33-year-old schoolteacher Morgan Freche of Loranger has been arrested on charges of rape of a student who allegedly fathered her newborn child. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says she was booked for third-degree rape, oral sexual battery, and multiple counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. The investigation says the allegations against the teacher and the now 17-year-old student date back approximately two years.

The Louisiana Department of Education is one of 20 states to be awarded $10 million to improve career opportunities for students with disabilities. Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley says it’s part of the US Department of Education’s Pathway to Partnerships to help prepare these students for life after high school.

Cut 6 (11) “…(x2) students with disabilities.”

Brumley says the funding will enable them to focus on life after high school for students with disabilities.

The Louisiana Treasury announced more than 80 thousand names of unclaimed property owners in every parish will be published beginning today through Friday. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

After exhausting its first round of grants in less than three minutes, the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its second round of grants for 500 Citizens policyholders in two weeks. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Amendment 4 on the October 14^th ballot would allow local governments to remove property tax exemptions from nonprofit organizations that lease housing. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The District 22 Senate race in Lafayette, Iberia, and St. Martin parishes is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the state. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter has introduced the PRIME Act to increase athletic budgets at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Junior Colleges. Carter says a larger funding stream would allow HBCUs to become more competitive.

Cut 4 (07) “…better training.”

Last year, LSU had an athletic budget of $192 million, while Southern University reported only $18 million. Carter says larger athletic budgets allow universities to hire talented coaching staff for their athletes.

Cut 5 (13) “…university experience.”

Texas A&M’s Kyle’s Field is estimated at a $485 million facility. Morehouse’s Forbes Arena is only $8 million. Carter hopes both Democratic and Republican lawmakers will help push this legislation through.

Cut 6 (12) “…goal post.”

These grants will be awarded by the Department of Education.

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its second round of 500 grants of up to $10 thousand in two weeks for Citizens policyholders to strengthen their roofs. Donelon says the first round of grants was very successful.

Cut 7 (07) “…seconds pass.”

The LFHP has enough funding to award approximately 3,000 grants. Donelon says residents will have to meet certain requirements to be eligible for the grant including…

Cut 8 (08) “…flood zone.” 

Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.

The Legislature set aside $30 million for the program earlier this year. Donelon says this will provide relief to Citizens policyholders who are paying the highest premiums.

Cut 9 (13)  “…or succession.”

The remaining grants will be available to all eligible homeowners across the state in upcoming weeks.

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Amendment 4 on the October 14^th ballot would allow local governments to remove property tax exemptions from nonprofit organizations that lease housing and have repeated public health or safety violations. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the entity must have at least three violations within a 12-month period.

Cut 10 (09) “…tax exemption.”

Procopio says passage wouldn’t mean the tax exemption status is automatically pulled…

Cut 11 (06) “…to do that.”

When it comes to blight, Procopio says some believe this is one proposed way to punish the violator but on the other hand…

Cut 12 (05) “…the voters.” 

Early voting for the October 14th primary ends Saturday evening.

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The District 22 Senate race, which includes Lafayette, Iberia, and St. Martin parishes is one of the most competitive in the state. The top two candidates are House GOP leader Representative Blake Miguez and the largest sugar cane farmer in the area Hugh Andre. The Advocate Journalist Tyler Bridges says the winner will determine if the higher chamber remains conservative in a pragmatic bipartisan manner.

Cut 13 (10) “… LGBTQ rights.”

And Bridges says the winner of this race will also determine the next Senate President Pro Tem.

If Miguez, who’s currently leading in the polls, wins, Bridges believes the Senate will go to the extreme right.

Cut 14 (11) “…woke Liberals.”

Andre, who Bridges says isn’t as polished as Miguez, is well known in the area for being self-made and his uncle and grandfather were sheriffs in St. Martin Parish. Bridges says the bipartisan political establishment in the district favors Andre.

Cut 15 (12) “…everybody.”

Out of the five candidates running for the Senate seat, Republicans Andre and Miguez are expected to force a runoff. The seat is being vacated by Senator Fred Mills who is term-limited.

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The Saints have failed to score more than 21 points in ten straight games, but head coach Dennis Allen is not planning on making any changes with his offensive staff…

Cut 16 (16) “…on the board.”

A lot of the criticism is coming down on Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Allen says the longtime OC understands the fans want to see better results…

Cut 17 (13) “…get it fixed.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly says he has the utmost confidence in his defensive coordinator Matt House. Through four games, the Tigers’ defense ranks 105th in scoring defense, allowing 31 points a game. Kelly says one major reason why LSU’s defense has struggled is the number of new and young players on the field…

Cut 18 (15) “…at a higher level.”

Kelly has confirmed they’ve hired former LSU defensive line coach Pete Jenkins as an analyst. He’s considered a guru when it comes to coaching defensive lineman. Kelly says he’ll help out John Jancek, who was named D-Line coach when Jimmy Lindsey had a medical emergency before the season…

Cut 19 (19) “…in that room.” 

While LSU is struggling on defense, the Tigers have an elite offense. It’s ranked sixth in the country, averaging 530 yards a game. Kelly says the LSU offense is looking like the one Joe Burrow directed in 2019….

Cut 20 (20) “..about the defense” 

30-year-old Zachary Faulk of Merryville has been arrested for allegedly starting a fire on his property on August 17^th. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain…

Cut 9 (11) “…several days.” 

He faces one count of negligent burning and one count of violating the state burn ban.

Saints’ fans suffered a disappointing loss over the weekend. They failed to score a touchdown in a 26-9 defeat to Tampa Bay. New Orleans has scored 21 or fewer points in ten consecutive games. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for only 127 yards in yesterday’s loss…

Cut 12 (08) “..right now” 

The Saints play the Patriots Sunday afternoon in Foxboro.

There were no Powerball jackpot winners again this weekend, so tonight’s jackpot is more than one-billion dollars… Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison…

Cut 6 (11) “…one million.”

The cash value of tonight’s jackpot is $478 million. Tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m. to qualify for tonight’s drawing.

Fall is finally here but Sunday’s high reached into the 90s. State Climatologist Barry Keim says you’ll definitely feel a chill in the air this weekend.

Cut 5 (06) “ …finally arrives.”  

Lows on Saturday will be in the lower 60s and upper 50s. Keim says after one of the most oppressive summers on record, the cooler temperatures will be most welcomed in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Enforcement Division has arrested 30-year-old Zachary Faulk of Merryville. Commissioner Mike Strain says Faulk allegedly started a fire on his property on August 17^th and the blaze was adjacent to and part of the Tiger Island Fire, but the big battle was to save the town of Merryville…

Cut 10 (10) “…court of law.”

He faces one count of negligent burning and one count of violating the state burn ban.

It’s officially fall but it still feels like summer in Louisiana. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says we should start to see autumn-like temperatures going into the weekend. Usually by mid-September, we would have experienced our first drop in temperatures signifying that autumn has arrived.

Cut 4 (12) “…right here.”

There are a lot of questions about the Saints’ offense after they failed to score a touchdown in a 26-9 loss to Tampa Bay…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is a staggering $1.04 billion, the fourth-largest jackpot in the history of the game. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says to play responsibly.

Cut 8 (09) “..to win.”

Tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m. for tonight’s drawing.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Enforcement Division has arrested 30-year-old Zachary Faulk of Merryville. Commissioner Mike Strain says Faulk allegedly started a fire on his property on August 17^th and the blaze was adjacent to and part of the Tiger Island Fire, but the big battle was to save the town of Merryville…

Cut 10 (10) “…court of law.”

He faces one count of negligent burning and one count of violating the state burn ban.

It’s officially fall but it still feels like summer in Louisiana. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says we should start to see autumn-like temperatures going into the weekend. Usually by mid-September, we would have experienced our first drop in temperatures signifying that autumn has arrived.

Cut 4 (12) “…right here.”

There are a lot of questions about the Saints’ offense after they failed to score a touchdown in a 26-9 loss to Tampa Bay…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is a staggering $1.04 billion, the fourth-largest jackpot in the history of the game. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says to play responsibly.

Cut 8 (09) “..to win.”

Tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m. for tonight’s drawing.

It’s officially fall but it sure still feels like summer in Louisiana. Highs Sunday reached into the 90s, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says we should start to see autumn-like temperatures this weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…taste of fall.”

He says the fall-like weather is arriving late for Louisiana, usually by mid-September we would have experienced our first drop in temperatures signifying that autumn has arrived.

And now that it’s October we’ve entered the final two months of the 2023 hurricane season and so far, it’s been a quiet one for Louisiana. But state Keim says we are not out of the woods yet…

Cut 12 (07) “…major hurricane.” 
This year there have been 18 named storms, which means it has been an above-average season.

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is a staggering $1.04 billion with a cash value of $478 million, making it the fourth largest in the game’s history. Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says sales normally pick up when there’s a jackpot of this size because of people’s curiosity and excitement.

Cut 6 (11) “…one million.”

After more than three decades in the making, the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum opens Sunday inside the New Orleans Convention Center. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the exhibit will be the first in the state honoring heroes of the Civil Rights Movement and the ‘dream cube’ will certainly bring the wow factor to the museum.

Cut 9 (12)  “…were there.”

The two-million-dollar exhibit is five thousand square feet.

Four Baton Rouge Police officers including the Deputy Chief have been arrested following an investigation into physical abuse and misconduct of officers involving a man arrested two years ago. Chief Murphy Paul says officers used tasers and one officer struck the man to get him to comply with their requests during a strip search.

Cut 3 (12) “…was activated.”

Nearly 600 orphaned wells have been plugged since the beginning of the year thanks to money from the federal government and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Governor John Bel Edwards says so far, it’s been funded by the Infrastructure Law approved in 2021, but he expects to get more federal money to address the problem…

Cut 13 (10) “…we can.”

The clock is ticking, and Congress is running out of time to avoid a government shutdown Sunday. Lawmakers have until midnight Saturday to reach an agreement to avoid a federal government shutdown. Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy blames the Biden administration.

Cut 11 (08) “…good faith.”

Federal employees will be furloughed if there’s a shutdown and the military and TSA employees are forced to work without pay.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are back with a newly reimagined “Greatest Show on Earth” after a six-year hiatus and their first stop is in Bossier City tonight. The cast consists of 75 individuals from 18 countries. Performer Wesley Williams says his three-story unicycle performance is an incredible back-and-forth experience.

Cut 8 (12) “…magical thing.”

There will be four performances, tonight through Sunday

A federal government shutdown is looming if Congress fails to reach an agreement by midnight Saturday. US Senator Bill Cassidy says for the most part there will be little impact on day-to-day life for Louisianans. But if you need assistance call his Baton Rouge office

Cut 10 (10) “…cassidy.senate.gov”

Nearly 600 orphaned wells have been plugged since the beginning of the year thanks to money from the federal government and the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service. Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s important abandoned wells get sealed because they leak methane which scientists say contributes to the earth’s warming….

Cut 12 (10) “…doing this” 

Edwards says the federal money is the result of the Infrastructure Law approved by Congress in 2021.

A week-long early voting period begins tomorrow for the October 14th gubernatorial primary. Secretary of State spokesperson John Tobler says the Geaux Vote app provides information on early voting locations and you can fill out a sample ballot to take into the voting booth with you….
cut 21 (13) “….voice heard”
The expected voter turnout is to be around 45 percent.

After a six-year hiatus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are back with a newly reimagined “Greatest Show on Earth” that opens today in Bossier City. Performer Wesley Williams says while they won’t have animals you can look forward to an amazing triangular highwire performance.

Cut 7 (09) “…a pin.” 

There will be four shows, tonight through Sunday.

We complete our look at the six major candidates for governor by hearing from Attorney General Jeff Landry. Teiko Foxx has more from the Republican from Acadiana…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Early voting starts tomorrow and there are plenty of items on the ballot, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Headed to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans airport? Starting today, the long-awaited new I-10 westbound flyover ramp is open for motorists. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (32) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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We complete our daily profiles of the six main candidates running for governor by hearing from Republican Jeff Landry. Landry says if he’s elected governor he’ll spend every day of his administration fighting crime, improving education, and building up the state’s workforce…

Cut 4 (08) “…don’t come.”

Landry grew up in St. Martinville. Served in the National Guard for eleven years and that included a tour in the Middle East during Desert Storm. He’s also worked as a police officer and a sheriff’s deputy

Landry says he’ll be a law and order governor and his efforts as Attorney General the last eight years prove that.

Cut 5 (11) “…reduce crime.”

Landry graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and started his own oil and gas environmental service company. He also served as executive director of the St. Martin Parish Economic Development. Landry served in Congress prior to his election as A-G.

The son of a school teacher, Landry says he wants to improve education in public schools by letting the teachers teach…

Cut 6 (11) “…teachers teach.”

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Big changes for SNAP recipients go into effect Sunday. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says able-bodied adults ages 18 to 52, without dependents will be limited to three months of benefits, unless they live in one of the 33 exempted parishes that have high unemployment or not enough jobs available.

Cut 7 (12) “…a month.”

They must provide proof of at least 80 hours a month they are looking for a job, volunteering and/or working. Ricks says those who will be impacted have received notification. Previous requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, she says, haven’t changed.

A Cost-of-Living Adjustment also goes into effect Sunday. Ricks says SNAP recipients who are eligible for the maximum benefit should see about a 3.5-percent increase in their monthly food allotment. For example…

Cut 8 (09) “…ten dollars.” 

Ricks says the cost-of-living-adjustment, also known as COLA, is based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index trends.

Cut 9 (06)  “…higher and higher.”

For more information visit dcfs.la.gov

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Early voting begins this Saturday for the October 14^th primary. John Tobler with the Secretary of State’s office says everyone has something on their ballot and you can cast your ballot from 8:30 in the morning until 6 o’clock at night.

Cut 10 (12) “…their ballot.”

Tobler says the Geaux Vote app will also tell you where the early voting locations are in your parish and where to cast your ballot on election day if you don’t vote early. And to help expedite the process…

Cut 11 (13) “…voice heard.”

Voting in person is still the preferred way to perform one’s constitutional duty in Louisiana and Tobler says doing so early continues to become more popular.

Cut 12 (10) “…election day.” 

Expected voter turnout for the primary is between 42 and 46 percent, which Tobler says is average for a governor’s race.

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The newly constructed ramp providing direct access from I-10 West at Loyola Drive to the Louis Armstrong Airport project opens today. DOTD Spokesperson Daniel Gitlin says this will dramatically ease traffic flow for motorists who use the Kenner corridor every day and for those headed to the airport.

Cut 13 (11) “…the goal”

The new exit will allow travelers headed to the airport from the direction of New Orleans to avoid the light by passing over Loyola Avenue and Veterans Boulevard intersection in Kenner.

Gitlin says the eastbound ramp which will allow exiting airport drivers to merge directly on I-10 eastbound toward New Orleans is near completion. He points out that there is still additional work to finish before the project is complete.

Cut 14 (12) “…are connected”

The ramp is part of the $125.6 million I-10/Loyola Drive Interchange Project which started in 2020. While he’s looking for to the opening of the second exit in two weeks, Gitlin says today is special.

Cut 15 (08) “…this point”

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Louisiana Tech jumps back into Conference USA play tonight as they travel to the Sun Bowl to face the UTEP Miners in El Paso, Texas. Tech enters the game with a 2-3 record, while the Miners are 1-4 after losing to UNLV last weekend. Second year Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says UTEP is better than what its record shows…

Cut 16 (17) “…football team.”

The Bulldogs have not won a game on the road since December of 2020. Offensive lineman Abe Delfin believes the streak comes to an end tonight…

Cut 17 (17) “…this week”

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Saints running back Alvin Kamara makes his season debut Sunday when New Orleans hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at noon. Kamara was suspended the first three games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy stemming from a fight at at Las Vegas casino. Kamara says he stayed active while away from the team

Cut 18 (14) “…to play”

The Saints have struggled on offense without Kamara. They rank 20th in the league in total offense and 25th in scoring, averaging just 18 points per game. Kamara says it will take a collective effort to get the offense going…

Cut 19 (17) “…run the ball” 

Kamara says they have the talent to put more points on the board…

Cut 20 (15) “..execute better” 

As saltwater moves up the lower Mississippi River, plans are underway to build a pipeline to take fresh river water from past Kenner to drinking water treatment plants in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness Collin Arnold says if the pipeline is not finished by the time the saltwater arrives at the Carrollton water treatment plant in late October, the city is preparing to distribute bottled water…

Cut 11 (09) “…do that.”

Arnold says cost estimates for the project are 100-to-250 million dollars and construction could begin in a week.

The first stop on the Ringling Brother and Barnum & Bailey circuit is Bossier City. The beloved circus returns tomorrow and there will be four performances Friday through Sunday. After protests years ago, the Greatest Show on Earth now goes on without animals.

The last gubernatorial debate before early voting airs tonight on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says with many undecided voters in the state, this is a great chance for the public to get to know the candidates better and…

Cut 4 (11) “…the candidates.”

The forum begins at seven and will be streamed afterward.

According to the AARP Scorecard, Louisiana ranks 45^th in the nation for long-term care services and support for older Americans. Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says only 22 percent of Louisiana’s Medicaid spending goes toward home care service.

Cut 6 (10) “…individual choosing.”

Muhl says a common myth is that patients in nursing homes receive 24-hour care, in reality, he says the minimum standard is two and a half hours daily.