Louisiana is investing 3.5-billion dollars in rural communities to improve healthcare, broadband access, roads and bridges. In a news conference, Governor Landry says better access to healthcare, high-speed internet and improved roads will help attract more businesses and investment to rural Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09) “…they love.”

The day after the Student Government Association president at Grambling State University was arrested for rape, the school’s police chief and assistant police chief resigned. While Grambling’s president says the resignations of Chief Rodney Demery and Assistant Police Chief Joshua Feliciano are unrelated to the arrest of Life Makarudze, Lincoln Parish Journal Reporter Wesley Harris says the timing is peculiar.

Cut 6 (10) “…in some way.”

Not only is this Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day, depending on your point of view, but it’s also National Gumbo Day. To celebrate the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has award-winning Monroe Chef Corey Bahr over at his house, and the two are spreading the word about one of Louisiana’s most famous dishes to the country. Bahr says there are countless ways to make gumbo.

Cut 9 (08)  “…make a recipe.”

Several calls went against LSU in its one-point overtime loss to Kentucky. Just before halftime, officials allowed quarterback Kenny Minchey to be pushed into the end zone despite appearing to have his forward progress stopped. Coach Lane Kiffin on the explanation he received.

Cut 3 (10) “…be stopped.” (2x)

Grambling State’s campus police chief and assistant police chief resign the day after the school’s Student Government Association president was arrested. Lincoln Parish Journal Reporter Wesley Harris says Life Makarudze is charged with third-degree rape.

Cut 7 (12) “…state of mind.”

While Grambling President Martin Lemelle Jr. says the resignations of Chief Rodney Demery and Assistant Police Chief Joshua Feliciano are unrelated, Harris says the timing is especially peculiar.

Governor Landry announces the state is investing 3.5-billion dollars in rural Louisiana. Landry says the money will go towards improving healthcare, broadband, roads and bridges, and residents will see the impact.

Cut 12 (12) “…market.” 

Today is National Gumbo Day, and award-winning Monroe Chef Corey Bahr is helping get the word out about one of Louisiana’s most famous dishes. Bahr says the secret to making a great pot of gumbo goes far beyond following a recipe in a cookbook.

Cut 10 (12) “…things like that.” 

Several calls appeared to go against LSU in their overtime loss to Kentucky Saturday night – including one that came right before the winning two-point conversion. It appeared a Kentucky player was guilty of a false start and a flag was thrown, but the officials determined the Wildcats called a timeout before the penalty occurred. Tigers Coach Lane Kiffin says he didn’t get a clear explanation.

Cut 5 (13) “…what it is.”

Louisiana is lending a helping hand to help Florida’s panhandle amid Hurricane Isaias. Acadian Ambulance Regional Vice President Porter Taylor says they’ve deployed 15 ambulances to assist with preparations and response.

Cut 13 (08) “…affected area.”

Taylor says ambulances have been deployed to Marianna, Florida, and their crews could be in the state for the next couple of weeks.

The National Community Pharmacists Association names its national pharmacist of the year, and he hails from right here in Louisiana. T.J. Woodard owns Prescriptions to Geaux, which has two locations in Baton Rouge. Woodard, who earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from ULM in 2007, was very humble when he learned that he was named national pharmacist of the year by the NCPA.

Cut 7 (08) “…being seen nationally.”

Louisiana SONIC Drive-Ins are partnering with Keep Louisiana Beautiful to support litter cleanup across the state. Pray SONIC Marketing Director Lori Moresi (MOR-zee) says 100-percent of the proceeds from the sales of Blue Pelican Slushes will go to Keep Louisiana Beautiful.

Cut 10 (07) “…with a purpose.” 

The slush is a blend of Sprite, blue coconut and sweet cream.

There’s now a little more at stake in Saturday night’s Louisiana Tech-UL Lafayette game as they renew their longtime rivalry. Governor Landry announced that Louisiana’s three Sun Belt schools – those two along with ULM – will compete for the Governor’s Cup in football each year. He says the cup will go to whichever team wins the regular season series among the three schools.

Cut 4 (12) “…games begin.”

With Hurricane Isaias taking aim at Florida’s panhandle as a major hurricane, Louisiana is lending a helping hand. Porter Taylor, the regional vice president for Acadian Ambulance, says they’re deploying ambulances to Marianna, Florida, and they’ll hunker down once the storm starts impacting the area.

Cut 14 (12) “…require transport”

The newly-crowned national pharmacist of the year, who hails from Baton Rouge, says contrary to popular belief, he and other independent pharmacists are able to effectively compete against the major pharmacy chains.

Cut 9 (10)  “…your only option.”

T.J. Woodard, who owns Prescriptions to Geaux, says the biggest challenge is pharmacy benefit managers which also own the big pharmacy chains reimbursing them at below their costs.

Louisiana Tech and UL Lafayette kick off the first game of their renewed Sun Belt rivalry tomorrow night, and now it’s got a little more at stake. Governor Jeff Landry announced that Louisiana’s three Sun Belt schools, those two and ULM, will compete for the Governor’s Cup in football each year.

Cut 3 (07) “…in this state.”

The cup will go to whichever team wins the regular season series among the three schools. Tech’s trip to ULM next week will be the second game in the series, and the Warhawks and Cajuns will cap off the race for the cup on November 12.

Louisiana SONIC Drive-Ins are partnering with Keep Louisiana Beautiful to support litter cleanup across the state by donating 100-percent of the proceeds from the sales of Blue Pelican Slushes to the organization. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell says the partnership gives Louisianians the opportunity to support their effort to keep the paradise in Sportsman’s Paradise.

Cut 11 (09) “…make a difference.”

Of ten constitutional amendments on the November 3rd ballot, Amendment Four received the most attention in the legislative session when lawmakers approved it earlier this year. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says it seeks to prohibit a governor from serving more than two lifetime terms.

Cut 23 (09) “…example of this.”

Louisiana meets one of its higher education goals years early and is well on its way towards meeting a second. Louisiana already exceeded its goal of 85-thousand post-secondary credentials, and it’s now at 54-percent attainment. Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they have more data now compared to when they first started in 2019, when they only had public post-secondary information to go on.

Cut 14 (11) “…State of Louisiana.”

A rivalry that began in 1910 will be renewed for the first time since 2015. Louisiana Tech will host its first Sun Belt Conference football game against UL Lafayette tomorrow night. Tech Athletic Director Ryan Ivey says they’re expecting more than 20-thousand fans, and he expects to see a lot of Cajuns fans making the trip to Ruston.

Cut 8 (10) “…to be great.”

And now, the game has a little more at stake. Governor Landry has announced that Louisiana’s three Sun Belt schools – Louisiana Tech, UL Lafayette and ULM – will compete for the Governor’s Cup in football each year.

Cut 3 (07) “…in this state.”

The cup will go to whichever team wins the regular season series among the three schools. Tech’s trip to ULM next week will be the second game in the series, and the Warhawks and Cajuns will cap off the race for the cup on November 12th.

Ten constitutional amendments are on the November 3rd ballot, including one that would prevent Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards from running for governor again. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A college football rivalry that began in 1910 will be played for the first time in over a decade tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana smashes one of its education goals and is well on its way towards meeting another. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There are ten constitutional amendments on the November 3rd ballot for voters to do their homework on. Amendment Four received the most attention in the legislative session when lawmakers approved it earlier this year. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says it seeks to prohibit a governor from serving more than two lifetime terms.

Cut 4 (09) “…example of this.”

Procopio says if Amendment Four is approved, former governors Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards would not be allowed to run for governor again.

Procopio says Amendment 8 is one that received very little attention in the last legislative session. He says it would prohibit private companies connected to countries deemed foreign adversaries from expropriating private property.

Cut 5 (06) “…it’s never happened.”

Procopio says Amendment Seven, which deals with public spending on drinking water utilities, might difficult to understand. He says it would ensure that public funds can be spent to identify and replace lead-based drinking water lines that run from public property to a person’s home.

Cut 6 (07) “…remove lead pipes.”

To receive non-partisan analysis on all 10 constitutional amendments, go to the Public Affairs Research Council’s website.

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Louisiana Tech will host its first Sun Belt Conference football game against UL Lafayette tomorrow. A rivalry that began in 1910 will be renewed for the first time since 2015. Tech Athletic Director Ryan Ivey says games like this are why they joined the conference.

Cut 7 (11) “…been really special.”

Ivey says there has been a lot of interest in the game, and they’re expecting over 20-thousand fans. The Bulldogs are coming off a big home win over Army last week, but the Cajuns are off to a hot 4-and-1 start. Ivey says he expects to see a lot of red out tailgating.

Cut 8 (10) “…to be great.”

It will be Tech’s first October Saturday home game since 2020 after years of weekday Conference USA matchups. Ivey says he’s thrilled to host a weekend game that means a lot to both schools.

Cut 9 (11)  “…enjoy it.”

Kickoff is at 6:30.

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The State Fire Marshal introduces a new mascot to help it deliver important safety messages. Kory Leo, the director of community risk reduction at the State Fire Marshal’s office, says it’s named Pelly-Can, and it’s going to be the new face of the office.

Cut 10 (12) “…that we do.”

Leo says the mascot is a concept conceived by John Cailleteau (KYE-tow), who recently joined the community risk reduction department.

Cut 11 (09) “…that we’re doing.”

Leo says Pelly-Can will help the State Fire Marshal communicate with children in a way that they can understand.

Cut 12 (08) “…that message home.”

Pelly-Can’s main message is simple – “Making Fire Safety Soar in Louisiana.”

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Louisiana is making great strides in higher education, meeting one of its goals years early and is well on its way towards meeting a second goal. Louisiana set a goal of achieving 85-thousand post-secondary credentials by 2030; it exceeded that with four years to spare. It also set a goal of 60-percent attainment – the percentage of in-state residents holding a credential higher than a high school diploma. It is now at 54-percent, which is a new record for the state. Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says schools have done a great job of leaning into improved student success.

Cut 13 (13)  “…them on track.”

Dr. Reed says they have more data now compared to when they first started in 2019, when they only had public post-secondary information to go on.

Cut 14 (11) “…State of Louisiana.”

Reed says when it comes to attainment, the job’s not done – achieving the 60-percent goal by 2030 is of utmost importance.

Cut 15 (10) “…across our state.”

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The Saints’ blowout loss to the Falcons on a night celebrating the 20th anniversary of the reopening of the Superdome left a bad taste in the mouths of the team and fans. Defensive end Chase Young says that’s a good thing to have as they prepare to host the undefeated Vikings.

Cut 16 (16) “…on our back.”

Minnesota is led by the NFL’s top scoring defense.  They’re known for sending pressure, blitzing nearly 70-percent of the time. Quarterback Tyler Shough says he has never faced a team that blitzes that often.

Cut 17 (14) “…they may bring.”

Kickoff in the Superdome is at noon on Sunday. Former Saints Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees is set to have his name added to the ring of honor at halftime. He will also be on the call for the Fox broadcast of the game.

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Tenth-ranked LSU will hit the road for the second time this season to face Kentucky tomorrow. The Tigers lost their first away game at Ole Miss because of a slow start and offensive mistakes. Center Braelin Moore says communication on the offensive line has been a huge emphasis.

Cut 18 (16)  “…games doing that”

The offensive front has been much better after being torn up by the Rebels, allowing no sacks the last two games. Moore says they need to be more consistent.

Cut 19 (18) “…of the ball.”

LSU ranks second in the nation in total defense even after losing key starters Dashawn Spears and Whit Weeks. Linebacker T.J. Dottery has stepped up to lead the defense, and he says Davhon Keys and Tylen Singleton are playmakers in the middle as well.

Cut 20 (15) “…going it’s awesome.”

Kickoff at Kroger Field is at 6.

The Louisiana Sugarcane harvest is underway, and the state’s Agriculture Commissioner, Mike Strain, says it is going well. Heading into the season there was a concern about the pasture mealybug, an invasive species first identified in Louisiana last year. Strain says the small, white pest likes to drink sugar.

Cut 9 (09)  “…not the case.”

The LSU Ag Center says the pasture mealybug has been detected in every parish that grows sugar, most severely in West Baton Rouge, Iberia and Vermilion parishes.

Economist Dr. Loren Scott was in Alexandria today providing details of his economic forecast that predicts the state will add 55-thousand jobs over the next two years. Scott’s forecast calls for Alexandria to add 18 hundred jobs. Scott says many of central Louisiana’s long-standing businesses are doing well.

Cut 4 (08) “…well there.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Red River Revel in Shreveport, and the arts festival started today. Executive Director Logan Lewis says there are 90 visual artists showing off their works at this year’s festival.

Cut 6 (12) “…we do that.”

The festival is being held this Thursday through Sunday, as well as next Thursday through Sunday. 

As the Will Wade 2.0 era begins at LSU, Wade was sharpening his comedy skills at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. Wade told the crowd yesterday there are two major changes since the last time he coached at LSU.

Cut 12 (13) “…N-I-L, so.” 

Wade told the crowd N-I-L now stands for, “Now It’s Legal.”

Economist Dr. Loren Scott is in Alexandria today to provide details of his economic forecast. He’s predicting that the state will add 55-thousand jobs over the next two years. Scott’s forecast calls for Alexandria to add 18 hundred jobs. A new data center in Rapides Parish is driving much of that job growth, but Scott says hundreds of new jobs will be created because of an increase in ICE deportations at England Airpark.

Cut 3 (04) “…their countries.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Red River Revel in Shreveport, and the arts festival is now underway. It features works from 90 visual artists, as well as eight nights of music, featuring headliners such as Cowboy Mouth, Jeter Jones and Better Than Ezra. Executive director Logan Lewis says there are also plenty of food options.

Cut 8 (11) “…a fan favorite.”

Louisiana’s Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain is pleased with how the state’s sugarcane harvest is going. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Ponchatoula teacher who was arrested on charges of sexual contact with a student has been fired. Tangipahoa Parish School System Superintendent Melissa Martin Stilley says 30-year-old Trey Sparks is no longer employed by the district. He had taught at DC Reeves Elementary School and had coached at Ponchatoula Junior High School.

Economist Dr. Loren Scott is on a statewide tour to discuss his economic forecast, in which he predicts the state will add 55-thousand jobs over the next two years. Today he’s in Alexandria; tomorrow, he visits Shreveport. Scott says the Shreveport-Bosier City area is projected to add 48-hundred jobs by the end of 2028 because of three Amazon data centers that will be built in the area.

Cut 5 (07) “…Alexandria area.”

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have found a link between warm temperatures and weight gain. Professor Dr. Heike Muenzberg-Gruening says leptin receptor neurons in the brain respond to warm temperatures, which lowers the body’s energy expenditure, resulting in fewer calories being burned.

Cut 23 (07) “…a weight gain.”

The parents of a Lafayette Parish teenager who was killed in a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge back in April have sued the mall. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The 50th anniversary of the Red River Revel in Shreveport is underway. Executive director Logan Lewis says with 90 visual artists showing off their works, the Revel makes for the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping underway.

Cut 7 (08) “…the shopping season.”

The festival runs for the next two Thursdays through Sundays.

The parents of a Lafayette Parish teenager who was killed in a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge back in April have sued the mall. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Louisiana’s Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain is pleased with how the state’s sugarcane harvest is going. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Economist Dr. Loren Scott is in Alexandria today to provide details of his economic forecast that predicts the state will add 55-thousand jobs over the next two years. Scott’s forecast calls for Alexandria to add 18 hundred jobs. A new data center in Rapides Parish is driving much of that job growth, but Scott says hundreds of new jobs will be created because of an increase in ICE deportations at England Airpark.

Cut 3 (04) “…their countries.”

The LaSalle Family Foundation plans to build a unit to help families that are self-deporting from the U.S., which will create 240 jobs. The GEO Group which operates the Alexandria Staging Facility is expected to hire another 50 workers.

Scott says many of central Louisiana’s long-standing businesses are also doing well.

Cut 4 (08) “…well there.”

Tomorrow, Scott will travel to Shreveport, to discuss his economic forecast with business leaders. Scott says the Shreveport-Bosier City area is projected to add 48-hundred jobs by the end of 2028, because of three Amazon data centers that will be built in the area. Scott says the data center boom is helping to boost the northern half of the state’s economy.

Cut 5 (07) “…Alexandria area.”

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Red River Revel in Shreveport, and the arts festival is now underway. Executive director Logan Lewis says there are 90 visual artists showing off their works at this year’s festival.

Cut 6 (12) “…we do that.”

Lewis says the Revel is also the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping underway.

Cut 7 (08) “…the shopping season.”

The Revel also includes eight nights of headline music, including Cowboy Mouth, Jeter Jones and Better Than Ezra. Lewis says there’s also plenty of food options.

Cut 8 (11) “…a fan favorite.”

The Red River Revel is being held in downtown Shreveport this Thursday through Sunday, as well as next Thursday through Sunday. It opens at 11 a-m each day and closes at ten p-m Thursday through Saturday and nine p-m Sunday.

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The Louisiana Sugarcane harvest is underway, and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s going well. Heading into the season there was a concern about the pasture mealybug, an invasive species first identified in Louisiana last year. Strain says the small, white pest likes to drink sugar.

Cut 9 (09)  “…not the case.”

The LSU Ag Center says the pasture mealybug has been detected in every parish that grows sugar, most severely in West Baton Rouge, Iberia and Vermilion parishes.

Insecticides have helped with control, but the insecticides don’t kill the ones in the soil and reinfestation occurs within a couple of weeks. Researchers in Louisiana and Florida are working on a solution.

This is week four of the sugarcane harvest and Strain says it’s going smoothly. It helps that Louisiana has avoided any major storms.

Cut 10 (08) “…right now.”

According to the American Sugarcane League, all but one of the eleven mills are in operation. Strain says there is a shortage of truck drivers because of the cap the federal government has placed on H-2B visas.

Cut 11 (11) “…are in place.”

Strain is also urging motorists in south Louisiana to drive with care in areas where sugarcane harvest activity is occurring. Last week, two people were killed in St. Martinville when a passenger car collided with two sugarcane tractors.

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The LSU men’s basketball team plays an exhibition game at McNeese tonight at 6:30; but yesterday, coach Will Wade was sharpening his comedy skills at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. He told the crowd there are two major changes since the last time he coached at LSU.

Cut 12 (13) “…N-I-L, so.”

Wade was fired from LSU in 2022 after being investigated by the NCAA for allegedly paying recruits. He said, to him, N-I-L stands for now it’s legal. A lot has changed since N-I-L was approved. Now, he has to work with realtors.

Cut 13 (12) “…lived in there (laughter).”

Wade recalled a time during his first tenure LSU was investigated after point guard Tremont Waters’ father received an Audi from his agent.

Cut 14 (11) “…better car now.”