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.”

Louisiana’s new law to have the Ten Commandments posted in every public-school classroom goes before a federal judge in Baton Rouge today. Dane Ciolino, a professor of law at the Loyola University-New Orleans says the plaintiffs, which includes the ACLU, have Supreme Court precedent on their side.

Cut 8 (11) “…in public schools.”

Ciolino says this case will likely go before the U-S Supreme Court.

Voters turned out in droves during the first two days of early voting. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says the actual number is even higher.

Cut 3 (10) “…to 259,512.”

Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says that’s not the case this time around.

Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare 56 students for careers in law enforcement. LSP Lt. Jared Sandifer…

Cut 9 (11)  “…exposed to some of that.”

The first two days of early voting showed a very healthy turn out. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says typically, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says that’s not the case this time around and at least on Saturday, the turn out showed other differences compared to previous years…

Cut 5 (09) “…had in 2020.”

Just one constitutional amendment on the November 5^th ballot. A vote for the amendment would send federal dollars from money received from offshore wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. LaRose Representative Joseph Orgeron explains why he authored the amendment…

Cut 26 (09) “….in 2031”

Opponents say dedicating this money restricts lawmakers’ ability to make budget decisions.

56 students are being prepared for careers in law enforcement in an accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, Lt. Jared Sandifer says cadets in LSP Class 105 accelerated program already have some POST knowledge. They’ll engage in hands-on learning experiences and real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and decision-making abilities. He says the shortened timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

Longtime LSU football staffer Charles Baglio died Friday night when he was hit by a car on U-S Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish. Baglio had just been involved in a wreck and was returning to his vehicle after checking on another vehicle when he was struck and killed by a passing motorist. Baglio was also a successful high school football coach at Independence. Former Independence Coach Keith Carona remembers the fun Baglio brought to high school sports.

Cut 6 (04) “…fun doing it.”

A continuing burn ban in Louisiana is a response to ongoing dry conditions, low humidity, and high winds, raising concerns among firefighters about a potential increase in wildfires.  Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain noted that there’s been 29 fires across the state in the past few days.

Cut 12 (06) “…very (x3) careful.”

The dry weather is expected to persist.

The Louisiana National Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new readiness center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles.  Col. Scott Slaven praised the project as a reflection of the determination and hard work, ensuring soldiers have access to a modern facility. The project was 75-percent federally funded and 25-percent came from the state.

Cut 5 (09) “…close with.”

Early voting in the presidential election is underway here in Louisiana, and the polling places are very busy. Andrew Greenstein is outside one of them in Baton Rouge.

Cut 2 (34) “…in Baton Rouge.”

The 5 and 1 LSU Tigers will take on the 4 and 2 Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday who, two weeks ago upset Tennessee. LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly says this very good Razorbacks team…

Cut 16 (12)   “…SEC”

Kickoff is at 6 PM.

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.