Seven months to the day after casting the vote that for all intents and purposes sealed his confirmation as health secretary, Senator Bill Cassidy takes Robert F. Kennedy to task over his vaccine policies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The quiet hurricane season could pose problems if a storm threatens Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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DOTD, along with Destination Zero Deaths, are looking for a commitment to safe driving and they’ve launched “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest. Louisiana high school students are invited to submit videos highlighting the importance of seat belt use and avoiding phone distractions. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says a panel of judges will choose the top three videos and winners will receive cash prizes…

Cut 3 (06) “…safe driving.”

Triple-A is providing the cash prizes. Mallett says videos should highlight seatbelt use and the importance of avoiding phone use distractions. Submissions will be accepted now through October 31st, and they can be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long.

Cut 4 (11) “…of the year.”

Last year, distracted driving contributed to a quarter of crash fatalities in Louisiana, and Mallet says the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” contest includes a pledge they are asking all Louisianans to sign – agreeing to avoid phone use, wear a seatbelt, and speak up when they feel unsafe in cars with others.

Cut 5 (09) “…these days.”

The pledge and contest rules can be found on DOTD’s website.

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After casting what was, for all intents and purposes, the deciding vote that sealed his confirmation as health secretary, Senator Bill Cassidy sparred with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his health policies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing this morning. After Kennedy said he agreed with Cassidy’s assertion that President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for his role in Operation Warp Speed – expeditiously developing COVID-19 vaccines – Cassidy took him to task for something he told Colorado Senator Michael Bennet.

Cut 6 (15) “…question of fact.”

Cassidy then expressed concern that many people Kennedy has nominated for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have received money for serving as expert witnesses for plaintiffs’ attorneys suing vaccine makers.

Cut 7 (17) “…disclosed is okay.”

Cassidy told Kennedy that his policies are causing great confusion as to who can get COVID-19 vaccines and who can’t get them.

Cut 8 (09) “…you’re wrong.”

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There continues to be very little tropical activity in the Gulf; but because it’s been so quiet, sea surface water temperatures are two degrees hotter than normal. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that could spell trouble if a storm threatens Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10)  “…big deal.”

Keim says hot sea surface temperatures can produce rapid intensification…

Cut 10 (11) “…worry about.”

Keim says the average sea surface temperature in the Gulf is 85 degrees, but because of little activity, the Gulf has been able to warm up to 87 degrees…

Cut 11 (05) “…the Gulf.”

A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Mattilyn Batson, the public policy and research director for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says they’re being stretched thin financially.

Cut 4 (14) “…in their community.”

20 years ago, Wheel of Fortune was forced to evacuate New Orleans with Katrina bearing down. They were supposed to tape three shows at the Morial Convention Center, but they only got two weeks worth of shows in. Executive Producer Harry Friedman says the contestants who were slated to appear in that third week eventually did get on the show from the show’s regular studio in Culver City, California.

Cut 12 (09) “…in New Orleans.”

The Senate Finance Committee is questioning Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his health policies this morning. Senator Bill Cassidy’s vote in the committee effectively sealed his confirmation back in February. That fact was not lost on WWL-TV reporter Paul Murphy, who asked him about it yesterday.

Cut 9 (20)  “…have his say.”

State Police now have some information on the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run crash that killed a 53-year-old pedestrian in Jefferson Davis Parish last month. They say the suspect vehicle may be a green or turquoise pickup truck or SUV with damage to the front end or the driver’s side.

Camp J at the Angola Prison has been renovated to house what Governor Landry and federal officials are calling the worst of the worst criminal illegal migrants arrested by ICE. Landry says 51 migrants have already been located there, with more to come.

Cut 14 (14) “…secure America.”

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is defending his health policies in front of the Senate Finance Committee this morning. While Kennedy has long stated his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccines, Senator Bill Cassidy has said President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for his role in getting those vaccines out as quickly as they did. Cassidy said those two viewpoints are not easily reconcilable.

Cut 8 (12) “…figure that out.”

A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

(Paper tearing SFX)

The sound of worthless Powerball tickets everywhere being ripped up, after not a single one matched all five numbers plus the Powerball last night. So that means the jackpot, which has rolled over every drawing since May 31st, will be worth an estimated 1.7 billion dollars Saturday night.

A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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20 years ago, Pat Sajak, Vanna White and the rest of the Wheel of Fortune crew nearly became trapped in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new ICE detention center has been opened at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Mattilyn Batson, the public policy and research director for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says they’re being stretched thin financially.

Cut 4 (14) “…in their community.”

Batson says nearly every expense involved in running a child care center has gone up in recent years.

Cut 5 (14) “…to other sectors.”

Batson says the simplest solution is for child care providers is to raise tuition. However, that’s a lot easier said than done.

Cut 6 (11) “…affording child care.”

Batson says there are programs aimed at helping both child care providers and families afford child care, but those programs are underfunded, which only adds to the problem.

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy is testifying before the Senate Finance Committee this morning as chaos at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to reign supreme. This, after Kennedy fired Susan Monarez, triggering a wave of resignations by top employees. Senator Bill Cassidy, who’s a member of the Finance Committee, says he will have lots of questions for the secretary.

Cut 7 (07) “…make a decision.”

Secretary Kennedy has long stated his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccines. Cassidy, on the other hand, has said President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for his role in Operation Warp Speed, in which Pfizer and Moderna developed vaccines to immunize people from the virus that has killed more than a million people in the U.S. since 2020. Cassidy said those two viewpoints are not easily reconcilable.

Cut 8 (12) “…figure that out.”

In February, Cassidy was the 14th and deciding vote in the Finance Committee to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate, effectively sealing his confirmation. That fact was not lost on WWL-TV reporter Paul Murphy, who asked him a point-blank question.

Cut 9 (20)  “…have his say.”

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20 years ago, Hurricane Katrina nearly trapped Pat Sajak, Vanna White and the rest of the Wheel of Fortune crew in New Orleans. They were in town taping three weeks worth of shows at the Morial Convention Center. Harry Friedman, who was the executive producer at the time, says by the time they made the decision to cancel the taping of the third week of shows and evacuate, they had no way to get out – so they commandeered two tour buses.

Cut 10 (14) “…need their buses.”

So they boarded those buses mid-morning Sunday morning and in the first hour of their journey back to Los Angeles, they had traveled all of two miles on I-10, with the storm clearly visible in the rearview mirror. The two weeks they did manage to tape aired in November, with an introduction from Pat and Vanna stating that they were taped just before the storm. Friedman says staff made sure that all 30 contestants who appeared on the show were accounted for.

Cut 11 (11) “…of the hurricane.”

They did, however, cut out a puzzle that made reference to the Superdome, which was used as the shelter of last resort. Since they cancelled the third day of taping, 15 contestants who were scheduled to appear on the show didn’t. Friedman says they eventually did get to appear on Wheel of Fortune from the show’s studio in Culver City.

Cut 12 (09) “…in New Orleans.”

And because he felt that the show had some unfinished business in New Orleans, Wheel of Fortune returned to the city five years later – this time, without incident.

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Governor Landry and federal officials announce Camp J at the Angola Prison has been renovated to house what they are calling the worst of the worst criminal illegal migrants arrested by ICE. Landry says this facility fulfils the President’s promise to make America safer…

Cut 13 (08)  “…holding facility.”

Camp J was built in 1976 and state prisoners lived in solitary confinement there. It closed in 2018 over concerns it was no longer a secure facility. Landry says it’s been renovated, and 51 migrants have already been located there, with more to come…

Cut 14 (14) “…secure America.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill as the Trump administration calls it, paid for the renovations to Camp J, which is now called Camp 57 in honor of Landry, Louisiana’s 57^th governor. ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan says it’s a model facility…

Cut 15 (14) “…law library.”

Landry says they expect to house about 200 detainees by mid-September and over 400 at the ICE detention center when all of the repairs to the facility are complete.

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LSU-Louisiana Tech is not the only intrastate matchup. The Ragin Cajuns host McNeese at 7 PM. Cowboyshead coach Matt Viator returns to Lafayette after serving as an offensive analyst for the Cajuns the last four seasons. Viator and UL-Lafayette coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) worked together, and Viator likes the in-state matchups.

Cut 16 (17) “…lot of fun.”

The Cajuns started the season with a very disappointing 14-12 loss against Rice. Desormeaux says that he knows the Cajuns will turn things around.

Cut 17 (16)  “…believe that.”

Cajuns quarterback Walker Howard has been ruled out for Saturday night’s game because of an undisclosed injury. Desormeaux says former Catholic High of Baton Rouge star Daniel Beale will start..

Cut 18 (09) “…believes in him.”

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The  Saints kick off their season on Sunday at noon against the Arizona Cardinals. Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will start under center for the Black and Gold. Head coach Kellen Moore says he is seeing lots of confidence from Rattler going into game week.

Cut 19 (15) “…lead us.”

The Saints will face a talented Arizona Cardinals defense led by safety Budda Baker and linebacker Josh Sweat. Spencer Rattler says avoiding negative plays will be the key….

Cut 20 (15) “…the chains.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana says the state’s overall wellbeing is improving. It says the state is especially making progress in education and economic issues, but it’s regressing in health factors like poverty and food insecurity. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the biggest solution to the state’s problems is a strong education system. 

Cut 11 (15) “…they improve.”

A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Mattilyn Batson, the public policy and research director for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says they’re being stretched thin financially.

Cut 4 (14) “…in their community.”

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.”

President Trump sent the National Guard to fight crime in Washington, DC, and could be sending troops to Chicago. Could a city in Louisiana soon follow?

Cut 12 (12) “…of this country.”

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!