Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she will not be the next president of the LSU System. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A civic organization says when it comes to overall well-being, Louisiana is headed in the right direction. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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After Louisiana solar panel installer PosiGen laid off 166 employees, one trade organization representing the solar, wind and energy storage industries is reaffirming its confidence in the growth of solar energy. Monika (noe-NEE-kah) Gerhart, the executive director of the Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association, says Louisiana is among the nation’s leaders in solar energy growth.

Cut 3 (08) “…and new hires.”

Gerhart says solar is a mature industry that will continue to grow as long as the sun still shines.

Cut 4 (12) “…with good support.”

Gerhart points out that over the last decade, Louisiana has experienced the most cumulative power outage hours of any state in the nation.

Cut 5 (15) “…more affordable rate.”

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Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow ended speculation this morning that she could be the next president of the LSU system. During an appearance on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Letlow says she considered the opportunity, but the timing is not right…

Cut 6 (10) “…as a candidate.”

Letlow has represented Louisiana’s 5^th Congressional district since 2021. The Monroe native has previously taught at ULM, Tulane and South Florida. At her alma mater at ULM, she’s been an ombudsperson and also served as a Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Cut 7 (10) “…representing the 5th.”

Letlow says LSU is located in her district and believes her position on House Appropriations can be more beneficial for the university…

Cut 8 (05) “…in D-C.”

There’s still a possibility Letlow will run for U-S Senate. It’s believed she’s waiting to see if President Trump will endorse her in a race against several other challengers and incumbent Bill Cassidy.

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The group Leaders for a Better Louisiana says Louisiana’s overall well-being has improved over the last year. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the findings come from the organization’s Louisiana Fact Book.

Cut 9 (08)  “…on a couple.”

Erwin says of the 20 indicators where Louisiana is making progress, education really stuck out, especially when it comes to reading and math in the early grade levels. And Erwin says Louisiana is making good progress on the economic front as well.

Cut 10 (08) “…good jobs growth.”

On the down side, Erwin says the state continues to experience issues with health outcomes, including poverty, food insecurity, life expectancy and low birthweight babies. Erwin says the biggest solution to the state’s problems is a strong education system.

Cut 11 (15) “…they improve.”

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President Trump recently called on National Guard Troops to help fight crime in Washington D-C. During a meeting in the Oval Office today, he said he was considering doing the same in other cities, including one of our own.

Cut 12 (12) “…of this country.”

So far this year, New Orleans has seen a drop in crime as compared to this juncture last year. According to the Metropolitan Crime Commission, shootings, homicides, carjackings and armed robbery are all down. The president says crime in New Orleans can be taken care of very quickly.

Cut 13 (07)  “…than D.C.”

In a social media post, Governor Landry said, “We will take President Trump’s help from New Orleans to Shreveport.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana says Louisiana’s overall well-being has improved over the last year. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says there are a total of 35 indicators; and of the 20 where the state is improving, Louisiana is especially making progress on education and on the economic front.

Cut 10 (08) “…good jobs growth.”

On the down side, Erwin says the state continues to experience issues with health outcomes, including poverty, food insecurity, life expectancy and low birthweight babies.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow ended speculation this morning that she could be the next president of the LSU system. Letlow says she considered the opportunity, but the timing is not right…

Cut 6 (10) “…as a candidate.”

After Louisiana solar panel installer PosiGen laid off 166 employees, one trade organization representing the solar, wind and energy storage industries is reaffirming its confidence in the growth of solar energy. Monika (noe-NEE-kah) Gerhart, the executive director of the Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association, says Louisiana is among the nation’s leaders in solar energy growth.

Cut 3 (08) “…and new hires.”

Gerhart says solar is a mature industry that will continue to grow as long as the sun still shines.

Those of you who play Powerball will undoubtedly be holding your collective breath as the balls are drawn just before ten tonight. If you match all five numbers plus the Powerball, you will be 1.4-billion dollars richer. Monday night, one Louisiana man nearly pulled off the trick. John Stokes of DeRidder came one white ball short of the jackpot but still won 150-thousand dollars for his near-perfection.

President Trump recently called on National Guard Troops to help fight crime in Washington D-C. During a meeting in the Oval Office today, he said he was considering doing the same in other cities, including one of our own.

Cut 12 (12) “…of this country.”

So far this year, New Orleans has seen a drop in crime, compared to this time last year.

The group Leaders for a Better Louisiana says Louisiana’s overall well-being has improved over the last year. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the findings come from the organization’s Louisiana Fact Book.

Cut 9 (08)  “…on a couple.”

Erwin says Louisiana is making progress in education, while it continues to struggle in health-related issues, like poverty and life expectancy.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she will not be the next president of the LSU System. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

You have just a few more hours to buy your Powerball tickets for tonight’s drawing. The jackpot has swelled to an estimated 1.4-billion dollars. The jackpot has rolled over since the last time it was won back on May 31st. This is the fourth biggest jackpot in Powerball history – the record was set in November 2022, when it swelled to more than two-billion dollars.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson will face a Democratic challenger in next November’s general election. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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One anti-smoking group says smoke-free policies help contribute to a drop in smoking-related cancer. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana’s 2026 U.S. Senate race could get even more crowded. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson will have a Democratic opponent in next November’s general election for his District Four House seat. Conrad Cable has announced that he is running for Johnson’s seat. Cable says he’s not a politician; he’s a vegetable farmer.

Cut 4 (14) “…of Louisianans face.”

Cable says he’s not bought and paid for; he’s one who’s looking out for the interests of everyone in District Four.

Cut 5 (12) “…serve my community.”

With Johnson being third in line to the Presidency, he will obviously be very well-funded in his re-election bid. Cable says he has a plan to raise money to go up against the Speaker of the House.

Cut 6 (17) “…we intend to do.”

This is Cable’s first run for political office; and given the makeup of the district, it will shape up to be an uphill climb. The Cook Partisan Voter Index ranks the Fourth Congressional District the most Republican district in the state.

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The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living says smoke-free policies have shown to be very effective in reducing the rate of smoking-related cancers. Senior Director Dr. Earl Benjamin-Robinson, says Orleans and Ouachita parishes, where smoking is prohibited in all indoor establishments, including bars and gaming facilities, both experienced a much higher decrease in smoking-related cancers, relative to the rest of the state.

Cut 7 (09) “…those respective parishes.”

Dr. Benjamin-Robinson says the positive effects of smoke-free policies can go far beyond a decrease in smoking-related cancers.

Cut 8 (12) “…having asthma attacks.”

Dr. Benjamin-Robinson says data like this further fuels the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living’s quest for additional smoke-free policies across the state.

Cut 9 (07)  “…their quit attempts.”

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We could see more Republican candidates enter next year’s U.S. Senate race and challenge incumbent Bill Cassidy. Carencro State Representative Julie Emerson told the Advocate she will throw her hat into the ring, if Congresswoman Julia Letlow doesn’t get in the race. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says everyone is waiting to see if Letlow will make a run for Senate.

Cut 10 (07) “…things up.”

St. Tammany Councilwoman Kathy Seiden has also indicated she could enter the U-S Senate race. Seiden said she’s hired a pollster connected to President Trump to see if voters are looking for a fresh face to represent Louisiana in the U-S Senate.

State Treasurer John Fleming, Acadiana state Senator Blake Miguez and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta have already announced their candidacies. Cross says other than Letlow, all these candidates can make a run for U.S. Senate and not lose their current seat.

Cut 11 (10) “…squeak ahead.”

In April, there will be a primary, as Republican and no party voters will have a chance to elect a candidate for the November election. Cassidy has drawn three challengers and could face more. Cross says it’s a sign that many see Cassidy as vulnerable because of his 2021 vote to impeach President Trump.

Cut 12 (07) “…getting in it.”

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Governor Jeff Landry, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi will announce this afternoon that the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola will house ICE detainees. Louisiana Illuminator Editor Greg LaRose says the ICE detainees will be housed at Camp J.

Cut 13 (12)  “…facility.”

Camp J was once known as the Dungeon, because inmates with disciplinary issues would be held there in solitary confinement. It has been closed since 2018. However, LaRose says in late July the governor declared a state of emergency so expediated repairs can be down at Camp J.

Cut 14 (11) “…changed.”

Louisiana has nine ICE processing and detention centers and LaRose says Louisiana has become a go-to location for the Trump administration since it placed a heightened emphasis on immigration enforcement.

Cut 15 (09) “…hold times.”

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LSU head football coach Brian Kelly admits that he made a mistake in LSU’s 17 to 10 win over Clemson. Kelly says that the Tigers should have taken a field goal instead of going for it on fourth and short.

Cut 16 (23) “…that situation.”

Kelly has a different perspective on the questionable incomplete pass to Barion Brown that initially looked like a touchdown. Kelly says he understands the rule, but thinks it needs to be changed in the future.

Cut 17 (21)  “…that play.”

LSU’s defense held Clemson’s talented offense to only 261 total yards for the entire game. Kelly says there are a few characteristics that a successful defense has to have in order to play as one.

Cut 18 (20) “…build on that.”

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ULM football travels to Tuscaloosa this weekend to face number-21 Alabama after a 29 to 0 victory over Saint Francis last week. Head coach Bryant Vincent says he wants to see major strides from his team every week, but especially in week two.

Cut 19 (14) “…got to climb.”

The Grambling State Tigers, meanwhile, will face an AP number-one team for the first time in program history as they travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State. Head coach Mickey Joseph is not backing down from the challenge and wants his team to focus on one play at a time while limiting sloppy play.

Cut 20 (21) “…be clean.”

LSU moves up to number three in the AP poll and number four in the coaches poll following their 17-10 win over Clemson Saturday night. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney gave LSU a grade of 65 out of 100 for their performance. LSU Coach Brian Kelly clapped back, saying that’s a low score considering his team dominated Clemson in the second half.

Cut 13 (10)  “…second half.”

LSU hosts Louisiana Tech this Saturday night; kickoff is at 6:30.

The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund launches a statewide campaign inviting you to “Put The Phone Down.” Executive Director Ursula Anderson says adults can set a good example by not being on their cell phones around children.

Cut 4 (12) “…workplaces and communities.”

SNAP recipients can no longer use food stamps to purchase soda, candy and energy drinks. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Have you ever dreamt of telling your boss exactly how you feel about him or her? All you need to do is match five numbers and the Powerball in tomorrow night’s drawing, and you can speak your mind without the fear of financial ruin. That’s because pulling off that astronomical feat will make you 1.3-billion dollars richer. Of course, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning, but one can certainly dream!

After a very impressive 17 to 10 win over Clemson Saturday night, LSU is movin’ on up – as in the rankings. LSU is now number-three in the AP poll and number-four in the coaches’ poll. Coach Brian Kelly credits confidence and preparation for the team’s outstanding performance on the road Saturday night.

Cut 12 (15) “…the game.”

SNAP recipients can no longer purchase junk food with their benefits. Governor Landry says the federal government has approved Louisiana’s request to ban the purchase of certain items with food stamps…

Cut 9 (11)  “…rotisserie chicken.”

The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund is inviting you to “Put The Phone Down.” Executive Director Ursula Anderson says the statewide campaign is actually not about refraining from using cell phones while driving – it’s about reducing the use of cell phones altogether.

Cut 3 (11) “…for our children.”

Anderson says excessive cell phone use has proven to have adverse effects on children, leading to increased anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.

A teen is shot and killed in Eunice over the holiday weekend. Police Chief Kyle LeBouef says sometime after nine Sunday night, someone called police to report a group of teens wearing masks and hoodies walking around, with some carrying guns. A short time later, police got another call, saying that someone had been shot.

Cut 6 (03) “…upper torso area.”

That victim was identified as 18-year-old Frederick Stevens Jr., and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund is inviting you to “Put The Phone Down.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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SNAP recipients can no longer use food stamps to purchase soda, candy and energy drinks. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund is inviting you to “Put The Phone Down.” Executive Director Ursula Anderson says the statewide campaign is actually not about refraining from using cell phones while driving – it’s about reducing the use of cell phones altogether.

Cut 3 (11) “…for our children.”

Anderson says adults can set a good example by not being on their cell phones around children.

Cut 4 (12) “…workplaces and communities.”

Anderson says excessive cell phone use has proven to have adverse effects on children, leading to increased anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.

Cut 5 (11) “…and emotionally disregulated.”

Anderson says excessive cell phone use has also been shown to have adverse effects among adults as well.

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A teen is shot and killed in Eunice over the holiday weekend. Police Chief Kyle LeBouef says sometime after nine Sunday night, someone called police to report a group of teens wearing masks and hoodies walking around, with some carrying guns. A short time later, police got another call, saying that someone had been shot.

Cut 6 (03) “…upper torso area.”

Chief LeBouef says that victim was identified as 18-year-old Frederick Stevens Jr.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the scene.”

(Stevens was pronounced dead at the scene.) LeBouef says the events that led to the shooting are still under investigation.

Cut 8 (05) “…he was targeted.”

So far, no arrests have been made.

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SNAP recipients can no longer purchase junk food with their benefits. Governor Jeff Landry says the federal government has approved the Louisiana’s request to ban the purchase of certain items with food stamps.

Cut 9 (11)  “…rotisserie chicken.”

Landry says SNAP recipients can now go to the grocery store and buy a hot rotisserie chicken with their food stamps. He says this new policy is part of the state’s Make Louisiana Healthy agenda.

Cut 10 (09) “…Louisianians healthy.”

Landry says gone are the days of taxpayers subsidizing unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits.

Cut 11 (06) “…candy out.”

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LSU has moved up six spots to number three in the latest A-P Top poll. The Tigers are ranked fourth in the coaches. LSU is coming off an impressive 17 to 10 win over Clemson, who is now ranked eighth. Coach Brian Kelly credits confidence and preparation for the team’s outstanding performance on the road…

Cut 12 (15) “…the game.”

This is LSU’s highest ranking since 2019.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney gave the LSU Tigers a grade of 65 out of 100 for their performance last Saturday. Kelly clapped back and said that’s a low score considering his team dominated Clemson in the second half.

Cut 13 (10)  “…second half.”

Louisiana Tech is up next for the third-ranked Tigers. The Bulldogs won their season opener by shutting out Southeastern Louisiana. Kelly has great respect for Tech coach Sonny Cumbie.

Cut 14 (12) “…state of Louisiana.”

Kick off is at 6:30 p-m.

LSU moves up to number three in the AP poll and number four in the coaches poll following their 17-10 win over Clemson Saturday night. Apparently not exactly showing his gracious side, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney gave LSU a grade of 65 out of 100 for their performance. LSU Coach Brian Kelly clapped back, saying that’s a low score considering his team dominated Clemson in the second half.

Cut 13 (10)  “…second half.”

The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund is inviting you to “Put The Phone Down.” Executive Director Ursula Anderson says the statewide campaign is actually not about refraining from using cell phones while driving – it’s about reducing the use of cell phones altogether.

Cut 3 (11) “…for our children.”

SNAP recipients can no longer use food stamps to purchase soda, candy and energy drinks. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Congressman Clay Higgins is withdrawing from the House Homeland Security Committee. In a letter announcing his withdrawal, Higgins said while he had fought for American law and the security of American sovereignty, his Republican colleagues have chosen an alternate path more in alignment with the less conservative factions of the conference.

Last hour, I told you that LSU had moved up to number four in the Coaches Poll. Now, the AP Writers Poll is out, and LSU has moved up even more in that one to number three. This, after an impressive 17 to 10 win over Clemson, who is now ranked eighth in both polls. Coach Brian Kelly credits confidence and preparation for the team’s outstanding performance on the road.

Cut 12 (15) “…the game.”

SNAP recipients can no longer purchase junk food with their benefits. Governor Landry says the federal government has approved Louisiana’s request to ban the purchase of certain items with food stamps…

Cut 9 (11)  “…rotisserie chicken.”

A statewide campaign urges you to “Put The Phone Down” – not just while driving, but altogether. Ursula Anderson, the executive director of the Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund, says excessive cell phone use has proven to have adverse effects on children, leading to increased anxiety, depression and behavioral problems. 

Cut 5 (11) “…and emotionally disregulated.”

A teen is shot and killed in Eunice over the weekend. Sunday night, police got calls about a group of teens wearing hoods and masks walking around, some of whom were carrying guns. A short time later, they got another call, saying someone had been shot. 18-year-old Frederick Stevens Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene. Police Chief Kyle LeBouef says the events that led to the shooting are still under investigation.

Cut 8 (05) “…he was targeted.”

After a huge win over Clemson Saturday night, LSU is moving on up. The Tigers have jumped up five notches to number four in the Coaches Poll, which was released earlier today, garnering one first place vote. Ohio State, Penn State and Georgia occupy the top three slots. The AP writers poll will be released at the top of the hour, and LSU, which like in the Coaches Poll opened at number nine, is expected to make a similar jump there as well.

A teen is shot and killed in Eunice over the holiday weekend. Police Chief Kyle LeBouef says a group of teens wearing masks and hoodies were seen walking around, with some carrying guns. A short time later, police got a call, saying that someone had been shot. The victim was identified as 18-year-old Frederick Stevens Jr.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the scene.”

It’s unclear what led up to the shooting. So far, no arrests have been made.

The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund launches a statewide campaign inviting you to “Put The Phone Down.” Executive Director Ursula Anderson says adults can set a good example by not being on their cell phones around children.

Cut 4 (12) “…workplaces and communities.”

Anderson says excessive cell phone use has proven to have adverse effects on children, leading to increased anxiety, depression and behavioral problems. Furthermore, she says excessive cell phone use has been shown to have adverse effects on the mental health of adults as well.