Senator Bill Cassidy announces a big federal Infrastructure Law grant for Alexandria International Airport. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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You’d never know that a major hurricane punched Lafourche Parish just a year ago if you’re just looking at how well their public school students are doing. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby” 

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Heads up for those in the logging industry, the second round of grants opens up for applications today through the state treasurer’s office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Alexandria International Airport has received a chunk of federal Infrastructure Law money for needed updates at the facility. Scott Gammel is Deputy Director for Aviation at AIP. He says the $1.6-million grant comes right behind another $1.4-million federal check…to be used for needed runway rehabilitation and more…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…good condition.”

Senator Bill Cassidy made the announcement Monday. He says the investment will help make AIP more attractive for businesses. Gammel says it will also help put people to work…:

Cut 5 (11) “…for our community.”

Gammel says the airport, on the site of the old England Air Force Base, has runways and infrastructure that are nearly 8 decades old, and in need of updating. He says AIP is grateful for the federal assistance…:

 Cut  6 (07)  “…here at the airport.” 

Senator Cassidy says more federal funds should flow to Alexandria Airport over the next five years.

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Lafourche Parish was one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ida, yet their students did so well academically after the hurricane that the state’s education superintendent personally delivered a top honor to them. Cade Brumley awarded the Lafourche Parish School District one of its Models of Excellence awards

Cut 7 (08) “…of Louisiana.”

Brumley says Lafourche was tenth overall for performance in LEAP testing, but its four-point increase tied for the largest improvement in Louisiana.  He says a key to the schools’ success is the emphasis on science education, targeted to developing job skills for the local market, plus college preparation.

Brumley says the Lafourche schools’ success provides proof to other school systems in Louisiana, especially those vulnerable to severe weather damage.

Cut 8 (09)  “…able to do.”

Brumley says it was critically important that the schools were supported by a wide range of community leaders who set examples for students by being resilient themselves.

Cut 9 (11)  “…quality education.”

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The second round of funding from the Louisiana Loggers Relief Program will be open for applications today. Treasurer John Schroder, who’s overseeing the implementation of $5-million, says it’s intended to alleviate the economic strain for loggers caused by the pandemic.

Cut 10 (06) “…financial relief.”

He says it’s funded by the federal infrastructure act. Logging companies that previously received the maximum $25,000 amount from the original Loggers Relief program are not eligible. Schroder says those who were previously denied may be eligible for this round of funding.

Cut  11 (10)  “…across the state.” 

The online application process opens at 10 a.m. and you can also find eligibility requirements at LAtreasury.com.  Schroder says the deadline to apply is October 31^st or until funds run out.

Cut 12 (10) “…assist them.” 

Schroder says the Loggers Relief Program is an extension of the Main Street Recovery Grant Program which distributed close to $275 million to Louisiana small businesses last year.

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If you’re stuck in traffic, and you look around most likely you’ll see a similar vehicle to your own or at least the same color here in Louisiana. So, if you’ve ever wondered what the top three most registered cars are in Louisiana, Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux has the results.

Cut 13 (09) “…Nissan Altima.”

SUVs are registered in the same category as cars at the OMV.

Boudreaux says the top three most popular pick-up trucks registered in Louisiana are Ford, Chevy, and GMC.

Cut 14 (10)  “…Silverado and F-150.”

But if you don’t see a similar truck or car near you in traffic, chances are you share the same color of vehicles nearby. Boudreaux says the top three most popular colors based on registration data of cars and trucks in Louisiana are…

Cut 15 (04)  “…is number three.”

The least popular colors are Teal, Camouflage, and Taupe. When it comes to the top three-year models for cars and trucks registered in Louisiana, 2017 models are in first place, followed by 2018, and in third place are 2015 model vehicles.

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After beating Mississippi State 31-16, LSU now gets ready to host New Mexico to complete a three-game homestand. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly wants to see his team build on what they accomplished in the SEC opener

Cut 16 (19)  “…they prepare.” 

LSU started its third different offensive line on Saturday as true freshman Emery Jones got the start at right tackle. The o-line as a whole struggled with some pre-snap penalties and Kelly says too much thinking may be taking place…

Cut 17 (15) “…to play.” 

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has yet to become a real factor this season. Through three games, the pre-season all-American has ten catches for 93 yards and zero touchdowns. Kelly says the coaches and the plays have to do more for Boutte to become the playmaker he can be…

Cut  18 (15)“…skill set.”

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It does not appear Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore will be suspended for his role in Sunday’s fight with Buccaneer players Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette. Evans has been suspended for one game. Lattimore got into a physical altercation after he was shoved by Leonard Fournette and then Evans shoved Lattimore to the ground Coach Dennis Allen told Lattimore he should not retaliate

Cut 19 (15) “…retaliation deal.”

Through two games, the Saints defense has just one sack. Allen is not worried…

Cut 20 (14) “ …end of the year.” 

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The NFL has suspended Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans one-game for his role in yesterday’s fight in the Buccaneers’ 20-10 win over the Saints.  Evans knocked Saints cornerback Michael Thomas down to the ground during a shoving match between Thomas and Bucs running back Leonard Fournette. Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas says the Bucs instigated the fight

Cut 9 (07)  “…protect yourself”

The AARP says COVID remains a serious issue in our nursing homes…

cut 5 (09) “…general public”
AARP Louisiana Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl, says during a four-week stretch over July and August, 46 Louisiana nursing home patients died from COVID after only recording five deaths during the previous four weeks.

Since 2003, 174 roundabouts have been constructed in Louisiana and while many are resistant to change DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says according to a survey they conducted after the Sorrento roundabout, 85% say there are fewer wrecks, 88% say traffic flows better and 90% say they’d like to see another one

Cut 7 (10) “…in the area.”

The first day of Fall is Thursday, but it still feels very much like summer with the heat index around 100 degrees. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says expect temperatures over 100-degrees every day this week…

Cut 14 (11)  “..be ready for heat.” 

New data from AARP shows COVID nursing home deaths and cases among residents and staff nationwide have risen for the fourth consecutive month. Andrew Muhl, director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, is urging those with loved ones in nursing homes to contact the facilities and ask key questions about COVID in that home.

Cut 4 (09) “…for COVID-19.” 

Since 2003, 174 roundabouts have been constructed in Louisiana and while many are resistant to change DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says according to a survey they conducted after the Sorrento roundabout, 85% say there are fewer wrecks, 88% say traffic flows better and 90% say they’d like to see another one

Cut 7 (10) “…in the area.”

Queen Elizabeth was laid to rest today in London. Among the millions of condolences is one from a Louisiana man who once threatened to sue her. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Once again, Louisiana posts record low unemployment numbers. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says this is three months in a row of benchmark low jobless claims and/or applications…:

Cut 13 (10) “…and Louisiana citizens.”

August figures show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.5-percent and the state added 68-thousand jobs over the last year.

According to WalletHub Louisiana ranks 10^th in the nation with the highest rate of job resignations. But with record low unemployment in the Bayou State where are those individuals working? UNO business professor Mark Rosa says the service industry, like wait staff, continues to have shortages, but with more options to work remotely that include benefits are winning out.

Cut 9 (10)  “…have gone.”

AccuWeather revises their forecast for the hurricane season to 12 named storms as we reach the peak of the season with only six named storms so far. In the spring they predicted up to 21 named storms. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s still too soon to say the Bayou State is out of the woods just yet.

Cut 12 (10) “…will tell obviously.” 

The world is saying its final goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II as she’s being laid to rest today in London. Nearly two decades ago Queen Elizabeth issued a formal apology for the illegal deportation of thousands of French Acadians from Nova Scotia in 1755. It was Louisiana attorney Warren Perrin who demanded the apology.

Cut 4 (09)  “…world today.”

That apology came in 2003.

An LSU student was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds this morning in her car near Baton Rouge’s downtown area. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says 21-year-old Allison Rice’s vehicle was found on Government Street near railroad tracks…

Cut 9 (09)  “…in her car”

Rice was from Ascension Parish. She was a senior at LSU majoring in marketing.

According to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation in 2021 an all-time high of 185 pedestrian were killed in Louisiana, up 27-percent from 2020.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you are walking along a roadway, always walk against traffic not with it.

Cut 5 (09) “…against the traffic.” 

New US Census information shows Louisiana had the highest poverty rate in the country from 2019 to 2021 at nearly 20-percent. But Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says thanks to food stamps and enhanced unemployment during the pandemic, the state’s poverty rate actually decreased…

Cut 15 (12)  “…improved.”

Moller says national data shows poverty, especially among children fell to historic lows when the expanded Child Tax Credit was available.

972 people were killed in 2021 on Louisiana roads according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Mark Lambert says the number of impaired driving crashes increased a disturbing 32 percent.

Cut 4 (07) “…seatbelts.” 

Last year there was also an all-time high of 185 pedestrians being killed by motorists.

New US Census information shows Louisiana had the highest poverty rate in the country from 2019 to 2021 at nearly 20-percent. But Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says thanks to food stamps and enhanced unemployment during the pandemic, the state’s poverty rate actually decreased…

Cut 15 (08)  “…families.”
Moller says national data shows poverty, especially among children fell to historic lows when the expanded Child Tax Credit was available.

The state-run property insurer of last resort requests a rate hike of over 60 percent. Kevin Gallagher has the story…:

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 
Governor Edwards issued a statement praising the state’s third consecutive month of record-breaking low unemployment. The unemployment rate in Louisiana is 3.5 percent, the lowest in the state’s history.  He also encourages those looking for work to reach out to the Louisiana Workforce Commission for employment opportunities.

The debate over whether New Orleans should receive a 39-million dollar line of credit for a flood protection project because city leaders oppose the state’s abortion ban is over.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a house fire in Delhi that killed two adults in their late 70s early Wednesday morning. While the exact cause is still to be determined a space heater is the suspected cause.

The Federal Highway Administration approves Louisiana’s $73 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan. The funds will be distributed to private companies that will own and install charging stations. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says they expect the private sector to be responsive.

Cut 9 (12)  “…do that.”

Census Bureau data indicates how the Bayou State fared during the pandemic. Executive Director of the Louisiana Budget Project, Jan Moller says there’s good news and bad news when you look at the numbers. Among the bad is the state’s poverty rate.

Cut 14 (11)  “…in the country.”

But when you factor in supplemental benefits like the child tax credit and SNAP Louisiana’s poverty rate decreased.

Thibodaux Police make a second arrest in the death of 15-year-old Jairen Cole, who was shot multiple times inside a home on Saturday. In addition to a 15-year-old that’s been charged with Second Degree Murder, Thibodaux PD spokesperson Clint Dempster says a 12-year-old is also charged. Dempster says this should make the community realize structure starts at home.

Cut 8 (13)  “…at home.”

DivorceAnswers.com says 38 percent of Louisiana couples that seek separation renege due to financial dependency. Legal Analyst Doug Sunseri says most couples face a devastating reality when deciding to split.

Cut 12 (12) “… upon divorce”  
U-S Senator John Kennedy says there are several ways to reduce crime. He says more police officers should be hired, keep good police officers on the force and improve morale. And to do that elected officials should stand behind their cops when they’re right, which he says is 99-percent of the time…

Cut 11 (12)  “…police officers”

During the LSU-Southern game when an extra man walked onto the field the officer who ended up tackling him was Baton Rouge PD Spokesperson Don Coppola. On Mornings with Brian Halden, Coppola talked about how video of the incident has gone viral.

Cut 3 (12) “…been bad.” 

Coppola says the viral video even ended up on Sean Hannity’s program on Fox News.

Senator John Kennedy says cities need to hire more police officers to reduce crime. He says it’s costly to hire more officers and deter retirement, but local governments shouldn’t use that as an excuse…

Cut 10 (11) “…use that money” 

A recent study shows New Orleans could have the highest murder rate per capita in the nation for the first half of 2022

During the LSU-Southern Game, Baton Rouge PD spokesperson Don Coppola was the officer who tackled the Tiger fan who just walked onto the field during the game. On Mornings with Brian Haldane, Coppola says the incident was most unusual because the fan just stood there with his hands on his hips.

Cut 4 (12) “…to continue.” 

Video of the incident has gone viral.

Two juveniles are now in custody after the shooting death of an Assumption Parish teen. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”  

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says if cities and towns want to reduce crime, they need to hire more police officers. A recent study shows New Orleans could have the highest murder rate per capita in the nation for the first half of 2022. He says New Orleans needs to double its force and retain veteran cops…

Cut 9 (06)  “…retiring in droves”

Part of the Inflation Reduction act allows federal authorities to reinstate over 300 of the highest offshore lease bids from a lease sale last November. They were nullified by a federal judge earlier this year. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA) President Mike Moncla says he’s grateful state Attorney General Jeff Landry continued to fight so the $190-million in lease investments can move forward.

Cut 8 (09)  “…the lease sales.”

The Department of Commerce is giving Louisiana two grants, one for a bioscience center at ULM and another for the New Orleans Jazz Museum. LED Secretary Don Pierson says $1.8 million will go to ULM and the museum will receive $1.1 million for improvements. He says both projects will benefit Louisiana economically.

Cut 12 (12) “..our state.” 

During the LSU-Southern game when an extra man walked onto the field the officer who ended up tackling him was Baton Rouge PD Spokesperson Don Coppola. Ever since video of the incident has gone viral.

Cut 3 (12) “…been bad.” 

Coppola says the viral video even ended up on Sean Hannity on Fox News.