother of the late NFL quarterback Steve McNair, says he’s looking forward to helping turn things around for the rest of the season.

Cut 19 (15) “…at the end.”

At Alcorn State, McNair had an overall record of 48-and-33. He will make his debut as the interim head coach for Southern on Saturday when the Jags take on FAMU. McNair says the goal this week is to get back into the win column.

Cut 20 (18) “…try to win.”

Two plane crashes occurred in Louisiana today, killing four people. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 21 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Over the weekend, four people were killed in a pair of house fires in Louisiana. Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says one happened Saturday morning in Hessmer, in Avoyelles Parish.

Cut 12 (04) “…ten-year-old boy.”

The other fire happened late Sunday night in Houma, in which a 70-year-old man was killed, while his brother suffered serious injuries.

Children’s advocates in Louisiana are sounding the alarm amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Susan East Nelson, the executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, says if the shutdown goes on much longer – and there’s no end in sight – some 800-thousand SNAP recipients might not get their benefits come November 1st.

Cut 3 (10) “…the state level.”

With LSU’s title hopes all but gone, Head Coach Brian Kelly finds himself on the hot seat. If LSU fires him, not only will it have to spend 53-million dollars to buy out the six years left on his contract, but it’ll also have to pay tens of millions more for a new coaching staff. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Glenn Guilbeau says it’s a lot of money, which is why the school is hoping Kelly can still produce a respectable season.

Cut 7 (11) “…to name two”

Two deadly plane crashes in Louisiana today. In Lafayette Parish, three people were killed when a Baron Beechcraft went down in a field near the intersection of West Gloria Switch Road and LA 93 near the community of Vatican. Later, in Jackson Parish, a plane went down in a wooded area near Old Snipe Road about five miles from Ruston Airport in neighboring Lincoln Parish. The pilot was the only person aboard that plane and did not survive. No word on the cause of either crash.

Four people are dead in a pair of house fires in Louisiana over the weekend. Three people, including a ten-year-old boy, were killed Saturday morning in Avoyelles Parish, while a 70-year-old man was killed Sunday night in Houma. Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says these fires underscore the sheer importance of always having working smoke detectors in your home.

Cut 14 (06) “…at this time.”

No word on the cause of either fire.

Two disappointing losses on the road for the LSU football team, and Coach Brian Kelly finds himself on the hot seat in his fourth season in Tiger Town. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This year’s cotton crop in Louisiana, which was expected to be the smallest ever, was even smaller than forecast. But LSU AgCenter Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says the yields have been excellent.

Cut 11 (09) “…good looking cotton.”

The ongoing federal government shutdown is leading to some nervous times for Louisiana’s 800-thousand SNAP recipients. If it goes on much longer, they will not get their benefits come November 1st. Susan East Nelson, the executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, says the timing couldn’t be any worse.

Cut 4 (13) “…meals at school.”

The LSU football team’s subpar 5-and-2 record has head coach Brian Kelly on the hot seat, especially since the season started with visions of the College Football Playoff. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he could see athletic director Scott Woodward firing Kelly after this season if LSU goes 8-and-4 or 7-and-3, even though the buyout would be 53-million dollars.

Cut 6 (05) “…for football.”

President Trump honors Louisiana’s national championship baseball teams. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Children’s advocates in Louisiana are sounding the alarm amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Susan East Nelson, the executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, says if the shutdown goes on much longer – and there’s no end in sight – some 800-thousand SNAP recipients might not get their benefits come November 1st.

Cut 3 (10) “…the state level.”

The Shreveport community issues an emotional plea for information after two girls die from injuries suffered in a house fire last week. Nine-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and five-year-old Danielle Spearman were taken off life support over the weekend. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese says while the fire is being investigated as arson, investigators are still looking for specific details.

Cut 13 (08)  “…some concrete information.”

Gas prices in Louisiana are coming down. The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.62. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says that’s six cents lower than at this time last week, and gas prices will likely drop even lower.

Cut 6 (07) “…decline for drivers.”

Chabarria says gas prices typically drop this time of year, with gas stations transitioning from summer blend to winter blend. Louisiana’s average gas price is the sixth lowest in the country.

President Trump honored Louisiana’s two national championship baseball teams at the White House – LSU and LSU-Shreveport. The latter went undefeated, while the former had a record of 53-and-15. Trump says with LSU having so many future Major Leaguers, they perhaps should have done even better.

Cut 11 (10) “…have been better.” (laughs)

Investigators in Shreveport are desperately searching for answers after two girls die from injuries suffered in a house fire last week. Caddo Parish Public Schools Superintendent Keith Burton says the loss of Nine-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and five-year-old Danielle Spearman is a tragedy.

Cut 14 (10) “…future is gone.”

President Trump honored Louisiana’s two national championship baseball teams at the White House yesterday – the LSU Tigers and the LSU-Shreveport Pilots. Trump says with so many Major League teams firing their managers, maybe they should take a good hard look at the two head coaches in the room – LSU’s Jay Johnson and LSU-Shreveport’s Brad Neffendorf.

Cut 12 (14) “…just pretend.” (laughs)

Drivers in Louisiana have it good when it comes to gas prices. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Children’s advocates in Louisiana are sounding the alarm amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families says if the shutdown goes on much longer – and there’s no end in sight – some 800-thousand SNAP recipients might not get their benefits come November 1st – especially concerning with Thanksgiving and school vacations right around the corner.

Drivers in Louisiana have it good when it comes to gas prices. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

President Trump honors Louisiana’s national championship baseball teams. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

After two girls died from injuries suffered in a house fire, a community issues an emotional plea for information. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_________________________________________________

Getting the gas gauge to “full” is less likely to leave your bank account “empty.” The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.62. That’s down six cents from a week ago. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says this is the time of year when we typically see gas prices start to come down.

Cut 4 (06) “…winter blend gasoline.”

Chabarria says gas prices have remained relatively low this year – not just in Louisiana but all across the country.

Cut 5 (07) “…year over year.”

Chabarria says gas prices may not be done dropping.

Cut 6 (07) “…decline for drivers.”

Louisiana’s statewide average is currently the sixth lowest in the country.

_________________________________________________

Businesses which need to report their monthly waste tire fees to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality now have an online portal to use for that purpose. LDEQ Undersecretary Theresa Delafosse (DELL-ah-foss) says it’s meant to make the task a lot more convenient.

Cut 7 (13) “…tires were sold.”

Delafosse says not only is the new system more convenient, it’s also much more simple to use.

Cut 8 (13) “…at the department.”

Delafosse says the online portal went live last month; and so far, participation has been strong.

Cut 9 (09)  “…their monthly reports.”

Delafosse says feedback so far has also been very positive.

_________________________________________________

President Trump honors Louisiana’s two national championship baseball teams at the White House. In a 30-minute ceremony in the East Wing, Trump praised the LSU Tigers and the LSU-Shreveport Pilots. Trump noted that many LSU players were drafted by Major League Baseball teams following their College World Series win.

Cut 10 (10) “…every single one.” (laughs)

LSU-Shreveport became the first college baseball team at any level to go through an entire season undefeated, going 59-and-0. LSU, on the other hand, went 53-and-15 en route to their eighth College World Series title; but Trump says with so many future Major Leaguers on the team, they perhaps should have done even better.

Cut 11 (10) “…have been better.” (laughs)

Trump says with so many Major League teams firing their managers, maybe they should take a good hard look at the two head coaches in the room – LSU’s Jay Johnson and LSU-Shreveport’s Brad Neffendorf.

Cut 12 (14) “…just pretend.” (laughs)

_________________________________________________

The Shreveport community issues an emotional plea for information after two girls die from injuries suffered in a house fire last week. Firefighters pulled nine-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and five-year-old Danielle Spearman from the burning home; they were hospitalized in critical condition until family members made the difficult decision to take them off life support. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese says while the fire is being investigated as arson, investigators are still looking for specific details.

Cut 13 (08)  “…some concrete information.”

Caddo Parish Public Schools Superintendent Keith Burton says the loss of Aaliyah and Danielle is a tragedy.

Cut 14 (10) “…future is gone.”

Shreveport Mayor Pro Tem Tabatha Taylor has a stern message for whoever was responsible for setting the house on fire.

Cut 15 (10) “…who you are.”

CrimeStoppers is offering a reward of up to five-thousand dollars for information leading to an arrest in this case.

_________________________________________________

LSU’s offensive line has struggled to be dominant in the trenches and win the line of scrimmage. After the 31-24 loss to Vanderbilt, Head Coach Brian Kelly says that the entire unit needs to play with more physicality moving forward, especially with number-three Texas A&M coming to Baton Rouge this weekend.

Cut 16 (18) “…got out there.”

Sophomore starting left tackle Tyree Adams will be out for this week’s game after he suffered an ankle injury against Vanderbilt. Kelly says that sophomore D-J Chester will take his place and says he has full confidence in his abilities.

Cut 17 (18) “…do the job.”

The Tigers offensive line will have a tall task in facing Texas A&M’s pass rushers, specifically defensive end Cashius Howell, who has eight and a half total sacks on the year. With Tyree Adams out, Kelly says that the decision to play Chester over freshman Carius Curne at left tackle is a result of Chester’s valuable game experience.

Cut 18 (18) “…at that position.”

_____________________________________________________

Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in the 26-14 loss to the Bears after coming into the game with no turnovers. Head coach Kellen Moore says that despite the poor performance, Rattler will remain as the starting quarterback while backup Tyler Shough continues to develop.

Cut 19 (17) “…to get better.”

_____________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech looks to bounce back tonight against Western Kentucky after being blown out by Kennesaw State last week. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says the Bulldogs took the bye week to become more of a complete team.

Cut 20 (16) “…we’ve had shortcomings.”

Kickoff in Ruston tonight is at 6:30 p.m.

Investigators in Shreveport are desperately searching for answers after two girls die from injuries suffered in a house fire last week. Nine-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and five-year-old Danielle Spearman were taken off life support over the weekend. Caddo Parish Public Schools Superintendent Keith Burton says the loss of Aaliyah and Danielle is a tragedy.

Cut 14 (10) “…future is gone.”

A 17-year-old hunter from Monroe is killed by a lightning strike in Union Parish over the weekend. Colton Honeycutt was inside an elevated deer stand in a remote wooded area when a storm came through Saturday. Sheriff Dusty Gates says the area was hard for first responders to get to.

Cut 5 (04) “…get to him.”

Honeycutt was hunting by himself; the only way the sheriff’s office found out was from family members who went searching for him when he didn’t return home.

St. Tammany Parish unveiled the opening of EquipmentShare in Lacombe, which is one of the nation’s fastest-growing construction-technology and equipment-rental companies. Russell Richardson, the president and CEO of the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, says launching the company in Lacombe brings excitement for the future of the parish.

Cut 9 (07)  “…that we’re doing.”

LSU’s title hopes pretty much went up in smoke Saturday when they lost to Vanderbilt, 31-24. LSU started the season with their sights set on the College Football Playoff. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says Head Coach Brian Kelly is as surprised as everyone else that the team is not performing better.

Cut 8 (13) “…they’re horrible.”

LSU faces a difficult test this Saturday as they host undefeated and third ranked Texas A&M.

A teen hunter from Monroe is killed over the weekend. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

LSU is on the verge of not making the College Football Playoff, and the fan base is not happy. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

A 17-year-old hunter from Monroe is killed by a lightning strike in Union Parish over the weekend. Sheriff Dusty Gates says Colton Honeycutt was inside an elevated deer stand in a remote wooded area when a storm came through Saturday.

Cut 3 (07) “…causing his death.”

Gates says Honeycutt was hunting by himself, so the only way that the sheriff’s department was notified about what happened was by family members who went out to look for him.

Cut 4 (08) “…found him deceased.”

Gates says the area was hard for first responders to get to the area.

Cut 5 (04) “…get to him.”

By the time first responders found Honeycutt, he was dead.

___________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers are 5-2 following a rare loss to Vanderbilt and the fan base is not happy with Coach Brian Kelly. Going into the season, the Tigers were considered a national championship contender, but another loss and LSU will likely miss out on the college football playoff. Some fans are calling for Kelly to be fired and the veteran head coach recognizes everybody’s angst….

Cut 6 (05) “…team better.”

Kelly says everybody with the programs wants to do well and loves LSU…

Cut 7 (07) “…I’m not happy.”

Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says Kelly is as surprised as everyone else that the team is not performing better…

Cut 8 (13) “…they’re horrible.”

LSU faces a difficult test this Saturday as they host undefeated and third ranked Texas A&M.

___________________________________________________

St. Tammany Parish unveiled the opening of EquipmentShare in Lacombe, which is one of the nation’s fastest-growing construction-technology and equipment-rental companies. Russell Richardson, the president and CEO of the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, says launching the company in Lacombe brings excitement for the future of the parish.

Cut 9 (07)  “…that we’re doing.”

EquipmentShare’s new Lacombe Branch becomes the 13^th location in the state. Richardson says the expansion benefits not only St. Tammany Parish but the state as a whole.

Cut 10 (10) “…growing and expanding.”

Richardson says that EquipmentShare’s location in Lacombe will play a big role in the economic growth for St. Tammany Parish.

Cut 11 (13) “…for our parish.”

The Shreveport community issues an emotional plea for information after two girls die from injuries suffered in a house fire last week. Firefighters pulled nine-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and five-year-old Danielle Spearman from the burning home; they were hospitalized in critical condition until family members made the difficult decision to take them off life support. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese says while the fire is being investigated as arson, investigators are still looking for specific details.

Cut 13 (08)  “…some concrete information.”

A 17-year-old hunter from Monroe is killed by a lightning strike in Union Parish over the weekend. Colton Honeycutt was inside an elevated deer stand in a remote wooded area when a storm came through Saturday. Sheriff Dusty Gates says the area was hard for first responders to get to.

Cut 5 (04) “…get to him.”

Honeycutt was hunting by himself; the only way the sheriff’s office found out was from family members who went searching for him when he didn’t return home.

After Saturday’s loss to Vanderbilt all but ended LSU’s national championship hopes, Tigers fans seem to have had it with Coach Brian Kelly. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

While LSU’s football team is struggling through a subpar season, its national championship baseball team is being honored at the White House this afternoon. The Tigers will be joined by the Pilots of LSU-Shreveport, who became the first college baseball team at any level to go through an entire season undefeated.