While conditions this weekend will start feeling like fall, they will also elevate the risk for wildfires. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brad Bryant says when you combine drought conditions with low humidity and breezy conditions, it will not take much for a wildfire to spread quickly.

Cut 13 (08) “…dried out.”

A 102-year-old theater in Jonesboro which was at the forefront of the civil rights movement is awarded a 750-thousand-dollar grant for the first phase of a major restoration. In 1965, U.S. Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach sued the Palace Theater for refusing to admit Black patrons. In response, the theater opted to close down. Dr. Herbert Simmons Jr., the co-founder of the Greater North Louisiana Community Development Commission, says it’s all the more reason why restoring the theater is of utmost importance.

Cut 7 (10) “…in the 1960s.”

All the numbers have been tabulated, and it turns out Louisiana finished last fiscal year with a 565-million-dollar budget surplus. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says a huge percentage of that surplus is the result of higher-than-expected tax collections.

Cut 9 (09)  “…160-million.”

The Saints will have their chance to answer owner Gayle Benson’s call to action on Sunday against the Giants. The Saints have not been to the postseason in five years, and NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says if they miss out again, it would be the longest playoff drought in a long time.

Cut 4 (13) “…out this way.”

And next week, the Saints travel to Paris to take on the Steelers.

A dry cold front will bring Louisiana fall-like temperatures this weekend and into early next week. Meteorologist Brad Bryant with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says we finally see relief from the humidity, and we’ll have high temperatures in the 80s.

Cut 12 (09) “…big change’

But with low humidity and breezy conditions, a red flag warning has been issued for much of the state.

Louisiana finished last fiscal year with a 565-million-dollar budget surplus. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says one reason for that is because the Landry Administration and the state legislature have limited the growth of state government. He expects Louisiana will avoid tough budget times in the future because of the job creation that’s happening.

Cut 11 (09) “…Louisiana.”

A north Louisiana theater which was one of the focal points during the civil rights movement is awarded a 750-thousand-dollar grant from the National Park Service for the first phase of a major restoration project. Janice Simmons, the assistant director of Greater North Louisiana Community Development Commission, says the money will go towards much-needed repairs for the 102-year-old Palace Theater.

Cut 6 (11) “…disrepair right now.”

After losing three straight at home, the Saints kick off a long road trip against the Giants on Sunday. Former Saints quarterback Jameis Winston has led New York to two wins and a tie since taking over for an injured Jaxson Dart. Saints D-end Carl Granderson says the Black and Gold will need to capitalize on any mistakes.

Cut 18 (14)  “…a mistake sometimes.”

The first real cold front of Fall moves through the state today. Temperatures will be much cooler this weekend, but LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of wildfires increases because of dry and breezy conditions.

Cut 13 (11)  “…is pretty high.” 

Nearly all of north and central Louisiana is under an outdoor burn ban. There’s also a red flag warning in effect for those areas, which means any fires that develop could spread rapidly.

The weather will be perfect for the 89th annual International Rice Festival, which is underway in Crowley. Festival Coordinator Shanna (SHAA-nah) Monk invites you to bring the entire family.

Cut 10 (09) “…bigger every year.”

Plus, there will be a children’s parade at 1:30 this afternoon, and the grand parade is tomorrow afternoon at three.

The Saints will have their chance to answer owner Gayle Benson’s call to action Sunday against the Giants. Nola.com’s Jeff Duncan says Benson’s rare public appearance admonishing the team’s performance was eye-opening. Her speech came before a big road trip to New York, then to Paris for the first-ever NFL game in France.

Cut 3 (14) “…so bad.”

ULM hosts Louisiana Tech tomorrow in the first installment of the I-20 Showdown in 26 years. The Warhawks are 0-and-5 and have lost 13 straight dating back to last season. Head coach Bryant Vincent is still confident in his team, and ULM Athletic Director S.J. Touhy told KNOE-TV the administration is behind him.

Cut 9 (11)  “…him showing that.”

The country’s newest historically Black medical school earns preliminary accreditation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

After 26 years of waiting, the I-20 Rivalry returns tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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If you’ve been waiting on fall-like weather, you are in luck — it arrives today. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The newest historically Black medical school earns preliminary accreditation. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which is the accrediting body for U.S. programs granting medical doctorate degrees, gave its preliminary accreditation to Xavier University’s Ochsner College of Medicine in New Orleans. University President Dr. Reynold Verret says the school is the only HBCU college of medicine in the Gulf South and the first HBCU medical school to be on the path to full accreditation in a very long time.

Cut 4 (05) “…60s and 70s.”

Dr. Leonardo Seoane (say-oh-AH-nee), the president and founding dean of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, says it’s the culmination of a ten-year quest, and the school is gearing up to welcome its first class in the summer of 2027.

Cut 5 (12) “…start next summer.”

Dr. Seoane says while the initial class will be 50 students, he expects future classes to grow in size.

Cut 6 (09) “…100 per class.”

__________________________________________

ULM hosts Louisiana Tech tomorrow in the first installment of the I-20 Showdown in 26 years. The Sun Belt rivals are separated by just 35 miles, and Warhawks Athletic Director S.J. Touhy told KNOE-TV in Monroe that he expects a big crowd.

Cut 7 (08) “…numbers end up.”

It is just the third home game of the season for ULM. Touhy told KNOE-TV in Monroe that the students have been great supporters so far this season, and the Warhawks are working to make Saturday’s game day extra special.

Cut 8 (11) “…a fun day.”

The Warhawks are 0-and-5 to start the season and have now lost 13 straight. Head coach Bryant Vincent is still confident in his team, and Touhy told KNOE-TV the administration is behind him.

Cut 9 (11)  “…him showing that.”

Kickoff in FMOL Health St. Francis Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

__________________________________________________

The 89th annual International Rice Festival is underway in Crowley. Festival Coordinator Shanna (SHAA-nah) Monk says the weather will be perfect, so bring the entire family.

Cut 10 (09) “…bigger every year.”

Plus, there will be a children’s parade at 1:30 this afternoon, and the grand parade is tomorrow afternoon at three.

Monk says the live music will be rocking the two stages until midnight tonight and tomorrow night.

Cut 11 (13) “…on Saturday night.”

Of course, no festival centered on a food item would be complete without a cooking contest, and Monk says the Rice Festival is no different.

Cut 12 (09) “…a rice dish.”

There’s also a carnival midway, with rides that are open from ten a-m to ten p-m today and tomorrow, and from noon to six p-m Sunday. Admission to the Rice Festival is free, and you can ride all the rides you want for 30 dollars today and tomorrow, and 25 dollars on Sunday.

__________________________________________________

The first real cold front of Fall moves through the state on Friday. Temperatures will be much cooler this weekend, but LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of wildfires increases because of dry and breezy conditions.

Cut 13 (11)  “…is pretty high.”

Nearly all of north and central Louisiana is under an outdoor burn ban. And there’s a red flag warning out for central and north Louisiana, which means any fires that develop could spread rapidly.

The National Weather Service says this cold front could bring gusts of more than 30 miles per hour and humidity levels will fall below 40-percent.

Keim says if you’re going to a high school football game tonight, bring a jacket.

Cut 14 (08) “…all get out.”

Keim says much of the state will see morning lows in the 40s, with Sunday being the coldest morning.

Cut 15 (10) “…across northern parishes.”

__________________________________________________

Number-22 LSU takes on 16th-ranked Mississippi State at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Coach Lane Kiffin will face another former coordinator in Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby. Lebby was the Ole Miss offensive coordinator for two seasons, and Kiffin says his offense can be lethal.

Cut 16 (16) “…pick you apart.”

That offense is commanded by quarterback Kamario Taylor. Taylor is off to a stellar start to his sophomore campaign, but he is listed as questionable with a right foot injury. Kiffin says he can be a dangerous player.

Cut 17 (16) “…quarterback college friendly.”

__________________________________________________

After losing three straight at home, the Saints kick off a long road trip against the Giants on Sunday. Former Saints quarterback Jameis Winston has led New York to two wins and a tie since taking over for an injured Jaxson Dart. Saints D-end Carl Granderson says the Black and Gold will need to capitalize on any mistakes.

Cut 18 (14)  “…a mistake sometimes.”

__________________________________________________

UL Lafayette hosts Troy tomorrow as the Cajuns try to rebound from a disappointing loss to Louisiana Tech. Head coach Michael Desormeax says the team is angry after blowing a 12-point fourth-quarter lead, and they should be. But now they have to turn to a Trojans team hitting their stride.

Cut 19 (10) “…room for error.”

Troy has extended rest coming off a Tuesday night win over Southern Miss last week. The Trojans are scoring 28 points a game and rank fourth in the Sun Belt in yards per game. Desormeaux says they still haven’t abandoned their run-heavy philosophy.

Cut 20 (16) “…down the field.”

Troy leads the conference in rushing yards per game.

Cut 24 (fade after 3 seconds and use as bed)

Yes, seasons do change – including here in Louisiana, believe it or not. And this weekend is definitely going to start feeling like fall. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says if you’re going to a high school football game tomorrow night, bring a jacket.

Cut 14 (09) “…get out.”

The SEC is not dismissing its federal lawsuit against LSU, but Attorney General Liz Murrill told 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge that goes directly against the wishes of the member institutions.

Cut 9 (14)  “…wrongdoing.”

The SEC says even though LSU never rostered any former NFL or NBA players, Will Wade’s recruitment of former G League player RJ Luis still threatens its pro player ban and its right to enforce its rules.

A new survey says increasing access to child care could get almost 30-thousand mothers to re-enter the workforce, generating 3.2-billion dollars in additional earnings. Dr. Heather Cope, the chief of policy and research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says the state needs to make child care more affordable, with child care currently costing up to 12-thousand dollars a year per child.

Cut 5 (06) “…any family’s budget.”

A new ferryboat is in operation for the Cameron crossing in Cameron Parish. Department of Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says the Holly Beach ferryboat will replace the Cameron Two, which has been in service since 1964.

Cut 6 (08) “..100 miles”

A new survey says increasing access to child care could unlock billions of dollars in economic growth for the state. Dr. Heather Cope, the chief of policy and research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says increasing access to early childhood education could allow almost 30-thousand parents to re-enter the workforce.

Cut 3 (11) “…for the state.”

The SEC is not dismissing its federal lawsuit against LSU. Attorney General Liz Murrill told 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge that SEC lawyers could not negotiate a joint statement in which LSU implied it had done something wrong and would not do anything wrong in the future.

Cut 10 (14) “…any violation.” 

Cut 23 (fade after 4 seconds and use as bed)

In this case, the Calcasieu Ship Channel will have to do. A new ferry boat has been put into service at the Cameron Crossing in southwest Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center say one out of every four male active duty U.S. Army personnel have testosterone levels below the clinical threshold. The study comes amid Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s order that all male service members 30 and older be tested for testosterone.

The author of Amendment 8 says it’s something the state needs. It would prohibit a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary from seizing private property for necessary purposes, known as expropriation.  Rosepine Representative Chuck Owen says the amendment would clarify current law to specify “foreign adversaries” as defined by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Cut 24 (08) “…and Iran are.”

Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore is reacting to harsh words from owner Gayle Benson as she expressed her displeasure over the team’s disappointing start to the season. Moore says Benson’s comments will not change the team’s preparation because they were already focused on getting better. He says they work in a results-based business and things will need to improve.

Cut 14 (08) “…better moving forward.”

Cut 23 (fade after 4 seconds and use as bed)

In this case, the Calcasieu Ship Channel will have to do. A new ferry boat has been put into service at the Cameron Crossing in southwest Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Three suspects are arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in St. Martinville. 22-year-old Carter Williams, 18-year-old Kason Sias Jr. and 17-year-old Jenarius Johnson are charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 19-year-old Michael Fusilier of Lafayette.

A new survey says increasing access to child care could get almost 30-thousand mothers to re-enter the workforce, generating 3.2-billion dollars in additional earnings. Dr. Heather Cope, the chief of policy and research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says the state needs to make child care more affordable, with child care currently costing up to 12-thousand dollars a year per child.

Cut 5 (06) “…any family’s budget.”

A new ferryboat is in operation for the Cameron crossing in Cameron Parish. Department of Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says the Holly Beach ferryboat will replace the Cameron Two, which has been in service since 1964.

Cut 6 (08) “..100 miles”

The Cameron crossing is not getting just one ferryboat, it’s getting two. The second ferry boat is expected to be completed in late November.

Saints owner Gayle Benson issued a call to action to her team to respond to a disappointing start to the season. Kace Kieschnick has how her head coach and quarterback responded.

Cut 23 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

It will be the Big 12 versus the Pac-12 in the 50th Independence Bowl this December. The Pac-12 tie-in is actually for one of its Legacy teams – Oregon State, Washington State and the ten schools which departed the conference back in 2024. The game will be played Tuesday, December 22nd, at 7:30 Central Time.

A new survey says increasing access to child care would mean big bucks for the state’s economy. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The man accused of killing 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather, whose remains were found in a Baton Rouge-area landfill, has pleaded not guilty. 51-year-old Maurice Parms entered his plea during a court appearance. He’s facing six counts, including first-degree murder and indecent behavior with a child.

The SEC is not dismissing its federal lawsuit against LSU, but Attorney General Liz Murrill told 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge that goes directly against the wishes of the member institutions.

Cut 9 (14)  “…wrongdoing.”

The SEC says even though LSU never rostered any former NFL or NBA players, Will Wade’s recruitment of former G League player RJ Luis still threatens its pro player ban and its right to enforce its rules.

Frustration seems to be boiling over in Who Dat Nation, with Saints Owner Gayle Benson not mincing words in expressing her frustration in the team’s poor start to the season. Quarterback Tyler Shough says he and his teammates share Benson’s expectations for the team.

Cut 15 (10) “…can that way.”

A new report says increasing access to child care could unlock billions of dollars in economic growth for the state. Dr. Heather Cope, the chief of policy and research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says increasing access to early childhood education could allow almost 30-thousand parents to re-enter the workforce, leading to 3.2-billion dollars in additional earnings.

Cut 3 (11) “…for the state.”

The shipbuilding industry in Louisiana just got a shot in the arm with the Small Business Administration granting Fletcher Technical Community College nearly five-million dollars. Carrie Cortez, the vice chancellor for academic affairs and workforce initiatives, says Fletcher will focus its workforce training and technical assistance to small manufacturers in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (09) “…and St. Martin.”

State Treasurer John Fleming is calling for a major increase in Louisiana’s homestead exemption. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A bicyclist is killed in St. Mary Parish after being rear-ended by a pickup truck. State Police say a 42-year-old man from Patterson was riding on the line along the edge of U.S. 90 at around one yesterday morning when the pickup truck hit him from behind. Police say the cyclist was wearing dark clothing at the time and was not wearing a helmet.