The Saints are starting to find their rhythm on offense this season and New Orleans Saints offensive tackle James Hurst says in order to improve their run game, which is averaging 3.6 yards per carry 4th worst in the league, the Saints need to improve their blocking past the primary level.

Cut 18 (23) “ … 15-yard gain.”

The Saints will play the Vikings on Sunday at noon on Fox.

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The Pelicans will face off against a seven and a half point favorite Timberwolves tonight. Minnesota is riding a 3 game winning streak and New Orleans Shooting Guard CJ McCollum, who leads the team in assists, is still out due to a lung injury. LSU product Naz Reid will play for the Timberwolves and he is averaging nearly 16 points a game this season.

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The LSU Tigers are ranked nineteenth in the latest version of the College Football Playoff Rankings. The Tigers dropped from the 14th spot with the loss to Alabama on Saturday, but all three of their losses this season are to top ten teams. LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels did not practice yesterday and is still listed as day to day with the Florida matchup this Saturday quickly approaching. LSU will play Florida this Saturday at 6:30 pm on the SEC Network.

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ULM is currently two and seven on the year, but the Warhawks are not done with their season just yet as the team has no quit in them according to ULM Head Coach Terry Bowden.

Cut 20 (20) “ … playing hard.”

The Warhawks will face Troy at 1 pm on ESPN+ this Saturday

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has introduced the Drought Assistance Improvement Act. Letlow says the goal of the legislation is to speed up the process for the distribution of disaster relief payments for producers impacted by several weeks of dry weather. Letlow is hopeful the legislation will move quickly, especially since Congressman Mike Johnson is the new Speaker of the House.

Cut 11 (10) “…one through.” 

The Drought Assistance Act will alter drought lengths in the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, and expand language in the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program.

Judge Shelly Dick of the U-S Middle District of Louisiana has determined the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola is violating inmates’ constitutional rights by ignoring the medical needs of prisoners. Attorney Samantha Bosalavage of the Promise of Justice Initiative…

Cut 14 (07) “…very soon.”

The Louisiana Department of Corrections disagrees with the ruling and they plan to appeal.

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is wrapping up its third annual virtual apprenticeship expo for high school students and post-secondary attendees. An estimated 90 percent of apprentices retain employment after completing a registered apprenticeship program with an average salary of $80 thousand. Director of Student Engagement LaVonya Malveaux hopes attendees learn that apprenticeship could be an optional career pathway to their future.

Cut 6 (12) “…very beneficial.”

Louisiana Tech University has officially launched Tech Online, a new initiative that serves and benefits distance learners and graduate professionals.  Tech Online provides the same Louisiana Tech University programs that are nationally ranked. Current program offerings include undergraduate and graduate degree programs, continuing education options, and professional certifications. Visit online.latech.edu.

In an effort to provide relief to farmers after record-breaking drought conditions, Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has introduced the Drought Assistance Improvement Act.  The legislation would cut the time in half that farmers can apply for assistance during dry conditions.

Cut 10 (12) “…back to work.”

Letlow is hopeful the legislation will move quickly through the House.

The third annual virtual apprenticeship expo for Louisiana high school students and post-secondary attendees hosted by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is underway.  Employer Engagement Coordinator Tonya Evans…

Cut 5 (11) “…for them.”

Several school districts will be attending the virtual expo. Students will participate in breakout sessions to engage with employers in the healthcare, cyber security, and chemical industries.

The Kentwood home Pop Star, Brittney Spears grew up in is now up for sale. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

State Fire Marshal deputies are investigating a house fire that tragically killed an elderly man in St. Mary Parish Monday. Authorities say the fire that originated at a home in the block of East Bollard jumped to a mobile home next door. The three people inside the home were able to escape but a disabled man was trapped despite efforts by his daughter to get him out. The five people inside the mobile home were able to escape unharmed.

At least one person is dead after 13 vehicles were involved in four different crashes on Interstate 10 near the Michoud exit in New Orleans due to a smoke and marsh fire mix. The marsh fire that’s created the smoky conditions is on remote private property that’s difficult to access and there’s no fire hydrant service. National Weather Service Meteorologist Christopher Bannan…

Cut 11 (11) “…helping things.”

Eight people were injured and taken to local hospitals. Seven motorists were killed on I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish on October 23rd in a similar super fog event

A bill to provide rural communities with grants to upgrade their police and fire departments is being co-authored by Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow. Letlow says many rural facilities built in the 1980s are starting to deteriorate and they are unable to adequately fund any upgrades.

Cut 8 (11) “….would provide.” 

The grants would be distributed through the Department of Justice and FEMA. $250 million will be allotted annually for the grant program over a three-year period.

Cleco residential and commercial customers can receive rebates for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargers. Richard Biedenharn Manager of Cleco’s EV Program…

Cut 12 (09) “…great benefit.”  

The residential rebates are for Level 2 EV chargers. Rebates for commercial customers range from $1,000 to $3,500.

Centenary College in Shreveport’s $50 million capital campaign to improve the college facilities and programs ahead of its 200^th anniversary in 2025 is underway. Spokesperson Kate Pedrotty says $10 million will support new academic and co-curricular programs. She says the return of football will boost recruitment for the university.

Cut 4 (12) “…very exciting.”

The college has already raised $37 million of the $50 million campaign goal.

It’s a ten billion dollar industry in Louisiana but the recent wildfires have hit the timber industry hard, costing landowners millions in losses. LSU Ag Center Forester Robbie Hutching says the costs go beyond logging. The industry employs about 45-thousand people and is indirectly responsible for 40 thousand more jobs.

Cut 11 (12) “…the mills.” 

Amendment 3 on the ballot would allow local governing authorities the ability to provide an ad valorem tax exemption of up to $25,000 for qualified first responders. President of the Public Affairs Research Council Steven Procopio says proponents believe the tax exemption would be a recruiting and retention incentive…

Cut 15 (05) “…salary increase.”

State Transportation officials want your input on the state’s infrastructure and transportation plans. You can do so via a new website,latransportationplan-dot-la-dot-gov DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallet gives examples of some of those projects

Cut 5 (12) “…transportation plan.”

More than 200 jobs are coming to the Acadiana region with the announced expansion of Infinity Valve & Supply. Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter says the expansion will allow Infinity to provide oil and gas companies with more environmentally friendly alternatives to current practices.

Cut 7 (11) “…as well.”

Infinity Valve & Supply is investing $1.1 million in the expansion.

A dangerous morning on Interstate 10 in New Orleans East has left at least one person dead after several early morning accidents. The I-10 is shut down now in both directions as authorities say fog and smoke from that marsh fire burning nearby is causing near zero visibility.

(TIX)Yesterday, the Army Corps of Engineers contributed to the effort to flood out a wetland fire in New Orleans East… five 8 inch portable pumps. They’re on loan to try and drown out the smoldering fire that’s been causing problems for weeks.
Wildfires and drought have affected Louisiana’s bottom line when it comes to the $10 Billion dollar a year timber industry. Here’s Colleen Crain.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Amendment 2 on the November 18^th ballot would allow money allotted to inactive special funds to be transferred into the state’s general budget. President of the Public Affairs Research Council Steven Procopio says the amendment focuses on six inactive funds…

Cut 13 (10) “…the constitution.”
State Transportation officials want your input on the state’s infrastructure and transportation plans. And they’re making it easy through a new website,latransportationplan-dot-la-dot-gov

DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallet says the user-friendly portal features straightforward navigation and gives individuals the opportunity to provide their thoughts on future projects…

Cut 5 (12) “…transportation plan.”

Interstate 10 is closed in both directions this morning from Highway 11 to I-510 after at least four accidents this morning due to poor visibility. At least one person is reported dead. Officials say early morning fog and smoke from that marsh fire burning in New Orleans East is causing near zero visibility on the I-10. That’s between Irish Bayou and Michoud.

In other news, State Transportation is making it easier for Louisianans to give input on infrastructure and transportation projects through a new website.  Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says latransportationplan-dot-la-dot-gov details the state’s transportation plan and infrastructure landscape through 2055.

Cut 4 (11) “…mega projects.”

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The Timber Industry generates $10 Billion per year for Louisiana’s economy. That’s according to Robbie Hutchins, a forester with the LSU Ag Center who says the wildfires that have engulfed more than 50,000 acres of Louisiana forests, have cost the state millions…

Cut 10 (09) “…in 2023.”

Good news for Acadiana as Infinity Valve and Supply has announced it will expand in Youngsville, bringing more than 200 jobs with it. Mayor Ken Ritter Ritter says the state’s incentive package played a significant role in bringing the expansion to fruition and he believes it’s a good use of state funds.

DOTD unveils a new website to get public input on the state transportation plan. Here’s Teiko Fox.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

More than 200 jobs are coming to Acadiana as Infinity Valve & Supply is set to expand. Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter says it’s a huge win for the city.

Cut 8 (11) “…to Lafayette.” 

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It’s a ten billion dollar industry in Louisiana but the recent wildfires have hit the timber industry hard, costing the state millions of dollars. That’s according to Robbie Hutchins, a forester with the LSU Ag Center, who says the costs go beyond just logging. He says the timber industry employs about 45-thousand people and is indirectly responsible for 40 thousand more jobs.

Cut 11 (12) “…the mills.” 

The Army Corps of Engineers is contributing to the an effort to flood out a wetland fire in New Orleans East in the form of five 8 inch portable pumps. They’re on loan to try and drown out the smoldering fire that’s been producing blankets of foul-smelling smoke across the area for three weeks now. If there’s any other good news at this point, Fire officials there say the fire is mostly contained and doesn’t appear to be spreading.

The LSU Tigers will face a rearing Florida team this Saturday. After coming off a tough loss to the Crimson Tide, the Tigers will look to focus their attention on a gator team that has lost to Arkansas for the first time ever in Gainesville. None will be more focused on these gators than quarterback Garret Nussmeir who may get the start on Saturday according to LSU head coach Brian Kelly and who is embracing the potential opportunity

Cut 13 (10) “… in the game.”

The 19th-ranked Tigers will host Florida on Saturday night.

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The LSU women’s basketball team will take the court for the first time since their historic national championship win last year in a neutral game in Las Vegas. The game will tip off tonight at 6:30 pm on TNT and they will face the No. 20 Colorado Buffaloes whose last opponent last year was the Iowa Hawkeyes and in which the game posted a much different result for those same Colorado Buffaloes.

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Saints athlete Taysom Hill passed a historic mark this Sunday as his 10th receiving touchdown has allowed him to be in rare air as an NFL player to have 10 passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns. When questioned on the accomplishment, Hill is staying humble and putting the Saints first.

Cut 18 (13) “ … winning games”

Hill joins Hall of Famers Frank Gifford as the latest players in NFL history to accomplish this feat. The Saints will travel to the Vikings and kickoff is at noon on Fox.

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The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets tonight, but a major part of the Pelicans offense in Shooting Guard CJ McCollum will not be available after a small lung collapse in his right lung. McCollum scored 13 points and 6 assists against the Hawks on Saturday. New Orleans and Denver will tip off tonight at 8pm.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly answered questions about quarterback Jayden Daniels’ health and if he thinks officials missed a targeting call Saturday. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Shreveport Sunday morning. Authorities say around 8:45 a.m. a Shreveport Police Officer initiated a traffic stop in the 2700 block of Marquette Avenue. The traffic stop led to a foot chase where the male driver produced a handgun. Shots were fired and the suspect was struck. The suspect died at a local trauma center. No officers were injured.

Southeastern Louisiana University marked the construction of a new state-of-the-art broadcast media center to be named Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning American and Southeastern University Alum. President William Wainwright says the $40 million dollar project is being paid for through state Capital Outlay funds and a sizeable donation from Roberts.

Cut 7 (07) “…for that.” 

Construction is expected to be completed early next year.

According to Triple-A, The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is $2.97, that’s down by 30 cents compared to a month ago.  When Israel moved into Gaza, the price of crude went up to about $95 a gallon before it started retreating. Triple A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says barring any disruptions, he expects the average price in Louisiana to remain below $3.00 a gallon this holiday season.

Cut 5 (13) “ …Thanksgiving mode.”