Louisiana native Lainey Wilson won five CMA awards last night. She took home Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and when she won Album of the Year…

Cut 9 (18) “…feel something.” 

The awards aired on ABC.

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access to childcare for small businesses. As a single mother herself, she says the Childcare Small Business Insight and Improvement Act will help parents across the country.

Cut 3 (11) “….this childcare.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has been criticized for forming an exploratory committee on the city of New Orleans that doesn’t include city leaders. No one from the mayor’s office, the Orleans Parish DA’s office nor the New Orleans Police Department were asked to sit on the committee. Landry campaigned that he was the best candidate to address rising crime, an issue that has plagued the Crescent City.

Cut 12 (04) “…major problems.” 

He says the committee will identify issues first and then approach city leaders with solutions.

Before tonight’s game against Queens, the reigning National Champions in women’s basketball, the LSU Lady Tigers will be recognized with a banner, and they’ll also receive their rings. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says she’s looking forward to tonight’s ceremony, not just for herself but for her players.

Cut 24 (10) “…great memories.”  

Doors will open earlier than usual at 5:30 for fans tonight at the PMAC. The ceremony will be at 6:20.

Former Louisiana Speaker of the House Taylor Barras will serve as Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s Commissioner of Administration. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Pardon Board denied five death row inmates the opportunity of a full clemency hearing. The Board conducted what is called administrative reviews for five people on death row to determine if they were eligible for a clemency review. The Pardon Board took similar action against five other death row inmates last month.

Nicholls State University has announced plans to build to a new College of Nursing building. University spokesperson Jared David says there is a nursing shortage and this new building can help them double the number of nursing students they graduate….
cut 8 (09) “….the industry”
The project is currently in the architectural phase and university leaders are hoping for it be completed in early 2025.

The childhood home of pop music icon Britney Spears is for sale for one-point-two million dollars. The three-bedroom, three bath ranch style home is located in a rural area near Kentwood. Realtor Yvonne Hulsey says it’s the history that gives the high value to this home…
cut 27 (07) “….my intent”
Hulsey says she has her first showing on Friday.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says quarterback Jayden Daniels is making progress from the head injury he sustained in the Alabama game. And since Daniels was placed in concussion protocol and Kelly says he’s moving through the steps well…

Cut 10 (09) “….fashion” 

If practice goes well today, Daniels will be cleared to participate in contact drills on Thursday.

Former Speaker of the House Taylor Barras has been named Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s Commissioner of Administrator. And former lawmaker Patrick Goldsmith will be Deputy Commissioner of Administration. Landry says these two roles are vital to prepare the budget.

Cut 5 (12) “ …two gentlemen.”  

In an effort to help farmers after the prolonged drought, Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has introduced the Drought Assistance Improvement Act. The legislation would cut the time in half that farmers can apply for assistance during dry conditions.

Cut 10 (12) “…back to work.”

Nicholls State University has broken ground on their new Coastal Center. Spokesperson Jared David says the new state-of-the-art coastal facility will house a research division and a boardroom. The center will also house an educational outreach section geared towards primary and secondary students…

Cut 7 (11) “…next generation.” 

The state’s investment of $45 million will help pay for construction.

New Orleans Police officials say the marsh fire that’s creating the smoky conditions along I-10 is on remote private property that’s difficult to access and the property has no fire hydrant service. National Weather Service Meteorologist Christopher Bannan says it’s been burning for weeks.

Cut 11 (11) “…helping things.”

One person was killed in a wreck this morning and at least eight others were injured.

Cleco customers can receive rebates for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargers. Manager of Cleo’s EV Program Richard Biedenharn says the rebates are for both commercial and residential customers.

Cut 12 (09) “…great benefit.”  

For more information visit Cleco-dot-com.

A judge has ordered federal oversight of the State Penitentiary at Angola claiming the prison continues to violate inmates’ constitutional rights by systematically ignoring their medical needs. The court will appoint Special Masters to oversee a plan to address the violations.

Centenary College in Shreveport announces a major fundraising initiative ahead of the school’s 200^th anniversary in 2025. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Smoke from a marsh fire in New Orleans East led to another deadly multiple-vehicle wreck this morning on Interstate 10 near the Michoud exit. National Weather Service meteorologist Christopher Bannan says it’s similar to the massive pile-up on I-55 last month and we could see identical conditions tonight and probably again tomorrow night…

Cut 10 (07) “….St. Tammany Parish” 

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow is co-authoring legislation to provide rural communities grants to upgrade their police and fire departments. She says if the BUILD Act passes every community in her district of 24 parishes would be eligible for grants.

Cut 7 (07) “…their facilities.” 

Communities with less than 50-thousand people would be eligible.

Centenary College in Shreveport announces it is raising $50 million dollars for improvements to the school ahead of its bicentennial anniversary in 2025. Centenary spokesperson Kate Pedrotty (per-dirty) says the return of football will boost recruitment and fundraising for the school.

Cut 4 (12) “…very exciting.”

$20 million will fund new infrastructure and upgrades to the School of Health Sciences and that includes new state-of-the-art laboratories. $37 million has already been raised of the $50 million goal.

DOTD unveils a new website to get public input on the statewide transportation plan. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Timber generates $10 Billion per year for Louisiana’s economy but this year’s drought and fires are having a devastating impact. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________

Passage of Amendment 3 on the November 18^th ballot would allow local parish governments the ability to give first responders a tax break. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

State Transportation is making it easier for Louisianans to give input on infrastructure and transportation projects through a new website.  Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says latransportationplan-dot-la-dot-gov details the state’s transportation plan and infrastructure landscape through 2055.

Cut 4 (11) “…mega projects.”

The website will also allow DOTD to engage the public as they update several modal plans including updates to aviation, freight, and rail plans. Mallett says the user-friendly portal features straightforward navigation and it gives individuals the opportunity to provide their thoughts on future projects…

Cut 5 (12) “…transportation plan.”

The last time the statewide transportation plan was updated was in 2015.  Mallet says the goal is to provide more opportunities to identify areas where improvements are critical.

Cut 6 (11) “…policy-wise.”

_________________________________________________

More than 200 jobs are coming to the Acadiana region with the announced expansion of Infinity Valve & Supply. Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter says the expansion will allow Infinity to provide oil and gas companies with more environmentally friendly alternatives to current practices.

Cut 7 (11) “…as well.”

Infinity Valve & Supply was founded in 2002 and has been in Youngsville since 2008. Ritter says the $1.1 million investment to increase production of the new air compression division and expansion of the facility is a huge win for the city.

Cut 8 (11) “…to Lafayette.” 

The creation of 68 new direct jobs from the expansion is expected to have an average annual salary of $52,000. Ritter says the state’s incentive package played a significant role in the expansion and he believes it’s a good use of state funds.

Cut 9 (11)  “…well spent.”

The company also owns Infinity Operators, an energy service company that was founded in 2018. It specializes in oil and gas property management, operations, and maintenance services.

__________________________________________________

The Timber Industry generates $10 Billion per year for Louisiana’s economy according to Robbie Hutchins, a forester with the LSU Ag Center. Hutchins says wildfires engulfed more than 50,000 acres of Louisiana forests costing the state millions…

Cut 10 (09) “…in 2023.”

Hutchins says the costs to the Bayou State go beyond just logging. He says the timber industry employs about 45,000 people directly and is indirectly responsible for 40,000 jobs.

Cut 11 (12) “…the mills.” 

Hutchins says we’re not out of the wildfire threats yet. We still need some significant rain.

Cut 12 (05) “…rain really.” 

__________________________________________________

Amendment 2 on the November 18^th ballot would allow money allotted to inactive special funds to be transferred into the state’s general budget. President of the Public Affairs Research Council Steven Procopio says the amendment focuses on six inactive funds…

Cut 13 (10) “…the constitution.”

State Treasurer John Schroder supports Amendment 2 and says it will help simplify the State Constitution.

Those special funds include the Atchafalaya Basin Conservation Fund, Higher Education Louisiana Partnership Fund, Millennium Leverage Fund, Agricultural and Seafood Products Support Fund, First Use Tax Fund, and the Louisiana Investment Fund for Enhancement.

Passage of Amendment 3 would allow local governing authorities the ability to provide an ad valorem tax exemption for qualified first responders. Similar to a homestead exemption, first responders could receive an additional exemption.

Cut 14 (09) “…up to $25,000.”

Procopio says proponents believe the tax exemption for qualified first responders, for example, police and firefighters, would be a recruiting and retention incentive…

Cut 15 (05) “…salary increase.”

Early voting ends Saturday and due to the state holiday, early voting will not be available on Friday.

___________________________________________________

Three National Championships have passed since LSU had its magical 2019 season and LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly is anxious to bring LSU back to the pinnacle of college football again. Kelly says the team’s ability to be bad or great is all about the Tigers’ commitment to excellence week in and out. Something they will need to do in order to reach Coach Kelly’s goal of 10 wins this season.

Cut 16 (24) “…more this week.”

Even though Coach Kelly is focused on Florida this week, his long-term goal is to make LSU an elite program in the nation that finishes and wins games against teams like Alabama. Coach Kelly left Notre Dame to build LSU into a great football team, not just a good or competitive one.

Cut 17 (18) “…not the case.”

After Saturday’s defensive struggle and heartbreaking loss to Alabama, Coach Kelly’s focus is not on any offseason moves for LSU, but its matchup against the Gators. Kelly left no doubt where his and the players’ focus will be on Saturday.

Cut 18 (19) “…beating Florida.” 

The Saints forced five turnovers in their 24-17 win over the Chicago Bears. After recording just seven interceptions last season, New Orleans has an NFL-high 12 interceptions. Coach Dennis Allen says it’s been more of an emphasis this season…

Cut 19 (19) “…to make.” 

The Saints had a chance to take a ten-point lead in the fourth quarter in Sunday’s win. But Blake Grupe’s 47-yard field goal hit the left upright. The rookie is 18-of-23 on field goals but Allen says there are no plans to try out any other kickers…

Cut 20 (19) “…into that.” 

With LSU starting quarterback Jayden Daniels questionable for Saturday’s game against Florida after taking a hard hit in the Alabama game, Coach Brian Kelly says they’ll make sure Garrett Nussmeier is ready this week.

Cut 13 (10) “…in the game.”

Kelly also said they’ve submitted the play of Dallas Turner’ helmet hitting Daniels in the chin to the league office to review for targeting.

Southeastern’s construction of a new broadcast media center will be named after alum and Good Morning America co-anchor, Robin Roberts. President William Wainwright says the $40 million dollar project was made possible through state Capital Outlay funds and a sizeable donation from Roberts.

Cut 7 (07) “…for that.” 

Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is under three dollars, which is welcoming news as the Thanksgiving holiday draws closer.  Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Cleco Power is offering rebates to customers who purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations Residential customers can apply for a $250 rebate. The rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis, visit the company’s website for more information.

Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is under three dollars, which is welcoming news as the Thanksgiving holiday draws closer.  Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

LSU head coach Brian Kelly answered questions about quarterback Jayden Daniels’ health and if he thinks officials missed a targeting call Saturday. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

You are starting to see gas prices for regular gasoline below three dollars a gallon again. The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is $2.97, dipping 30 cents lower than a month ago. Triple A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says it’s a direct reflection of a drop in demand.

Cut 3 (12) “…of gasoline.”

Redman says the price for crude is around $82 a barrel, down by almost $10 a barrel from a month ago. He says the the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Israel adds uncertainty but the current outlook for the markets remains stable short-term.

Cut 4 (12) “…higher prices.”

When Israel moved into Gaza, the price of crude went up to about $95 a gallon before it started retreating.

Redman says AAA forecasted higher gasoline prices. He says barring any disruptions he expects the average price in Louisiana to remain below $3.00 a gallon this holiday season.

Cut 5 (12) “ …Thanksgiving mode.”  

__________________________________________________

Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts and Southeastern University alum marked the construction of the school’s new broadcast media center last week. Southeastern President William Wainwright says Roberts has done so much for the school in both academics and sports.

Cut 6 (12) “…accomplish much.”

The new media center includes a renovation of D Vickers Hall and will add an additional 33,000 square feet to the building. It will include three studios: a newsroom, a film studio, and a multimedia studio. Wainwright says the $40 million dollar project is being paid for through state Capital Outlay funds and a sizeable donation from Roberts.

Cut 7 (07) “…for that.” 

When she visits, Wainwright says Roberts also always takes time to inspire students and answer their questions.

Cut 8 (12) “….with us.” 

Construction of the Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center is expected to be completed early next year.

_____________________________________________________________________________

What started as a traffic stop in Shreveport Sunday morning ended in the death of an occupant of the vehicle. Shreveport Police have requested Louisiana State Police investigate the officer-involved shooting. Public information officer, Trooper Ryan Davis.

Cut 9 (09) “…ensued.” 

Davis says shots were fired at the end of the foot chase when the subject produced a handgun. He was struck and then transported to a local trauma center where he was pronounced dead. No officers were injured.

Trooper Davis says the scene is no longer active but the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 10 (10) “…recovered”

____________________________________________________________________

During Saturday’s heartbreaking loss to Alabama, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels was taken out of the game after taking a hard hit from Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner. Head coach Brian Kelly says it’s day-to-day with Daniels as he goes through injury protocol.

Cut 11 (10) “…some progress.”

Turner was flagged for roughing the passer during the game, but not targeting when his helmet came into contact with Daniels’s chin. When asked about the call, Kelly says even with the timeout called there was plenty of time for officials to review the play for targeting.

Cut 12 (12) “…obviously.”  

With Daniels’s status for the Florida game Saturday, day-to-day, Kelly says they’ll make sure Garrett Nussmeier is ready this week. Kelly says there are a few things they’ll be working on with the backup on a few things.

Cut 13 (10) “…in the game.”

The 19th-ranked Tigers play Florida at home on Saturday night.

__________________________________________________________

Cut  14 (08) “…anything elese.”

One of the state senate races has two current representatives, who aren’t term-limited, in the runoff. Colleen Crain has more….

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Many Tiger fans are asking why targeting wasn’t called on Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner after LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels took a hit vicious hit in the fourth quarter Saturday. Even Governor John Bel Edwards asked the question on social media. Daniels returned to the game for one play but medical staff later took him out for the remainder of the game.

You are starting to see gas prices below three dollars a gallon again. The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas today is $2.97, that’s 30 cents lower than a month ago. Triple A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says it’s a direct reflection of supply and demand.

Cut 3 (12) “…of gasoline.”

Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, and Southeastern University alum marked construction of the school’s new broadcast media center last week. Southeastern President William Wainwright says Roberts also graciously answered students’ questions.

Cut 6 (12) “…accomplish much.”

Construction of the Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center is expected to be completed early next year.

Early voting for the November 18th election is underway and it will continue through Saturday, November 11th. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillion says in the October primary, a sizable number of Black residents voted for Republican Jeff Landry in the governor’s race, so will that trend continue???

Cut 9 (08) “…in the runoff.” 

There are three statewide races on the November 18th ballot, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Attorney General. All three run-offs have a Republican going up against a Democrat.

Louisiana’s own 60-foot Celebration Gator will be among the attractions in the 97^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade again. And Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is excited to announce the two Bayou State musical artists who will perform.

Cut 6 (10) “…the crowds.”

The next few days will be exciting for LSU Sports Fans, especially The Traveling Tigers. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”