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.”

____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.”

_________________________________________________

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.”

_________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

__________________________________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________________

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.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning on Louisiana’s congressional map that analysts say could chip away at the 1965 Voting Rights Act. At issue is the creation of the state’s second majority Black district. Janai Nelson, the head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, says its creation was not done with the purpose of achieving a certain outcome.

Cut 4 (08) “…not party discrimination.”

But Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ahg-yee-NYA-gah) rejects Nelson’s assertion that the creation of that district was done without regard to political preference.

Cut 6 (10) “…same political candidates.”

While the Supreme Court normally issues its rulings in June, the court is expected to rule on this case in the next two to three months, so that if a new map needs to be drawn, it can be done in time for the 2026 elections.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a 16-year-old boy in connection with Saturday night’s shooting on the LSU campus that injured two people. Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely Jr. says thanks to good detective work, they identified the shooter and released a photo of the suspect, seeking the public’s help in finding him.

Cut 8 (11) “…juvenile detention.”

With burn bans in effect in 11 parishes, there is relief in sight. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says a cold front will boost rain chances this weekend. He says much of the northern half of the state could see one inch or more, while southern parishes could get a half inch of rain or less.

Cut 11 (09) “…of the drought”

Grymes says the state has not seen much rain since late August and expects more parishes will issue outdoor burn bans this week.

Oral arguments are underway at the Supreme Court at this hour on the constitutionality of Louisiana’s congressional map – specifically the state’s two majority Black districts. The Supreme Court heard the case in the last term and punted it to this term. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says given the court’s conservative makeup, there’s a good chance that the state will need to redraw its congressional map once again.

Cut 6 (12) “…votes in line.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning about green fentanyl. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says just like regular fentanyl, one dose of green fentanyl equivalent to just two grains of salt is enough to kill you.

Cut 15 (07) “…is extremely high.”

Optimism among small business owners nationwide fell in September. It’s the first decline in three months. NFIB spokesman Todd Pack says one in five small business owners cited labor quality as their single most important problem, which is forcing owners to increase pay.

Cut 12 (10) “…wages sometime soon.”

Teenagers on Instagram using teen-specific accounts now have their content restricted to PG-13 by default, and their parents can further restrict what they see. Haggai Davis, the chief operating officer of 180 Pros, a Baton Rouge IT services company, says regardless of any parental controls, there’s certain content they should never have to worry about their kids getting access to.

Cut 9 (10)  “…take it down.”

The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the state’s congressional map – specifically on its two majority Black districts. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

Small business optimism declined in September for the first time in three months. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

An urgent warning about a highly lethal drug. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_________________________________________________

The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments today on the constitutionality of the state’s congressional map – specifically, the two majority Black districts. This is the second time the Supreme Court is hearing this case. This past June, the court punted the issue to this session. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says by doing so, it reframed the issue from a narrow issue of whether the districts violate the Voting Rights Act.

Cut 4 (14) “…drawing congressional districts.”

Ciolino says the drawing of the current congressional map, with its two majority Black districts, was born from a Supreme Court decision so that it would comply with Section Two of the Voting Rights Act.

Cut 5 (13) “…drawing those lines.”

What’s interesting is during the last Supreme Court term, Attorney General Liz Murrill urged the court to uphold the current congressional map. Now, she’s urging the court to overturn it. Ciolino says Murrill’s shift in position is in response to a major shift in the court’s focus – and given the court’s conservative makeup, there’s a good chance that the state will need to redraw its congressional map once again.

Cut 6 (12) “…votes in line.”

_________________________________________________

Teenagers on Instagram using teen-specific accounts now have their content restricted. Haggai Davis, the chief operating officer of 180 Pros, a Baton Rouge IT services company, says from now on, the content they will be able to see on Instagram will be similar to what they can expect to see at a PG-13 movie.

Cut 7 (11) “…adult-oriented content.”

Davis says Instagram’s parent company, Meta, is also adding a feature that allows parents to set an even stricter setting for their children.

Cut 8 (08) “…to the teens.”

Parents will be able to control things like political content and even the time of day when they can access the site. Davis says regardless of their settings or whether their kids’ accounts are teen-specific, there’s certain content they should never have to worry about their kids getting access to.

Cut 9 (10)  “…take it down.”

_________________________________________________

Optimism among small business owners nationwide fell in September. It’s the first decline in three months. NFIB spokesman Todd Pack says the uncertainty index also rose to its fourth-highest reading in over 51 years.

Cut 10 (09) “…tight labor market.”

Pack says 14-percent of owners reported inflation as their single biggest problem, and 64-percent of those small business owners surveyed reported that supply chain disruptions were affecting their businesses.

Cut 11 (09) “…prices in check.”

Pack says one in five small business owners cited labor quality as their single most important problem, which is forcing owners to increase pay.

Cut 12 (10) “…wages sometime soon.”

_____________________________________________

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning about green fentanyl. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says the only difference between green fentanyl and regular fentanyl is the color.

Cut 13 (09)  “…100-percent deadly.”

The sheriff’s office says green fentanyl has the consistency of sidewalk chalk, gel or tar. It says it can easily be mistaken for cannabis or other less potent drugs. Sheriff Sticker says green fentanyl has been linked to an increase in opioid-related emergency calls throughout the Northshore and greater New Orleans.

Cut 14 (10) “…overdoses and use.”

Sticker reminds you that fentanyl is extremely powerful – about 50 times more potent than heroin. Sticker says a dose equivalent to just two grains of salt is enough to kill you.

Cut 15 (07) “…is extremely high.”

_________________________________________________________

McNeese State football is off to a 1-and-5 start after being blown out by Southeastern. Sophomore quarterback Jake Strong struggled against the Lions, completing only 5-of-14 passes for 37 yards and two interceptions. Head coach Matt Viator says the Cowboys’ offense has to do a much better job against Houston Christian on Saturday.

Cut 16 (15) “…to do better.”

__________________________________________________________

The Southern Jaguars are off to their worst start to a season since 1971 after the 45-14 loss to Bethune-Cookman. Head coach Terrance Graves says it’s important to instill belief in his players and encourages the fan base to stick with the Jaguars through a tough start.

Cut 17 (16) “…more than anybody.”

____________________________________________________________

Grambling is now 3-and-3 after a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Texas Southern. The Tigers had multiple crucial turnovers, including a fumble in the fourth quarter that allowed Texas Southern to run the clock out. Head coach Mickey Joseph says his young team has to clean up their play.

Cut 18 (16) “…get them better.”

________________________________________________________

Vanderbilt’s number-7 scoring offense will be tested against LSU on Saturday, as the Tigers boast the number-5 scoring defense, allowing less than 12 points per game. Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea says the Commodores’ offensive success will come down to execution and patience.

Cut 19 (18) “…schedule at times.”

In LSU’s 24-17 win over Vanderbilt last season, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 28-of-37 passes for 332 yards and threw for a touchdown. Lea says Nussmeier has plenty of strengths and that his team has to limit the big plays against the Tigers.

Cut 20 (14) “…fight against points.”

Police presence at LSU’s next home football game will be beefed up following a pair of shootings near the stadium this past Saturday. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says he will meet with his counterpart at LSU Police tomorrow to coordinate efforts. Morse says even though his department is shorthanded in manpower, securing the campus and the surrounding area is of utmost importance on gamedays.

Cut 4 (07) “…help them out.”

Shreveport State Senator Alan Seabaugh announced that he is running for District Attorney in Caddo Parish. Although Democratic incumbent James Stewart has not formally announced his intentions of running for re-election, LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says he expects him to do so – and he would expect a race between Stewart and Seabaugh to be a competitive one.

Cut 10 (11) “…have been increasing.”

One of Bill Cassidy’s Republican challengers is encouraged by the money his campaign is bringing in. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning about green fentanyl. It says it’s just like any other fentanyl, but it’s dyed in green, and it’s just as deadly. The sheriff’s office says green fentanyl has been linked to an increase in opioid-related emergency calls throughout the Northshore and greater New Orleans.

Security on and near the LSU campus will be beefed up ahead of the Tigers’ next home game October 25th. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

State Senator Blake Miguez is encouraged by the money his campaign is bringing in. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

___________________________________________________

Those of you going to LSU’s next home game on October 25th against Texas A-and-M can expect extra security on and near campus. This, after for the second time this season, gunfire marred the festivities. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says his department will help LSU campus police in any way it’s asked to do.

Cut 3 (07) “…like us to.”

Morse says he will meet with his counterpart at LSU Police tomorrow to coordinate efforts. He says even though his department is shorthanded in manpower, securing the campus and the surrounding area is of utmost importance on LSU football gamedays.

Cut 4 (07) “…help them out.”

Before this past Saturday’s game, a man accidentally shot himself in a leg, and two people were injured in a shooting by the campus’ north gates. Chief Morse says the latter incident happened with officers nearby; and as such, arrests will be coming soon.

Cut 5 (06) “…of video evidence.”

___________________________________________________

State Senator Blake Miguez says his campaign has more than two and a half million dollars in cash on hand. His campaign released that figure as a preview of the campaign finance report that, along with everyone else’s, is due to the Federal Elections Commission tomorrow. Miguez says his contributions are coming from real people.

Cut 6 (08) “…this great state.”

Miguez’s cash on hand, however, pales in comparison to the nine-million in cash Senator Bill Cassidy reported last quarter. Miguez says he’s not concerned by how much money Cassidy has – he believes voters are tuning Cassidy out because of his vote to convict then-former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in 2021.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the ocean.”

Miguez says his campaign is building momentum, and he believes whoever advances to the runoff against Cassidy will ultimately be the next U.S. Senator from Louisiana.

Cut 8 (06) “…Cassidy this spring.”

___________________________________________________

Shreveport State Senator Alan Seabaugh is announcing (at 2:00 this afternoon) that he is running for District Attorney in Caddo Parish – an office currently held by Democrat James Stewart. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says Seabaugh is expected to attack Stewart’s record.

Cut 9 (14)  “…that particular issue.”

Although Stewart has not formally announced his intentions of running for re-election, Sadow says he expects him to do so – and assuming no other prominent candidates jump into the race, he would expect a race between Stewart and Seabaugh to be a competitive one.

Cut 10 (11) “…have been increasing.”

Sadow says while not insurmountable, Stewart would enter the race with a slight advantage.

Cut 11 (15) “…would be favored.”