Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has ended his campaign to replace the ousted Kevin McCarthy as the next U-S Speaker of the House. Teiko Foxx explains.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

It’s Election Day Saturday. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. You can find a sample ballot on your Geaux Vote app. In addition to the Governor’s race are the Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State races. There are also four constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Louisiana’s lone female on death row was denied a capital clemency hearing by the Louisiana Pardon Board which conducted an administrative review of Antoinette Frank’s case. Frank was a New Orleans police officer when she killed a fellow officer Ronald Williams and two restaurant workers during a late-night robbery in 1995.

Williams’ son Patrick, says Frank does not deserve to leave death row…

Cut 10 (10) “…considering this.”

Officer Williams’s brother-in-law pleaded with the Pardon Board not to grant clemency. He says the family has suffered enough and Frank deserves to die for what she’s done…

Cut 12 (12) “…28 years”  

Louisiana’s lone female on death row was denied a capital clemency hearing by the Louisiana Pardon Board which conducted an administrative review of Antoinette Frank’s case. Frank was a New Orleans police officer when she killed a fellow officer and two restaurant workers during a late-night robbery in 1995. Her brother, Alex Frank, told the four-member panel that his sister is a reformed person.

Cut 9 (07) “…horrible person” 

Frank’s lawyer argued before the Pardon Board that the years of sexual abuse Frank received from her father left her timid and easily manipulated by violent men like her co-defendant Rogers LaCaze. Frank’s former spiritual advisor…

Cut 11 (12) “…church services”

Officer Williams’s brother-in-law pleaded with the board not to grant clemency.

Louisiana Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s attempt to be the next U-S House Speaker is over. Scalise did not have enough votes. At a press conference last night Scalise said unification is needed and the House has to come together for the country.

Cut 4 (10) “…a speaker”

A rare annular eclipse will take place tomorrow. LSU Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Natalie Hinkel says this type of eclipse happens when the moon is further from Earth, and it obscures only part of the sun. She says Louisiana will only have a partial eclipse and won’t get the full effect of the Ring of Fire view.

Cut 6 (08) “…be covered.”

In Louisiana, the eclipse will be visible from 10:30 AM until 1:30 PM.

Louisiana Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s attempt to be the next U-S House Speaker is over. Scalise did not have enough votes. In a press conference, Scalise says he will continue as the majority leader but there’s still work to be done.

Cut 3 (11) “…the side”

The House Majority Leader had the public support of Louisiana U-S Representatives Julia Letlow and Clay Higgins. Higgins says he’s sad Scalise was not elected as the first House Speaker from Louisiana. But He now throws his support behind fellow House Freedom Caucus member Jim Jordan from Ohio…

Cut 5 (10) “…Jim Jordan.”  

The gubernatorial primary is tomorrow but that’s not the only item on the ballot. John Tobler with the Secretary of State’s Office advises voters to use their Geaux Vote app to know what’s on their ballot before they head to the polls.

Cut 6 (09) “…and elections.”

Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

It’s expected that the governor’s race will go to a run-off between Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson. The runoff is scheduled for November 18th. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says once this election cycle is over, we’ll likely see state government move further to the right…

Cut 8 (14) “…modern history.” 

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has seen the writing on the wall and has ended his campaign to be the next Speaker of the U-S House. Scalise could only afford to lose four votes from Republicans and there were at least 15 GOP lawmakers against him, despite receiving the House Republican nomination on Wednesday.

Election Day is Saturday, and the Secretary of State’s office is encouraging voters to remember a few things before heading to the polls. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

A $79 Million construction project along I-10 in Acadia and Lafayette Parishes is set to begin Monday. Spokesperson Deidra Druilhet encourages motorists to be attentive and careful while traveling around construction areas.

Cut 15 (10) “…have there.”

There will be intermittent lane closures in both directions until next July.

A rare annular solar eclipse will happen tomorrow as the moon passes between the sun and the earth. President of the Shreveport Bossier Astronomical Society Dr. Cran Lucas Louisiana will only be able to view about 75% of the eclipse between 10:30 in the morning and 1:30 in the afternoon. You might want to check to see if a local astronomy club is hosting an event.

Cut 11 (10) “…solar filter.” 

Election Day is tomorrow and the Secretary of State’s office is encouraging voters to remember a few things before heading to the polls. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Will election day produce any surprises? Colleen Crane spoke with a political observer on what to expect…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crane.”

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On Saturday a rare annular solar eclipse will take place. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (32) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The gubernatorial primary election is on Saturday. John Tobler with the Secretary of State is reminding voters to download the GeauxVote app to find important information before heading to the polls.

Cut 4 (10) “…locations are.”

More than 250 polling locations have moved since the last election. Voters will have to present picture identification which includes a Louisiana driver’s license, state identification, LA Wallet, or military identification card.

Statewide 344,878 people have cast their ballots during early voting, according to the Secretary of State. Tobler says the majority of voting will take place on Election Day.

Cut 5 (10) “…gubernatorial elections.”

Voters are not allowed to wear any items of clothing, stickers, or buttons that campaign for candidates to cast their vote.

Tobler points out there’s more than statewide elections on the ballot and voters should make a plan before heading to the polls.

Cut 6 (09) “…and elections.”

Voters can also visit voterportal.sos.la.gov to find sample ballots and polling locations. Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

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Heading into election day tomorrow, the expectation is that the governor’s race will go to a run-off between Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson. If you are looking for a surprise or upset, la-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry winning without a run-off might be your best bet…

Cut 7 (10) “…he was building.”

The runoff is scheduled for November 18th. Alford says once this election cycle is over, we’ll likely see state government move further to the right…

Cut 8 (14) “…modern history.” 

Alford says it’s likely the races for attorney general, state treasurer and secretary of state will end up in a run-off. He says there are also plenty of legislative races that will need a run-off…

Cut 9 (11)  “…dirty race.”

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A rare annular solar eclipse will happen on Saturday as the moon passes between the sun and the earth. President of the Shreveport Bossier Astronomical Society Dr. Cran Lucas says the best place to see the Ring of Fire around the moon is in west Texas and into central New Mexico.

Cut 10 (11) “…and 1:30 PM.”

You never want to look directly at the sun at any time, especially during an eclipse. Lucas says never use binoculars or a telescope to view the sun unless you have a special solar filter. He says you might want to check to see if a local astronomy club is hosting an event on Saturday.

Cut 11 (10) “…solar filter.” 

If you aren’t able to get your hands on specialized glasses to view the annular eclipse, Cran recommends building a pinhole camera so you can enjoy the rare event.

Cut 12 (11) “…the paper.” 

The next total solar eclipse visible in North America will happen on April 8, 2024. After that, an eclipse will not be visible in the US until 2044.

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Construction along I-10 in Acadia and Lafayette Parish is set to begin Monday. DOTD Spokesperson Deidra Druilhet says the $79 million project will tackle issues on the 37 mile stretch of the interstate.

Cut 13 (11) “…asphalt overlay.”

The main section of construction will be on the stretch of I-10 from the Jefferson Davis parish line to I-49. The project will also include extending guardrails and other related work.

Druilhet says the department has worked to mitigate traffic impacts during the project. While construction work for the most part is scheduled during nighttime hours, she says motorists will likely endure congestion and alternating lane closures.

Cut 14 (12) “…to go.”

Druilhet encourages motorists to be attentive and careful  while traveling around construction areas.

Cut 15 (10) “…have there.”

The project is estimated to be complete by spring 2025.

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The Saints will take on the Texans on Sunday. New Orleans is among the league leaders for interceptions this season with seven, while Houston rookie quarterback C-J Stroud has yet to be picked off. Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor would like to end his streak of consecutive passes without an interception…

Cut 16 (09) “…his first pick.”

The Texans are in the middle of the pack of the NFL when it comes to defensive statistics. In their two wins, they held Jacksonville to 17 points and Pittsburgh to six. New Orleans QB Derek Carr on what he sees from Houston…

Cut 17 (16) “…in that building.”

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LSU is giving up a bunch of yards this season, but in last Saturday’s win against Missouri they intercepted a couple of passes and there was also a huge strip sack towards the end of the game. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly hopes to see more of that Saturday night against Auburn…

Cut 18 (23) “…some confidence.”

Auburn has struggled offensively this season, especially in the passing game. But Kelly says Auburn’s offense is more than capable…

Cut 19 (13) “…different backs.” 

LSU safety Greg Brooks is now at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis as he continues to get treatment following surgery that removed a cancerous tumor from his brain. Kelly says the team is inspired by the support Brooks has received nationally. He says Brooks’ unfortunate situation has also provided the players an important lesson…

Cut 20 (20) “…from you.” 

During the overnight hours, a member of the Northwestern State football team was shot several times on University Parkway and pronounced dead by the coroner’s office. Natchitoches Police Corporal John Greely says anyone who has information on the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ronald Caldwell is urged to call Natchitoches Crimestoppers…

Cut 7 (07) “…for an arrest.” 
Saturday’s game against Nicholls has been cancelled.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has received the House GOP nomination to be the next Speaker of the House, but it’s far from a done deal the full U-S House will have to elect him. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says there are conservatives who are not backing Scalise…

Cut 3 (12) “…Steve Scalise”

217 votes are needed to be elected speaker of the House.

Louisiana’s 2023 high school class ACT scores increased for the first time since 2016. The state’s average composite score of 18-point-two was up from 18-point-one last year. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says students also showed a slight improvement in English, but more work needs to be done…

Cut 10 (13) “…our state.”

Even though Louisiana saw an increase in average composite scores, it’s still among the lowest in the country.

Louisiana has gotten some rain and relief from the drought and the average number of wildfires is decreasing daily but Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says some areas of the state are still dry and urges residents to abide by their local burn ban. Agricultural burning, however, Strain says is permitted…

Cut 13 (08) “…moving forward.”

Louisiana has spent 33 million dollars in fighting wildfires this year.

A Northwestern State football player was found dead during the overnight hours with several gunshot wounds at an apartment complex on University Parkway. Natchitoches Police Corporal John Greely says 21-year-old Ronald Caldwell’s body was found between two buildings at the complex where he lived…

Cut 6 (08) “…Mr. Caldwell.”

Greely says Caldwell died at the scene.

After an unusual summer, with more than the average number of wildfires in Louisiana, the recent rains are a welcome relief. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the average number of wildfires is decreasing daily.

Cut 11 (12) “…the state.”

But Strain urges residents because some areas are the state are still dry to abide by their local burn ban.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves describes the scene as the U-S House attempts to elect a new speaker. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says based on early voting totals, total voter turnout for Saturday’s election could be less than 40-percent.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Bond has been set at $350-thousand for Melanie Curtain, after her sexual assault conviction was granted a new trial. She was sentenced to life in prison without parole last year for her involvement with former high-ranking Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Perkins. The Attorney General’s Office plans to take the case of the state supreme court.

In recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty, faith leaders met with Governor Edwards this morning calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says he believes Edwards is doing all he can on behalf of death row inmates.

Cut 9 (12) “…support it.” 

Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) presented Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for death row inmates.

It’s not even Halloween but major retailers are already promoting Black Friday deals. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says while 25 percent of shoppers are stressed about the cost of holiday shopping, and the early promotions allow consumers to be smarter about their spending.

Cut 5 (06) “ …the budget”  

Due to its resurgence after being listed as endangered in Louisiana, a black bear hunting season could return. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A tropical disturbance has the potential to bring a lot of rain to south Louisiana tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee has more…

Cut 2 (26)  “…you updated”

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Members of the University of Louisiana System Board who considered hiring their President Jim Henderson today have extended the decision to allow for the public’s input. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Efforts are underway to bring a black bear hunting season back to Louisiana. A hearing will be held at The Louisiana Wildlife Commission’s November meeting on the issue. After being on the endangered species list, Commission member Joe McPherson says a recent report indicates there’s a viable black bear population in Louisiana….

Cut 4 (10) “…to sportsmen.”

There’s been an effort to reinstate the season after the species all but disappeared in the 1950s and 1960s. State Wildlife says today the black bear population in Louisiana is just over 12 hundred. McPherson says lawmakers have even sponsored legislation to bring the hunting season back…

Cut 5 (06) “…community.”

McPherson says there’s even a Facebook page dedicated to Louisiana Black Bears that shows deer camera footage of their presence.

McPherson says if the commission chooses to bring black bear hunting season back it wouldn’t be until the 2024-2025 season. He says it will be a limited hunt so not many animals will be taken initially.

Cut 6 (08) “…wild alligator.”

Louisiana’s black bear was removed from the endangered species list in 2015, but there’s an ongoing lawsuit from Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility challenging the removal.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2023.

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The last day to request an absentee ballot for the October 14^th Gubernatorial Primary Election is today by 4:30 p.m. Secretary of State Deputy Secretary for Outreach Joel Watson says registered voters can request an absentee ballot at voterportal-dot-sos-dot-la-dot-gov.

Cut 7 (12) “…do so.”

Anyone interested in voting by absentee ballot can also make a request in person at the parish Registrar of Voters office. Watson says absentee ballots must be returned by Friday so they can be counted on Election Day.

Cut 8 (09) “…Saturday night.” 

Anyone who is 65 and older, disabled, work offshore, or will not be in the state on election day qualifies to vote absentee.

The deadline to return absentee ballots is Friday. Watson says all completed absentee ballots should be returned in person.

Cut 9 (07)  “…voters staff.”

The deadline to return absentee ballots is Friday.  Information on local polling stations, sample ballot, and request an absentee ballot can be found on the Secretary’s website, or on the GeauxVote mobile app.

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A system in the gulf could bring some much-needed rain to south Louisiana on Wednesday. Slidell National Weather Service Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says there’s a potential for heavy rainfall midweek.

Cut 10 (11) “…Wednesday night.”

The majority of the rainfall will be south of I-10 and I-12.

After brutal summer temperatures and little to no rainfall, Grigsby says significant rain in the forecast is welcome news on two fronts…

Cut 11 (11) “…that stuff.”

Predicted rainfall amounts are in the one to two inches range but Grisby says as you get closer to the coast, that could increase up to three inches of precipitation.

Cut 12 (03) “…the area.” 

While the gulf disturbance will bring rain to Louisiana it’s not expected to develop into a depression and or tropical storm.

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The University of Louisiana System Board has delayed hiring their own President Jim Henderson, as Louisiana Tech’s next president to allow public input. Henderson says it’s just procedural and practical ramifications of having a system president interested in a university presidency.

Cut 13 (10) “… constituent groups.”

For the last six years, Henderson has been president of the state’s largest higher education system with nine member schools and more than 90,000 students. Henderson says returning to a university environment was always his plan and Louisiana Tech is special institution.

Cut 14 (12) “…this process.”

Henderson will give up his role as system leader if he’s named Louisiana Tech’s next president at a special meeting in less than three weeks.

His late parents were graduates of Louisiana Tech. He currently has a family member attending…

Cut 15 (12) “…Louisiana Tech.”

Henderson would replace current Tech President Les Guice, who announced his pending retirement last month.

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There are a lot of positives to take away from the Saints 34-0 win over the New England Patriots. Coach Dennis Allen liked how his team ended trips in the red zone with touchdowns…

Cut 16 (22) “…executed.”

The 34 points scored by the Saints ends a streak of 10 straight games of not scoring more than 21 points in a game. It also takes some of the heat off longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Carr says his relationship with Carmichael is growing…

Cut 17 (19) “…always fun.”

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There have been some dark times for the LSU defense this season. But Coach Brian Kelly says after watching the game film from Saturday’s win over Missouri, he believes they are starting to see light at the end of tunnel…

Cut 18 (22) “…out there.”

LSU gave up just two touchdowns in the second half, which is not bad after watching Missouri score on its first three drives.

Tigers Quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to practice today, despite taking some big hits against Mizzou. Daniels has put his name in the conversation for Heisman Trophy consideration. Kelly gives a lot of credit to fifth-year senior from California…

Cut 19 (22) “…the country.” 

After playing two straight games on the road, LSU returns to Tiger Stadium this Saturday to face the Auburn Tigers. The game marks the second half of the season and Coach Brian Kelly says his team is very much in the hunt to repeat as SEC West champs

Cut 20 (17) “…care of business.” 

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating two fatal shootings that happened within hours of each other. Sheriff Andy Brown says on Friday night they believe 18-year-old Terrion Atkins killed 26-year-old Breunte Hicks at a Circle K Gas Station in Jonesboro and then about two-hours later 30-year-old Devontre Jackson of Grambling was gunned down while driving on US 167…

Cut 13 (08) “…that case”

Walker High School Principal Jason St. Pierre, who revoked Kaylee Timonet’s scholarship after a video of her dancing at a private party, is taking leave for the remainder of the school year. Timonet, says it was St. Pierre who bought up religion, but his recent social media post says otherwise. She responded on TikTok…

Cut 7 (12) “…not factual.” 

The Secretary of State’s Office reports an eight-percent drop in early voting turnout. Early voting for the October 14^th gubernatorial primary ended Saturday night. Historically in Louisiana Democrats tend to take advantage of early voting compared to Republicans, but notably for this primary it was GOP voter turnout for early voting that exceeded registered Democrats. Absentee voting is also on the rise, and the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Tuesday at 4:30 PM.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is up to $1.55 billion, with a cash value of $679 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says a ticket worth $50 thousand was purchased in Kenner over the weekend and there was also a lucky winner in Houma.

Cut 5 (08) “ …numbers drawn”  

To be eligible for tonight’s drawing, tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m.