With State Representative Julie Emerson now the fifth Republican to mount a primary challenge against Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican says he’s not worried about his political future. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The special session may end today. Jeff Palermo reports a bill to move the federal election primaries back from April to May is one vote away from final legislative passage.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Tulane football coach Jon Sumrall addressed the LSU coaching vacancy. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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State Representative Julie Emerson announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate Monday morning, running for the seat currently held by Bill Cassidy. The Carencro representative says while she views herself as a staunch conservative, she also sees herself as a consensus-builder.

Cut 4 (07) “…skills to work.”

Emerson says she has proven that she can work across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation.

Cut 5 (11) “…had bipartisan support (2x).”

Emerson is the fifth prominent Republican to mount a primary challenge against Cassidy, who says he welcomes the additional competition and the political attacks that will come with it.

Cut 6 (05) “…plan on winning.”

Cassidy says while Emerson and all other challengers tout their conservative credentials, he has actually proven them in Washington.

Cut 7 (08) “…with President Trump.”

So far, no Democrat has announced his or her candidacy for the U.S. Senate race.

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The special session could end today as the House is poised to approve legislation that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May. Democrats do not have the votes to stop the change to the election cycle, but they’ve been vocal in their opposition. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle believes there’s a push to move the dates back so Republicans can re-draw a new Congressional map with only one Black majority district instead of two, after the Supreme Court rules the current map is unconstitutional.

Cut 8 (11) “…and draw maps.”

The bill is by Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, and he was asked how the state will explain why the primary election dates were pushed back a month. Kleinpeter says the answer is simple.

Cut 9 (07)  “…back four weeks.”

Marcelle asked Kleinpeter that if the Supreme Court ruled the Congressional map unconstitutional, could he support a new map with Black majority districts?

Cut 10 (18) “…wouldn’t be here.”

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If you haven’t left the house yet this morning, you should plan on putting on at least a lightweight jacket. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re in for the coldest temperatures so far this season today.

Cut 11 (11) “…pretty much statewide.”

Keim says that’s the way it’s going to be for the rest of the week right into Halloween night. The good thing is, you won’t have to put a poncho on your little ghouls and goblins – but a jacket might be appropriate.

Cut 12 (09) “…keep them warm.”

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LSU football fans, get used to the name Frank Wilson. He’s going to be the team’s head coach for the remainder of the season. He was appointed interim head coach Sunday after the school fired Brian Kelly after almost four seasons at the helm. During his first news conference following his appointment, Wilson said he’s excited for the challenge.

Cut 13 (11)  “…prepare yourself for.”

Wilson says he will work to lead LSU to a strong finish to the season.

Cut 14 (10) “…we so love.”

Wilson says he’s not thinking into the future, whether he would be considered for the full-time vacancy. He says when he was asked to serve as head coach for the remainder of the season, he jumped at the opportunity.

Cut 15 (09) “…university extremely well.”

To say that Wilson’s first test is a difficult one is putting is very mildly. Following a bye week, LSU heads to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama.

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Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall addressed the coaching carousel when he met with the media on Tuesday. Sumrall is expected to be one of the top candidates for the LSU head coaching position, but he says he’s committed to being with the Green Wave.

Cut 16 (18) “…guys know that.”

As a head coach, Sumrall has a record of 38-and-10 with Troy and Tulane. Sumrall is not fazed or distracted by the mentions of his name in the coaching searches and says he’s locked in on playing UTSA on Thursday.

Cut 17 (11) “…my focus, fully.”

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Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (“shuck”) has been named the starter for the Saints moving forward after the recent struggles of Spencer Rattler. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says head coach Kellen Moore’s decision to bench Rattler in-game was surprising.

Cut 18 (15)  “…with the change.”

Jackson says Sunday’s game against the Rams is a golden opportunity for Shough to prove to the coaching staff that he can be the future quarterback of the franchise.

Cut 19 (21) “…building around him.”

Jackson says Shough is going to have to be successful in a few specific parts of his game if he wants to break out.

Cut 20 (13) “…have to do.”

Senator Bill Cassidy has yet another challenger to fend off in next year’s Republican primary. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Brian Kelly era is over at LSU. Jeff Palermo reports on why it didn’t work and what happens next…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy has yet another challenger for his U.S. Senate seat, as State Representative Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. The Carencro Republican introduced herself to statewide voters in a four-minute video. 

Cut 3 (10) “…the state legislature.”

Emerson says as chairwoman of the State House Ways and Means Committee, she led the effort to reform Louisiana’s tax code.

Cut 4 (13) “…in economic outlook.”

Emerson heavily touted her conservative credentials in her introductory video.

Cut 5 (13) “…for their children.”

Emerson’s entrance in the race now gives Cassidy five prominent challengers in the Republican primary, who also include John Fleming, Blake Miguez, Eric Skrmetta and Kathy Seiden. So far, no Democrats have announced his or her candidacy.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics says overall prices rose by three-tenths of a percent from August to September; when highly variable items like food and energy are excluded, prices rose by two-tenths of a percent. Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate, says both of those figures came in lower than expected.

Cut 6 (08) “…August to September.”

While inflation has slowed down last month, it is still up year-over-year. B-L-S says prices are three-percent higher than last year. Kates says that’s higher than normal.

Cut 7 (09) “…higher than that.”

Kates says the way this year started, the three-percent year-over-year inflation is much better than what analysts had been bracing for.

Cut 8 (13) “…down from there.”

Kates says due to the federal government shutdown, no data is being collected for October, so the earliest we will get the next C-P-I report will be December.

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Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says the situation quickly unraveled on Sunday, following the Tigers embarrassing loss to Texas A&M. Horne says on Sunday athletics director Scott Woodward demanded that coach Kelly make changes to his coaching staff…

Cut 9 (09)  “…from there.”

Kelly’s firing comes in year four of a ten-year contract. His dismissal means LSU owes Kelly roughly 54-million dollars. In a statement, LSU says terms of the separation are still being negotiated. Horne says LSU is looking at how the cost of that buyout can be reduced…

Cut 10 (06) “…right there.”

The Tigers are 5-3 on the season. During Kelly’s time as the head coach of LSU, he went 34-14 and 19-10 in the SEC. Horne says Kelly did not win at a high enough level and his CEO approach of coaching the team resulted in him being late to make necessary changes…

Cut 11 (10) “…ultimately”

LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan has also been fired. Longtime assistant Frank Wilson will serve as the interim head coach. Tight ends coach and run game coordinator Alex Atikins will take over as LSU’s playcaller.

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Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reopened all Farm Service Agency offices across the country, including here in Louisiana. While visiting Amite late last week, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the move is to ensure that the shutdown does not interrupt America’s food supply.

Cut 12 (14) “…for every day.”

Rollins says she’s glad that F-S-A offices are reopening to serve America’s farmers.

Cut 13 (06)  “…out right now”

Rollins says the USDA will soon announce a plan to provide additional relief to American farmers.

Cut 14 (13) “…government to reopen.”

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure the elderly, disabled and children that are SNAP recipients will continue to receive benefits despite the government shutdown. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Shrimp Association is hailing Congressman Clay Higgins’ request to halt shrimp imports. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Drought conditions have been expanding across the Bayou State, but Louisiana is set to receive some much needed rain this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says two inches of rain could fall across south Louisiana Saturday and Sunday…

Cut 3 (09) “…in places.”

Grymes says the widespread rains should take a bite out of the drought for a number parishes…

Cut 4 (08) “…into Monday.”

Grymes says the rain on Saturday could get in the way of your outdoor plans…

Cut 5 (13) “…rain gear.”

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In a letter to President Trump, Congressman Clay Higgins is asking that all shrimp imports be paused. Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, fully supports a suspension of shrimp imports.

Cut 6 (11) “…changer for us.”

Cooper notes that the FDA prohibits the use of antibiotics in domestically-caught shrimp. He says domestic shrimp is tested more stringently than imported shrimp, and that’s not right.

Cut 7 (06) “…killing our people.”

Cooper says if the government can make it so that shrimpers can earn a living again, there can be enough domestically-caught shrimp to meet the demand coast-to-coast.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the industry.”

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A four-year-old girl is dead after being run over in a convenience store parking lot in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the 30-year-old driver apparently didn’t realize what had happened.

Cut 9 (14)  “…to the station.”

The little girl was rushed to a hospital, but she died of her injuries. Carnline says while the investigation is ongoing, this appears to be a tragic accident.

Cut 10 (13) “…tests are pending.”

The child was hit by a vehicle in the parking lot of the Y-Not Stop on Highway 71 near Lecompte (Luh-Count) on Tuesday night.

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If you’re going to the LSU game Saturday night, you’ll want to give yourself extra time to get to the stadium, with Baton Rouge and LSU campus police beefing up security starting four hours before kickoff. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says depending on which direction you’re coming from, traffic will either be diverted or restricted.

Cut 11 (11) “…areas on campus.”

Many parking passes are downloaded onto mobile phones. McKneely urges you not to fumble with your phone while driving on I-10 at 70 miles an hour to pull that pass out – and there’s no reason to do so.

Cut 12 (13) “…attendants to see.”

If you insist on finding a free parking spot, your one and only option is along the Gourrier Avenue corridor.

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20th ranked LSU is a slight underdog Saturday night as they host third ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are undefeated, and they are looking for their first win in Tiger Stadium since 1994. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed had three rushing touchdowns against LSU last year, and Coach Brian Kelly says they want Reed to run east-west towards the sidelines, instead of north-south.

Cut 13 (10)  “…this week.”

Kick off is at 6:49 on Saturday night, and there’s a decent chance for rain during the game. Kelly says they’ve prepared for the possibility of wet weather.

Cut 14 (15) “…have to execute.”

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The Saints host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one of New Orleans’ divisional rivals. Earlier this week, quarterback Baker Mayfield said he didn’t like the Saints. Head coach Kellen Moore says the team knows what Mayfield said, and they are looking forward to Sunday’s matchup.

Cut 15 (14) “…this one.”

With Saints running back Kendre Miller out for the season, New Orleans is relying on their rookie sixth-round draft pick, Devin Neal, to give the team more production moving forward. Moore says Neal is going to get more touches this week.

Cut 16 (10) “…great job.”

Kickoff in New Orleans is at 3:05 p.m.

As the legislature gets set to debate the primary schedule for next year’s federal elections, the lieutenant governor leaves no doubt on where he stands on the issue. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a Wisconsin tourist. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With the legislature set to debate the status of the primaries starting tomorrow, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser leaves no doubt as to where he stands on the whole thing – if it was up to him, he’d scrap the closed primaries altogether and go back to open primaries. Nungesser says closed primaries are a major reason why the political climate in this country is as bad as it’s ever been.

Cut 3 (10) “…vote for you.”

Nungesser says whereas open primaries yield a more representative government, closed primaries usually leave general election voters a choice between two extremists.

Cut 4 (13) “…are left out.”

Nearly every state in the country has party primaries for federal offices; California, Washington and Alaska are the only states in which all candidates of all parties appear on the same ballot. Nungesser says if all states followed their lead, the rhetoric would be toned down considerably on Capitol Hill, and things would actually get done for the benefit of the American people.

Cut 5 (12) “…of the country.”

Nungesser says more than 70-percent of Louisianans favor open primaries, and the legislature should listen to them and scrap the closed primaries.

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Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a young woman from Wisconsin who was found dead on the I-10 Twin Spans in an apparent hit-and-run. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape says Edashia Caraway was in New Orleans for the NBA Youngboy concert.

Cut 6 (12) “…second vehicle stops.”

Caraway was to have flown home Tuesday morning, instead that morning State Police responded to a report of a body on Twin Spans at approximately mile marker 26 eastbound. Tape says Caraway traveled to Louisiana alone.

Cut 7 (04) “…27th birthday” 

Tape says Caraway perished of multiple blunt force injuries due to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian impact. The manner of death is homicide from hit and run. The coroner says State Police and other law enforcement agencies are trying to determine how she ended up on the Twin Span…

Cut 8 (05) “…of peoples.”

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Poverty among children in Louisiana is on the rise. The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is 19-percent – currently the highest in the country. That’s also far above the national average of 13-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says economic factors are a major reason behind the spike, especially when it comes to attachments to the labor force.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Louisiana as well.”

Falgoust says the lack of affordability of child care is another reason why so many kids in Louisiana live in poverty today.

Cut 10 (13) “…economic well-being.”

Falgoust says living in poverty will often lead to other adverse effects for kids as they get older, so it’s very important that the cycle of poverty be broken. 

Cut 11 (09) “…et cetera.”

Agenda for Children says rising prices and the expiration of pandemic-era policies have plunged an additional 80-thousand kids into poverty in Louisiana in the last three years.

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The Louisiana Tech football team rallied back from a 13-point halftime deficit but lost to Western Kentucky 28-27 in double overtime. The Bulldogs got back into the game when Devin Gandy returned a kick to start the second half for a touchdown, but the Bulldogs could not score touchdowns on two trips to the Red Zone in the fourth quarter. Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 12 (12) “…boils down too.”

The Bulldogs are now 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Conference USA. Tech has lost two in a row, but defensive back Cedric Woods from Monroe says the adversity they are facing will only make them stronger…

Cut 13 (12)  “…help us grow.”

Tech’s next game is against Sam Houston on Halloween night .

Children’s advocates are sounding the alarm with no end in sight to the federal government shutdown. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two disappointing losses on the road for the LSU football team, and Coach Brian Kelly finds himself on the hot seat in his fourth season in Tiger Town. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Children’s advocates in Louisiana are sounding the alarm amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Susan East Nelson, the executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, says if the shutdown goes on much longer – and there’s no end in sight – some 800-thousand SNAP recipients might not get their benefits come November 1st.

Cut 3 (10) “…the state level.”

Nelson says the timing of all this couldn’t be any worse.

Cut 4 (13) “…meals at school.”

SNAP recipients make up almost 20-percent of Louisiana’s population. Nelson says if they don’t get those benefits on the first of the month, they will have to scramble just to put food on the table.

Cut 5 (10) “…fill the gap.”

Nelson says food pantries currently don’t even come close to having enough food for all SNAP recipients. She says for every meal they provide, SNAP provides about nine.

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The LSU football team’s 5-2 record has the Tigers coach Brian Kelly on the hot seat as the Bayou Bengals have under performed this season. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he could see athletics director Scott Woodward firing Kelly after this season, if LSU goes 8-4 or 7-3, even though the buyout would be 53-million dollars…

Cut 6 (05) “…for football.”

When LSU moved on from Ed Orgeron in 2021, the buyout was close to 18-million dollars. Les Miles received 11-million dollars from LSU when he was let go in 2016.

LSU will not only have to spend 53-million dollars to buyout Kelly from his six remaining years left on his contract, but they’ll also have to pay tens of millions more dollars for a new coaching staff and overhauling the roster through the transfer portal. Guilbeau says it’s a lot of money, which is why the LSU athletic department is hoping Kelly can still produce a respectable season…

Cut 7 (11) “…to name two”

This was supposed to be Kelly’s best team at LSU, but Guilbeau says the coaching staff has yet to produce a championship contender…

Cut 8 (10) “…good teams.”

20th ranked LSU hosts 3rd ranked Texas A&M this Saturday night.

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This was expected to be the smallest cotton crop in Louisiana recorded history and it has turned out to be even smaller than expected. LSU AgCenter Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says low prices and concerns about severe storms or drought damaging the crop scared many farmers away from planting cotton…

Cut 9 (13)  “…this year.”

And Kerns says as expected, the price cotton farmers are getting for their crop remains low…

Cut 10 (11) “…per pound.”

But Kerns says it’s not all bad news. She says the yields have been excellent…

Cut 11 (09) “…good looking cotton.”

The LSU Ag Center says cotton yields averaged just over one-thousand pounds per acre last year and this year’s crop should meet or exceed that number.

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Four people are dead in a pair of house fires in Louisiana over the weekend. Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says one happened Saturday morning in Hessmer, in Avoyelles Parish.

Cut 12 (04) “…ten-year-old boy.”

(The fire killed a 58-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman and a ten-year-old boy.) The other fire happened late Sunday night in Houma, in which a 70-year-old man was killed, while his brother suffered serious injuries. Pastorick says the causes of these fires are unknown at this time.

Cut 13 (08)  “…of these fires.”

Pastorick says these fires underscore the sheer importance of always having working smoke detectors in your home.

Cut 14 (06) “…at this time.”

A special session begins on Thursday at the state capitol, as lawmakers look at delaying the party primaries for the federal elections. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The latest campaign finance reports involving the candidates for the 2026 Senate show Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy with a large lead over his main challengers. Jeanne Burns has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Louisiana’s two national championship baseball teams visit the White House today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Legislature returns to Baton Rouge on Thursday for a special session that could result in the pushing back of the qualifying period and the primary election dates for the 2026 federal elections. Advocate political reporter Tyler Bridge said on Talk Louisiana on WRKF that The U-S Supreme Court could rule the state’s current Congressional map is unconstitutional, but when that ruling will come down is unknown…

Cut 4 (11) “…coming up with.”

Qualifying for the U-S Senate race and Louisiana’s six U-S House seats is  January 14^th to the 16^th. The first party primary is April 18^th, with the run-off set for May 30^th. The winners of the party primaries would face off in a general election in November. Bridges says the calendar allows for qualifying and the party primaries to be delayed….

Cut 5 (06) “…a month.”

The special session is set to begin Thursday and could last until November 13^th. Legislation to delay qualifying and the primaries will be voted on at that time. Bridges also expects legislation to be filed that would switch next year’s federal elections back to an open primary, which means qualifying would take place in the summer time…

Cut 6 (08) “…open primary system.”

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Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy has 9.5 million dollars in campaign funds as he gears up for his re-election bid. Two of Cassidy’s opponents, state Senator Blake Miguez and Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming report having two million dollars on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy continues to do well in getting donors to support his campaign…

Cut 7 (09) “…five or six million”

Cassidy’s other two challengers in the Republican party primary, P-S-C member Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish councilwoman Kathy Seiden have yet to report their donations for the third quarter. Pinsonat says having such a lead when it comes to campaign donations does not guarantee victory, but it’s a significant factor…

Cut 8 (08) “…for Cassidy.”

Cassidy has drawn several well-known challengers because he voted in 2021 to impeach Donald Trump. But Pinsonat says that vote has not weakened Cassidy’s campaign warchest…

Cut 9 (11)  “…next year.”

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Louisiana’s two national championship baseball teams will be at the White House today. LSU won the College World Series, while LSU-Shreveport wrapped up an undefeated season with an NAIA World Series title. LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says being celebrated at the White House is something he had always dreamed about as a kid.

Cut 10 (11) “…it’s pretty awesome.”

Johnson says most of the team will be able to make the trip.

Cut 11 (06) “…which is unfortunate.”

LSU-Shreveport Athletic Director Lucas Morgan says this is something that the Pilots baseball team has been looking forward to ever since wrapping up their perfect season.

Cut 12 (04) “…probably remember forever.”

LSU-Shreveport was the first college baseball team at any level to go through an entire season undefeated. Morgan says an unprecedented feat deserves an unprecedented invitation.

Cut 13 (05)  “…the White House.”

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The Saints capped off a frustrating weekend for most Louisiana football fans by losing to the Chicago Bears 26 to 14. It’s the fourth straight win for the Bears, who have been feasting on takeaways and they forced four more turnovers yesterday. Head Coach Kellen Moore…

Cut 14 (12) “…get it done today.”

Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler was responsible for all four turnovers. He was intercepted three times and fumbled in the first quarter to set up a Chicago field goal. Rattler detailed what happened with each turnover…

Cut 15 (20) “…unacceptable.”

The Saints are back home this Sunday to host Tampa Bay.

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For the first time in 35 years, LSU lost to Vanderbilt on Saturday as the Commodores defeated the Tigers 31-24 in Nashville. LSU had no answers for Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia as he threw for 160 yards and a touchdown. Pavia also rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Brian Kelly says the goal was to prevent Pavia from beating them with his legs…

Cut 16 (13) “…good quarterback.”

Vanderbilt had nearly 400 yards of total offense against an LSU defense that was thought to be good. The Commodores were six for 13 on third down as the Tigers could not get off the field. Kelly explains what went wrong…

Cut 17 (18) “…details.”

The Tigers were missing two defensive starters on Saturday, Bernard Gooden and Whit Weeks. During the game, starting left tackle, Tyree Adams, went down with a left ankle injury. Kelly says injuries are not an excuse for the team’s performance…

Cut 18 (13) “…well today.”

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The Cajuns dropped to 2-5 with a 22-10 loss to Southern Miss. UL-Lafayette starting quarterback Lunch Winfield rushed for 98 yards, but only threw for 112 yards as the Cajuns could not capitalize on three turnovers by the Golden Eagles. Winfield says the offense should be scoring more points…

Cut 19 (15) “…game changer.”

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ULM led 17-14 in the third quarter, but Troy scored the next 23 points and went on to win 37-14 in Malone on Saturday. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent says his team could not overcome late-game turnovers…

Cut 20 (14) “…next week.”

A close call for one South Louisiana sheriff, as he was shot at by a suspect during a call. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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An assistant police chief in Richland Parish finds himself on the other side of the law after allegedly selling firearms that belonged to the police department. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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With its famous namesake on hand, Southeastern Louisiana University officially opens its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. President Dr. William Wainwright says it includes a newsroom, a film studio and a multimedia studio, giving students experience in all facets of broadcasting.

Cut 3 (13) “…also digital media.”

Wainwright says the university is proud to have the name of one of its most prominent graduates affixed to its new broadcast media center, and she’s a main catalyst behind its construction.

Cut 4 (11) “…state facility renovation.”

The Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center is part of the renovation and expansion of D. Vickers Hall, adding an additional 33-thousand square feet to the 80-thousand-square-foot facility. Wainwright says it’s a building for the entire student body.

Cut 5 (15) “…Broadcast Media Center.”

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A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish, as he’s shot by a shooting suspect he was confronting. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says Sheriff Leland Falcon was close to the scene when the call for assistance came down, so he responded and encountered the suspect.

Cut 6 (08) “…the left torso.”

While Sheriff Falcon never fired his weapon, one of his deputies returned fire and hit the suspect. Cavalier says that suspect and the victim of the original shooting that led to the 911 call were taken to hospitals.

Cut 7 (14) “…with moderate injuries.”

Cavalier says one deputy suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene, while Falcon was grazed by the suspect’s bullet and was briefly hospitalized.

Cut 8 (08) “…of the process.”

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You can vote for America’s Best Haunted Destination on The 64-dot-com. Site founder Jason Woo says two Louisiana destinations are among the 64 in the field – The Myrtles in St. Francisville and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans.

Cut 9 (04)  “…and different things.”

The Myrtles has long been recognized as one of the spookiest places in Louisiana, and Woo says he’s not at all surprised at that.

Cut 10 (05) “…quite a bit.”

Woo says the voting is in the form of a six-round single-elimination tournament, until one emerges as the most haunted destination in the country. 

Cut 11 (07) “…the next round.”

First round voting is underway right now, and it ends Saturday.

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A northeast Louisiana assistant police chief finds himself on the other side of the law. State Police arrested Rayville Assistant Police Chief Czyz (“chizh”) Williams for theft and malfeasance in office. Trooper Ryan Davis says Williams was selling department property and pocketing the money.

Cut 12 (08) “…for personal gain.”

Davis says all those police department firearms Williams had sold have since been recovered. And Davis says that’s not all Williams allegedly did.

Cut 13 (12)  “…crime prevention programs.”

Davis says none of the money that Williams collected for these nonexistent crime prevention programs went to the Rayville Police Department – he kept the money himself. He says it’s unclear whether any of that money has been recovered and returned to the donors. Davis says having a member of the law enforcement community do these things erodes trust.

Cut 14 (04) “…we’re held to.”

According to the Rayville Police Department’s website, Williams is still employed by the department.

LSU announces enhanced security measures for football home games for the rest of the season. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new survey finds strong support for more federal funding for afterschool programs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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For the remainder of the football season, those going to LSU home games can expect beefed-up security following a pair of shootings outside the stadium last week. Scott Ballard, the chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, says there will be additional police presence – not only those you can see, but also those you CAN’T see.

Cut 3 (09) “…behavior very quickly.”

Part of that surveillance support includes the use of drones. Ballard says accessibility to campus will be restricted for those who do not have gameday parking permits.

Cut 4 (07) “…have interior permits.”

Highland Road runs parallel to Burbank Drive, which is one of the main routes to get to Tiger Stadium. Ballard says law enforcement is also cracking down on the use of marijuana, which people have complained about for a while.

Cut 5 (09) “…on the spot.”

Ballard says people have even been smoking marijuana inside the stadium. Those who are caught doing so will be ejected; and if they’re season ticket holders, their tickets for the next home game will be forfeited. Ballard is also reminding fans that LSU is a firearm-free campus, and no one except law enforcement should be bringing firearms onto campus.

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About four in five Louisiana children are missing out on afterschool programs according to a survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance. Afterschool Alliance executive director Jodi Grant says 48-percent of Louisiana parents say the programs are too expensive…

Cut 6 (10) “…programs.”

Grant says the survey also found that 44-percent say afterschool programs are unavailable in their community…

Cut 7 (08) “…long waiting list.”

Grant says they conducted this study in response to the Trump Administration withholding funds Congress appropriated for afterschool and summer learning programs. After a huge public outcry, the Trump administration released the one-point-four billion dollars this past summer, but federal funding going forward is uncertain. Grant says their study found that parents support more public funding for these programs…

Cut 8 (12) “…huge difference.”

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The EPA has returned the Smitty’s Supply site back to the company and the Tangipahoa River and connecting ponds back to the State of Louisiana. EPA Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says this is the result of the cleanup progress following the explosion at the chemical plant in August. Mason says the EPA, however, is not going away.

Cut 9 (10)  “…are being met.”

Mason says while it’s handed what’s left of the facility back to Smitty’s, there is still some cleanup left to go.

Cut 10 (11) “…prevent further releases.”

Mason says there will be a coordinated approach with Smitty’s handling the facility cleanup and the state leading the river and pond cleanup under EPA oversight, with Tangipahoa Parish serving as the local coordinator.

Cut 11 (08) “…this case, Smitty’s.”

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments over Louisiana’s congressional map that could have a profound effect on the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Much needed rain is in the forecast for this weekend. But Jeff Palermo reports we are not looking at a drought buster…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning on Louisiana’s congressional map that could have a profound effect on the Voting Rights Act across the country. At issue is the creation of the state’s second majority Black district. Janai Nelson, the head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, says a third of the state’s eligible voters are Black, therefore Black voters in two of the state’s six Congressional districts should have the ability to elect the candidate of their choice…

Cut 3 (11) “…process is constitutional.”

Nelson says the creation of the state’s second majority Black congressional district was not done with the purpose of achieving a certain outcome.

Cut 4 (08) “…not party discrimination.”

But Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ahg-yee-NYA-gah) argued for the State of Louisiana and says race should not be the main factor in determining the districts of a Congressional map…

Cut 5 (13) “…their voting strength (2x).”

Aguinaga rejects Nelson’s assertion that the creation of a second majority Black district was done without regard to political preference.

Cut 6 (10) “…same political candidates.”

While the Supreme Court normally issues its rulings in June, the court is expected to rule on this case in the next two to three months, so that if a new map needs to be drawn, it can be done in time for the 2026 elections.

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Baton Rouge Police have arrested a 16-year-old in connection with Saturday night’s shooting on the LSU campus that wounded two people. Lt. L’ Jean McKneely Jr. says not only was there a football game at Tigers Stadium, but many people were also on campus for an unsanctioned event that was canceled by university officials. McKneely says as they were moving the crowd off campus, shots were fired.

Cut 7 (08) “…their investigation.”

McKneely says thanks to good detective work they identified the shooter and released a photo of the suspect seeking the public’s help in finding him…

Cut 8 (11) “…juvenile detention.”

The 16-year-old faces several charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder. McKneely says the shooting stemmed from a prior altercation between the involved parties…

Cut 9 (09)  “…gun fire.”

District Attorney Hillar Moore says the 16-year-old suspect arrested could be tried as an adult. He’s being held without bond.

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Eleven parishes have outdoor burn bans in place because of the dry conditions. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says for more than a third of the state, the fire danger is rated as High. Grymes says there is relief in sight as a cold front will boost rain chances this weekend

Cut 10 (08) “…much rain.”

Grymes says much of the northern half of the state could see one inch or more, while southern parishes could get a half inch of rain or less

Cut 11 (09) “…of the drought”

Grymes says the state has not seen much rain since late August and expects more parishes will issue outdoor burns this week…

Cut 12 (14) “…go up.”

Grymes says after the rain this weekend, the state will revert back to a dry pattern next week and the long-range forecast is not very promising when it comes frequent to precipitation.

Former Governor John Bel Edwards has made it official. He will not run for U-S Senate next year. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Climate Prediction Center has issued a La Nina Advisory, what does that mean for Louisiana’s weather. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Tenth ranked LSU is getting ready to face 17^th ranked Vanderbilt this Saturday in Nashville. Andre Champagne has more on the Tigers’ preparations…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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It’s day 14 of the federal government shutdown. The U-S Senate is expected to vote again today on a House-passed measure to fund the government. The funding proposal has already failed seven times as Senate Republicans have not been able to get enough support from Democrats. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the House is not in session, so the Senate does not have another option…

Cut 4 (07) “…to compromise.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish warns this could be the longest government shutdown in U-S history. Hogan says Republicans and Democrats are at odds over whether to extend healthcare subsidies that millions of Americans rely on to purchase health insurance policies through the Affordable Care Act…

Cut 5 (10) “…doing anything.”

Johnson says he is willing to discuss the health care issue with Democrats before the subsides expire at the end of the year. But he first wants Democrats to agree on a funding bill that reopens the government. Hogan says public outcry about the shutdown has yet to get loud…

Cut 6 (08) “…they are doing.”

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Former Governor John Bel Edwards says he will not be a candidate in next year’s U-S Senate race. Edwards, who served eight years as governor from 2016 to 2023, says this is not the right time to re-enter public office. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards’ announcement is not surprising, since it’s very difficult for a Democrat to win a statewide race…

Cut 7 (08) “…Donald Trump.”

Since leaving the governor’s mansion, the former governor has returned to practicing law.

Republican Bill Cassidy is up for re-election next year and he has formidable challengers from his own party. Treasurer John Fleming, state senator Blake Miguez, Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish Councilwoman Kathy Seidan.

Pinsonat says the next big development in this race is an announcement from Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who could get in the race…

Cut 8 (07) “…will be.”

Pinsonat says the Louisiana Democratic Party will have a candidate in this race that they will support. But he says that candidate will not get the needed financial support from the national Democratic Party…

Cut 9 (10)  “…lots of money.”

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The Climate Prediction Center has issued a La Nina Advisory. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the advisory means La Nina conditions are present and expected to continue. Keim says when there is a La Nina, the tropics are more conducive for storm development…

Cut 10 (10) “…busier than normal.”

Keim says a La Nina also means we could see less precipitation this winter…

Cut 11 (10) “..across the Midwest.”

Keim says this is expected to be a weak La Nina, but still have an impact on our weather…

Cut 12 (12) “…doesn’t happen.”

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Fallen Iberville Parish Deputy Charles Riley was laid to rest on Monday. The 33-year-old Riley and another deputy were shot last week while interviewing a suspect at the Iberville Parish Courthouse. Riley, a U-S Navy veteran, who served with the Iberville Sheriff’s Office for six years. His best friend and fellow deputy, Jordan Eric Ward, spoke about Riley’s bravery at the funeral…

Cut 13 (11)  “…faithful night.”

The other deputy shot is the son of Iberville Sheriff Brett Stassi Senior. Deputy Brett Stassi Junior continues to recover from his injuries, while the suspect in the shooting, 27-year-old Latrell Clark, died from a gunshot wound during the altercation. Sheriff Stassi says Riley was a great family man and public servant…

Cut 14 (11) “…his community.”

Deputy Charles Riley leaves behind his wife and two daughters. Sheriff Stassi says Riley served his community with compassion…

Cut 15 (08) “…never fade.”

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LSU’s defense will have to face another dual-threat quarterback this week with Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia. Head coach Brian Kelly says that the Tigers have to take Pavia’s ability to run out of the game to make him one-dimensional so that he becomes more predictable throughout the game.

Cut 16 (22) “…the run.”

LSU sophomore right tackle Weston Davis has struggled throughout his first five starts, but he did not allow a sack when he faced South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart. Kelly says the Tigers are sticking with Davis at right tackle and says it’s key for him to continue to play so that he can continue to develop.

Cut 17 (18) “…to play.”

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had his fair share of ups and downs in the 20-10 win over South Carolina. Nussmeier threw the ball better against the Gamecocks, but still threw two interceptions. Kelly liked the way that Nussmeier attacked but says they need to limit his mistakes.

Cut 18 (21) “…uncharacteristic mistakes.”

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UL-Lafayette head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) announced that junior quarterback Walker Howard will return to practice fully this week after missing the last six weeks after suffering an oblique injury that required surgery. Desormeaux says Winfield is still the Cajuns’ starting quarterback, but says Howard is glad to be back.

Cut 19 (23) “…been through.”

Despite UL-Lafayette’s 2-4 record, the Cajuns can still mathematically win the Sun Belt West Division. Desormeaux says everything the team wants is in front of them and believes his group can get it done but says they will have to find a way to finish the close games more consistently.

Cut 20 (17) “…for you.”