With State Representative Julie Emerson now the fifth Republican to mount a primary challenge against Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican says he’s not worried about his political future. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux is hospitalized with pneumonia.  His office made the announcement yesterday saying the mayor is receiving treatment as a precautionary measure. We’re told Arceneaux is alert, in good spirits, and resting comfortably.

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Louisiana’s special legislative session could end today as the House is poised to approve legislation today that that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May.  Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter authored the bill , as lawmakers will need to act should the Supreme Court rule Louisiana’s current congressional map, unconstitutional.

Cut 9 (07)  “…back four weeks.”

If you’ve been waiting for cooler weather to arrive in Louisiana, the wait is over.  The crisp, much cooler temperatures are here. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re in for lows in the upper forties to lower fifties across the state today and it’ll stay that way through Halloween night…and

Cut 12 (09) “…keep them warm.”

State Representative Julie Emerson announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate Monday morning, joining four other prominent republicans running for the seat currently held by Bill Cassidy. The Carencro representative says while she views herself as a staunch conservative, she also sees herself as a consensus-builder.

Cut 4 (07) “…skills to work.”

The special session could end today as the House is poised to approve legislation that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May. Democrats do not have the votes to stop the change, but they’ve been vocal in their opposition. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle believes Republicans want to push the dates back so they can re-draw a new Congressional map with only one Black majority district instead of two, after the Supreme Court rules the current map is unconstitutional.

Cut 8 (11) “…and draw maps.”

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LSU football fans, get used to the name Frank Wilson. He’s going to be the team’s head coach for the remainder of the season. He was appointed interim head coach Sunday after the school fired Brian Kelly after almost four seasons at the helm. During his first news conference following his appointment, Wilson said he’s excited for the challenge.

Cut 13 (11)  “…prepare yourself for.”

If you haven’t left the house yet this morning, be sure to grab a jacket or sweater. It’s cool outside in Louisiana.  LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re in for the coldest temperatures so far this season today.

Cut 11 (11) “…pretty much statewide.”

The special session may end today as a bill to move the federal election primaries from April to May is one vote away from passage.  Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Authorities in Jasper County, Mississippi now say it’s three Rhesus monkeys that are unaccounted for after that crash on I-59 near Heidleberg yesterday.  This after Tulane officials access the truck and do an updated count. Sheriff’s officials are warning the animals are dangerous to humans and should not be approached.

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State Representative Julie Emerson is joining the race to unseat Senator Bill Cassidy.  Emerson made the announcement on Monday.  The Carencro representative says proven that she can work across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation.

Cut 5 (11) “…had bipartisan support (2x).”

Emerson is the fifth prominent Republican to mount a primary challenge against Cassidy.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall addressed the coaching carousel when he met with the media on Tuesday. Sumrall is expected to be one of the top candidates for the LSU head coaching position, but he says he’s committed to being with the Green Wave.

Cut 16 (18) “…guys know that.”

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.”

If you’ve been worried about increasing drought conditions in your part of the state, good news, most of us will be getting plenty of rain this weekend.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says north Louisiana could see as much as four inches of rain and in south Louisiana, many areas could see at least a couple of inches.  In fact, Grymes says the rain on Saturday could get in the way of your outdoor plans…

Cut 5 (13) “…rain gear.”

Ruston hosted the official groundbreaking for Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s on yesterday. The new Buc-ee’s is expected to feature more than 120 gas pumps and bring over 250 full-time, high-paying jobs to north Louisiana and have a huge economic impact on the region.  The store is expected to open in 20-27.

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In a letter to President Trump, Congressman Clay Higgins is asking that all shrimp imports be paused. Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, says domestic shrimp is tested more stringently than imported shrimp, and that’s not right.

Cut 7 (06) “…killing our people.”

The Saints are set to host divisional rival Tampa Bay tomorrow. Earlier this week, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said he didn’t like the Saints. Head coach Kellen Moore says the team knows what Mayfield said, and they are looking forward to tomorrow’s matchup.

Cut 15 (14) “…this one.”

Kickoff tomorrow in New Orleans is at 3:05..

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure our most vulnerable SNAP recipients continue to receive their benefits despite the government shutdown. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Some good news for parts of Louisiana where drought conditions have been expanding.  There’s plenty of rain headed our way this weekend.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the widespread rains should take a bite out of the drought for a number parishes…

Cut 4 (08) “…into Monday.”

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Congressman Clay Higgins is asking President Trump, to halt all imports on shrimp to Louisiana. In a letter to the president, Higgins cites radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves as a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, fully supports a suspension of shrimp imports.

Cut 6 (11) “…changer for us.”

A four-year-old girl is dead after being run over in a convenience store parking lot in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the 30-year-old driver apparently didn’t realize what had happened.

Cut 9 (14)  “…to the station.”

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.”