A new public charter school, The Academy of Collaborative Education, that will serve kindergarten through fifth-grade autistic students has been approved by BESE. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The attacks on Israel has Americans deeply concerned. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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State Police says it’s made transformational changes after it came under fire for several cases of excessive force, including the high-profile fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Academy of Collaborative Education, a new public charter school for children on the Autism Spectrum, has received approval to accept students from BESE. The school will serve kindergarten through fifth-grade students in Monroe starting in July of 2024. ACE Director Joellen Freeman says ACE will be a tuition free public charter school.

Cut 4 (11) “…our own.”

The school offers student-centered learning with two classrooms per grade and a total of 96 students.

Maddie Cannon is also a co-Founder of ACE. She’s a parent of an autistic child and wants a school that would meet and exceed his unique learning needs…

Cut 5 (11) “…hopes for.”

Freeman says the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is high and ACE added therapeutic interventions and therapies that autistic students need.

Cut 6 (13) “…very innovative.”

ACE will open enrollment in November. To learn more about ACE, visit Aceforasd.org.

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At least 22 Americans are among those killed in the attacks on Israel. Barry Weinstein, Rabbi for Temple Sinai in Lake Charles has family living in Israel…

Cut 7 (09) “…from Gaza.”

Weinstein says the brutal attack is the worst he has seen in his lifetime and the enemies of the nation of Israel do not recognize the United Nations 1948 resolution creating the two states of Israel and Palestine.

Cut 8 (10) “…sovereign nation.” 

Weinstein says he is praying deeply for Israel’s safety.  Civilians young and old are among at least 1200 killed.

Cut 9 (09)  “…my lifetime.”

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State Police says the reforms its implementing as a result of the Ronald Greene case are transformational. LSP attempted to cover-up details of Greene’s death, who was beaten by troopers before he died. Colonel Lamar Davis says body camera video policies were among the first changes…

Cut 10 (11) “…when on duty.”

State Police hired the Bowman Group consulting firm to help them identify policies and procedures that needed to be changed to help restore the public’s trust. Ashley Burns from the Bowman Group says L-S-P has made with its use of force policies…

Cut 11 (10) “…deadly force authorized” 

Three officers face state charges for their role in Greene’s deadly arrest. Master Trooper Kory York faces the most significant charge, negligent homicide.

The FBI has investigated several cases of troopers’ beating black men during traffic stops. Burns says one of the new policies allows an easy way for the public to report a case of excessive force

Cut 12 (10) “..underway.” 

The Bowman Group also recommends that State Police needs to diversify its workforce even more, provide mental and physical wellness opportunities for its employees. Burns says identifying an employee who may be troubled is also very important in preventing a negative event.

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Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has received the House GOP’s nomination to be Speaker of the House, but a vote on the House floor to elect Scalise as the Speaker remains on hold. Scalise needs 217 votes from fellow Representatives in order to win…

Cut 13 (10) “… work to do.”

There are several House Republicans who still support Jim Jordan of Ohio as the next Speaker and will not back Scalise. As long as this division continues among Republicans, the House can not operate until a speaker is elected. Scalise is telling his colleagues its time to get back to work…

Cut 14 (11) “…take care of.”

Scalise says we need to make they’re sending a message to the world that the House is open and doing the people’s business…

Cut 15 (10) “…with Israel”

Julia Letlow and Clay Higgins are the only two members of Louisiana’s House delegation to come out in support of Scalise for speaker. The House is scheduled to convene again this morning at 11:00 central time.

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The Saints will head to Houston this weekend to take on the Texans on Sunday. Houston rookie quarterback CJ Stroud has played well and has yet to throw an interception. New Orleans Coach Dennis Allen is impressed with the rookie…

Cut 16 (19) “…on the move.”

Allen says most rookie quarterbacks have trouble processing information, he’s that’s not the case with Stroud…

Cut 17 (19) “…offensively”

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Former Lafayette Christian star Sage Ryan has become a swiss-army knife in LSU’s secondary. He’s played safety, nickel corner and last week started at cornerback in the win over Missouri. Ryan credits cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples for helping make this transition

Cut 18 (19) “…I like it.”

And it helps Ryan goes up against  two of the best receivers in the country in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr at practice

Cut 19 (19) “…in the nation” 

It appears they’ve settled on a role for linebacker Harold Perkins. The sophomore is being used as a strongside linebacker and they are also using him in coverage as a nickel back in some passing situations. Ryan is impressed with his Perkins’ versatility…

Cut 20 (20) “…draft stock.” 

Taxpayers are paying more than $91 million a year on litter abatement to keep Louisiana beautiful, according to a new study. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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 Prices and inflation seem to be up everywhere but there’s some good news at the pump. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain”  

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The 2023 Louisiana Litter Study reveals taxpayers are paying more than $91 million annually on litter abatement, a 65 percent increase since 2010. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Director Susan Russell says unfortunately most of that money is going towards cleaning up the state instead of getting residents to stop trashing it

Cut 3 (13) “…long term.”

Research shows there were over 143 million pieces of litter on Louisiana roadways with interstates being the most littered type of roadway. Nearly 54 percent of motorists were the source of highway litter, followed by unsecured loads at 17 percent.

Most Louisianans support a 50-cent to two-dollar fee for cleanup and prevention. Russell says 74 percent of all littering across the Bayou State takes place at outdoor events.

Cut 4 (12) “…are overflowing.”

According to the survey, 92 percent of Louisianans believe litter is a problem. To help tackle the ongoing litter issue, Russell urges residents to get involved.

Cut 5 (13) “ …be approached.”  

The full report can be found at KeepLouisianaBeatiful.org.

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After Monday night’s Powerball Jackpot came and went without one lucky winner, tonight’s drawing is an estimated $1.73 billion with a cash value of $756 million. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says its the second-largest jackpot ever and it follows another billion-dollar jackpot in July.

Cut 6 (08) “…very exciting.”

Tonight’s drawing is the 36^th consecutive drawing that has rolled over since July 19 without a big winner. The odds of winning the Powerball is 1 in 292 million. Annison says there have been 17 Powerball grand prize winners from Louisiana….

Cut 7 (12) “…this magnitude” 

Annison also said don’t toss your ticket in the trash too quickly if you don’t hit all six numbers. He said there are multiple ways to win.

Cut 8 (12) “…drawing occurs..”

A one-million-dollar Powerball ticket matching all five white ball numbers drawn was sold in Houma last weekend. To be eligible for tonight’s Powerball jackpot, tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m.

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Gas prices are down and according to Don Redman of Triple A, they’re down more than expected…

Cut 9 (14) “…last year.” 

Today the average price per gallon in Louisiana is $3.19.

Prices and inflation seem to be up everywhere but prices at the pump have come down. Louisiana’s average price per gallon is 20 cents cheaper than last year. Don Redman of Triple A says it’s all about supply and demand…

Cut 10 (10) “…of gasoline.”

Louisianans are paying less at the pump today — 20 cents per gallon less compared to last year but Don Redman of Triple A says be prepared because Energy prices are driven by the news of the day…

Cut 11 (08) “…prices will be.”

According to Redman, under normal circumstances prices could drop to a statewide average of $3.10 per gallon or even $3.00 per gallon but be prepared to budget more because of the events happening in the Middle East.

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Louisiana’s Steve Scalise has received the House GOP nomination to be the next Speaker of the U-S House of Representatives. The 58-year-old from Jefferson Parish has represented Louisiana’s First Congressional District since 2008 . UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Scalise has been eyeing this position for several years…

Cut 12 (06) “.come true”  

Scalise beat out Jim Jordan from Ohio for the GOP nomination. Chervenak says Scalise most likely got the nod over Jordan, because he’s a little bit more towards the middle…

Cut 13 (10) “…with others”

A vote from the full House is still needed, which could take place this afternoon. If Scalise is elected, he’ll be the first House Speaker ever from Louisiana. Chervenak says this is a big deal for the Bayou State…

Cut  14 (10) “.help the state”

Inflation remains the top problem for small business owners nationwide resulting in less optimism for future business conditions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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After hearing from potential candidates last night, the US House begins what could be another lengthy process of choosing the next Speaker.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Thanks to a disturbance in the Gulf south Louisiana will have rain today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Small business optimism nationwide dips in September as inflation remains the single greatest problem in operating a business. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVea says sales growth has slowed, leaving owners with limited options for financial relief.

Cut 4 (11) “…to operate.”

Optimism fell by half a point in September to 90.8 marking the 21st consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98.

McVea says the national survey 29 percent of owners report weaker sales have had a significant impact on their business. She says it also found that 43 percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill.

Cut 5 (12) “…just frustrating.”

Small business owners expecting better business conditions over the next six months deteriorated by six points from August to a negative 43 percent. McVea says owners are pessimistic about future conditions.

Cut 6 (10) “…the year.”

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Congressional members are scheduled to vote their next Speaker of the House today. Among the contenders are Louisiana’s Steve Scalise and Ohio Representative Jim Jordan. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan expects it will be a close race for the two Republicans….

Cut 7 (09) “…the Democrats.”

When former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was elected in January it took fifteen rounds of voting and several concessions to far-right party members. Hogan believes the election process for the next speaker could be just as contentious.

Cut 8 (10) “…anytime soon.” 

Former President Trump has endorsed Jordan and the only member of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to voice their support for Scalise is Congresswoman Julia Letlow. With little backing from Scalise’s own state, Hogan says it’s indicative of the deep division within the Republican party.

Cut 9 (09)  “…on top.”

As for other Republican members of Congress, Hogan says they are digging in their heels on issues they feel strongly about. As for Trump’s endorsement of Jordan, Hogan says many Republican congressional members are fearful it could be used against them among voters if they support Scalise instead.

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Something you haven’t had to do in a while is grab your umbrella, and you’ll need to today because rain is in the forecast for south Louisiana. Thanks to a disturbance in the gulf, State Climatologist Barry Keim says rain will last most of the day and perhaps spill into Thursday…

Cut 10 (09) “…the state.”

Keim says southwest Louisiana could see some precipitation but as you move north of Baton Rouge and Alexandria, you’re less likely to have any rainfall.

Cut 11 (12) “…the weekend.”

For the Saturday, Keim says weatherwise it will be, believe it or not, an improvement to what Louisiana experienced last weekend…

Cut 12 (11) “…absolutely glorious.” 

And on Sunday things will be slightly cooler with lows in the 40s in northern parishes and in the 50s for southern parishes with high temperatures in the 70s.

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Constitutional amendment three on Saturday’s ballot asks voters if they want to require state lawmakers to use 25 percent of any state surplus to pay retirement debt for the four state retirement systems. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson authored the amendment and says the state spends over a billion dollars every year just in interest on this debt…

Cut 13 (09) “… other things.”

Currently, lawmakers must use at least 10 percent of any state budget surplus to pay down a portion of the retirement debt.

Opponents of the amendment say state surplus dollars help fund road and bridge work, coastal restoration, and other infrastructure needs. But Nelson says it’s time the state takes a serious approach towards paying off retirement debt…

Cut 14 (08) “…pet project.”

The Council for a Better Louisiana is in support of Amendment Three. Nelson says the goal is to pay down debt to have more money in the future…

Cut 15 (07) “…moving forward.”

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ULM is coming off a humbling 48-point loss to South Alabama at home last Saturday as they get ready to go on the road to play Texas State. Coach Terry Bowden says they can’t let the defeat to the Jaguars to define their season…

Cut 16 (17) “…will respond.”

The Warhawks are 2-3 overall, 0-2 in the Sun Belt. Bowden knows his team is capable of playing better than what they showed last Saturday

Cut 17 (16) “…this week.”

ULM at Texas State at 6 PM.

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LSU has one of the best offenses in college football, but it’s not just Jayden Daniels and the passing game. Logan Diggs has established himself as one of the top running backs in the SEC. Diggs has rushed for over 100 yards in the last two games and Coach Brian Kelly says he’s been a complete back…

Cut 18 (24) “…at that.”

LSU ranks among the Top ten nationally in six statistical categories at the halfway point of the season. Kelly hopes the defense can help the Tigers play complementary football…

Cut 19 (19) “…charge here.” 

Black Friday has come early for shoppers as major retailers are offering early deals in October. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says based on early voting totals, total voter turnout for Saturday’s election could be less than 40-percent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Black Friday deals have come early as major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy are offering discounts now, weeks before the start of the traditional holiday shopping season. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says an early start gives shoppers more time to research and spread out their cash flow

Cut 3 (10) “…card debt.”

With the average credit card rate at 21 percent, Rossman says a third of holiday shoppers expect inflation to impact their buying habits. He says early shoppers are looking for coupons, discounts, and sales.

Cut 4 (11) “…for discounts.”

Rossman says 25 percent of shoppers are stressed about the cost of holiday shopping.  While retailers are offering early promotions, Rossman says shoppers are eager to get the best deals but they are also being smart spenders.

Cut 5 (06) “ …the budget”  

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Heavy rain is expected tomorrow in southeast Louisiana as a result of a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says more than two inches of rain could fall along the coast, into the New Orleans area  and St. Tammany Parish…

Cut 6 (09) “…during the evening”

The Lafayette area could see about an inch of rain and less than a half an inch for southwest Louisiana. Wetherbee says localized flash flooding is possible in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 7 (10) “…very shortly” 

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In recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty, faith leaders met with Governor Edwards this morning calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. Sister Helen Prejean, an advocate to abolish the death penalty, says being pro-life doesn’t mean you’re against abortion…

Cut 8 (09) “…our citizens.”

Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) presented Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for all of the inmates awaiting execution.

Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says he believes Edwards is doing all he can on behalf of death row inmates.

Cut 9 (12) “…support it.” 

While recognizing those who are on death row in Louisiana, faith leaders also prayed for them and the family members of their victims. Duca says they are not asking for death row inmates to be set free, only that their lives be spared.

Cut 10 (08) “…the death penalty.”

A settlement after an injunction was filed on behalf of Louisiana district attorneys means most of the 56 inmates on death row will not have clemency hearings. Advocates are appealing the ruling.

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The Secretary of State’s Office predicts between a 42 and 46-percent total voter turnout for Saturday’s election. But JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon is projecting a lower turnout, after less than 350-thousand people cast votes during the early voting period that ended last Saturday

Cut 11 (09) “…total voter turnout.”

Couvillon says this is the lowest interest he’s ever seen in a Louisiana governor’s race.

He says it was surprising to see more registered Republicans participating in early voting than Democrats…

Cut 12 (10) “.Democratic Friendly”  

Couvillon says participation among black voters was also down…

Cut 13 (10) “…anemic”