The Louisiana Shrimp Association is hailing Congressman Clay Higgins’ request to halt shrimp imports. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Jeff Landry signed an emergency order Friday, approving food assistance benefits through November for children, elderly people and those with disabilities during the federal government shutdown. Benefits for all other affected individuals will lapse November first  if the federal shutdown continues.

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Drought conditions have been expanding across the Bayou State, but Louisiana is set to receive some much needed rain this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says two inches of rain could fall across south Louisiana Saturday and Sunday…

Cut 3 (09) “…in places.”

If you’re going to the LSU game tonight, you’ll want to give yourself extra time to get to the stadium, as Baton Rouge and LSU campus police are beefing up security starting four hours before kickoff. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says depending on which direction you’re coming from, traffic will either be diverted or restricted.

Cut 11 (11) “…areas on campus.”

The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon to begin a special session to adjust the primary election calendar. Those dates would be pushed back 30 days if the bill co-authored by Port Allen Republican Senator Caleb Kleinpeter is approved.  Kleinpeter says even though Governor Landry scheduled the session for 22 days, he expects it to end much sooner.

Cut 14 (08) “…just in case.”

Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients that they will not receive cash assistance from the government on their cards starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues.  That’s 800-thousand people here. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana, says instead of the special session to change the federal primary election dates, lawmakers should figure out  how to use dollars to pay those SNAP benefits in November.

Cut 12 (06) “…get paid out.” 

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A new statewide poll finds Louisiana residents overwhelmingly support an open primary election system over a closed party primary. Next year’s federal elections will be closed party primaries, which means registered Republicans and no party voters can only vote in the Republican primary and Democrats and no party voters can only vote in the Democratic primary.  Pollster John Couvillon says Louisiana voters prefer the simplicity of an open party primary.

Cut 8 (06) “…who you want.”

The LSU Presidential Search Committee meets later today ahead of next Wednesday’ interviews with those who would be the university system’s next president.  Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says says several people have expressed interest in becoming the new leader of the LSU system.

Cut 5 (12) “…were highly qualified.”

A new statewide poll finds Louisiana residents overwhelmingly support an open primary election system over a closed party primary. Pollster John Couvillon says 69-percent of the 600 respondents favor an open primary, which is a similar percentage to when JMC Analytics and Polling asked this same question in the first quarter of this year.

Cut 7 (11) “…be coming online.”

More than 800-thousand households in Louisiana rely on SNAP benefits and Governor Jeff Landry warns those folks could not receive their federal assistance next month if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana…

Cut 11 (09) “…of the month.” 

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The legislature begins a special session at two this afternoon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The LSU Presidential Search Committee is getting closer to selecting the university system’s next president. Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says they’ll meet today to firm up plans for interviewing candidates next Wednesday to choose three finalists.

Cut 6 (09) “…to vote on.”

Louisiana’s legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon to begin a 22-day special session to adjust the primary election calendar. According to the bill co-authored by Port Allen Republican Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, the dates for the primary and runoff would be pushed back 30 days. This the Supreme Court considers its ruling on the constitutionality of the state’s second majority Black congressional district…though Kleinpeter says it’s unclear when the ruling will happen.

Cut 13 (07)  “…back before Christmas.”

Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients that they will not receive cash assistance from the government on their cards starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana, says this action could be avoided.

Cut 10 (11) “…still get paid.”

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A new poll finds overwhelming support for open primary elections as opposed to closed party primaries. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU’s Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon. Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says the committee is now moving into the final stages of selecting the university system’s next president.

Cut 4 (12) “…soon become public.”

Four people are dead after two plan crashes in Louisiana yesterday.  Jeff Palermo has details.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

BESE has created the Artificial Intelligence Committee to look at ways to expand AI integration in Louisiana classrooms and workforce development programs. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson chairs the new committee which will recommend an A-I Literacy framework for educators, students and system leaders.

Cut 15 (07) “…in different outcomes?”

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The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is calling on parents that have kids involved in early childhood education to take their parent poll.  LPIC has conducted this survey since 2020.  And Chief Executive officer, Dr. Libbie Sonnier says the information gathered is used to inform policymakers about the most pressing needs and challenges facing families with young children.

Cut 12 (14) “…a big impact.” 

The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.  You can find it at policyinstitutela.org.

Speaking of the kiddos, let’s talk about the amount of money Americans spend on Halloween. Katherine Cullen with the National Retail Federation says Americans spent a record of 12.2-billion dollars this time last year and that number’s expected to be close to 14 million this year. .

Cut 5 (09) “…from last year.”

BESE has created the Artificial Intelligence Committee. A group of education, technology, business and policy leaders that will look at how to expand AI integration in Louisiana classrooms and workforce development programs. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson chairs the new committee and says one of thee major goals is to determine how Louisiana schools can prepare students for an AI-driven economy.

Cut 14 (09) “…impact everybody’s life.”

The goal of Early childhood education is to make sure young children are prepped and ready to learn when they start kindergarten.  And parents, the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children wants your help on an annual parent poll on the topic. LPIC’s chief executive officer, Dr. Libbie Sonnier, says each response helps depict a clear picture of what’s working and where families still need more support.

Cut 11 (11) “…voices be heard.” 

To access the parent poll, go to policyinstitutela.org.

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If you have a creative way to urge people not to drive while distracted, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers wants to hear from you. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The amount of money Americans spend on Halloween is getting pretty spooky. Katherine Cullen with the National Retail Federation says this year’s spending will make mincemeat out of last year’s record of 12.2-billion dollars.

Cut 4 (07) “…dollars this year.”

Two separate plane crashes in Louisiana yesterday that left four people dead. The first one happened in Lafayette Parish around a eleven yesterday morning.   Those who died in the crash have been identified as 58 year old Bruce Verduyn and 42 year old Justin Ramsey from The Woodlands, Texas and 46 year old Lydia Laws of Spring, Texas.  The other plane crash happened in Jackson Parish about five miles from the Ruston Airport.  We’re told the FAA will investigate both crashes.

Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has created the Artificial Intelligence Committee. It’s a working group of education, technology, business and policy leaders that will look at how to expand AI integration in Louisiana classrooms and workforce development programs. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson chairs the new BESE committee.

Cut 13 (11)  “…high level things.”

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Americans are spending big on Halloween. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is calling on parents that have children in early childhood education to take their parent poll. LPIC’s chief executive officer, Dr. Libbie Sonnier, says the survey highlights key issues, like…

Cut 10 (10) “…early childhood education.”

You can find the parent poll at policyinstitutela.org.

A man living in the Lafayette area is now facing federal charges after being accused of assisting in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Federal prosecutors allege Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi provided, attempted to provide, or conspired to provide material support to the National Resistance Brigades, which is considered a foreign terrorist organization. al-Muhtadi is accused of travelling to the United States on a fraudulent visa.

A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish. Sheriff Leland Falcon was shot by a suspect in another shooting. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says Sheriff Falcon was close to the scene when the call for assistance came down, so he responded.

Cut 6 (08) “…the left torso.”

Falcon was grazed by the suspect’s bullet, was briefly hospitalized and is doing fine. A deputy returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was taken to the hospital.

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A northeast Louisiana assistant police chief finds himself on the other side of the law. State Police arrested Rayville Assistant Police Chief Czyz (“chizh”) Williams for theft and malfeasance in office. Trooper Ryan Davis says Williams was selling department property and pocketing the money.

Cut 12 (08) “…for personal gain.”

With its famous namesake on hand, Southeastern Louisiana University officially opens its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. President Dr. William Wainwright says it includes a newsroom, a film studio and a multimedia studio, giving students experience in all facets of broadcasting.

Cut 3 (13) “…also digital media.”

An assistant police chief in Richland Parish finds himself on the other side of the law after allegedly selling firearms that belonged to the police department. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

One person was injured in a shooting near White Castle High School last night. Officials with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office reported it happened on Bowi Street, which is not on school property and after the game between White Castle High and North Iberville High. We’re told the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.

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A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish Leland Falcon, as he responded to a 911 call and was shot by a shooting suspect. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says the suspect was shot by a deputy who returned fire. Cavalier says that suspect and the victim of the original shooting that led to the 911 call were taken to hospitals.

Cut 7 (14) “…with moderate injuries.”

As for the Sheriff, we’re told he was grazed by the bullet and is doing fine.

Hey, if scary is your thing, be sure to cast your vote for America’s Best Haunted Destination on The 64-dot-com.  Site founder Jason Woo the Myrtles in St. Francisville and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans are both on the list. Voting is in the form of a six-round single-elimination tournament, until one emerges as the most haunted destination in the country.

Cut 11 (07) “…the next round.”

The first round of voting ends tonight at midnight.

The Assistant Police Chief in Rayville is facing charges of Theft and Malfeasance in Office this morning.  State Police says Czyz (“chizh”) Williams was selling department firearms and pocketing the money.  The good news is all the guns have been recovered. But Trooper Ryan Davis says there’s more to the accusations.

Cut 13 (12)  “…crime prevention programs.”

Southeastern Louisiana University officially opened its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center this week. President Dr. William Wainwright says the university is proud to have the name of one of its most prominent graduates attached to the new center and says Roberts has been instrumental in its construction.

Cut 4 (11) “…state facility renovation.”

Wainright says the new Media Center includes a newsroom, a film studio and a multimedia studio.

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A close call for one South Louisiana sheriff, as he was shot at by a suspect during a call. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

You can vote for America’s Best Haunted Destination on The 64-dot-com. Site founder Jason Woo says two Louisiana destinations are among the 64 in the field – The Myrtles in St. Francisville and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans.

Cut 9 (04)  “…and different things.”

The first round of voting is open now and closes tonight at midnight.