Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise are seeking reelection to their House leadership roles in advance of the GOP’s internal elections scheduled for next week. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says their requests come as Republicans face uncertainty over control of the House.

Cut 6 (12) “…national politics.”

Several Black people across the country, including here in Louisiana, have been receiving hate-filled spam text messages referencing slavery. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says her investigators have traced the messages to an encrypted virtual network in Poland. But she says that doesn’t necessarily pinpoint the perpetrator there.

Cut 15 (05) “…to investigate it.”

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We’re learning new information about the tiger being brought into Baton Rouge for LSU’s game tonight – along with its owner. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In that game tonight the Tigers will face a quarterback in Jalen Milroe, who ran wild on them last year with 155 rushing yards and four touchdowns. LSU Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 12 (12) “…back end.”

Investigators in Morgan City solve a murder from a quarter century ago and didn’t have to go far to find their suspect. The body of Amber Lynn Jenkins Garcia was found on October 8th, 1998, behind Youngs Park. Evidence collected at the time failed to yield a suspect; but at the start of this year, investigators resubmitted evidence to the Acadiana Criminalistics Lab. Police Chief Chad Adams says that led investigators to John Willis Pittman Jr.

Cut 4 (09) “…Miss Garcia’s death.”

Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville celebrated the opening of a new all-inclusive playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The playground includes features like wheelchair-accessible swings, sensory play panels, and various play structures, promoting inclusivity and fun for children with different needs. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says its part of a larger mission to make all parks accessible to all.

Cut 8 (13) “…special needs community.”

Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform special session gets underway this afternoon. Jeff Palermo looks at what the Landry administration is proposing…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Nothing unexpected in the federal races after yesterday’s election here.  Donald Trump carried Louisiana, and all six congressional races went as expected, including District 6, which Cleo Fields won outright and could alter the balance of power in the US House. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat.

Cut 11 (11) “…from the Republicans.”

Practically no drama in Louisiana’s elections. Andrew Greenstein has the rundown.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Three employees were injured when a tornado hit a butcher shop in Bazile yesterday morning.  The storm damaged Rhea’s Specialty Meat and Smokehouse. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down and travelled about a mile beginning in Acadia parish and crossing into Evangeline.  We’re told the tornado was about 150 yards wide with 95 mile an hour winds.

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A tax reform special session begins at the capitol this afternoon at three. Governor Landry wants to establish a flat state income tax of three percent, and broaden the state sales tax to include services like dog grooming and landscaping.   Nelson says the changes would put more money in people’s pockets and help the state attract more businesses.

Cut 14 (10) “…to everybody.”

Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville celebrated the opening of a new all-inclusive playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this playground is designed to be accessible for children of all abilities, providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone to play together.

Cut 7 (12) “…our state parks.”

There was no drama in Louisiana in the federal races in Louisiana. Donald Trump carried the state by about 20 percentage points, and all six congressional races went as expected. That includes District 6, when Cleo Fields won the seat with 51-percent of the vote and avoided a runoff. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Fields was set up to win from the start.

Cut 10 (12) “…and they did.”

Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform special session gets underway today at the state capitol at three PM. The governor wants to establish a flat state income tax of three percent, which will result in lower state income taxes for most Louisianans. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says to make up for some of that lost tax revenue, the state would broaden the state sales tax…

Cut 13 (13)  “…lot of those.”

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A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new all-inclusive playground at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville is happening today.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Investigators in Morgan City have solved a murder from 1998. When Amber Lynn Jenkins Garcia’s body was found in October of that year, the evidence did not lead to a suspect.  Investigators resubmitted evidence earlier this year which led them to John Willis Pittman Jr. who’s already serving time on the murder of another woman the same year Garcia was killed. Police Chief Chad Adams.

Cut 5 (07) “…of Miss Garcia.”

The race for Louisiana’s 6^th Congressional District is a close one with Democrat Cleo Fields, Republican Elbert Guillory and three others vying for the redrawn congressional seat.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

As you head to the polls today, be assured that the State of Louisiana goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of the election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says only certain people are allowed to handle the voting equipment.

Cut 4 (12) “…touch our equipment.”

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Analysts say today could be a big day for Republicans, based on early voting totals. Louisiana’s early voting turnout set records for in-person voting, with almost a million ballots cast early. JMC Analytics highlighted a drop in Black voter participation, especially in East Baton Rouge Parish. Owner John Couvillon says in 2020, Black voters comprised 30% of early voters; in 2024, they make up only 25% — numbers that he says should bode well for Donald Trump.

Cut 10 (14) “…60 percent.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.

Tropical Storm Rafael is predicted to reach hurricane intensity as it passes over the Cayman Islands overnight tonight before entering the gulf of Mexico later this week.  Weather models suggest the storm’s center could eventually make landfall between Louisiana and the western edge of the Florida Panhandle, but conditions could weaken the storm.

As you head to the polls today, be assured that the State of Louisiana goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of the election. Only certain people are allowed to handle the voting equipment, which is sealed before the election to ensure that it is not tampered with ahead of time.
Cut 5 (09) “…before every election.”

The nation is watching the race for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District as the outcome there could affect the balance of power in the US House.  With a majority-Democrat voter base in the redrawn district, Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cleo Fields is the Front-runner, questions whether Quentin Anderson will take enough votes away to force a runoff…

Cut 8 (12) “…win in the primary.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.

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The Saints make a coaching change amid a seven-game losing streak. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The search continues this morning for the person who opened fire on a pair of teenagers early yesterday in Shreveport’s Mooretown neighborhood. One of those young men died.  The Caddo Parish coroner has identified the victim as 15 year old Anthony Vinson Jr. Police say the shooting happened just before 2 a.m. yesterday morning.  Vinson was rushed to Ochsner LSU Health where he died.  This is the city’s 43rd homicide of the year.

The Louisiana secretary of state wants you to know that the state goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of its elections. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tropical Storm Rafael is predicted to reach hurricane intensity as it passes over the Cayman Islands overnight tonight before entering the gulf of Mexico later this week.  Weather models suggest the storm’s center could eventually make landfall between Louisiana and the western edge of the Florida Panhandle, but conditions could weaken the storm.

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Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District race has gained national attention after redistricting transformed it into a majority-Black district, with potential implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. There are five candidates vying for the seat: four Democrats – State Senator Cleo Fields, Political newcomer from Baton Rouge, Quentin Anderson, Wilken Jones, and Peter Williams, and Republican, Former State Senator Elbert Guillory. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat considers Cleo Fields, the frontrunner.

Cut 7 (11) “…cuts into him.”

Republican, Elbert Guillory poses some threat to Fields, but Pinsonat says Guillory’s chance of beating Fields is very doubtful.

Cut 9 (12)  “…is highly unlikely.”

Louisiana’s Sixth Congressional District could have a major impact on who has control of the U-S House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Book Festival has returned to downtown Baton Rouge for its 20th year today.   Robert Wilson, the assistant director of the Louisiana Center for the Book says there will be scores of authors and presenters on hand.

Cut 4 (08) “…following their programs.”
Admission is free and the festival runs through 4 this afternoon.

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Annual enrollment for healthcare.gov begins today. Louisiana Blue Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut  says if you do not have affordable health insurance through an employer, or you’re losing Medicaid or you need to get covered, look at options on HealthCare.gov. He says enrollment is through January 15…

Cut 6 (07) “…by December 15.”

Tonight’s the time we all “fall back.” Before you go to bed tonight, be sure to turn your clocks back an hour. Even though it will give us an extra hour of sleep, the time change can have some negative effects. Dr. Pamela Alonso with LSU in New Orleans says it can disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Cut 12 (10) “…on 24 hours.”

Open Enrollment for Louisiana residents looking for affordable coverage opened yesterday.  And there are new options. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Book Festival returns to downtown Baton Rouge for its 20th year tomorrow. Robert Wilson, the assistant director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there will be something for everyone.

Cut 3 (12) “…as academic titles.”

The Festival runs through 4 this afternoon.

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Louisiana’s newly drawn Sixth Congressional District could result in Democrats regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dillard University political science professor Doctor Robert Collins says the sixth district is expected to flip from Republican to Democrat because it’s now a Majority-minority district…

Cut 9 (06)  “…federal courts.”

This is the weekend we all “fall back.” Before you go to bed tonight, be sure to turn your clocks back an hour. Even though it will give us an extra hour of sleep, the time change can have some negative effects. Dr. Pamela Alonso with LSU in New Orleans says we are all going to have to alter our daily routines.

Cut 13 (10)  “…want to sleep.”

Louisiana’s newly drawn Sixth Congressional District could result in Democrats regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dillard University political science professor Doctor Robert Collins says Democrats are banking on winning the Sixth Congressional District in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (05) “…real opportunity.”

Annual enrollment for healthcare.gov is now open. Louisiana Blue Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut  the state’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield provider, offers HMO plans with the state’s lowest rates available in every parish. He says you can work with an experienced, licensed agent at no cost to get the Healthy Blue coverage that works for you.

Cut 7 (11) “…networks work.”

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Tonight’s the night we all get an extra hour of sleep as we Fall back. Experts say though it seems like a bonus, the time change can have negative effects.  Dr. Pamela Alonso with LSU in New Orleans says they go beyond sleep disruptions, and some can be very serious.

Cut 11 (10) “…during those changes.”

The Louisiana Book Festival has already begun this morning in downtown Baton Rouge.   Organizers say there will be something for everyone, including cooking demonstrations.  Robert Wilson, the assistant director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says the book festival is a family-friendly event.

Cut 5 (07) “…look for lunch.”

The Louisiana Book runs through four this afternoon.  Admission is free.