A contentious hearing on Capitol Hill today over vaccines involving U-S Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy and members of the U-S Senate Finance Committee, including Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy. Cassidy expressed concern that many people Kennedy has nominated for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have received money for serving as expert witnesses for plaintiffs’ attorneys suing vaccine makers.

Cut 7 (17) “…disclosed is okay.”

Cassidy also accused Kennedy of supporting policies that deny people the COVID-vaccine, but Kennedy says Cassidy is wrong.

Most Louisiana residents can’t wait for some fall weather, but we can do without fall allergies. Allergist and immunologist at Ochsner Health, Doctor John Carlson, says there are some real good options at your local drug store that can prevent a reaction to seasonal allergies…

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Doctor Carlson says Saline nasal sprays and artificial tears can also help wash pollen out of your eyes.

The 2025 hurricane season remains quiet for the Gulf Coast…

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That’s LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim, who says the lack of activity has allowed the Gulf to really heat up and the very warm sea surface temperatures can lead to rapid intensification of storms that form or enter the Gulf.

The state department of transportation is inviting high school students to join the Buckle Up, Phone down challenge. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says teenagers can submit videos highlighting the importance of seat belt use and avoiding phone distractions. Mallett says the videos should be 30-seconds to two minutes long…

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The top three winners will receive cash prizes.

Seven months to the day after casting the vote that for all intents and purposes sealed his confirmation as US health secretary, Senator Bill Cassidy takes Robert F. Kennedy to task over his vaccine policies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU’s Jay Johnson is set to become the highest paid college baseball coach in the country as the LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to approve his new contract tomorrow that pays him three million plus dollars a year.

Next week is the peak of the hurricane season and still no tropical threats to the Gulf coast. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s the good news, the bad news is that the lack of storms has allowed the water temperature in the Gulf to soar two degrees above normal, to 87-degrees…

Cut 11 (05) “…the Gulf”

Keim says hot sea surface temperatures can produce rapid intensification.

The state Department of Transportation is encouraging Louisiana teens to promote safe driving through creativity and advocacy. They are conducting a video contest that gives high school students a chance to express the importance of seat belt use and avoiding phone distractions…

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Mallett says distracted driving contributed to 25-percent of crash fatalities last year. For more information go to DOTD’s website.

After sending in National Guard Troops to help fight crime in Washington D.C., New Orleans is among the cities President Trump is eyeing for a similar federal crime fight. The president says crime in New Orleans can be taken care of very quickly.

Cut 13 (7) “…than D.C…”

According to the Metropolitan Crime Commission, shootings, homicides, carjackings and armed robbery are all down as compared to the previous year.

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow ended speculation this morning that she could be the next president of the LSU system. She says though higher education is her passion and background the timing isn’t right. LSU is located in her district and she believes her position on House Appropriations can be more beneficial for the university…

Cut 8 (05) “…in D-C.”

There’s still a possibility Letlow will run for U-S Senate. It’s believed she’s waiting to see if President Trump will endorse her in a race against several other challengers and incumbent Bill Cassidy.

A civic organization says when it comes to overall well-being, Louisiana is headed in the right direction. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Federal and state officials announced this afternoon they are housing ICE detainees at the State Penitentiary in Angola. The area is called Camp 57, in honor of Jeff Landry, the 57^th Governor of Louisiana. Landry says the worst ICE offenders will be housed there and there are currently 52 ICE detainees at the renovated facility with the ability to house up to 416.

An anti-smoking group says smoke-free policies has led to a drop in smoking-related cancer.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Landry and federal officials will be at Angola this afternoon to announce that ICE detainees will be housed at the State Penitentiary. In a statement, Governor Landry says criminal illegal aliens beware, Louisiana Lockup is where your time in America Ends. It’s been reported the undocumented immigrants will be housed at Camp J, which has been under renovation.

Two more Republicans are eyeing the U-S Senate race, Carencro Representative Julie Emerson and St. Tammany Councilwoman Kathy Seidan are looking at challenging Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy. Cassidy is already facing three announced challengers. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s a sign many see Cassidy as vulnerable because of his 2021 vote to impeach President Trump…

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After Louisiana solar panel installer PosiGen laid off 166 employees, one trade organization representing the solar, wind and energy storage industries is reaffirming its confidence in the growth of solar energy. Monika (noe-NEE-kah) Gerhart, the executive director of the Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association, says Louisiana is among the nation’s leaders in solar energy growth.

Cut 3 (08) “…and new hires.”

Union Parish vegetable farmer Conrad Cable says he will challenge Republican House Speaker and Fourth District Congressman Mike Johnson in next year’s federal elections. Johnson will be well-funded in his re-election bid, but Cable says he has a plan to raise money…

Cut 6 (17) “….we intend to do”

Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is facing at least three Republican challengers in his bid for re-election. They are State Treasurer John Fleming, Acadiana state Senator Blake Miguez and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says all of these candidates can make a run for U-S Senate and not lose their current seat…

Cut 11 (10) “….squeak ahead”

In April, there will be a party primary, as Republican and no party voters will have a chance to elect a GOP candidate for the November election

A big press conference is scheduled for 3 PM today at Angola as Governor Landry along with federal officials will announce detainee undocumented immigrants will be housed at the State Penitentiary. Louisiana has nine ICE processing and detention centers and Louisiana Illuminator Editor Greg LaRose says Louisiana has become a go-to location for the Trump administration since it placed a heightened emphasis on immigration enforcement.

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Governor Landry says the federal government has approved the state’s waiver that prohibits SNAP recipients from using food stamps to purchase soda, candy and energy drinks. Landry says this new policy is part of the state’s Make Louisiana Healthy agenda.

Cut 21 (09) “…Louisianians healthy.”

Landry says SNAP recipients are now able to purchase rotisserie chicken with food stamps, a healthy food item.