The case of the stolen Abraham Lincoln statue appears to be solved, but the statue is in pieces, and its owner is upset. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Southern University Law professor is suspended and will likely be fired for her social media post about the murder of Charlie Kirk. Southern Board Chairman, Tony Clayton said her behavior was prejudicial to the university and that Kelly Carmena’s comment saying she would 1000% wish death on people like Kirk was tantamount to participating in inciting violence and that it would not be tolerated at Southern.

With sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green listed as a game-time decision with an MCL sprain, LSU will have to rely heavily on Bauer Sharp to be effective against Florida Saturday night. Head coach Brian Kelly likes the traits and intensity Sharp brings to the field each week.

Cut 13 (13)  “…four quarters.”

And on Sunday, the Saints defense will have to contain one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league in 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Linebacker Demario Davis says that McCaffrey’s versatility makes it difficult for defenses to stop him.

Cut 14 (14) “…too much.”

A Shreveport couple is charged with felony government benefits fraud. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation says 42-year-old Ebony Taylor didn’t disclose her marital status and she with her husband 39-year-old Andre Jackson concealed their true income when they applied for Medicaid for themselves and their children. Turns out they own several tracts of land in Caddo Parish including their home valued at over $650,000. They also added a pool and spa for $94,000, financed an $80,000 BMW, took expensive vacations and paid for luxuries including cosmetic surgery. They’re accused of defrauding the Medicaid program of approximately $127,000.

Acting Cheneyville police chief has been accused of victimizing a child. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says 37-year-old Charles Isaac is charged with molestation of a juvenile and sexual battery of a child under the age of 13. Wallace says if found guilty, he will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of his role in law enforcement.

Cut 5 (14) “…for the law.”

The RV Trader website ranks LSU as the number one destination for tailgating in the SEC. RV Trader tailgating expert, Scott Smith says tailgating at LSU is more like a festival and LSU likes to share their culture.

Cut 11 (14) “…and the inclusiveness.”

After the tailgating this Saturday, LSU hosts Florida and their rush attack comes in at 85^th in the country, averaging just 118 yards on the ground a game. Head coach Brian Kelly knows the overall offense needs to be better and he says that he wants to make sure that his team wins the line of scrimmage.

Cut 12 (14) “…doing it”

A small-town police chief in Rapides Parish is accused of victimizing a child. Andrew Greenstein has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A Southern University Law professor is suspended and will likely be fired for her social media post about the murder of Charlie Kirk. Southern Board Chairman, Tony Clayton said her behavior was prejudicial to the university and that Kelly Carmena’s comment saying she would 1000% wish death on people like Kirk was tantamount to participating in inciting violence and that it would not be tolerated at Southern.

Three people have been arrested for allegedly breaking into Houmas House in Ascension Parish, stealing and cutting up a solid silver statue of Abraham Lincoln worth an estimated 166-thousand dollars. Houmas House owner Kevin Kelly says many of his guests called the statue their favorite item on the tour and he says he’ll try to display it again, but Lincoln’s head is missing.

Cut 8 (14) “..what it was.”

The three people arrested are 28-year-old Steve Coronado of Raceland, 20-year-old Alma Fontenot of New Iberia and 49-year-old Bruce Shelvin of Avondale.

LSU is ranked the number one tailgating destination in the SEC by the website, RV Trader. Tailgating expert with RV Trader, Scott Smith says Louisiana’s world-famous cuisine had a lot to do with LSU taking the top spot.

Cut 10 (11) “…part of that.”

He also says LSU tailgaters are happy to share their culture with others.

This afternoon, New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell will be arraigned in federal court. Prosecutors says she cheated the city out $70,000 for trips she took with her boyfriend, retired NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie under the premise he was providing security. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Cantrell’s ability to travel will likely be compromised to a point.

Cut 5 (13) “…is called for.”

What started as a business plan that received the lowest grade in a college business class has made Todd Graves the 46^th richest person in the country. The founder of Raisin’ Canes Chicken Fingers is listed in The Forbes 400 list with a net worth of 22 billion dollars. Other Louisianans listed are Saints and Pelicans owner, Gail Benson, the 176^th richest and Sazerac Company owner William Goldring and family, the 246^th richest.

The number of people killed on Louisiana roads has dropped to its lowest level in five years. Last year, 753 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes and 261 people who were not wearing seat belts compared to 302 in 2023. Mark Lambert with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says that drivers cannot control what others do on the road, which is why wearing a seatbelt is so important.

Cut 14 (09) “…your seatbelt”

We’ve reached the halfway point in this year’s quiet hurricane season but LSU Health Climatologist, Barry Keim says there’s still time for a destructive storm to impact Gulf Coast.

Cut 12 (13) “…October storms.”

Due to new federal rules, Louisiana is one of 12 states where a prescription is now required to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Senator Bill Cassidy says the new rules are counterproductive.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the patient needs.”

There is a work around where the State Surgeon General can write a blanket prescription covering residents of the state.

Today is the statistical peak of the hurricane season, and the National Hurricane Center is not expecting a storm to form over the next week. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there have been six named storms and just one hurricane.

Cut 10 (12) “…count on it.”

Keim says Bermuda High Pressure has kept storms away from the United States.

The mayor of New Orleans will be arraigned in a federal courtroom this afternoon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

DWI arrests are up by four percent in Louisiana. Almost 14 thousand people were arrested last year. Mark Lambert with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says increased law enforcement is helping keep the roads safer.

Cut 15 (10) “…any damage”

The number of people killed on Louisiana roads has dropped to its lowest level in five years.

A Slidell woman was arrested for an alleged hit and run that left her co-worker critically injured. Slidell police say surveillance shows 67-year-old Lillian Sellers backing up recklessly in the parking lot of Greenbriar Community Care Center Sunday night when she struck a female co-worker. She then exited her SUV, retrieved a broken piece of bumper and then walked in to work saying someone had fallen in the parking lot. When medical personnel determined the victim’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle, they notified police. When questioned, Sellers reportedly shrugged her shoulders and gave no explanation.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is being arraigned in federal court this afternoon on charges related to travel with her bodyguard at the city’s expense. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Cantrell’s trial will not start until after she leaves office, and he does not see any pre-trial hearings interfering with her remaining time in office.

Cut 6 (12) “…her being present.”

The number of people killed on Louisiana roads has dropped to its lowest level in five years. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

You will now need a prescription to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana — one of 12 states impacted by new federal rules. Senator Bill Cassidy says there’s a work-around and there’s precedent for a blanket prescription issued by the State Surgeon General.

Cut 8 (12) “…upon that prescription.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is being arraigned in federal court this afternoon. Prosecutors say she and retired NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie (VAA-pee) cheated the city out of 70-thousand dollars for trips they took together under the premise that Vappie was providing security to Cantrell while the two were actually in a romantic relationship. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Cantrell will plead not guilty.

Cut 4 (12) “…small property bond.”

Due to new federal rules, Louisiana is one of 12 states where a prescription is now required to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Senator Bill Cassidy says there is a go-around.

Cut 7 (11) “…the prescription written.”

Today marks the statistical peak of the hurricane season, and the tropics look more like a day in April instead of at the height of hurricane season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The number of people killed on Louisiana roads has dropped to its lowest level in five years. Last year, 753 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, which is a seven-percent drop from 2023. Mark Lambert with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission attributed the lower number to people wearing their seatbelts more than ever.

Cut 13 (12)  “…record high.”

Louisiana’s U-S Senate race has the potential to be heated with Senator Bill Cassidy facing three formidable challengers in a primary election that will be held in April. Many are wondering if President Trump will make an endorsement. Jeremy Alford with L-A Politics weekly says it’s possible Trump stays out of the race…

Cut 9 (10)  “…wouldn’t it.”

State Treasurer John Fleming, state senator Blake Miguez and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta are challenging Cassidy, who is seeking a third term.

Over the weekend, someone stole a statue of Abraham Lincoln from an Ascension Parish historic antebellum estate, and the owner would really like it back. Kevin Kelly, who owns Houmas House and Gardens in Darrow, discovered the 64-pound silver statue missing Sunday morning. Kelly doubts that it was an inside job.

Cut 6 (10) “…as 21 years.”

Kelly fears that given the statue’s value, the thief has likely melted it down by now.

An NFIB survey finds optimism among small business owners continues to increase. NFIB state director Leah Long says improving business conditions is leading to more optimism among small business owners…

Cut 3 (13) “…their businesses.”

She says owners are also optimistic over tort reform legislation recently approved that seeks to reduce frivolous lawsuits and hold down excessive litigation.

Solar manufacturer, First Solar Inc, is expected to begin operations at their new 1.1-billion-dollar plant in New Iberia soon and they’ve tapped St. Landry Parish Noble Plastics to supply components for the new facility.  Noble is investing 8.5 million dollars to expand their facility to meet the needs. Their expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and is expected to create 29 new direct jobs.

Houmas House and Gardens in Ascension Parish is missing a valuable statue of Abraham Lincoln. Sunday morning, owner, Kevin Kelly discovered that the 64-pound silver statue created by Gutzon Borglum who also carved the four U.S. Presidents into the side of Mount Rushmore was missing. Kelly says Lincoln stayed at Houmas House on more than one occasion.

Cut 8 (11) “…later, once again.”

A 15-year-old was arrested after an accidental shooting on Northwestern’s Campus left a victim seriously injured. Investigators say the juvenile was handling a firearm in a negligent way causing it to fire.  Natchitoches city and parish authorities along with Northwestern police responded Monday night and gave aid to the victim who was eventually airlifted to an Alexandria hospital and is now listed in stable condition. The juvenile is charged with illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and negligent injuring.

A national survey conducted by the NFIB finds optimism among small businesses continues to improve. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Three formidable challengers are seeking the U.S. Senate seat held by Senator Bill Cassidy. Cassidy is considered vulnerable because of his 2021 vote to impeach President Donald Trump. But Jeremy Alford with L-A Politics weekly says

Cut 10 (10) “…Peace Prize.”

A Slidell woman was arrested for an alleged hit and run that left her co-worker critically injured. Slidell police say surveillance shows 67-year-old Lillian Sellers was backing up recklessly in the parking lot of Greenbriar Community Care Center Sunday night when she violently struck a female co-worker walking to her car. She then exited her SUV, retrieved a broken piece of bumper and put it in her car. She then walked in to work saying someone had fallen in the parking lot. When medical personnel determined the victim’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle, they notified police. When questioned, Sellers reportedly shrugged her shoulders and gave no explanation.

Louisiana’s U-S Senate race has the potential to be heated with Senator Bill Cassidy facing three formidable challengers in State Treasurer John Fleming, state senator Blake Miguez and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. The primary is not until April but Jeremy Alford with LA Politics Weekly says if the primary was held today, he would expect Cassidy to come out on top…

Cut 11 (10) “…on a dime.”

A valuable statue was stolen from an historic Ascension Parish antebellum estate over the weekend, Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Small Business Owners are optimistic, says a recent NFIB survey and State director Leah Long says they are hearing from members across Louisiana that sales are improving…

Cut 5 (09) “…for them.”