Annual enrollment for healthcare.gov begins today. Louisiana Blue Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says if you do not have affordable health insurance through an employer, or you’re losing Medicaid or you need to get covered, look at options on HealthCare.gov. He says enrollment is through January 15…

Cut 6 (07) “…by December 15.”

U.S. Army investigators are searching for a 26-year-old missing soldier and offering a $10,000 reward for credible information that leads them to the whereabouts of Sgt. David Lee Johnson. According to Fort Johnson and the Joint Readiness Training Center, Johnson was last seen on October 26th and failed to report for duty on October 29^th. Authorities say Johnson who was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 509^th Infantry Regiment at Fort Johnson has been declared a deserter and may be headed to Colorado. They further advise anyone who sees Johnson not to approach him as he may have access to firearms.

Louisiana’s Sixth Congressional District could have a major impact on who has control of the U-S House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We “fall back” to standard time this weekend and though we wake up Sunday with an extra hour of sleep, the time change can have some negative effects. Dr. Pamela Alonso with LSU Health New Orleans says the most common negative effect is a disruption in the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Cut 12 (10) “…on 24 hours.”

Louisiana’s newly drawn Sixth Congressional District could result in Democrats regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans currently occupy 220 seats in the U.S. House, Democrats have 212 and there are three vacancies. Dillard University political science professor Doctor Robert Collins says Democrats are banking on winning the Sixth Congressional District in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (05) “…real opportunity.”

Four Democrats and one Republican are running for this open seat that might need a run-off election in December to decide.

This is the weekend in which we “fall back.” Before you go to bed Saturday night, be sure to turn your clock back an hour. Even though it will give us an extra hour of sleep, the time change can have some negative effects. Dr. Pamela Alonso with LSU in New Orleans says they go beyond sleep disruptions, and some can be very serious.

Cut 11 (10) “…during those changes.”

It’s the first day of Open Enrollment, and Louisiana residents looking for affordable coverage have new options. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Book Festival returns to downtown Baton Rouge for its 20th year tomorrow. Robert Wilson, the assistant director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there will be something for everyone.

Cut 3 (12) “…as academic titles.”

The event tomorrow is from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and admission is free.

Louisiana’s newly drawn Sixth Congressional District could result in Democrats regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dillard University political science professor Doctor Robert Collins says the sixth district is expected to flip from Republican to Democrat because it’s now a Majority-minority district…

Cut 9 (06)  “…federal courts.”

U.S. Army investigators are searching for a 26-year-old missing soldier and offering a $10,000 reward for credible information that leads them to the whereabouts of Sgt. David Lee Johnson. According to Fort Johnson and the Joint Readiness Training Center, Johnson was last seen on October 26th and failed to report for duty on October 29^th. Authorities say Johnson who was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 509^th Infantry Regiment at Fort Johnson has been declared a deserter and may be headed to Colorado. They further advise anyone who sees Johnson, not to approach him as he may have access to firearms.

The Louisiana Book Festival returns to downtown Baton Rouge for its 20th year tomorrow.

Events will be held in the State Capitol, the State Library, the Capitol Park Museum and in tents on neighboring streets. Over 200 Authors and presenters will be on hand and Robert Wilson, the assistant director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there will be cooking demonstrations.

Cut 5 (07) “…look for lunch.”

Wilson adds the book festival is a family-friendly free event from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Annual enrollment for healthcare.gov begins today for those without affordable health insurance. Louisiana Blue Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says coverage needs, monthly premiums, and provider networks should be considered before enrolling, as each plan varies in cost and benefits. He says figuring out which health insurance plan works for you can be confusing, but the worst thing you can do is go uncovered…

Cut 8 (10) “…devastating if you do.”

A U-turn in the early voting trend in Louisiana, as for the first time, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in casting their ballots early. Of course, while the registered party of the early voters is known, how they voted is not. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says while opinion polls show Trump with a comfortable lead, it’s unclear whether he will increase his win margin in the state from four years ago.

Cut 4 (13) “…or from Republicans.”

The congressional district represented by Congresswoman Julia Letlow changed significantly this year bringing her campaign into parts of Baton Rouge so on November 5^th, she will be in the capital city watching election results. She’s hosting an Election Night Watch party for her supporters at LSU Tiger Stadium.

Louisiana has been experiencing a steady net outmigration trend, with over 110,000 residents leaving the state for other parts of the U.S. since 2020. That’s according to the Council for a Better Louisiana. In 2023 alone, the state saw a net loss of over 29,000 people. CABL President Barry Erwin says this pattern highlights a broader trend in domestic migration within the U.S.

Cut 9 (08)  “…than moving in.”

Sugar cane farming appears to be sweeter this year than last year when the historic drought took its toll, but LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Production Specialist Kenneth Gravois (GRAV-wah) says Hurricane Francine affected sugar cane growth in the southernmost parishes.

Cut 7 (15) “…in sugar recovery.”

It’s a sweet time to be a sugar cane grower in Louisiana this year. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Production Specialist Kenneth Gravois (GRAV-wah) says the state’s sugar cane crops are on pace to produce two-million tons of sugar this year.

Cut 6 (16) “…part of the industry.”

The Saints are on a six-game losing streak and in an interview on WWL Radio, General Manager Mickey Loomis says Owner Gayle Benson is in the locker room following every game to talk with the coaches, staff and players. He says the entire organization wants to get this season back on track…

Cut 13 (10)  “…thing around.”

The Saints have an excellent chance to snap the skid this Sunday as they visit Carolina, who has just one win this season.

With over 110,000 residents leaving the state for other parts of the U.S. since 2020, Louisiana is experiencing a net outmigration according to the Council for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Early voting is over in Louisiana; and unlike in previous years, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in casting their ballots early. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says part of that is because of a strong desire to return Donald Trump to the White House.

Cut 3 (13) “…by 58 percent.”

Of course, while the registered party of the early voters is known, how they voted is not.

Louisiana’s high school graduation rate is up. The Department of Education released the 2022-2023 data which shows the stat’s overall cohort graduation rate rose to 83.2% that’s a half percent higher than the 2021-2022 numbers. The graduation rate for students with disabilities was up 1.6 points to 77.7%. The state is launching a revised accountability system in 2025-2026. It sets higher expectations for students, schools, and systems.

With 110,000 Louisiana residents moving out of state since 2020, Governor Landry says he can turnaround the years of out migration if the legislature approves meaningful tax reform in a special session that begins next week. Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says a tax system that promotes job growth can lead to a better Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…better about staying.”

A U-turn in the early voting pattern here in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Sugar cane growers in most of the state are having a better year after last year’s drought. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Production Specialist Kenneth Gravois (GRAV-wah) says Hurricane Francine affected sugar cane growth in the southernmost parishes but cane tonnage per acre overall is good and should offset some sugar recovery losses in those affected parishes.

Cut 8 (16) “…two-million tons.”

Early voting saw a change this year as Republicans outnumbered Democrats. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says part of the reason for the increase in the Republican vote is that the Republican Party is coming around to accepting early voting as an important part of the election process.

Cut 5 (15) “…haven’t yet voted.”

He says in the last four years, more newcomers to the state have registered with the Republican Party than with the Democratic Party.

110,000 Louisiana residents have left the state since 2020 according to the Council for a Better Louisiana. CABL President Barry Erwin says high crime rates, concerns over the education system and limited job opportunities are primary reasons people are moving out of the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (05) “…real opportunity.”

Sugar cane farming appears to be sweeter this year than last year when the historic drought took its toll, but LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Production Specialist Kenneth Gravois (GRAV-wah) says Hurricane Francine affected sugar cane growth in the southernmost parishes.

Cut 7 (15) “…in sugar recovery.”

The Saints have lost six in a row, their longest losing streak since 2005. So how does Owner Gayle Benson feel about the team’s losing ways? In an interview on WWL Radio, General Manager Mickey Loomis says he speaks with Mrs. Benson nearly every day

Cut 12 (14) “…solution.”

A 14-year-old boy is shot to death in Terrebonne Parish. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The St. Tammany Parish coroner announces a warning about a widely available supplement that could prove deadly. Over the summer, a 36-year-old woman died from an overdose of a mix of drugs including the legal drug Kratom. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says since Kratom is readily available, people might not realize that it is lethal in excessive doses.

Cut 9 (07)  “…think it’s safe.”

In high doses, Kratom can cause seizures.

Louisiana sets a record for in-person early voting with 849,000 ballots, compared to 817,000 in 2020 and Secretary of State Deputy Secretary Joel Watson says yesterday on the last day of early voting, a single-day record was set beating the previous record of 99,000 from the last election cycle.

Cut 4 (05) “…cast their vote.”

Early voting statistics by parish show notable turnout, with Calcasieu Parish leading at 38,000 votes.

The Ragin Cajuns improved to 7-and-1 with a hard fought 23-17 victory at Texas State last night. U-L Lafayette is now 5-and-0 on the road and Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) gives the credit to the players

Cut 12 (15) “…over and over again.”

A 14-year-old Terrebonne parish boy whose body was found in a Wooded area in Chauvin Friday has been linked to some area vehicle burglaries according to Lieutenant Blake Tabor with the Terrebonne Sheriff’s office. He says the 14-year-old was breaking into the vehicles with two other juveniles, one of whom admitted to shooting the boy.

Cut 7 (11) “…14-year-old child.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is offering a 500-dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver who threw three German Shepherd puppies out of the window in Avoyelles Parish, killing them. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says a driver observed what he thought was trash being thrown from the pickup truck on Highway 1185.

Cut 26 (13) “…on the pavement.”

Those two puppies later died their injuries.

Louisiana set a record for in-person early voting, beating its previous high set in 2020 by 32,000 votes. Sean Richardson has the numbers.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Jeff Landry is conducting his first overseas economic development trip as governor as he’s in South Korea. The governor’s office says Landry is there to strengthen relationships with major South Korean companies currently doing business in Louisiana or considering future investment in the state. Economist Doctor Loren Scott says the cheap price of natural gas makes Louisiana an attractive place to invest…

Cut 6 (11) “…cheap molecules.”

Today is the last day of early voting and John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics says while the early voting in polling places is up from four years ago, the mail-in ballots are considerably down from that time. He says he does not expect the state to reach the one-million early vote mark at the end of the day today.

Cut 10 (11) “…than the other.”

Authorities are thankful ten-year-old Brody Sturdivant of Livingston was found safe. The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted Livingston parish in the search after the young boy went missing Sunday evening. Sheriff Ard says Brody was found underneath a house in a neighborhood not too far from his own.

Cut 4 (07) “…to find him.”

Ard says Brody ran away after he was punished and even though he was found safe, the investigation is ongoing.

Beginning November 1^st, The City of Tallulah in Madison Parish, will be imposing a curfew, from midnight and five a-m. City spokeswoman Yvonne Lewis says they’re taking the action due to issuesBut she didn’t elaborate. She says, if you have a reason to be out overnight, for work or emergencies, that’s okay.

Cut 13 (09) “…where you’re going.” 

Lewis says the curfew will be in place indefinitely.