Leaders for a Better Louisiana is recommending that voters approve five of the ten constitutional amendments that will appear on the November 3rd ballot, but the group opposes amendments six, eight and nine. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says amendments six and nine could reduce the tax base for local government.

Cut 10 (09) “…need to do.”

Amendment Eight would prohibit the expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary.

Louisiana will soon offer Medicaid services to prison inmates before their release dates. This, after getting approval for a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says this will help inmates transition back into society upon their release.

Cut 7 (12) “…jail and prison.”

These Medicaid services will launch early next year at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, with the remaining state prisons and parish jails to follow.

Saints Owner Gayle Benson had strong words about her team’s 1-and-4 start. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A new poll from LSU New Orleans found that two-thirds of respondents approve the job New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is doing in running the city, while only 14-percent disapprove. Pollster Ed Chervenak

Cut 6 (08) “…facing next year”

New Orleans is facing a 100-million dollar budget deficit next fiscal year.

A Webster Parish woman is charged with killing her father and going after her son.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The elections division of the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge was evacuated this afternoon after a package containing an unknown white powdery substance was delivered to the office. State Police say the substance was safely recovered and turned over to federal authorities for testing. L-S-P says there is no threat currently to the public.

With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, optimism among small businesses is on the decline. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says rising costs are fueling the drop in confidence among small business owners.

Cut 6 (08) “…their bottom line.”

Swipe fees are compounding those rising costs. Long says they can sometimes exceed the monthly rent.

The Louisiana State Office of State Parks has launched the Louisiana State Parks Passport program. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says you can ask for a passport by visiting the Louisiana State Parks Passport webpage. And when you visit either a state park or a historic site, you can get that page stamped…

Cut 11 (06) “…all of them”

Burris says travelers who visit all 32 state parks and historic sites can receive a prize.

A Webster Parish woman is charged with killing her father and going after her son. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Baton Rouge Police found a 92-year-old man beaten to death inside his home last night and authorities have detained his son. Authorities say Larry Salisbury’s injuries are consistent with blunt-force trauma. His son, Bruce, was taken into custody after flipping his vehicle during a police chase today.

With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, optimism among small businesses is on the decline. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says rising costs are fueling the drop in confidence among small business owners.

Cut 6 (08) “…their bottom line.”

Swipe fees are compounding those rising costs. Long says they can sometimes exceed the monthly rent. Swipe fees are the charges a business pays every time a customer makes a purchase with a credit or debit card.

If you like visiting state parks and historic sites and want documentation of your visit, Louisiana State Parks has launched a passport program. Director of the Louisiana Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says visitors can collect a commemorative stamp at each location they explore…

Cut 10 (08) “…State Park prize.”

Burris says the prizes range from official state park gear to a free overnight cabin or campsite stay.

The Webster Parish Sheriff’s office has charged a 34-year-old woman with second-degree murder after she allegedly shot her 78-year-old father in the back multiple times. Sheriff Jason Parker says the shooter’s son, an 11-year-old child, called 9-1-1…

Cut 4 (06) “,,get rid of”

Earl Benson died from his injuries and Lacey Mann was booked into jail. What sparked the fatal shooting is unknown.

Governor Landry says the state is investing three-point five billion dollars to improve highspeed internet, roads and health care in rural areas. The Louisiana Department of Health’s Rural Health Transformation Project is spearheading a 1.4-billion-dollar initiative. ULM President Dr. Carrie Castille says they have received funding to expand their nursing enrollment.

Cut 9 (10)  “…our rural communities.”

With Medicare’s annual open enrollment period opening Thursday, the Louisiana Department of Insurance has some helpful tips for beneficiaries. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Beginning in 2027, the Medicare Part D annual deductible will be $700, and out-of-pocket costs for covered prescription drugs will be capped at $2,400.

 Medicare Beneficiaries can contact the Louisiana Senior Health Information Program if they need any assistance at 1800-259-5300.

A Webster Parish woman is behind bars after allegedly shooting her father to death. Deputies say 34-year-old Lacey Mann’s 11-year-old son told them that she had shot her 78-year-old father, Earl Benson, in the back multiple times. Sheriff Jason Parker says as the boy was on the phone with 911, his mother then started going after him.

Cut 3 (06) “…was going on.”

Deputies eventually found the boy safe and unharmed. Sheriff Parker says he is being cared for and will likely need care for quite some time.

The November 3rd election is now just three weeks from today. If you’d like to vote in it and have yet to register to vote, you have until today to do so. Trey Williams with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office says at this point, your only option to register in time to vote on November 3rd is to do it online.

Cut 276  (09) “…Geaux Vote app.”

Early voting for the November third election is October 20^th.

Governor Jeff Landry announces the state is in the process of investing 3.5-billion dollars in rural Louisiana. One-point-five-billion dollars of that is in federal broadband funding. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of ConnectLA, says by the end of 2026, he expects 95-percent of Louisiana to have access to reliable internet.

Cut 7 (10) “…the national average.”

The Office of Louisiana Highway Construction is investing 580-million dollars in 152 road and bridge projects.

Billboard magazine is out with its list of the best music business schools in the world; and of the 48 which made the grade for 2026, two of them are in Louisiana – The Loyola University School of Music and Theater Professionals and U-L Lafayette’s music business program. U-L Lafayette launched its bachelor’s degree program in music business about 12 years ago. It’s run by Associate Music Professor Scott Durbin, who says students get hands-on experience in all facets of the music industry.

Cut 13 (10)  “…booking and touring.”

Medicare open Enrollment begins on Thursday and  runs through December 7^th. During open enrollment, beneficiaries can….switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage Plan or vice versa. Change from Medicare Advantage plant to another, or enroll, switch or drop a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Ron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Insurance says get the plan that suits your needs…

Cut 10 (06) “….work for you”

Beginning next year, the Medicare Part D annual deductible will be $700.

Today’s the last day to register to vote for the November 3^rd election and you can only do it online at geauxvote.com.  Trey Williams with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office says if you’re already registered to vote, today’s a good opportunity double-check your registration status.

Cut 6 (06) “…up to date.”

If you’re looking to study the music business in college, two of the best schools are here in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Forty-two people had to be rescued from a ship that caught fire in the Gulf about 100 miles offshore from Port Fourchon. The Coast Guard says they received a call at 9:45 yesterday morning and sent three aircraft to the area to rescue people. The Coast Guard also good Samaritans on nearby vess3els played a major role in rescuing all 42 people.

The day after the Student Government Association president at Grambling State University was arrested for rape, the school’s police chief and assistant police chief resigned. And at this point, there are many more questions than answers as to the circumstances. Chief Rodney Demery and Assistant Police Chief Joshua Feliciano both submitted their resignations Thursday – the day after SGA President Life Makarudze’s arrest. While Grambling President Martin Lemelle Jr. says the two developments are unrelated, Lincoln Parish Journal Reporter Wesley Harris says the timing is especially peculiar.

Cut 6 (10) “…in some way.”

Harris says Makarudze is charged with third-degree rape.

The Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing teenager that was last seen south of Stonewall around midnight on Saturday. Sixteen year old Gracie Davlin is five-feet, 100 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

The Louisiana Department of Health is sounding the alarm on cychlorphine by urging everyone to carry Narcan with them. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’s National Gumbo Day. To celebrate the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has award winning Chef Corey Bahr of Monroe at his house, and the two are spreading the word about one of Louisiana’s most famous dishes to the country. Bahr says there are countless ways to make gumbo.

Cut 9 (08)  “…make a recipe.”

Campaign donations are mounting, as this year’s election cycle has raised a record 74-million dollars in Louisiana. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Governor Jeff Landry is in Ruston this morning. According to his office, he’s holding a press conference at 11 AM to discuss how Louisiana is strengthening rural communities and expanding opportunities for families and business. Officials from Connect L-A, the Office of Highway Construction and the state health department will also participate.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reinforcing the importance of having naloxone on hand to prevent an overdose death. This effort comes as state health officials are seeing cases of Louisiana residents taking cychlorphine, which is a highly potent, synthetic opioid. Deputy Health Secretary Doctor Pete Croughan says Narcan is sold over the counter in pharmacies and normally comes in packs of two sprays….

Cut 8 (11) “….those two sprays”

LSU failed to get the breaks they needed to avoid an upset loss to Kentucky on Saturday night in Lexington. On the final play of the first half, the Wildcats scored touchdown when it appeared quarterback Kenny Minchey’s forward progress was stopped before he reached the goal line. Coach Lane Kiffin says the referees told him at the time they couldn’t call him down because of the importance of that play…

Cut 4 (06) “…with it”

22^nd ranked LSU hosts 16^th ranked Mississippi State this Saturday.