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.

Fall enrollment is up four-percent over the last year at ULM fall. It’s one of the largest increases in the school’s history. Vice President of Enrollment Management Lisa Miller says this is driven by a remarkable 22% jump in first-time freshmen, reflecting strong recruitment efforts.

Cut 9 (10)  “…faculty and staff.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass House leadership and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In about four and a half months, the Super Bowl will be coming to New Orleans. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says getting the French Quarter ready needs to be the top priority in preparing to host the big game.

Cut 8 (14)  “…keep it safe.”

Nungesser applauded the city’s efforts to reduce crime, with police officers using technology to take a proactive approach to prevent crimes before they’re committed.

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. He says public sector workers have seen their Social Security benefits reduced by as much as two-thirds, forcing them to turn to public assistance.

Cut 5 (09) “…make ends meet.”

Graves says it 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.

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.”

The University of Louisiana Monroe says Fall enrollment is up four-percent over the last year, one of largest increases in the school’s history. Vice President of Enrollment Management Lisa Miller says this past year was the first time since Covid-19 the university was able to get back to recruitment, and ULM has been working to rebound from the decreased enrollment that the pandemic caused.

Cut 11 (08) “…the university.”

Iberia Parish jail inmate Kristian Broussard escaped custody on Wednesday afternoon Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says within four minutes deputies were on the scene, deploying resources to track him down. The manhunt lasted several hours, culminating in Broussard’s capture later that same evening around 11:45 p.m.

Cut 9 (10)  “…aggravated escape.”

Broussard was being held on charges of second-degree murder.

In Alexandria, there has been a second arrest in the murder of the 12-year-old girl shot on Cypress Street Saturday.  31-year-old Deroyce May II turned himself into the Alexandria Police Department Thursday morning. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten of Alexandria was arrested Wednesday. APD is searching for a 3^rd suspect, Latraykus May who is considered armed and dangerous. Little information has been released regarding the shooting that sent another victim to the hospital Saturday morning.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and the Office of Tourism, are heading to Mumbai, India to promote Louisiana tourism internationally.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The St. Tammany Parish community responded in a big way to adopt animals after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter DIrector Rob Bremer…

Cut 6 (13) “…the perfect storm.”

Authorities are investigating how Iberia Parish Jail inmate Kristian Broussard was able to escape Wednesday. Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says they want to know what security lapses, if any, may have occurred.

Cut 11 (09) “…situation like this.”

Broussard’s initial incarceration stemmed from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in New Iberia in January 2019. Breaux says authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the manhunt that lasted several hours before Broussard was captured.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip and Nungesser says the goal is to increase tourism from India to Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…coming to Louisiana.”

The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state.

Louisiana’s state government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment, signaling a step toward modernizing the state’s financial systems. State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming aims to modernize both the state government and the Louisiana economy. By incorporating cryptocurrency, Louisiana seeks to embrace emerging technologies that can enhance convenience, efficiency, and transparency in its transactions.

Cut 10 (09) “…bitcoin lightning.”

St. Tammany Parish is responding in a big way to help shelter pets after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter Director Rob Bremer says people are showing up in droves to adopt animals during the shelter’s extended hours.

Cut 8 (08)  “…over capacity anymore”

Bremer says the key to ensuring that shelters don’t get overrun is responsible pet ownership, which includes spaying or neutering them.

There has been a second arrest in the murder of the 12-year-old girl shot on Cypress Street in Alexandria Saturday.  31-year-old Deroyce May II turned himself into the Alexandria Police Department Thursday morning. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten of Alexandria was arrested Wednesday. APD are searching for a 3^rd suspect, Latraykus May who is considered armed and dangerous. Little information has been released regarding the shooting that sent another victim to the hospital Saturday morning.

Iberia Parish jail inmate Kristian Broussard escaped custody on Wednesday evening. Broussard was being held on charges of second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a 2019 shooting in New Iberia. Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says the manhunt lasted several hours while authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the search.

Cut 10 (1=07) “…of a mile.”

Breaux says authorities are now investigating how Broussard managed to escape from the facility.

The St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter puts out an urgent request, and the community responds in a big way. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state. Nungesser says India and the Middle East are emerging markets for tourism, and Louisiana’s unique offerings present a compelling case for international travelers.

Cut 4 (10) “…business here.”

A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip.

Entergy says they’ve restored power to virtually all customers who can safely receive electric service after Hurricane Francine. Vice President of Customer Service, Michelle Bourge (BERG) says nearly half of the 300,000 customers who lost power had it restored one day after the storm. She credits the upgrades and improvements to infrastructure after the devastating storms of the last few years…

Cut 26 secret sauce.

Senator Bill Cassidy joins seven fellow Republican U.S. senators in calling for the Secret Service to beef up protection for former President Donald Trump after a second assassination attempt in a two-month span. Cassidy says he wants answers from the Secret Service as to how a second assassination attempt could have happened in the first place.

Cut 14 (12) “..this stops now.”

Pelicans fans can now watch their favorite team on TV for free. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The White House has approved Governor Landry’s request for a major disaster declaration, following Hurricane Francine. The governor’s office says this declaration will unlock federal assistance to support recovery efforts in affected areas. GOHSEP External Affairs director Scott Adams says Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes will receive federal assistance.

Cut 9 (09)  “…22 parishes.”

A hitman hired by the ex-wife of a Lake Providence man has been convicted of attempted second degree murder. Back in 2015, Rachel Meadows hired Amin Virani to kill her ex-husband. Virani shot the victim multiple times, but he was able to escape. A jury took only 30 minutes to convict Virani who will be sentenced at a later date. Meadows pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Attorney General Liz Murrill thanked State Police and The East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s office for their hard work in the case.

After the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Senator Bill Cassidy joins seven fellow Republican U.S. senators in calling for the Secret Service to beef up protection for Trump.

Cut 13 (14) “…a sitting president.” 

Cassidy also said that he wants answers from the Secret Service as to how a second assassination attempt could have happened in the first place.

The White House approved Governor Landry’s request for a major disaster declaration, following Hurricane Francine. GOHSEP External Affairs director Scott Adams says Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes will receive federal assistance and FEMA will coordinate the efforts, with an emphasis on public safety and rebuilding.  Adams encourages affected residents to apply for assistance and stay informed on disaster relief efforts.

Cut 11 (10) “…FEMA app.”

This week marks Voter Registration Week. Secretary of State’s spokesperson Joel Watson says citizens can register or update their registration by visiting GEAUX-VOTE-DOT-COM, that’s G-E-A-U-X Vote dot come. On the site or on the mobile app, citizens can find pooling places, election dates, and deadlines.

Cut 8 (09)  “…November 5th”

Senator Bill Cassidy is despondent over this weekend’s assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump – the second time in a two-month span that someone tried killing him.

Cut 12 (09) “…or should become.”

Cassidy joins seven fellow Republican U.S. senators in calling for the Secret Service to beef up protection for Trump.

It’s Voter Registration Week. Secretary of State’s spokesperson Joel Watson says Louisiana has a high registration rate, with about 90-percent of eligible residents registered to vote but there may be some who recently moved to the state or…

Cut 7 (06) “…to do that.”

The deadline to register in time for the November 5th election is October Seventh in person or by mail and October Fifteenth online. Visit GEAUX-VOTE-DOT-COM, and of course that’s G-E-A-U-X Vote dot com.

Governor Jeff Landry’s request for a major disaster declaration for the state was approved by the White House following Hurricane Francine.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Pelicans’ fans can look forward to watching games on TV for free. Greg Bensel with the Pelicans says the new rights deal with Gray Media will give many more fans the opportunity. In addition, in the coming weeks, the Pelicans will announce the creation of their new streaming platform, Pelicans Plus.

Cut 5 (08) “…and postgame show.”

The little girl who disappeared from her home in Webster Parish has been found safe. An Arkansas company flying a drone spotted 10-year-old Peyton Saintingnan sleeping in a wooded area. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says she had been seen on a trail cam earlier in the day.  And Parker says before she was found, Peyton heard the searchers.

Cut 8 (11)  “…who they were”

She has a history of sleepwalking.

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife were on their way to Donald Trump’s home when the Secret Service stopped a 58-year-old man from carrying out an assassination attempt on the former president. Johnson posted on “X” that no leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient.

Cut 9 (09)  “…American people.”

Despite the recent Me-Too movement, sexual harassment continues to be very prevalent. According to the #MeToo 2024 report by Tulane University’s Newcome Institute, a survey of more than 33-hundred adults found that 82-percent of women and 42-percent of men experience some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. Lead researcher Anita Raj says sexual harassment in the workplace remains a concern.

Cut 10 (10) “…the United States.”

The Saints destroyed the Cowboys in Arlington, 44-19 yesterday. The Saints gained 190 yards on the ground –115 of them by Alvin Kamara. Head Coach Dennis Allen says that’s taking a load off quarterback Derek Carr.

Cut 4 (15) “…of protecting him.”

Francine’s damage estimates are coming in. Catastrophe risk modeler, Core Logic estimates the cost is one point five billion dollars. In a news conference Friday, Governor Jeff Landry said the damage should be no excuse for insurance companies to rase their rates even further.

Cut 13 (12)  “…money as well.”

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife were on their way to Donald Trump’s home when the Secret Service stopped another assassination attempt on the former president. Johnson says there are hearings this month for a Task Force on the previous attempt. Reports will be coming out next week.  Johnson expressed deep concern over the growing threats against the former president and emphasized the need for heightened security measures.

Cut 11 (06) “…if necessary.”

A frantic search for a Webster Parish girl has a happy ending. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Saints are 2 and O – exceeding expectations with their decisive 44-19 win over the Cowboys in Arlington. The Saints gained 190 yards on the ground — 115 by Alvin Kamara. Quarterback Derek Carr says the vigorous off-season workout program that Coach Allen instituted is really paying off.

Cut 5 (12) “…those hard days.”