To help students who aren’t reading on grade level a proposal for required summer school is up for consideration. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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She was the matriarch of a family of 105, including former Governor—and Lt. Governor—Kathleen Blanco. Lucille Fremin Babineaux is being laid to rest today in New Iberia. Marsanne Golsby has more on her remarkable life.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

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State lawmakers are discussing ways to eliminate Louisiana’s state income tax, and the latest to chime in with an idea is Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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In an effort to make sure young students are good readers, State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley proposes a required summer school session for kindergarten through fourth-grade students who are not reading on grade level. Brumley says test results show that less than half of Louisiana students at these grade levels are reading at their appropriate level…

Cut 4 (11)  “…next grade.”

Less than half of those in K-3^rd grade read on grade level. In 2021, Brumley encouraged school systems to hold summer school with a camp-like atmosphere that offers academic classes in addition to electives like music and art. He wants to see that trend continue.

Cut 5 (06) “…of reading.”

Brumley hopes by allowing those students who lost valuable in-classroom instruction during the first two years of the pandemic can catch up. He says the summer school literacy program would sunset in two years.

Cut 6 (11)  “…loss recovery.” 

The proposal will be discussed at the October 11^th BESE meeting and if approved would go into effect the next Summer 2023 and 2024.

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Funeral services will be held today in New Iberia for Lucille Fremin Babineaux, the mother of late Governor—and Lt. Governor–Kathleen Blanco. Babineaux died last week at the age of 102. Monique Boulet is Blanco’s daughter and Babineaux’s granddaughter.

Cut 7 (09) “…great ladies.”

Babineaux headed a family of 105 people. Boulet says she was sharp as a whip and active until just three weeks ago. She insisted on hosting family holidays, and she wanted her family to be together for her birthdays–because she wanted the generations to know each other.

Cut 8 (12)  “…meals together.”

Blanco died in 2019 at the age of 76 of cancer. Boulet says her grandmother took care of her daughter right up until the end.

Cut 9 (10)  “…life keeps going.”

A mass of Christian Burial will be held today (September 26th) at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia.

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The Saints fell to 1 and 2 on the season as they played an error filled game in Carolina and lost to the Panthers 22-14 on Sunday. New Orleans Coach Dennis Allen points to the three turnovers and the seven penalties

Cut 10 (06) “…going to stop.”

Alvin Kamara’s fumble in the first quarter that was returned 44 yards for a touchdown set the tone for the game.

The Saints offense has struggled. Other than the fourth quarter comeback against Atlanta and the 14 points scored in the fourth quarter against the Panthers, the offense hasn’t done much. Allen was asked if he was surprised by the offense’s futility…

Cut  11 (12)  “…perform better.”

To make matters worse, the Saints wide receivers Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry and Tre’Quan Smith all left the game with injuries.

New Orleans Quarterback Jameis Winston threw for 353 yards, but he threw two interceptions and the Saints were held without a point for three quarters. Allen says not all of the blame for the offense’s problems should be placed on Winston…

Cut 12 (11) “…to do.” 

The Saints head to London to face the 2-and-1 Vikings next Sunday.

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Chatter in political circles is growing about possibly ending Louisiana’s state income tax. State lawmakers have agreed to twice-monthly meetings on tax reform, and income tax is chief among the topics. Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell says it can be done simply and easily, by replacing the severance tax on oil brought out of the ground with a processing tax on oil processed or refined…:

Cut 13 (07) “…tax the 2-percent.”

Foster’s plan would replace the annual billions lost in income tax revenue by a moderate tax on oil processed within the state; domestic and imported. He says imported oil accounts for over 90-opercent of what’s processed in the state and it could be a serious revenue generator. Campbell says he’s skeptical state leaders will have the courage to make such a bold move…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…haven’t seen them do.”

Campbell says Texas, Florida & Tennessee are outpacing Louisiana in business, revenue and population growth, and what they have in common is no income tax. He says, if lawmakers push it through and send a Constitutional Amendment to voters, the income tax will end and the state can move forward. He urges Governor John Bel Edwards to be a leader in the effort…:

Cut 15 (10)  “…on a straight path.”

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The LSU Tigers put together a dominating performance on Saturday night as the Bayou Bengals beat New Mexico 38-0. The Tigers held the Lobos to two first downs and 88 total yards. Coach Brian Kelly on his defense has improved since week 1…

Cut 16 (20)  “…week 1” 

The offense also performed well on Saturday. Jayden Daniels was 24 of 29 for 279 yards and Garrett Nussmeier was 9 of 10 for 135 yards. Malik Nabers and Jack Bech each caught six passes and Brian Thomas had a 57 yard touchdown catch. Kelly says it was an efficient performance…

Cut 17 (17) “…efficiency” 

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ULM is off to a 1-0 start in Sun Belt play and that one victory is a big one as the Warhawks rallied from a 17-7 deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Ragin Cajuns 21-17. Quarterback Chandler Rogers had a touchdown run to spark the rally….

Cut 18 (17) “…the past”  

It’s ULM’s first win over the Cajuns since 2017 and the first in Monroe since 2004.

The Cajuns offense failed to score in the second half. Their last eight possessions ended with two bad snaps on a field goal attempt, an interception and six punts.  Coach Michael Desormeaux’s team is now 2-and-2…

Cut 19 (11) “…win football games.”

This goes down as a signature win for second-year coach Terry Bowden. His teams at Malone Stadium are now 6-and-2 when trailing at halftime, but this victory means a little more…

Cut 20 (18) “ …win that game” 

A hurricane could be in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, but Louisiana is not in the cross hairs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In a first of its kind of collaboration at LA Tech, aviation students will have access to training from United Airlines. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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One of the state’s most popular outdoor events is back.  Paused for two years during the pandemic, Louisiana’s National Hunting and Fishing Day returns tomorrow to four locations around the state. Trey Iles is with the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Cut 3 (05) “…find outdoors.” 

Events will be held at Department of Wildlife and Fisheries locations in Haughton, Monroe, Woodworth, and Baton Rouge.

Each location’s events vary but all include outdoor exhibits, as well as hunting and fishing opportunities.

Cut 4 (10) “…rifle demonstrations.” 

Iles says each location will have free food and live animal demonstrations. There’s also an emphasis on introducing kids to fishing.

Cut 5 (04) “…to anyone.” 

Each location has events in the morning and wrap up midday. In Monroe and Haughton they begin at 9 am. In Baton Rouge and Woodworth they start at 8 am.

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Tropical Depression Number Nine in the Caribbean Sea is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the system is expected to strengthen over the weekend and enter the southeastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday  after it crosses western Cuba as a hurricane.

Cut 6 (11)  “…change a bit” 

Right now, it doesn’t appear as if Louisiana will be impacted by the storm that would be named either Hermine or Ian. But Keim says three-to-five-day forecasts tend to get altered.

Cut 7 (06) “…nothing changes.”

LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says the National Hurricane Center is predicting this system will develop into a major hurricane…

Cut 8 (06)  “…lightly”

The Tropical Depression has sustained winds at 35 mph and once it reaches 39 mph it will reach Tropical Storm status.

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Louisiana Tech is preparing the college for takeoff with an aviation partnership with United Airlines. Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Karl Puljak (pull-yak) says in addition to training aviation students it also assists with career opportunities

Cut 9 (10)  “…their profession.”

The partnership is a first of its kind for the university and Puljak says their aviation students will benefit immensely and be able to take flight with state-of-the-art technology.

Cut 10 (08) “…in Denver, Colorado.” 

There’s a great demand for qualified pilots and Puljak says the partnership helps United fill job vacancies and it also opens the door for students who are underrepresented in the industry.

Cut 11 (04)  “…of do.”

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State Police are taking part in the National Seat Check Saturday safety event, for parents of kids still small enough to need a child seat or booster. Sgt. James Anderson says an event is scheduled for each of the State Police troops statewide, and people will be on hand to see if your vehicle’s current equipment is safe…:

Cut 12 (10) “…appropriate restraint.”  

Events will happen at well-known areas in each LSP Troop area. Anderson says it’s a good opportunity to see if your family vehicle is properly outfit for the little ones, and – if it’s not – you won’t be in any trouble…:

Cut 13 (09) “…while supplies last.” 

Events are scheduled Saturday – from 9 until noon – in Baton Rouge, Metairie, Houma, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Monroe, Shreveport, Covington and Crowley. He says finding the one nearest you is as easy as visiting Facebook…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…all over the state.” 

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