Eighteen Louisiana parishes are under a burn ban and dry weather is expected to persist, leading firefighters to remain vigilant as they prepare for potential fire outbreaks. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain reminds people that burning wooded areas is illegal…

Cut 14 (11) “…amount of damage..”

On this first day of early voting, it’s evident that many Louisianans aren’t waiting for November 5 to cast a ballot.  People voting at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge wanted to cast their ballot as soon as possible.

Cut 8 (09) “…and cast it.”

If your parish has multiple early voting locations, you can vote at any one of them. On Election Day, you will need to vote at your specific precinct. Early voting runs until October 29th; the polls are closed on Sundays.

After more than two years, the newly constructed Caddo Lake Bridge opens to traffic Saturday. A brief ribbon-cutting at 11:00 a.m. will welcome the first drivers to cross since the old bridge closed in December of 2021 and demolished due to its condition. The updated modernized bridge will serve around 5,000 motorists per day.

It may be too warm for outdoor ice skating, but Louisiana is now home to two professional hockey teams. The Monroe Moccasins join the Baton Rouge Zydeco (ZYE-de-koh) in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, taking the ice following a 23-year absence. Moccasins Owner Nic Perkin says he would like to see the National Hockey League come to Louisiana. He says it’s a proven fact that the NHL can work in non-traditional markets.

Cut 10 (10) “…have natural ice.”

The Moccasins dropped their first two games of the season, both against the Athens Rock Lobsters.

On this first day of early voting, people are showing up in droves to vote at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge. Many wanted to get it out of the way to avoid potential problems in the future.

Cut 7 (12) “…actual voting day.”

If your parish has multiple early voting locations, you can vote at any one of them. On Election Day, you will need to vote at your specific precinct. Early voting runs until October 29th; the polls are closed on Sundays.

A burn ban continues in 18 Louisiana parishes and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says if you’re doing prescribed burning to monitor wind speeds and follow all the guidelines for prescribed burning…

Cut 13 (09) “…agricultural burn.” 

Today the Louisiana National Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new readiness center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Eighth ranked LSU will try to follow up last Saturday’s emotional win over Ole Miss with a win on the road tomorrow night at Arkansas. Coach Brian Kelly expects his team can avoid a letdown…

Cut 15 (10) “…right direction.”

Kick-off is at 6 PM.

DOTD is sending crews to Florida to help in the recovery following Hurricane Milton. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says crews will be sent from across the whole state.

Cut 3 (11) “…them remove debris.”

Mallett says this is a way for Louisiana to return the favor after crews from other states descended upon the Pelican State to help in the cleanup following Hurricane Laura.

Rapper, producer, and businessman, Curtis “50 cent” Jackson who established a production studio and purchased several properties in Shreveport met with Governor Jeff Landry Wednesday to discuss the state’s film tax credit program that may be drastically changed or eliminated with the governor’s tax reform plan. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says they are looking at all tax credits

Cut 7 (11) “…for the taxpayers”

Sean Payton returns to the Superdome tonight as the head coach of the Broncos, but for the Saints they are looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The largest free fair in the country is right here in Louisiana and it’s currently underway. The Washington Parish Free Fair goes through Sunday in Franklinton. Jim Stringfield, who serves on the fair’s stage committee, says when they say free, they mean free.

Cut 11 (10) “…from the area.”

Rapper, TV producer, and businessman, Curtis “50 cent” Jackson met with Governor Jeff Landry on Wednesday. Jackson established a 985-thousand-square-foot-production studio in Shreveport and he’s also purchased several properties in downtown Shreveport. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson…

Cut 6 (09) “…come from it.”

Early voting in the presidential election begins tomorrow. Congresswoman Julia Letlow had this to say..

Cut 9 (10)  “…exercise that right.”

Congressional districts have changed, so go to GeauxVote-dot-com, that’s G E A U X vote dot com to find out who and what is on your ballot.

DOTD is sending crews to Florida to help with the cleanup following Hurricane Milton. Andrew Greenstein has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The largest free fair in the country is underway in the small town of Franklinton. The Washington Parish Free Fair goes through Sunday and there is no cost for admission. Jim Stringfield, who serves on the fair’s stage committee…

Cut 13 (08) “…four-day gap.” 

And the weather this weekend is expected to be perfect; so you can expect the fairgrounds to be bustling.

Early voting in the presidential election begins tomorrow. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says the right to vote is one of the most precious rights for us as Americans.

Cut 10 (05) “…on your ballot.”

Congressional districts have changed pretty dramatically but you can find all of the information at GeauxVote-dot-com — that’s G-E-A-U-X Vote Dot com. Early voting  lasts ten days, with no voting on Sundays.

DOTD is sending crews to Florida to help in the recovery following Hurricane Milton. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says crews are bracing for a massive cleanup job.

Cut 5 (09) “…there as well.”

He says after their work in in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura the crews have a great deal of experience in removing vegetative debris.

Rapper and businessman, Curtis “50 cent” Jackson met with Governor Landry about the state’s film tax credit Wednesday. Jackson opened G-Unit Studios in Shreveport last April and invested over two million dollars in the city. State law allows for 180-million dollars in film tax credits to be claimed and each project can receive up to 40-percent of their overall in-state investment. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says studies show these types of programs are fiscally a net loss …

Cut 8 (12) “…changing the system.”

The largest free fair in the country is underway in Franklinton. The Washington Parish Free Fair routinely attracts some big-name entertainers, and this year is no different. Jim Stringfield, who serves on the fair’s stage committee…

Cut 12 (08) “…as well.”

The fair continues through Sunday and the weather through the weekend is expected to be perfect.

Rapper, producer, and businessman, Curtis “50 cent” Jackson who established a production studio and purchased several properties in Shreveport met with Governor Jeff Landry Wednesday to discuss the state’s film tax credit program that may be drastically changed or eliminated with the governor’s tax reform plan. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says they are looking at all tax credits

Cut 7 (11) “…for the taxpayers”

Louisiana DOTD crews are ready to help Florida in their recovery following Hurricane Milton. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says this is a way for Louisiana to return the favor after crews from other states descended upon the Pelican State to help in the cleanup following Hurricane Laura.

Cut 4 (09) “…of the cleanup.”

Sean Payton returns to the Superdome tonight as the head coach of the Broncos, but for the Saints they are looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The largest free fair in the country is right here in Louisiana and it’s currently underway. The Washington Parish Free Fair goes through Sunday in Franklinton. Jim Stringfield, who serves on the fair’s stage committee, says when they say free, they mean free.

Cut 11 (10) “…from the area.”

A Breaux Bridge man faces dozens of counts of trafficking of children for sexual purposes. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Major Ginny Higgins, says their deputies have been investigating 32-year-old Javien Demouchet since July….

Cut 3 (08) “…juvenile victim.”

Higgins says Demouchet is accused of soliciting minors for sex in exchange for money and-or gifts. The investigation is ongoing

In 2023, a severe drought and heat in South Louisiana caused major setbacks for crawfish farmers, with many crawfish and hatchlings perishing. The 2024 season reflected this loss, with lower availability and higher prices. According to LSU AgCenter’s Todd Fontenot, the upcoming season looks more promising, as the crawfish are emerging to better conditions.

Cut 5 (09) “…water on these fields.”

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and every October 15^th families, communities, and health care providers gather for Global Wave of Light events. Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge held their event last evening. Manager of Social Services, Whitney Craig says families had an opportunity to learn about available resources but most importantly, honor the little lives.

Cut 10 (10) “…light candles.”

Craig says events that bring people together are important because of the unimaginable pain of infant and pregnancy loss.

A Breaux Bridge man was arrested yesterday facing 59 counts of trafficking of children for sexual purposes. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Major Ginny Higgins, says 32-year-old Javien Demouchet is accused of soliciting minors for sex in exchange for money and-or gifts. She says right now they know of just one victim, but the investigation is ongoing regarding other juvenile victims…

Cut 4 (05) “…the case.”

Authorities first began investigating Demouchet in July.

Senator Bill Cassidy is hosting his Louisiana Energy Security Summit today in Baton Rouge. Senator Cassidy says among the purposes of the summit is devising strategies for advancing energy security in a changing global landscape.

Cut 7 (15) “…from us.”

Cassidy says the summit will also focus on ways to keep energy jobs in Louisiana to ensure a prosperous future for the state.

Former LSU defensive back Greg Brooks Jr, who is now severely disabled, has filed a lawsuit against LSU and Our Lady of the Lake hospital.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The town of Brusly (BROO-lee) in West Baton Rouge parish will soon have an app to notify drivers of oncoming police pursuits. The City Council accepted a donation to launch the technology with the prompting of the father of one of the teens killed in a New Year’s Eve 2022 crash that killed two Brusly High cheerleaders, Caroline Gill and Maggie Dunn, who were hit by a police officer who ran a red light during a pursuit. Caroline’s father, Jason Gill…

Cut 14 (04) “…off you’ll be.”

Detectives with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Major Crime Unit are investigating a shooting that occurred Monday afternoon outside a Slidell-area business.  STPSO Lt. Suzanne Carboni…

Cut 12 (09) “…outside a store.”

Deputies found 67-year0old Dennis Knecht was pronounced dead at the scene.  64-year-old Cynthia Knecht was transported by emergency medical personnel to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

A Lafayette roofing company is accused of defrauding insurance companies. Nathan Strebeck with the state office of insurance fraud says Zac Moore and Roofing Guys LLC have allegedly been going to people’s homes telling them that they needed a new roof, when they didn’t. Inspectors found  that the damage to these roofs was man-made and led to a roof replacement costing 27-thousand dollars. Strebeck says one big takeaway from all this is for homeowners to tell roofing companies, “don’t call us, we’ll call you.”

Cut 7 (11) “…on their roof.”

Furthermore, Strebeck stresses that roofing companies are not insurance experts.

The good news: layoffs appear to be subsiding. The bad news: so has hiring. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The 2024 flu season is off to a slower-than-usual start, with early data suggesting similar flu activity levels than previous years. Ochsner Medical Family Medicine Physician Dr. Whitney Hardy says this is due to various factors, including widespread vaccination campaigns

Cut 9 (13) “…too late.”

A Lafayette roofing company accused of defrauding insurance companies is ordered to stop acting as a public adjuster. Nathan Strebeck with the state office of insurance fraud says Zac Moore and Roofing Guys LLC would allegedly go to people’s homes uninvited and tell them that they needed a new roof, when in fact they didn’t.

Cut 6 (13) “…in fact man-made.”

A forensic engineering company confirmed the inspector’s findings that the damage was man-made

Today is the last day to register to vote online using the GeauxVote Online Registration system.  This deadline is for residents who have never registered to vote or voters who would like to make changes to their registration.  Early voting for the Nov. 5 Presidential Election will take place Oct. 18 through Oct 29, from 8:30 am to 6 pm excluding Sundays.

Layoffs are at their lowest level since the pandemic, but the hiring are also at their lowest rate in more than a decade. U-N-O professor of business economics Mark Rosa says the financial sector has undergone much consolidation.

Cut 5 (12) “…this feels worse.”

The 2024 flu season is off to a slower-than-usual start. Ochsner Medical Family Medicine Physician Dr. Whitney Hardy says this is due to various factors, including widespread vaccination campaigns

Cut 11 (09) “…healthy holiday season.”

The CDC continues to monitor flu trends closely as the season progresses.