Thirty percent of small business owners nationwide say inflation is their single most important problem. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says the federal government said the record-high inflation would only be temporary, but it’s stuck around for the whole year

Cut 6 (09)  “..my business.” 

McVea says the national survey also found that 46 percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill.

The state Department of Insurance has approved a rate increase of 63 percent for customers of the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it was a necessary decision, as required by state law but nevertheless he says it was…:

Cut 13 (12) “…a private company.”

A survey finds travelers are making new arrangements this holiday season as prices continue to rise because of inflation. Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

According to All Home Connections, the most searched for Halloween costume this year in Louisiana is a witch. They believe the release of Hocus Pocus 2 is responsible for its popularity. In Texas and Arkansas cat costumes top the list and in Mississippi, you’ll see plenty of Elvis costumes. They might want to consider giving trick-or-treaters peanut butter and banana sandwiches this year instead of chocolate.

The state Department of Insurance has approved a rate increase of 63 percent for customers of the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens. The increase will take effect on January 1^st, but Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon hopes to have new insurance companies arranged to offer cheaper coverage to those under Citizens’ protection…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…Citizens’ policyholders.”

The consumer financial company Bankrate conducted a survey and 80% of holiday travelers are changing their plans this year due to rising costs. Senior Industry Analyst, Ted Rossman says inflation will impact lower-income households at a higher rate, and planning ahead will help keep holiday travel costs more affordable.

Cut 5 (10) “…don’t delay.”

The survey says 25% will make less expensive accommodations this year for the holidays.

John Deere announces plans to expand its Thibodaux plant which will result in 70 new jobs on the Bayou.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino” 
It was a violent night in Shreveport last night as three separate shootings led to three fatalities. Police say the shootings occurred within an hour of each other and there’s no word from authorities on whether these shootings are connected or if anyone has been arrested.

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley told the Senate Education Committee the number of teacher vacancies in the classroom statewide has been cut in half in one year from 25-hundred to 12-hundred. Brumley says legislation approved by lawmakers this year helped out.

The deadline to register for elections hits today at 4:30 and we are just now two weeks away from early voting. Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

_________________________________________________

Holden Hoggatt who’s running against incumbent congressman Clay Higgins picks up the endorsements of three former southwest Louisiana congressional leaders. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Insurance has approved Louisiana Citizens request for a 63-percent rate increase on its residential property insurance policies. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________________________

Today marks the final day to register in person to vote in the November eighth election. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the deadline officially hits at 4:30 pm…

Cut 4 (10)  “…registratar voter.”

Ardoin says if you miss today’s deadline, you can still register to vote for the November 8th election online, at geaux-vote-dot-com by October 18th. 

Residents will be able to use their audit code from their driver’s licenses to register online. After the system verifies the resident’s identity they become registered to vote.

Ardoin says as we near closer to voting residents should still examine their registration.

Cut 5 (09) “…as possible.”

Over 3 million people are registered to vote, but  Ardion says he’s still going to advocate the importance of voting.

Cut 6 (13)  “…election day.” 

Early voting for November eighth begins October 25th and runs to November 1st.

__________________________________________________

As the race for Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District heats up, former Louisiana Congressmen Charles Boustany and Chris John, along with former Senator John Breaux have endorsed Republican Holden Hoggatt against incumbent Clay Higgins. Breaux says southwest Louisiana needs someone who will work across party lines and put the district first and he believes Hoggatt is the best candidate.

Cut 7 (08) “…the district.”

Breaux says when you serve in Congress you are obligated to serve your constituents and that means those from all party affiliations, all races, and economic backgrounds. Breaux believes Hoggatt will fight for what the district needs as a whole.

Cut 8 (11)  “…or what have you.”

And while Hoggatt gained the endorsements of three power players in southwest Louisiana, Higgins has the endorsement of fellow Louisiana Congressman and Republican Whip Steve Scalise, along with House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. And while Breaux didn’t criticize Higgins’ term in DC directly…

Cut 9 (07)  “…with everybody.”

Higgins was first elected to the district in 2016 and is his third term. This is Hoggatt’s first run for political office. The election is four weeks from today.

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources has awarded contracts to Dynamic Group and Lemoine Disaster Recovery to plug orphaned oil wells in north Louisiana. D-N-R spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they are  using a 25-million dollar federal grant to pay for this much needed work…

Cut 10 (10) “…well populations.”

Courreges says the state currently plus 120 to 200 wells per year, they hope to double that number with these federal dollars, but they are still in discussions with these two companies to see if that can be done…

Cut  11 (10)  “…obligated.”

Louisiana’s well count is around 45-hundred sites, accelerated by downturns in the prices of oil and gas. Courreges says it’s difficult work…

Cut 12 (09) “..200-thousand dollar job” 

______________________________________________

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins took 23 trips totaling over $35 thousand dollars from 2019 to 2021, but  $3 thousand dollars of that violated the City of Shreveport travel card policies and procedures.

Roger Harris, Assistant Legislative Auditor for Investigations says City policy requires Perkins to submit travel expenses within 30 days.
Cut 13 (09) “…after travel.”

Perkins made credit card payments without showing proof that everything was processed correctly. Harris says Shreveport has strict policies elected officials must abide by.

Cut 14 (08)  “…travel form..”

Perkins made credit card payments without showing proof that everything was processed correctly. Harris says Shreveport has strict policies elected officials must abide by.

Cut 15 (13)  “…the future.”

______________________________________________

The Saints are off today and we’ll find out tomorrow if Jameis Winston can return to practice after missing the last two games with back and ankle injuries. Coach Dennis Allen likes the production he’s getting from Andy Dalton…

Cut 16 (21)  “…part of that.” 

Sunday’s win over Seattle was the best game the offense has put together. But Allen was not happy with the two turnovers…

Cut 17 (15) “…emphasis on it.” 

______________________________________________________

It was a tough day for the offense, defense and special teams in LSU’s 40-13 loss to Tennessee on Saturday. Two bad plays by the special teams units led to a quick 10-nothing Volunteer lead. LSU’s offense couldn’t keep pace. Coach Brian Kelly says they moved the ball well until they got in the red zone and there were also three failed fourth down tries. Kelly is looking at how they can be more successful on situational downs…

Cut 18 (20) “…less is more” 

True freshman linebacker Harold Perkins didn’t see the field much as LSU’s defense struggled to slow down Tennessee’s up-tempo offense. Kelly says they recently moved Perkins to strongside linebacker and that particular position didn’t fit well against the Volunteers spread offense attack…

Cut 19 (18) “…this weekend.”

LSU visits Florida this Saturday.  The Tigers gave up 263 rushing yards against Tennessee and the Gators are another team that can run the football well. Kelly expects better results in Gainesville…

Cut 20 (22) “ …expect them to.” 

______________________________________________________

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has made a positive identification on a decomposing, dismembered body found in July of 2016. Lt. Adam Rudolph says Kleanthis Konstantinidis (Kle-anthis Kon-stan-ti-ni-dis) is the victim, and the prime suspect Phillip Pointer is also deceased. But where the murder took place and a motive Rudolph says remains a mystery.

Cut 14 (11)  “…exactly sure.” 

Since 2006 rural areas in Louisiana continue to lose nonfarm jobs and economist Dr. Loren Scott predicts the trend will continue into 2025 among the 29 parishes outside the state’s nine metropolitan areas. He predicts close to 3,000 job losses, but some rural areas are seeing a boon, specifically those related to the timber industry.

Cut 4 (09) “…positive things.” 

The wet summer and dry fall are frustrating many rice and crawfish farmers. Rice producers experienced very wet conditions during harvest in July and August. LSU AgCenter Rice specialist Doctor Ronnie Levy says because a lot of rice farmers also have crawfish ponds dry conditions will only increase the cost to harvest mudbugs next year…

Cut 7 (07) “…your fields”

He says pumping water into the crawfish ponds is costly….

If you suffer from autumn allergies, you might be blaming the wrong culprit. LSU Ag center horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says fall is prime ragweed season, even though goldenrod, which is more visible, usually gets the blame.

Cut 9 (11)  “…right now.”

A dismembered body found several years ago in rural St. Tammany Parish in 2016 has been identified. Jeff Palermo has more on this 2016 homicide investigation…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Holden Hoggatt who’s running against incumbent southwest Louisiana congressman Clay Higgins picks up the endorsements of former congressmen Charles Boustany and Chris John, along with former Senator John Breaux. Breaux says Hoggatt is a republican who can work across party lines. Higgins received fellow congressman Steve Scalise’s backing.

Since 2006 rural areas in Louisiana continue to lose nonfarm jobs and economist Dr. Loren Scott predicts the trend will continue among the 29 parishes outside the state’s nine metropolitan areas. He predicts 1,000 jobs will be lost next year and in 2024 17-hundred job losses.

Cut 3 (11) “…nationwide.” 

Scott says however there are rural areas that are seeing a boon in job in the timber sector.

If you suffer from autumn allergies, you might blame what’s goldenrod because it’s the most visible. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says however ragweed’s tiny particles are nearly invisible, but allergy sufferers know they’re there herself included.

Cut 11 (11)  “..those times”

On Sunday three individuals on a sunken fishing boat offshore of Empire, Louisiana fended off sharks as they awaited to be rescued. The Coast Guard launched a search after they failed to return from a Saturday fishing trip. They were airlifted and taken to a hospital, two suffered injuries and one had signs of hypothermia.

The wet summer and dry fall are frustrating many rice and crawfish farmers. Rice producers experienced very wet conditions during harvest in July and August. LSU AgCenter Rice specialist Doctor Ronnie Levy says because a lot of rice farmers also have crawfish ponds dry conditions will only increase the cost to harvest mudbugs next year…

Cut 7 (07) “…your fields”

Levy says pumping water into the crawfish ponds is costly….

If you suffer from autumn allergies, you might be blaming the wrong culprit. LSU Ag center horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says fall is prime ragweed season, even though goldenrod, which is more visible, usually gets the blame.

Cut 9 (11)  “…right now.”

She says experts recommend you change your clothes if you can before you bring them into the house if you have a mudroom or garage.

Economist Loren Scott says rural areas of the state should have a percentage point of job decline but he admits it could be worse if it wasn’t for the ongoing lumber issues in Canada and lumber is Louisiana is prosperous.

Cut 5 (10) “…population shifts.” 

And with a 2023 recession looming he expects the southern half of the state to see job growth compared to the rest of the country.

Since 2006 rural areas in Louisiana continue to lose nonfarm jobs and economist Dr. Loren Scott predicts the trend will continue into 2025 among the 29 parishes outside the state’s nine metropolitan areas. He predicts close to 3,000 job losses, but some rural areas are seeing a boon, specifically those related to the timber industry.

Cut 4 (09) “…positive things.” 

The wet summer and dry fall are frustrating for many rice and crawfish farmers. Rice producers experienced very wet conditions during harvest in July and August. LSU AgCenter Rice specialist Doctor Ronnie Levy says this prevented farmers from harvesting rice on time.

Cut 6 (08)  “…harvest the crop.” 

And pumping water into crawfish ponds is expensive.

Tennessee was the much better football team on Saturday as they trounced LSU 40-13. Jeff Palermo has a recap.

Cut 30 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Since 2006 rural areas in Louisiana continue to lose nonfarm jobs and economist Dr. Loren Scott predicts the trend will continue among the 29 parishes outside the state’s nine metropolitan areas. He predicts 1,000 jobs will be lost next year and in 2024 17-hundred job losses.

Cut 3 (11) “…nationwide.” 

Scott says however there are rural areas that are seeing a boon in job in the timber sector.

A number of old, broken-down local bridges are getting some much-needed TLC, thanks to $270-million in federal Infrastructure coming to Louisiana. The state closed 25 bridges last year and closed 31 so far this year. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says the money will be sent to parishes to address their most urgent needs…:

CUT 08 (07)     “…as well.”

After the President issued pardons for federal marijuana possession convictions, many ask will Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards follow suit? He says he will consider any such pardons that reach his desk, but it’s up to lawmakers to permanently address weed convictions…:

CUT 12(12)      “…this direction.”

For the first time in the Louisiana Lottery’s 31-year history, a $20 scratch-off game is available. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the new $20 100X features four top prizes of half a million dollars. He says other lotteries have had huge success with higher-priced scratch-off games with twenty, thirty, fifty, and even $100 tickets.

Cut 5 (10) “…of games.”

Those tickets go on sale today.

A Ouachita Parish teen has been arrested for distributing homemade candy laced with narcotics, which made at least three middle school students sick. OPSO spokesman Glenn Springfield says deputies investigating located a 14-year-old who still had some of candy in his possession, he is now in Green Oaks Detention Center…:

CUT 13  (12)        “…being the school”

The candy will be analyzed by the state crime lab.

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists are recommending catching limits for speckled trout fishing. Right now, the limit is 25 per person, with a 13-and-a-half-inch size limit.  Kevin Ford, host of Let’s Geaux Fishing with Kevin Ford says the 15-fish limit isn’t controversial, but the 12-inch size limit is.

Cut 3 (09) “..happen to it.” 

Ford believes the proposed changes will be approved and go into effect early next year.

Now that the state has only four centers accepting injured or orphaned wildlife, Director of Acadiana Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Letitia Labbie (La-bay) says their patient load has tripled and they need funds because more wildlife means more food.

Cut 7 (08) “…recently.”

And that’s just owls, food expenses are close to $65,000 annually. To donate visit AcadianaWildlife-dot -org

When the LSU Tigers and the Tennessee Volunteers take to the field Saturday at Death Valley, a film crew will also be there filming scenes for the upcoming feature, The Mascot. They’ll be getting crowd shots for the full-length feature to be released in 2023. So, you never know while you’re cheering in the stands Saturday your mug might end up on the silver screen with Mike The Tiger. Kickoff is 11:00 AM.

After three students got ill from consuming homemade candy at East Ouachita Middle School on Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office was called to look into the matter. Glenn Springfield spokesperson for the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies also located a 14-year-old suspect with the candy in his possession.

Cut 12 (10) “…similar narcotic.”

The suspect was taken to Green Oaks Detention Center and three students who consumed the laced candy have been released from the hospital.

After President Biden said he want to pardon simple federal marijuana possession convictions, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s won’t immediately follow suit for similar state charges. While Edwards says he supports the move, he doesn’t necessarily have the authority to do so, that must be handled by the state board of pardons.

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists are recommending catching limits for speckled trout fishing. Right now, the limit is 25 per person, with a 13-and-a-half-inch size limit.  Kevin Ford, host of Let’s Geaux Fishing with Kevin Ford says the 15-fish limit isn’t controversial, but the 12 inch size limit is.

Cut 3 (09) “..happen to it.” 

Ford believes the proposed changes will be approved and go into effect early next year.

With only four centers rehabbing injured or orphaned wildlife, Letitia Labbie (La-bay), director of Acadiana Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation says it’s important to help birds of prey because they help eradicate pests, For example, one owl depending on the species can consume up to five mice nightly.

Cut 8 (11)  “…themselves.”

To donate visit AcadianaWildlife-dot-org