For all practical purposes, the 2023 hurricane season is over in Louisiana because a storm has never made landfall here in November. Brooke Thorington has more….

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 Across the generations, most employees would be willing to make sacrifices for a 4 day work week according to a July Bankrate Survey. Colleen Crain takes a look…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry is scheduled to speak today. One day after announcing his 14 transition councils and their chairs. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s November first and even though the season isn’t officially over until the end of the month, State Climatologist Barry Keim says with records as far back as 1851 a storm has never made a November landfall in Louisiana. We’ve had them in late October before…

Cut 4 (11) “…over Louisiana.”

Keim referred to three storms that made landfall in Louisiana in late October; 2020’s Hurricane Zeta on the 28th, Tropical Storm Olga on October 26, 2019, and 1985 Hurricane Juan on Halloween.

Keim says as we get later into the Atlantic Hurricane Season, tracking swifts toward the east.

Cut 5 (10) “…damn near close.”

And after back-to-back devastating hurricane seasons in 2020 and 21, Keim says Louisiana got a second reprieve this year.

Cut 6 (07) “…no hurricanes.”

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Since the pandemic, more people are thinking about working less and according to a July Bankrate Survey, the majority of working Americans support a 4-day work week. Bankrate Analyst Sarah Foster says many more of the younger Gen Z and Millennial workers were willing to sacrifice more to get the shorter week than Gen X and Baby Boomers employees.

Cut 7 (10) “…week off.”

While more of the Older generations were willing to make one sacrifice. Foster says the younger generations were more willing to take a pay cut, give up their remote work, and …

Cut 8 (07) “…work week.” 

Just how the economy would look and if it would even work for companies to shift to 4 day work week, Foster says is up for debate. She says there is high demand for the shortened work week but very few companies are willing just yet. Workers on the other hand are beginning to rethink their priorities

Cut 9 (06)  “…higher pay.”

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The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is 50 years old, and Deidra Druilhet with the Department of Transportation and Development says while many Louisianans have traveled across it many don’t know the history of its construction and how it was dredged first.

Cut 10 (10) “…particular project.”

In addition to prepping the canals for the project, Druilhet says the amount of materials used is significant, 174 miles of piling and 170 miles of prestress concrete girders for a structure that’s only 18 miles long.

Cut 11 (13) “…bridge structure.” 

Druilhet says approximately 60-thousand vehicles use the bridge daily to cross the Atchafalaya River.

Cut 12 (12) “…connecting states.” 

In honor of the anniversary, DOTD created a view depicting the construction you can find a link at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry has announced his 14 transition councils and their chairs. There are councils on agriculture, the coast, economic development, energy, infrastructure, education and workforce development. That’s standard for every incoming governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s interesting he has a council devoted just to New Orleans…

Cut 13 (10) “…is causing.”

Landry has appointed New Orleans resident and Chairman of Bollinger Shipyards Boysie Bollinger as the chairman of the New Orleans council. Pinsonat says that’s a smart pick by the governor-elect…

Cut 14 (08) “…well respected.”

Landry made reducing crime one of his major priorities during the campaign. Heading up his criminal and public safety council are 18th Judicial Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton and New Orleans attorney and former prosecutor Laura Rodrigue. Pinsonat says Clayton and Rodrigue are on the front-lines in the battle against crime…

Cut 15 (10) “…New Orleans.”

Landry says he’s identified 14 areas in Louisiana that need the most attention and this group of chairs will take a serious look at solution-driven ideas for the challenges they are facing.

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Louisiana Tech has lost three in a row and now they get undefeated Liberty. The Flames are 8-0 and they are ranked eighth in the country in total offense. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says Liberty will be a big test

Cut 16 (20) “…good against the pass.”

The Flames rank second national in rushing offense, averaging 281 yards a game. They have rushed for over 300 yards in back-to-back games, in wins over Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. Cumbie says Liberty QB Kaidon Salter is a big part of that rushing attack…

Cut 17 (17) “….play action.”

Tech is 3-and-6 on the season and they need to win their final three regular-season games in order to be bowl eligible. Cumbie says they want to be involved in postseason play…

Cut 18 (18) “…every season.” 

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LSU continues to prepare for Saturday night’s SEC West showdown against Alabama. The Crimson Tide are not a great passing team. They rank 10th in the SEC in passing yards per game. But they average 9.6 yards a pass, which ranks third in the league. Coach Brian Kelly says Bama QB Jalen Milroe can connect on the deep ball…

Cut 19 (14) “…impressive.” 

LSU will face an Alabama defense that’s playing well. They are ranked 17th in the country in total defense, allowing 306 yards per game. They are also stingy against the run allowing 109 yards per game. The Tigers have possibly the best offense in the country and Kelly says that unit is ready for the challenge…

Cut 20 (15) “…is needed.” 

Northwestern State defensive tackle Travon Jones has started a petition on change-dot-org in the hopes he can get a large number of signatures to convince the school’s administration to let them play again this season. Jones told the Natchitoches Parish Journal that most of the team wants to keep playing.

cut 7 (10) “…to play”

University President Doctor Marcus Jones made the controversial decision last week to end the season prematurely, citing the mental health of the players following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell.

The low humidity and wind from the Canadian cold front have prompted the National Weather Service to issue red flag warnings. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is asking the public not to light a match when outside…
cut 11 (09) “…very dry”

Since the NCAA began allowing college athletes to be paid for their name, image, and likeness in July of 2021, LSU athletes have inked numerous deals and LSU associate athletics director, Taylor Jacobs, says the next big thing to possibly come is revenue sharing. Under a revenue-sharing model, schools would share TV profits with athletes. She’s concerned about the future of Olympic sports that are not showcased on television…

Cut 5 (11) “ …sustain that model”  

With the first real cold weather of the season, Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshall’s office wants to remind us to be safe. Never leave a space heater unattended and never to use a stove, oven or Sterno can to warm your home, they’ve been known to cause home fires. The safest way to stay warm when sleeping…

Cut  14 (08) “…anything else.”

Administrators at Northwestern State decided to cancel the remainder of the football season after player Ronnie Caldwell was killed. But Sophomore tight end Travon Jones started a petition to change that. On the Natchitoches Parish Journal Podcast he says playing football is the best way for them to deal with grief.

Cut 8 (08) “…taken away.” 

The petition can be found on Change-dot-org “We Want to finish our 2023 season out.”

It’s cold outside and If you’re looking for additional heat, Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds you to do so safely. Never use an extension cord with a space heater because it could create an additional power source that isn’t equipped to handle the amount of electricity needed for the heater.

Cut 13 (12) “…catch fire.”

LSU athletes have agreed to almost two-thousand name, image, and likeness deals since the NCAA allowed them to receive endorsements in July of 2021. LSU associate athletics director, Taylor Jacobs, says the athletes are using their NIL money in a variety of ways.

cut 3 (10) “…home.”

Two starters on LSU’s defense will be missing Saturday when they face the Alabama Crimson Tide, cornerback Zy Alexander and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo. Wingo will miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery. But Coach Brian Kelly says they have enough depth on the D-Line…
cut 17 (17) “….very good”

After the fatal shooting of Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell, the season was canceled. But Sophomore tight end Travon Jones has started a petition to change that. On the Natchitoches Parish Journal Podcast, Jones said players were never asked about ending the season.

Cut 6 (06) “…to everyone.”

You can find the petition at change-dot-org “We Want to finish our 2023 season out.”

Trick or Treaters will have to bundle up tonight as this will be one of the colder Halloweens we’ve experienced. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the wind can cut right through if you don’t have enough layers on…

Cut 11 (10) “…temperatures falling.” 
The gusty winds and low humidity also produce dangerous fire weather conditions.

LSU Associate Athletics Director Taylor Jacobs provided an update on N-I-L and what’s next in the world of college athletics. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Two starters on LSU’s defense will be missing Saturday when the Tigers take on the Crimson Tide. Cornerback Zy Alexander and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo are out due to injuries. Wingo will also miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery.

Last October was one of the deadliest on Louisiana roadways since 2008 and because many adults will be celebrating with alcohol for Halloween, Gregory Fisher with The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission urges you to make good choices.

Cut 6 (09) “…a taxi.”

He also reminds parents to walk against traffic while trick-or-treating with your children, stay in a group and wear bright colors.

You’ll definitely feel a change in the air with the cooler temps today, and summer is finally over in Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim

Cut 10 (12) “…through here.”
Highs today will only be in the 50s and it will also be breezy. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for central and south Louisiana, which means dangerous fire conditions have returned.

The state says there are about 65 hundred homeowners possibly eligible for federal grant dollars that had damage during the 2020 and 21 hurricanes but have yet to turn in an application and today is the application deadline.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And with a change in the weather the National Fire Protection Association urges you to be extremely careful when using a space heater. Space heaters are the most common cause of home fires. Never leave it unattended when in use, place it away from flammable objects and plug the cord directly into an outlet never use an extension cord.

October has consistently been one of the deadliest months of the year on Louisiana roadways. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The state says there are about 65 hundred homeowners possibly eligible for federal grant dollars that had damage during the 2020 and 21 hurricanes, but have yet to turn in an application. Jeff Palermo reports today is the application deadline.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Halloween will be chilling… literally in Louisiana with temperatures dropping even more after sunset. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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 October 2022 was the deadliest on Louisiana roadways since 2008. Gregory Fischer with The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says it’s not just last year…

Cut 4 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

LHSC urges Louisiana drivers to be cautious and avoid the fatal 4 which means wear your seatbelt, put your phone away, drive the speed limit, and don’t drive if you’ve been drinking.

Fischer has safety tips for trick-or-treaters. He says, to walk against traffic, wear bright colors, and you’re safer in a group. Fisher urges Drivers to be extra vigilant as Trick or Treaters will be out this evening…

Cut 5 (09) “…trick or treating.”

Many adults will be celebrating Halloween this year and Fisher says to have fun but be safe especially if your party includes alcohol…

Cut 6 (09) “…a taxi.”

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Today is the last day for homeowners who suffered damages in the 2020-21 hurricanes and the May 2021 severe storms to apply for funding that can be used to repair your home. Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes, says there are about 65-hundred homeowners who have completed the initial survey, but not submitted applications…

Cut 7 (10) “…repair of their home.”

Homeowners can submit their application at restore-dot-la-dot-gov, or call the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program call center, or visit one of their mobile support locations. Forbes hopes those who have been invited to complete an application take advantage of this opportunity

Cut 8 (09) “…big push.” 

Forbes says since the program launched in February of 2022, more than 380-million in federal grant dollars has been distributed to 48-hundred homeowners. He says if a hurricane victim has already completed their repairs, they are still eligible…

Cut 9 (09)  “…those disasters.”

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While it’s not going to necessarily be the coldest Halloween on record, State Climatologist Barry Keim says this Canadian cold front will be responsible for a significant drop in temperatures, in the 50s around 6 o’clock and then temperatures will begin to drop into the 30s and 40s.

Cut 10 (12) “…through here.”

The record cold for Halloween was in 1993, the lows were 30 degrees in Baton Rouge, 35 in New Orleans, and 28 in Shreveport.

Along with a ghoulish cold front, Keim says it’s not just cooler temperatures that will prompt the need for an extra layer or two for trick-or-treaters.

Cut 11 (10) “…temperatures falling.” 

And as we enter November, Keim says this cold front will stick around for a bit…

Cut 12 (09) “…even Friday.” 

One of the warmest Halloweens on record in Louisiana was in 2016 with highs in the upper 80s. In Shreveport, the high was 87, in Baton Rouge 88, and in New Orleans, it was 89.

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The Sugar Bowl has been a college football staple since 1935 and in the last decade, it’s contributed $2.4 billion to the local economy. But with the expansion of the college football playoffs looming, it’s in danger of losing playoff status. Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says they are holding a fundraiser and asking the business community to help out.

Cut 13 (09) “…compete there.”

In three years, it’s up in the air, Hundley says, if the Sugar Bowl will remain a significant bowl game…

Cut 14 (11) “…Las Vegas.”

This season’s game, a New Year’s Day national championship semi-final game, is already sold out. But next season 12 teams will vie for the championship and for the next two seasons the Sugar Bowl will be a quarterfinal game.

Hundley is hopeful they’ll be able to raise enough corporate funds and buy-ins from interested parties to keep the Sugar Bowl in the playoffs.

Cut 15 (12) “…would matter.”

Those looking to support the Sugar Bowl are invited to visit SupportTheSugarBowl.com

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The 13th-ranked LSU Tigers will be missing several cornerbacks and one of their top defensive linemen in Saturday’s SEC showdown with eighth-ranked Alabama. Coach Brian Kelly says Zy Alexander, Duce Chestnut, and Denver Harris are not available, so they will have to rely on several freshmen corners…

Cut 16 (16) “…win a championship.”

Kelly also announced defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo will miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery. He’s expected to miss the next six weeks, but Kelly says they have enough depth on the D-line…

Cut 17 (19) “….very good.”

The intriguing match-up is LSU’s explosive offense against Alabama’s stout defense. Kelly says he’s impressed with the Crimson Tide linebackers…

Cut 18 (18) “…run and hit.” 

Alabama has held six of its last eight opponents to 20 points or less.

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The Saints had several offensive stars in Sunday’s win over Indianapolis. Quarterback Derek Carr had his best game as a Saints, Taysom Hill scored two touchdowns and receiver Rashid Shaheed also made some big catches. Coach Dennis Allen also liked what he saw from Andrus Peat, who made his second straight start at left tackle…

Cut 19 (20) “…this week” 

Cornerback Paulson Adebo also had a big game against the Colts, with three passes defensed and an interception. Allen likes the development of the third-year pro out of Stanford…

Cut 20 (19) “…passing game.” 

21-year-old Malik Flowers has been arrested after the double Friday night shooting a block from the Donaldsonville High School football game. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says Flowers faces second-degree murder for the death of 21-year-old Tyree Parker and an attempted murder charge…

Cut 6 (08) “…being fired.”

The second victim is in the hospital.

The family of murdered Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell plans to file a lawsuit this week against the university and others. Caldwell’s parents say they warned the coach that their son was living in a dangerous situation three days before he was fatally shot at his apartment complex. Blanche Caldwell is Ronnie’s mother…

Cut 14 (10) “…back home.”
Northwestern State canceled its remaining four games and head coach Brad Laird resigned.

There’s been an insurgence of the annoying salt marsh mosquito in Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Kristen Healy says the drought and wildfires have contributed to the surge. Healy encourages Louisianans to avoid places and times when mosquitoes are abundant.

Cut 5 (11) “ …registered repellents.”  

From the middle of spring into the fall, salt marsh mosquitos can be found as far as 80 miles inland looking for food.

Northwestern State’s football season is over as a result of the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. The family of Caldwell says they told Coach Brad Laird the apartment Caldwell was living in was unsafe and then three days later he was murdered. Attorney Troy Pradia says they don’t know why the school chose to end the season or why Laird resigned…

Cut 15 (10) “…unanswered questions.”
The family plans to file legal action against Northwestern State.

Louisiana State Police host their first-ever Securing Louisiana Cyber Summit at its Training Academy today from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Trooper Christian Reed says the goal is to provide insight into the growing threat of cybersecurity on small businesses and critical infrastructure.

Cut 7 (09) “…or data.”

You’ve probably noticed an insurgence of salt marsh mosquitoes in the Bayou State. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Kristen Healy says the drought and wildfires are contributing factors, and the saltmarsh has adapted to fly extremely long distances for food sources.

Cut 4 (11) “…source.”

She says they can be found as far as 80 miles inland from the coast.

Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport has been recognized as the top hospital in Louisiana by Newsweek magazine. Senior Vice President of Quality and Clinical Performance Clarie Rebouche says this recognition is a testament to the work of the staff and their patient care.

Cut 10 (12) “…the care.”
Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospitals ranking recognizes 600 leading hospitals across the country.

The family of Ronnie Caldwell, the Northwestern State football player who was killed on October 12th, is expected to file a lawsuit against the school this week. Three days before he was killed Caldwell told his parents his roommate 27-year-old John McIntosh threatened him with a gun. They asked coach Brad Laird to move Ronnie to another location. Attorney Troy Pradia says if Laird had only called the cops on McIntosh…
Cut 13 (03) “…with us.”
The family says Laird assured them he would help but nothing happened.

There has been an insurgence of annoying salt marsh mosquitoes in the Bayou State. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Kristen Healy says the drought and wildfires are contributing factors…

cut 3 (08) “…long time.”

Salt marsh mosquitoes are a dusk brown color but unlike many other types of mosquitoes, they fly during the day.

Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport has been recognized as the best hospital in Louisiana by Newsweek magazine. Senior Vice President of Quality and Clinical Performance Clarie Rebouche says in June in July surveys were performed for the rating…

Cut 11 (12) “…of state.” 

The first significant fall cold front is moving into the state today. Lows this evening in the southern parishes will be in the 40s and in the upper 30s in the northern parishes. And as we advance through the week, State Climatologist Barry Keim says…

Cut 6 (11) “…in the forties.”

Keim says to be sure to dress the trick-or-treaters accordingly for the cooler temps

Motorists driving south on I-55 between Ponchatoula and LaPlace will begin to see crews repairing damage from Monday’s massive car pile-up that killed eight people. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says however the northbound portion of I-55 in that area remains closed.

Cut 7 (13) “…anytime soon.” 

The state Gaming Control Board approves the transfer of the abandoned Bossier City Diamond Jacks Casino license to the Cordish Companies. Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish has begun renovations on the massive 77 thousand square feet gaming, entertainment, and dining venue.

Cut 4 (11) “…by piece.”

It’s expected to be completed by late 2025.

After an animal hoarding situation of 53 cats was discovered in New Iberia last Saturday, the Human Society of Louisiana is asking for contributions to cover medical expenses. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says they are also asking cat rescues and individuals interested in adopting a cat to contact them.

Cut 13 (09) “….good homes”

You can find a link on the Humane Society of Louisiana’s Facebook page.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson as the President of the University of Louisiana System. Henderson is leaving his post to be the next La Tech president.  Gallot says he’s looking forward to working with the system’s nine universities and their presidents.

Cut 10 (13) “…system office”

He’ll begin his new role January 1^st.