A preliminary test of a second inmate is positive for tuberculosis. The inmate is incarcerated at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson and the Department of Corrections says additional testing is being done to verify that the strain of bacteria for which the inmate tested positive is the one that causes TB. The department says this case is not related to the drug-resistant TB diagnosed at the ICE facility reported earlier. DCI is not on lockdown, but the department has suspended routine inmate transfers into and out of the prison for the time being

Early voting continues through Tuesday except for Sunday. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says while hundreds of thousands of voters have already cast their ballots the partisan breakdown this year is the opposite of what we saw during early voting four years ago.

Cut 10 (12) “…saw in 2020.”

Dry conditions continue in Louisiana.  LSU Public Heath Climatologist Barry Keim says currently, 59-percent of Louisiana is in a drought, and about 25-percent of the state is in severe drought or worse and Keim says in terms of relief for the state…

Cut 5 (12) “…wouldn’t bank on it”

Keim noted that even though it’s going to be a dry week it’s also going to be a beautiful one so enjoy the weather.

The Port of New Orleans is on track for a record-breaking year this year. Kimberly Curth with the Port of New Orleans says with the large number of passenger departing from the port, it is all the way back from the pandemic.

Cut 7 (10) “…to do that.”

Curth says one thing that drives passengers to the Port of New Orleans is that it’s located in the heart of the city, just steps from the French Quarter and world-class restaurants.

Early voting continues at a brisk pace this year. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says hundreds of thousands of voters have already cast their ballots.

Cut 9 (10)  “…cast their ballots.”

Early voting runs through Tuesday, except Sunday. Remember, during early voting, you can vote at any polling place within your parish. On Election Day, you will need to go to your assigned precinct.

Louisiana is experiencing drier than normal conditions. LSU Public Heath Climatologist Barry Keim says since mid-September the state has only averaged about nine-tenths of an inch of rainfall which is about 17-percent of normal for this time of year, but this isn’t uniform across the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…parts of the state.”

It’s shaping up to be a banner year at the Port of New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A huge game is set for Saturday night in College Station as the 8th-ranked LSU Tigers visit 14th-ranked Texas A-and-M. LSU’s offense could benefit from the return of speedy wide receiver Chris Hilton, who has yet to play this season because of a leg injury. Coach Brian Kelly says Hilton was full go at practice on Thursday…

Cut 14 (11) “…game ready.”

A preliminary test of a second inmate is positive for tuberculosis. The inmate is incarcerated at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson and the Department of Corrections says additional testing is being done to verify that the strain of bacteria for which the inmate tested positive is the one that causes TB. The department says this case is not related to the drug-resistant TB diagnosed at the ICE facility reported earlier. DCI is not on lockdown, but the department has suspended routine inmate transfers into and out of the prison for the time being.

The Port of New Orleans is on track for a record-breaking year this year as Carnival Cruise Lines celebrated its 30th year cruising from New Orleans and marked its seven-millionth guest originating from the port. Kimberly Curth with the Port of New Orleans…

Cut 8 (10) “…ocean-going cruising.”

Dry conditions are expected to continue into the next week across the state with no relief in sight.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU Tigers will be in College Station to take on Texas A-and-M Saturday night and the winner will be the only SEC team undefeated in league play. Both teams enter the game on six-game winning streaks. The Tigers are winning thanks to good quarterback play and a defense that’s getting better.  Tigers Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 13 (11) “…now.” 

The outlook for Louisiana suggests that drier conditions will continue into next week at least.  LSU Public Heath Climatologist Barry Keim says currently, 59-percent of Louisiana is considered to be in a drought, and about 25-percent of the state is in severe drought or worse.

Cut 3 (10) “…on steroids.”

A huge game is set for Saturday night in College Station as the 8th-ranked LSU Tigers visit 14th-ranked Texas A-and-M. The winner will be the lone team in the SEC that’s undefeated in league play. The winner will also see their odds improve in making the college football playoff. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly expects his players to give it all they got…

Cut 12 (12) “…the line.”

The Port of New Orleans is on track for a record-breaking year this year.

Cut 6 (12) “…our cruise lines.”

Kimberly Curth with the Port of New Orleans says one thing that drives passengers to the Port of New Orleans is that it’s located in the heart of the city, just steps from the French Quarter and world-class restaurants. And she says with this many passengers, the port is all the way back from the pandemic.

The first week of November will likely bring a special session where lawmakers consider Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform plan. Tax expert Jason DeCuir with Advantus Consulting says legislators have been studying rough drafts of the bills that make up the plan. The reform also includes changes to Article Seven in the state constitution and that’s drawing a lot of questions…

Cut 14 (12) “…the constitution.”

Thanks to a new law, Louisiana has a new 10-point grading scale for students. Bill Author, Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps says the change means students will have increased opportunities for higher grades, clearer grading standards, and simplified transcript evaluations for college applications. Phelps hopes the new standard will allow Louisiana to rank more competitively.

Cut 11 (06) “…is that beneficial?”

Resale ticket websites are busy with activity as pop star Taylor Swift is set for three performances at the Superdome starting on Friday.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Discussing politics is often stress-inducing and with Thanksgiving gatherings coming a few weeks after a presidential election that may not be called by then, Chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Michelle Moore says hosts may want to consider setting some table topic boundaries…

Cut 8 (07) “…moderate that environment.”

Lawmakers are expected to begin a special session the first week of November to take up Governor Jeff Landry’s his tax reform plan that would lower state income taxes for most but expands the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax to several previously excluded services, like lawn care, pet grooming, used car sales and lobbying activities. Tax law expert Jason DeCuir from Advantus Consulting says says this is a big change and legislators are taking a long look at it…

Cut 13 (11) “…parish rate is.” 

Louisiana has recently adopted a new 10-point grading scale, transitioning from the previous 7-point system due to House Bill 424. Bill Author, Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps…

Cut 10 (06) “…across the nation.”

Phelps hopes the new standard will allow Louisiana to be more competitive.

Political discussions can get uncomfortable, and this presidential election season is no exception. Andrew Greenstein takes a look.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour” continues this weekend with three shows at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The tour has captivated fans globally, cementing Swift’s legacy as one of the most successful touring artists in history.  Stubhub.com spokesperson Joseph Bocanegra…

Cut 5 (12) “…26 other countries”

A new study illustrates the impact of income tax and sales tax reforms on individuals. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

State Police is looking for the driver of the vehicle that struck a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Richland Parish east of Highway 133. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Jared Osbon of West Monroe. Trooper Ryan Davis says investigators believe it was a 2021 or newer Ford Super Duty truck that hit him…

Cut 7 (12) “…through that area”

Davis says it’s likely the truck that struck Osbon sustained damage to the left front headlight assembly and grill.

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in all public-school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Reverend Darcy Roake, says there are many kids, including her own, who don’t live by the Ten Commandments.

Cut 4 (11) “…able to answer.”

The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious. The hearing included testimony from Steven K. Green of Willamette University, who the plaintiffs called as an expert witness. Attorney General Liz Murrill argued that Green’s testimony be excluded.

Cut 5 (15) “…was admittedly subjective (2x)”

Judge John deGravelles (de-GRAVEL) is expected to issue a ruling by November 15th.

A Louisiana Tech student has been accused of driving drunk and killing a 21-year-old man from Sterlington. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New Orleans is about to get a huge economic boost with a trio of Taylor Swift concerts in the Superdome. Dr. Diego Bufquin (BUFF-quin), the director of the hospitality unit at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, says Swift’s concerts will bring as much as 300-million dollars to the city.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that she’s bringing.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public-school classrooms. The hearing included testimony from Steven K. Green of Willamette University, who the plaintiffs called an expert witness. Attorney General Liz Murrill argued that Green failed to prove that the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms violates the First Amendment and that his testimony be excluded.

Cut 6 (11) “…for the judge.”

A genealogist has identified the remains of five enslaved people who are buried on the grounds of a proposed plastics facility in St. James Parish. The plant would be on the site of a former plantation owned by Benjamin Winchester. Lenora Gobert (go-BEAR) says the five people were between the ages of nine and 31 when they died.

Cut 10 (10) “…ten years old.”

State Police is looking for the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Richland Parish near Highway 133. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Jared Osbon of West Monroe. Trooper Ryan Davis says investigators believe it was a 2021 or newer Ford Super Duty truck and he suspects it sustained damage to the left front headlight assembly and grill.

Cut 8 (12) “…close this case.”

Davis urges anyone with information to contact Louisiana State Police – Troop F at 318-345-0000.

A Baton Rouge mother is sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son died from a Fentanyl overdose. Whitney Ard was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her son, Mitchell Robinson the Third. District Attorney Hillar Moore argued that the circumstances demonstrated a pattern of negligence that crossed into criminal behavior.

Cut 26 (12) “…child to have access.”

A federal judge is expected to issue a ruling on Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law by the middle of next month. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Five enslaved people who died on a former plantation and are buried on the grounds of a proposed plastics facility in St. James Parish have been identified. The proposed plant would be on the site of a former plantation owned by Benjamin Winchester. Genealogist, Lenora Gobert…

Cut 12 (10) “…in the United States.”

State Police are looking for the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a 35 year old man walking on Interstate 20 Sunday night. Investigators say the hit and run that claimed the life of Jared Osbon of West Monroe happened around 10 pm when Osbon was walking in the left eastbound lane of I-20 near Highway 133. They say the 2021 or newer Ford Super Duty truck they believe hit Osbon will have damages to its left front headlight assembly and grill. Anyone with information is asked to call LSP Troop F at 318-345-0000.

SP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare 56 students for careers in law enforcement.  By the end of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of law enforcement, ready to serve and protect their communities. Lt. Jared Sandifer noted the benefits that come with becoming an LSP Trooper…

Cut 11 (11) “…equipment for free.”

The first two days of early voting in Louisiana broke records. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

New Orleans is getting ready for the invasion of the Swifties. Taylor Swift will perform three shows at the Superdome Friday through Sunday. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says there are very few hotel rooms in the Big Easy this weekend.

Cut 13 (09)  “…going very quickly.”