Lafayette Congressman Clay Higgins is under fire for a strongly worded post on X he made about Haitians calling them thugs and repeating Former President Donald Trump’s claims that they eat pets. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s basically Higgins being Higgins.

Cut 6 (13) “…quite wide margins.”

Higgins said it was never meant to be a dig against Haitian people as a whole. Reporters caught up with Higgins at the Capitol

Cut 13 (22) “…the post down.” 

A man arrested over 40 times in St. John the Baptist Parish, was apprehended again this week booked at the Sherman Walker Correctional Center on charges of resisting an officer, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheriff Mike Tregre (treg) says he doesn’t know how Casey Spies keeps getting released and arrested over and over. Judge Vercell Fiffie (fee-fee) set Spies’ bond for this arrest at $10,500, which he posted after paying a 10-percent cash bond of $1,050, resulting in his release two and a half hours later.

Cut 5 (07) “…leave it at that.”

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new pilot program to increase opportunities for pregnant women to get tested for syphilis. LDH STD/HIV program director, Dr. Stephanie Taylor says currently, only 50-percent of pregnant women get adequately screened.

Cut 10 (10) “…test was available.”

Having passed up a re-election bid, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is trying to squeeze his legislative priorities into the three-plus months he has left in office. He is working with New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter on legislation that would, among other things, remove income limits to qualify for grants to pay off disaster recovery loans.

Cut 15 (13) “…very little money.”

The Senate will again take up Senator Bill Cassidy’s RISEE (RISE) Act. Cassidy says RISEE, or Reinvesting in Shorelines Economies and Ecosystems Act amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act and removing the revenue-sharing cap will bring tremendous benefits to the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…good-paying jobs.”

The Natchitoches Christmas Parade has its grand marshal for 2024. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

With less than six weeks until the 2024 election, voter interest appears to be waning, as indicated by multiple data points. Founder and President of JNC Analytics John Couvillion says some possible indicators are…

Cut 12 (13) “…election cycle.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is again bringing his RISEE (RISE) Act before the Senate. He says RISEE, or Reinvesting in Shorelines Economies and Ecosystems Act will bring billions to the state to rebuild shorelines, support flood structures and bring in thousands of good paying jobs. Cassidy hopes to bring the bill to the finish line this time around.

Cut 11 (09) “…hard on that.”

The Senate Energy and National Resources Committee is slated to mark up the bill on Thursday

An increasing number of undecided voters and lower-than-expected turnout at campaign events suggest that enthusiasm may be significantly lower compared to previous election cycles says President of JNC Analytics, John Couvillion and he expects to learn more from participation in mail-in ballots…

Cut 14 (11) “…October 18th.”

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane. The exact landfall location remains uncertain. Louisiana State Climatologist Jay Grimes…

Cut 5 (11) “…bayou state.”

Grymes says we here in Louisiana can expect a cold front.

It’s the 98th year for the Natchitoches Christmas Festival and they’re excited about this year’s grand marshal for the Christmas Parade. Jill Leo, the director of festivals and events with the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association, says organizers weren’t sure if the National Champion LSU Gymnastics Team would accept their invitation.

Cut 8 (13) “…honor for us.”

Apparent dissatisfaction with the direction of both major parties seems to be impacting voter interest in the upcoming election. Founder and President of JNC Analytics John Couvillion says polarizing candidates and repetitive media coverage are contributing and he blames the lower interest compared to the 2020 election on election fatigue…

Cut 13 (08) “…him and Biden.” 

Couvillion adds, lower-than-expected turnout at campaign events suggests that enthusiasm may be significantly lower.

The Senate will again take up Senator Bill Cassidy’s RISEE (RISE) Act. Cassidy says RISEE, or Reinvesting in Shorelines Economies and Ecosystems Act amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act and removing the revenue-sharing cap will bring tremendous benefits to the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…good-paying jobs.”

Cassidy hopes to bring the bill to the finish line this time around.

Tropical Storm Helene is moving northwest near the western Caribbean and not expected to impact Louisiana. Louisiana State Climatologist Jay Grimes…

Cut 4 (11) “…support development.”

Grymes says to stay prepared but the closer we get to November Louisiana’s risk of hurricanes drops to nearly zero.

The Natchitoches Christmas Parade has its grand marshal for 2024. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is again bringing his RISEE (RISE) Act before the Senate. He says RISEE, or Reinvesting in Shorelines Economies and Ecosystems Act and bring billions to the state to rebuild shorelines, support flood structures and bring in thousands of good paying jobs.

Cassidy hopes to bring the bill to the finish line this time around.

Cut 11 (09) “…hard on that.”

The Senate Energy and National Resources Committee is slated to mark up the bill on Thursday.

With less than six weeks until the 2024 election, voter interest appears to be waning, as indicated by multiple data points. Founder and President of JNC Analytics John Couvillion says a growing sense of fatigue among voters, with some disengaging from political discourse.

Cut 12 (13) “…election cycle.”

As she strengthens, Louisiana appears to be out of Tropical Storm Helene’s crosshairs.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

This is the 98th year for the Natchitoches Christmas Festival and they are excited to announce their grand marshal for the 2024 Christmas Parade.

Cut 6 (06) …we are thrilled.”

Jill Leo, the director of festivals and events with the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association, says the defending national champions have everything that organizers look for in a grand marshal. She says the team represents great camaraderie, wholesome family fun and great values.

Lawmakers could soon be headed back to Baton Rouge to hash out tax reform. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Early voting for the November 5^th election begins October 18^th. In the 5^th congressional district, Democrat Michael Vallien and Republican Vinney Mendoza are challenging incumbent Republican Julia Letlow and she is taking her message directly to the voters in a newly released ad campaign saying she’s worked in Congress to secure billions in investments…

Cut 15 (04) “…our people.”

Louisiana is experiencing relatively calm weather at the beginning of the week. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring more significant activity as the week progresses. A cold front is expected to move through the region, which may shift conditions, but it isn’t anticipated to cause major disruptions.

Cut 10 (12) “…ensuing days.”

Louisiana Tech rallied back from a ten-point, fourth quarter deficit, only to lose in overtime 23-20 to Tulsa. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie is disappointed they could not send Bulldog fans home with a win…

Cut 19 (09) “….like to”  

Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says they’re mainly looking to reform three types of taxes – sales tax, personal income tax and corporate income and franchise tax. He says the state could update the tax code to capture taxes from online transactions…

Cut 5 (08) “…tax at all.”

Nelson says the current tax code is one of the main reasons Louisiana is the only state in the South losing population.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is going straight to the voters in her bid for re-election to Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District. In her newly launched 60-second ad, Letlow outlines her vision.

Cut 14 (08) “…thrive and prosper.”

Also vying for the seat are Democrat Michael Vallien and Republican Vinney Mendoza. Election Day is November 5th and Early Voting begins on October 18th.

A tropical storm is developing in the Gulf of Mexico this week that is expected to be a Category 2 Hurricane later this week, but not expected to hit Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU linebacker Harold Perkins tore his ACL while making a tackle in Saturday’s win over UCLA. LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says LSU’s defense has been a work in progress this year and the Tigers could not afford to lose one of its best athletes…

Cut 9 (14)  “…both of them are gone.”

The Tigers lost veteran defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory to an Achilles tendon injury in the home opener to Nicholls.

This week Louisiana weather is relatively calm so far. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring more significant activity. He says impacts to Louisiana should be minimal, with Alabama and Florida likely in the storm’s crosshairs bringing us a cold front and welcome fall weather…

Cut 12 (10) “…obviously change.”

LSU football has lost one of its best players for the season as linebacker Harold Perkins tore an ACL in his knee while making a tackle in Saturday’s win over UCLA. Perkins has not forced any turnovers this season and has zero sacks, but LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says his loss will be felt

Cut 8 (10)  “…the quarterback.”

Lawmakers could soon be headed back to Baton Rouge to hash out tax reform. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is making the case for her re-election directly to voters in Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District this week with the launch of her first ad for the 2024 election cycle.

Cut 13 (12) “…hardworking people.” 

She says she’s worked for billions in investments for Louisiana.

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves and his Democratic colleague from Virginia Abigail Spanberger have secured enough votes to bring a bill to the House floor that would change a decades old law that calls for millions of police officers, firefighters, teachers and government officials to receive reduced Social Security benefits…

Cut 4 (09) “…been the effect”

Graves is hopeful a vote will take place in November.

Louisiana State Police partners with Federal and Local Agencies to address school threats Nationwide. LSP says they’re not aware of any credible threats to schools within the state, but they are reminding everyone that making false threats against schools is a crime.  If found guilty of intentional communication of false information regarding the existence of a bomb or other explosive device, or threats of violence against person or property, one could face up to 15 years in prison and significant fines. To report suspicious activity, you can go to la-safe.org.

New Orleans hosts the Super Bowl in about four and a half months.  Is the city ready? Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Saturday is another big day of college football in Louisiana. It starts at 11 AM in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns host Tulane. It’s the first time the two schools have met on the Gridiron since 2018 and the Green Wave have won the last two matchups. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo)…

Cut 12 (13) “…we want to be.”

At 2:45, LSU will host UCLA for the first time in football.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Congressman Graves says the bill removes the penalty for those who work in the public sector.

Cut 3 (13) “…in public service.”

Graves says the bill has 328 co-sponsors – more than enough for the bill to sail through the House. Graves and Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger got lawmakers to sign a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill, which should happen sometime in the coming weeks.

Louisiana Nonfarm jobs grew in August. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the adjusted numbers show an increase of 2500 jobs over July and Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August is tied for the third-lowest rate in series history at 3.9 percent.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says getting the French Quarter ready needs to be the top priority in preparing to host the Super Bowl in just about four and a half months.  He says specifically, the streets in the French Quarter need work.

Cut 6 (11) “…in horrible shape.”

Saints Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak is quickly becoming the toast of the town, with his team putting up 91 points over their first two games. The first team offense scored on 15 consecutive drives to start the season. Kubiak knows, however, that this is not a sprint – this is a marathon.

Cut 14 (11) “…I’m not satisfied.”

Kickoff at the Superdome is noon Sunday.