Black voters are turning out in droves in the early days of early voting. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

LSU President Wade Rousse announced increased safety measures for LSU’s next home football game. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

If you have kids, you know how expensive they can be. That’s why according to a poll from the First Five Years Fund, more than a quarter of Louisianans say they’re delaying starting a family. The group’s executive director, Sarah Ritting, says the poll shows that more than four out of every five say finding affordable child care is a crisis or a major problem.

Cut 3 (07) “…families want options.”

Ritting says this is an issue that crosses ideological lines – 90-percent of Democrats, 74-percent of Republicans and 82-percent of independents say it’s a serious concern.

Cut 4 (07) “…needs to address.”

Ritting says this problem will require a multi-faceted solution – one component of which is tax credits so that working parents can keep more of their income that they can use for child care.

Cut 5 (11) “…into their pockets.”

____________________________________________

Through the first two days of early voting, almost 176-thousand voters have cast ballots; and of those, almost 56-thousand of them are Black. That Black turnout amounts to 32-percent of the total turnout thus far; and John Couvillon, the founder of JMC Analytics and Polling, says while that lines up with the Black population of Louisiana as a whole, that represents a considerably higher Black turnout compared to other recent high-profile non-Presidential elections.

Cut 6 (11) “…half percent Black.”

Couvillon says the increase in Black voter turnout may be the result of lingering anger over the last-minute redistricting that eliminated one of the two majority-Black congressional districts.

Cut 7 (13) “…redrew the districts.”

Couvillon says about 30-percent of all ballots will be cast during early voting, and he does not expect the Election Day returns to yield much of a change from the early voting returns.

Cut 8 (11) “…a few points.”

As such, Couvillon says if a candidate gets about 55-percent of the vote during early voting, that should be enough of a margin for that candidate to hold on for the win.

____________________________________________

After Deputies used pepper balls to break up unruly crowds at LSU’s home game against Mississippi State, the university announced it will be stepping up safety measures for the Tigers’ next home game against Alabama. LSU Chief Communications Officer Meg Casper Sunstrom says there will be increased security presence and large-scale gatherings are prohibited.

Cut 9 (11)  “…address that.”

Several fights broke out during an unauthorized gathering near the Pentagon and Greek Theater on campus after LSU’s homecoming game.

The gatherings officials are targeting are not your average family tailgate. Sunstrom says they are large-scale unauthorized events with D-J’s and live bands.

Cut 10 (10) “…really enjoy.” 

Student tailgates must conclude an hour before kickoff.

Sunstrom says the university will also emphasize pedestrian safety. Pedestrian routes and vehicle restrictions will be evaluated on campus, and she says extra safety provisions are being made to areas like Nicholson Drive, where a couple was killed after being struck by a vehicle Saturday night.

Cut 11 (12) “…the construction.”

As drought conditions worsen, Louisiana’s Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says firefighters are busy battling dozens of wildfires a week. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

Saints general Manager Mickey Loomis addressed owner Gayle Benson’s criticism of the team’s slow start. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Based on the forecast, it doesn’t look like Louisiana will see any rain for at least the next week. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Doctor Mike Strain says the lack of rainfall helps with harvest, but the state’s sugarcane crop could use some rain

Cut 3 (04) “…sugarcane.”

Strain says the lack of rain could result in even higher food prices, because when there is no rain, farmers turn to irrigation to water their fruits and vegetables and other crops like corn and beans…

Cut 4 (09) “…the East Coast.”

And the dry conditions are also raising the wildfire risk. Strain says they are now seeing 50-plus wildfires a week…

Cut 5 (07) “…the state.”

____________________________________________

The Federal Aviation Administration is accepting public comments through Monday on SpaceX’s proposal to build a large-scale rocket launch facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has submitted two letters to the F-A-A. Executive Director Rebecca Triche says their latest letter urges the agency to take local environmental conditions into account…

Cut 6 (08) “..coastal hazard.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation and two other conversation groups, the National Wildlife Federation and the Pontchartrain Conservancy are also concerned about the F-A-A’s proposal that would allow them to waive 13 federal laws for commercial space licensing. Triche says such a proposal would eliminate environmental reviews by the F-A-A…

Cut 7 (11) “…what’s planned.”

Triche says the L-W-F is urging the F-A-A to consider the impacts of coastal land loss and shoreline stability…

Cut 8 (11) “..migration.”

SpaceX has said they will operate under required environmental rules.

____________________________________________

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis met with the media in Paris today and the first question he asked was about Owner Gayle Benson’s critical comments regarding the team’s slow start to the season. Loomis has no issues with what Benson said…

Cut 9 (07)  “…that’s okay.”

New Orleans responded with a win last Sunday against the Giants to improve their record to 2-and-4. Loomis says this is a young team and they are still learning how to win…

Cut 10 (10) “…wanted.” 

The Saints have been in Paris since Monday morning. Loomis says the early departure was not just to get acclimated to the new time zone.

Cut 11 (13) “…our organization.”

Despite concerns of civil unrest in Paris, the game is expected to go on as scheduled, and several players made public appearances on their day off in the city yesterday.

What was the response to the inaugural Love Our Waterways month in Louisiana? Andrew Greenstein has the numbers.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says drought conditions are intensifying in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

When it comes to foreclosures, each of Louisiana’s biggest metropolitan areas is at an elevated risk. That’s according to a new study by NestCash, which did a county-by-county analysis of foreclosure risk across the country. NestCash Founder John Carter says Louisiana’s mortgage delinquency rate is the highest in the country.

Cut 3 (10) “…national 0.9-percent.”

Carter says, however, that while Louisiana has the highest percentage of mortgages 90 or more days past due, that pales in comparison to where the state was at 18 years ago. 

Cut 4 (04) “…were in 2008.”

Louisiana ranks 22nd nationally in foreclosure filing rate, with more than 29-hundred foreclosure filings in the first half of 2026 – that’s one out of every 724 housing units. Carter says the foreclosure process takes the longest in Louisiana by a very wide margin – taking nearly a whole decade to complete a process that would normally take no more than a year.

Cut 5 (10) “…the national average.”

Carter says the foreclosure risk is highest in Orleans Parish, followed by Evangeline, St. John the Baptist, Sabine, Caddo and East Baton Rouge parishes.

____________________________________________

The inaugural Love Our Waterways month was a huge success. Volunteers removed 68 tons of litter from Louisiana’s waterways throughout the month-long event last month. Susan Russell, the executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says one item in particular was the most collected item from waterways.

Cut 6 (08) “…roadways as well.”

Along with the plastic water bottles, metal cans and plastic snack packaging were also among the most commonly collected items from the waterways, and volunteers also collected 177 tires. Russell says the month-long event had quite the turnout.

Cut 7 (11) “…up our waterways.”

Russell says the volunteers ran the gamut from government organizations, schools, businesses, non-profits – and even families.

Cut 8 (09) “…did their part.”

Russell notes that 80-percent of litter that ends up in waterways starts on land, so she urges you to do your part in always placing litter where it belongs.

____________________________________________

The drought is intensifying in Louisiana. That’s according to State Climatologist Jay Grymes who says above-normal temperatures are not helping…

Cut 9 (08)  “…well as himself.”

Grymes expects to see extreme drought and exceptional drought designations expand when the U-S Drought Monitor updates on Thursday. He says pastures are suffering, especially over the northern half of Louisiana and the forecast does not call for any significant rainfall for the next seven to ten days. He says we may have to wait until December before we start to see regular rainfall. That’s when the Super El Nino conditions will kick in…

Cut 10 (07) “…need to be.” 

Grymes says wildfires are becoming an ever-increasing problem as well…

Cut 11 (06) “…of the state.”

He says preliminary numbers from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry suggest as many as 80-plus fires in the state in recent weeks.

____________________________________________

Video circulating from Paris showing violent demonstrations and riots has raised questions about the city hosting its first NFL game Sunday between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. But Saints radio play-by-play announcer Mike Hoss, who is traveling with the team, says the unrest appears to be concentrated in northern Paris and surrounding communities, with demonstrations often taking place on weekends….

Cut 12 (09) “…and arranged. ‘

The team is enjoying an off day in Paris today. Hoss says the protests are a big deal, but he hasn’t seen any violence….

Cut 13 (14) “…in this area”

The demonstrations started as protests by students, who are upset with the poor school conditions and teacher shortages, but the movement has expanded to other issues, like cost-of-living, high fuel prices and cuts to public spending. Hoss says the NFL is closely monitoring the situation…

Cut 14 (07) “…day by day”   

High school sweethearts were killed by a suspected impaired driver near the LSU campus. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The latest campaign finance reports show Republican Julia Letlow with a slight fundraising edge over Democrat Jamie Davis in the U-S Senate race. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Tragedy in Baton Rouge as a young engaged couple from Jefferson Parish is killed after being hit by an SUV early Sunday morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says 21-year-olds Shane Hirstius (HERSE-tus) and Leah Fonte were walking on the shoulder along Nicholson Drive, near Tigerland, when they were hit.

Cut 3 (11) “…of his injuries.”

McKneely says 20-year-old Mia Dawson drove about a mile away before stopping at a business. She was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on several charges, including vehicular homicide and, despite being under the limit, DWI because she’s under 21. McKneely says the crash happened in an unlit section of Nicholson Drive. 

Cut 4 (11) “…early morning hours.”

Hirstius and Fonte were high school sweethearts from Metairie. Fonte was a senior at LSU who was studying biological sciences, while Hirstius was a firefighter with the Third District Volunteer Fire Department in Jefferson Parish.

Hirstius played one season of college baseball at Delgado Community College in New Orleans in 2024. Delgado Head Coach Joe Scheuermann (“sherman”) says Hirstius’ high school coach at Archbishop Rummel, Frank Cazeaux, called him with the tragic news.

Cut 5 (08) “…in the stomach.”

Scheuermann says Hirstius had his future plans clearly in focus, and that meant giving up baseball. He recalled the conversation Hirstius had with him when he said he was leaving baseball behind.

Cut 6 (11) “…with my life.”

Hirstius and Fonte got engaged last year and had planned on getting married in March of 2028.

____________________________________________

A Webster Parish homeowner fatally shoots a man who was breaking into his home. Investigators say 44-year-old Billy McFarland got into an argument with a woman as she was driving along U.S. Highway 80; and during the argument, McFarland jumped on top of her, causing her to crash while the vehicle was going more than 100 miles an hour. Sheriff Jayson Parker says after the crash, McFarland walked to a nearby mobile home and broke into it.

Cut 7 (09) “…by the homeowner.”

Sheriff Parker says the homeowner had no idea who McFarland was.

Cut 8 (09) “…in the house.”

The homeowner shot McFarland several times, killing him. Parker says homeowners have every right to defend themselves inside their own homes; and especially since the homeowner in this instance feared for his life, there will be no charges filed against him.

Cut 9 (08)  “…well as himself.”

____________________________________________

The latest campaign finance report shows that Republican Julia Letlow has 476-thousand dollars more in cash on hand than her Democratic opponent Jamie Davis. Doctor Pearson Cross, who teaches political science at ULM, says you would think Letlow would have a more sizable fundraising advantage…

Cut 10 (06) “…first time candidate.” 

Letlow has raised nearly seven million dollars. But Cross says that’s a far cry from what has been raised by the winners of Louisiana’s last two U-S Senate races…

Cut 11 (12) “…12-million dollars.”

Cross says Davis has done well in raising money despite never having ran for a statewide office before…

Cut 12 (11) “…Democratic candidate ‘

Early voting for the November 3rd election begins Tuesday.

____________________________________________

LSU campus police removed a student who tried to question members of the LSU Board of Supervisors about the university’s handling of rape allegations against LSU football player Damien Shanklin. Ziad Eissa raised the issue during public comment at a meeting where comments were limited to LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade’s contract.

Cut 13 (10) “…item.”

An LSU student alleges Shanklin raped her last October. The university initially banned Shanklin from campus for two semesters, but reduced the punishment to probation shortly before the start of football season. Shanklin has not been criminally charged. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says he is reviewing the case.

Eissa and several other students were also escorted out of the meeting room. As they left, they chanted, “Shame on you.”

Cut 14 (10 “…shame on you.”  (5x) 

Board of Supervisors Chairman Lee Mallett said his office contacted Eissa before the meeting and offered to discuss his concerns privately. Mallett said Eissa did not show up for that meeting.

Cut 15 (12) “…tolerated.”

Banana Ball is coming back to Louisiana – this time, returning to Baton Rouge. Cade Voisin reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Cade Voisin.”

____________________________________________

Up to 60 LSU football players will participate in a study that could change how concussions are detected. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

LSU takes out its frustrations against a depleted Mississippi State team. Andrew Greenstein reports from Tiger Stadium.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________

Banana Ball is returning to Louisiana in 2027 – this time making a return trip to Baton Rouge. Laura Cating (KATE-ing), the executive vice president of Visit Baton Rouge, says the Savannah Bananas and the Firefighters will play two games in early March, offering two very different experiences.

Cut 4 (11) “…in Tiger Stadium.”

This year, the Savannah Bananas and the Party Animals played two sold-out games in the Superdome. The last time Banana Ball was in Baton Rouge was in August of 2025 for two games between the Party Animals and the Texas Tailgaters. For that series, they received 142-thousand ticket requests for the ballpark that seats only 13-thousand. Cating says by holding one of the games in Tiger Stadium, they can accommodate a lot more fans.

Cut 5 (11) “…to Baton Rouge.”

Cating says if you’d like an opportunity to purchase tickets, they’re very affordable – but you’d better get a move on, because the clock is ticking.

Cut 6 (08) “…through October 31st.”

__________________________________________

Louisiana is once again ranked among the nation’s top 10 states for business competitiveness. The publication Area Development ranks Louisiana ninth in its latest report, marking the second consecutive year the state has made the top 10. Louisiana Economic Development spokesperson Emma Wagner says site selectors recognized the state’s business-friendly tax environment…

Cut 7 (10) “…tax environment.”

Wagner says tax reforms approved in 2024 helped improve Louisiana’s standing. She says the state’s access to electric power was another factor in the ranking…

Cut 8 (11) “rate payers.”

Louisiana also ranked ninth last year, marking its first top-10 finish in five years. Wagner says the state’s fast permitting process also helped, and she expects Louisiana to remain among the top-ranked states for business in the years ahead…

Cut 9 (08)  “…momentum.”

__________________________________________________

Researchers are working with up to 60 LSU football players this season to develop a non-invasive sideline test that can use a player’s saliva to detect concussions. FMOL Health lead trauma researcher Dr. Guillaume Spielmann (GEEyulm SPEEL-uh-mun) is leading the study and says concussions are typically identified by looking for changes in specific proteins in blood, but this test tracks the same changes in saliva.

Cut 10 (11) “…in players.”

Researchers will take samples regularly to monitor players’ saliva throughout the season as well as when a concussion is detected to compare biomarkers associated with brain injuries. He says the goal is an accurate test that can be done right there on the sideline.

Cut 11 (13) “…your safety.”

An objective test could eliminate the chance of players trying to beat sideline concussion tests and detect danger even when symptoms are not immediately apparent.

Spielmann adds that the field test could be used in lower-level sports that do not have the same sideline health resources as college football, as well as in other professions.

Cut 12 (13) “…whether they’re not.”

__________________________________________________

After last week’s heartbreaking loss in Kentucky, LSU took its frustrations out against a depleted Mississippi State team, blanking the Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium, 31-0. Mississippi State was without starting quarterback Kamario Taylor and its leading running back, Fluff Bothwell. Tigers Head Coach Lane Kiffin said after the game he doesn’t have a whole lot of empathy for injuries, especially since his defensive unit was without many of its top players too.

Cut 13 (09)  “…game after game.” 

With LSU’s second unit into the game late in the 4th quarter, they were able to preserve the shutout – and that’s something sophomore linebacker T.J. Dottery was very proud of.

Cut 14 (11) “…standard for sure.”

On the offensive side, junior quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 31 out of 38 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns. After the game, Leavitt noted that perhaps more importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over once.

Cut 15 (08) “…go make plays.”

LSU improves to 5-and-2 on the season, 2-and-2 in the SEC. They have another early wakeup call this Saturday in Auburn – kickoff is once again at 11 a-m.

__________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech is 2-0 in the Sun Belt play after blanking ULM 24 to 0 in the first game between the I-20 rivals since 2000. The first half was scoreless, but the Bulldogs offense finally got going in the second half, taking advantage of turnovers forced by the Tech defense. Coach Sonny Cumbie on the message he delivered to his team at halftime…

Cut 16 (16) “…the football.”

ULM remains winless on the season. The Warhawks had just 228 yards of offense and 118 penalty yards. Coach Bryant Vincent is pleased with what he saw from his defense, but disappointed in how the offense played…

Cut 17 (16) “…to win.”

ULM has now lost 14 straight and will visit Troy this Saturday. Louisiana Tech is back home to host Old Dominion.

__________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns bounced back from a tough loss last week to Louisiana Tech to topple Troy 33 to six. U-L Lafayette rushed for 243 yards and committed just three penalties in a well-played game by Coach Michael Desormeaux’s team

Cut 18 (15)  “…one year.” 

The Cajuns are 5-2 overall, 2-1 in the Sun Belt and will travel to Southern Miss this Saturday.

__________________________________________________

The Saints responded to owner Gayle Benson’s demand for better play by beating the New York Giants 34-27. New Orleans had its usual slow start and fell behind 10-0, but rallied to score 34 unanswered points and held on for a seven-point win. Head coach Kellen Moore says there was a sense of urgency…

Cut 19 (13) “…proud of guys.”

The game turned in the second quarter, when the Saints forced a fumble on a kick-off return. That led to the first of three touchdown passes by Tyler Shough. The defense intercepted three passes. Cornerback Martin Emerson intercepted two of the passes…

Cut 20 (14) “…did that”

The Saints left after the game for Paris, where New Orleans will play the 4-and-2 Pittsburgh Steelers, who beat the Buccaneers in overtime in Tampa.

Saints owner Gayle Benson said her team’s performance this season has been unacceptable, but what does that really mean for the Black and Gold? Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana finished the fiscal year that ended on June 30th with a 565-million-dollar budget surplus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The Saints will have their chance to answer owner Gayle Benson’s call to action on Sunday against the Giants. Nola.com’s Jeff Duncan says Benson’s rare public appearance admonishing the team’s performance was eye-opening. Her speech came before a big road trip to New York, then to Paris for the first-ever NFL game in France.

Cut 3 (14) “…so bad.”

The Black and Gold are 1-and-4 to start the season, and only six teams in the last 20 years have made the playoffs after such a bad start. New Orleans has not been to the postseason in five years, and Duncan says if they miss out again, it would be the longest playoff drought in a long time.

Cut 4 (13) “…out this way.”

Duncan says everything in the organization would have to be considered, including the job security of GM Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore.

Duncan says the team is dealing with injuries, but they are also just not playing well in all three phases of the game. He says questions of the game planning are emerging, and they need to get back on track this weekend.

Cut 5 (09) “…as well.”

________________________________________________________________

A north Louisiana theater which was one of the focal points during the civil rights movement is awarded a 750-thousand-dollar grant from the National Park Service for the first phase of a major restoration project. Janice Simmons, the assistant director of Greater North Louisiana Community Development Commission, says the money will go towards much-needed repairs for the 102-year-old Palace Theater in Jonesboro.

Cut 6 (11) “…disrepair right now.”

In 1965, the year after President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, then-U.S. Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach sued the theater in Jackson Parish, along with two nearby restaurants, for refusing to admit Black patrons. In response, the theater and restaurants opted to close down rather than serve Black patrons. Dr. Herbert Simmons Jr., the co-founder of the Greater North Louisiana Community Development Commission, says it’s all the more reason why restoring the theater is of utmost importance.

Cut 7 (10) “…in the 1960s.”

In all, the renovation will cost up to four-million dollars and will take place over the course of up to five years. Herbert Simmons says they have big plans for the theater when the renovations are complete.

Cut 8 (09) “…past and present.”

____________________________________________

All the numbers have been tabulated, and it turns out Louisiana finished last fiscal year with a 565-million-dollar budget surplus. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says a huge percentage of that surplus is the result of higher-than-expected tax collections.

Cut 9 (09)  “…160-million.”

The state constitution dictates how the surplus dollars can be spent. McFarland says at least half of it will be used to add dollars to the rainy day fund and the paying down of state employee retirement debt. He says the rest of the money will be used on one-time expenses.

Cut 10 (12) “…college campuses.” 

McFarland says another reason for the surplus, the Landry Administration and this state legislature have limited the growth of state government. He expects Louisiana will avoid tough budget times in the future, because of the job creation that’s happening.

Cut 11 (09) “…Louisiana.”

State lawmakers will decide during next year’s legislative session how the money will be exactly spent.

____________________________________________

A dry cold front will bring Louisiana fall-like temperatures this weekend and into early next week. Meteorologist Brad Bryant with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says we finally see relief from the humidity, and high temperatures will only be in the 80s.

Cut 12 (09) “…big change’

But this cold front is elevating the risk for wildfires. Bryant says outside of southeast Louisiana, the state is experiencing severe drought to exceptional drought conditions. He says combine that with low humidity and breezy conditions, it will not take much for a wildfire to spread quickly.

Cut 13 (08) “…dried out.”

A red flag warning, which means elevated fire weather conditions, has been issued for much of the state. Bryant says gusty winds will subside in north Louisiana today, but continue for central and southeast Louisiana tomorrow.

Cut 14 (08) “…breezy.”

A new survey says increasing access to child care would mean big bucks for the state’s economy. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

A new ferry boat has been put into service the Cameron Crossing in southwest Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A new survey says increasing access to child care could unlock billions of dollars in economic growth for the state. Dr. Heather Cope, the chief of policy and research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says increasing access to early childhood education could allow almost 30-thousand parents to re-enter the workforce, leading to 3.2-billion dollars in additional earnings.

Cut 3 (11) “…for the state.”

Cope says there are more than 250-thousand children under the age of five in Louisiana; and without adequate access to child care, mothers have no other choice but to stay out of the workforce.

Cut 4 (11) “…the workforce entirely.”

Cope says the state needs to come up with a way to make child care more affordable, with child care in Louisiana currently costing up to 12-thousand dollars a year per child.

Cut 5 (06) “…any family’s budget.”

________________________________________________________________

A new ferryboat is in operation for the Cameron Crossing in Cameron Parish. Department of Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says the Holly Beach ferryboat will replace the Cameron Two, which has been in service since 1964…

Cut 6 (08) “..100 miles”

The Cameron cross is not getting just one ferryboat, it’s getting two. The second ferry boat is expected to be completed in late November.

Each boat will measure 190- feet, by 50 feet, by 13 feet. Ledet says putting these new boats in service will ensure uninterrupted loading and unloading of commercial vehicles across the Calcasieu Ship Channel…

Cut 7 (10) “…often.”

About 800 vehicles a day depend on this ferry service across the Calcasieu Ship Channel.

Nearly 50-million dollars was invested in these new ferries, which will ensure safe evacuations from hurricanes. DOTD says they will also lower greenhouse gas emissions by using battery-powered electric thrusters charged by diesel generators on board.

Ledet says a private company will also handle operation, which will be good for DOTD…

Cut 8 (08) “…longtime.”

Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors in Houma built the ferries.

____________________________________________

The SEC is not dismissing its federal lawsuit against LSU, but Attorney General Liz Murrill told 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge that goes directly against the wishes of the member institutions.

Cut 9 (14)  “…wrongdoing.”

The SEC claims that even though the Tigers never rostered any former NFL or NBA players, Will Wade’s recruitment of former NBA G League player RJ Luis still threatens its pro player ban and its right to enforce its rules. Wade has said he intends to follow conference protocols.

Murrill told 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge that SEC lawyers could not negotiate a joint statement in which LSU implied it had done something wrong and would not do anything wrong in the future.

Cut 10 (14) “…any violation.” 

Murrill told 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge that she invites the SEC to submit whatever claim it may have of LSU’s wrongdoing. Since no team ever officially rostered any former domestic professionals, LSU did not violate the SEC pro player ban.

Cut 11 (10) “…bizarre.”

After an advocacy group urges voters to vote “no” on Amendment Eight, we’re hearing from the author of that amendment. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

State Treasurer John Fleming is calling for a major increase in Louisiana’s homestead exemption. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Saints owner Gayle Benson issued a call to action to her team to respond to a disappointing start to the season. Kace Kieschnick has how her head coach and quarterback responded.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________

The shipbuilding industry in Louisiana just got a shot in the arm with the Small Business Administration granting Fletcher Technical Community College nearly five-million dollars. Carrie Cortez, the vice chancellor for academic affairs and workforce initiatives at Fletcher, says the school will use that money to offer hands-on practical training, which the school affectionately calls “boot camp.”

Cut 4 (06) “…and marine electrical.”

Cortez says Fletcher will also use that money for manufacturing-specific business instruction.

Cut 5 (11) “…capability development overall.”

Cortez says Fletcher will focus its workforce training and technical assistance to small manufacturers in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (09) “…and St. Martin.”

Fletcher is one of 11 organizations across the country which received a portion of 50-million dollars through the SBA’s Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow Grant Initiative.

__________________________________________

After Leaders for a Better Louisiana urges voters to vote “no” on Amendment Eight, we are now hearing from the author of that amendment. Rosepine Representative Chuck Owen says Amendment 8 would prohibit a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary from seizing private property for necessary purposes, known as expropriation.

Cut 7 (10) “…State of Louisiana.”

Owen says according to language in the current law, “foreign entities” are prohibited from expropriating property. He says while the term “foreign entities” could mean someone from across the Atlantic or across the country, his amendment would clarify that as “foreign adversaries” as defined by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Cut 8 (08) “…and Iran are.”

Owen says while it has not happened in Louisiana, allowing a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary to get its hands on land in Louisiana could have a devastating ripple effect.

Cut 9 (10)  “…off the table.”

Better Louisiana says it opposes Amendment 8 because since it mentions “agents of foreign adversaries,” it could end up including business associations or economic development organizations. That, it says, could open the door for lengthy and expensive legal challenges.

__________________________________________________

State Treasurer John Fleming says it’s time to increase the state’s homestead exemption. Fleming says the current 75-hundred-dollar exemption was set in 1980 and has not increased in 46 years. He says if adjusted for inflation, it would be about 35-thousand dollars today.

Cut 10 (09) “…a hidden tax.”

And Fleming says Louisiana homeowners should not be forced to keep paying higher property taxes simply because their home’s value has increased.

State lawmakers in recent years have filed legislation to raise the homestead exemption, but business groups and policy organizations have opposed. They’ve argued it reduces vital revenue for local services. But Fleming says local governments need to be more fiscally responsible.

Cut 11 (10) “…help the people.”

Fleming says last November, Texas increased its mandatory residence homestead exemption for school district property taxes. He says on November 3rd, Florida voters will consider increasing the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes.

The State Treasurer says he’s ready to work with Louisiana legislators and other state and local officials to substantially increase the homestead exemption and give much needed tax reductions to struggling Louisiana citizens.

Cut 12 (05) “…governor about this.”

To raise the homestead exemption in Louisiana, it would require a change to the state constitution. A lawmaker would have to file a bill, it would need two-thirds approval in the House and Senate and then approval from a majority of Louisiana voters.

__________________________________________________

Saints owner Gayle Benson was uncharacteristically blunt when addressing the team’s 1-and-4 start. She said the performance has been unacceptable, and head coach Kellen Moore says everyone in the building wants the same thing.

Cut 13 (11)  “…opportunities moving forward.” 

Moore says Benson’s comments will not change the team’s preparation because they were already focused on getting better. He says they work in a results-based business and things will need to improve.

Cut 14 (08) “…better moving forward.”

Quarterback Tyler Shough echoed Moore’s dedication to staying the course and improving. He says he feels the team has a chance to go on a run and change the narrative, and the players share Benson’s expectations for the team.

Cut 15 (10) “…can that way.”

__________________________________________________

LSU is rebounding from a gut-wrenching loss to Kentucky and will host number-16 Mississippi State on Saturday. The Tigers’ defense did not play up to its dominant standard in the loss that the Wildcats walked off with an overtime two-point conversion. Linebacker T.J. Dottery says it’s added motivation.

Cut 16 (11) “…week for sure.”

LSU allowed a 77-yard run on Kentucky’s first play but made some critical stops late in the game. When the Wildcats got the ball back, though, they let them march down the field to force overtime and then gave up the game-winner. Dottery says he spoke with coordinator Blake Baker about what went wrong.

Cut 17 (14) “…it for sure.”

Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor has been one of the most electric playmakers in college football, but he is dealing with a foot injury. He was initially listed as questionable on the SEC availability report, and Dottery says LSU’s preparation will be the same whether or not he plays.

Cut 18 (13)  “…out there Saturday.” 

__________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech is making the 30-minute drive to Monroe to face the Warhawks for the first time in 26 years this weekend. The teams have met 43 times going back to 1953. Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie says his team is ready to write their own chapter in a historic rivalry.

Cut 19 (09) “…the Sun Belt.”

Cumbie says the Bulldogs showed how much they cared about the game they love and their-in-state rivalries in a 32-31 win over UL Lafayette last week. Quarterback Blake Baker earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for over 300 yards and totaling four touchdowns in his return from injury.

Cut 20 (18) “…their pass pro.”

Cumbie says Baker will remain the starter against ULM, and backup Trey Kukuk could be available to return to his change-of-pace role after an ankle injury.

AARP says Social Security’s cost of living adjustment for 2027 doesn’t nearly go far enough. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The SEC does not want its federal lawsuit against LSU to be dismissed, despite the Tigers not rostering former pro players. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

The Social Security Administration announced that the cost of living adjustment for 2027 will be 3.6-percent. AARP says while it certainly appreciates that recipients will get more money next year, the increase only amounts to 900 dollars for the year on average, or 75 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says most believe that pales in comparison to rising costs.

Cut 3 (10) “…with rising prices.”

Muhl says with the COLA not keeping up with the rate of inflation, Social Security recipients say they may have to make some difficult decisions.

Cut 4 (12) “…delay medical care.”

Muhl says AARP Louisiana has been in contact with all of Louisiana’s congressional candidates to express its concerns about the looming insolvency of Social Security.

Cut 5 (10) “…Social Security payments.”

________________________________________________________________

Students pursuing careers in physical therapy will have a faster path to a doctorate through a new partnership between LSU Alexandria and LSU Health Shreveport.  LSU Health Shreveport Chair of Physical Therapy, Doctor Daniel Flowers, says the three-plus-three program allows students to complete three years of undergraduate coursework at LSU-A before spending three more years at LSU Health Shreveport to earn their bachelor’s degree and doctorate in physical therapy.

Cut 6 (11) “..student debt”

Students can earn their DPT from LSU Health Shreveport either in person at the Shreveport campus, or through LSU Health Shreveport’s Hybrid DPT program, based in Lafayette.

LSUA Chancellor Doctor Elizabeth Beard says by working across the LSU System, they can create a clear pathway from LSUA into a highly specialized health profession.

Cut 7 (08) “…central Louisiana”

LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences Dean, Doctor Sharon Dunn, says the need for professional physical therapists is great.

Cut 8 (09) “…their communities.”

____________________________________________

Gas prices throughout Louisiana are starting to come down ever so slightly. According to Triple-A, regular unleaded is now averaging $3.92 a gallon. While that’s down two cents from a week ago, Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says that’s up more than $1.30 a gallon from one year ago.

Cut 9 (08)  “…$3.92 a gallon.”

Redman says while U.S. inventories are in great shape, fighting in Iran and Saudi Arabia is what’s keeping gasoline prices so high.

Cut 10 (08) “…for us domestically.” 

Diesel prices, on the other hand, are holding steady at $5.82 a gallon on average – nearly identical to last week. While President Trump reached a deal with Russia to import diesel in an effort to rein in those prices, Redman says that’s not a long-term solution, assuming it gets implemented.

Cut 11 (10) “…that diesel fuel.”

The day after Grambling’s Student Government Association president is arrested, the school’s campus police chief and assistant police chief resign. As Andrew Greenstein reports, while the university says the two developments are unrelated, many find the timing to be peculiar.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry says the state is making an investment in rural Louisiana that’s never been seen before. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Several calls went against LSU in its one-point overtime loss to Kentucky, including a controversial touchdown just before halftime. Officials allowed quarterback Kenny Minchey to be pushed into the end zone despite appearing to have his forward progress stopped. Coach Lane Kiffin on the explanation he received…

Cut 3 (10) “…be stopped.” (2x) 

Kiffin argued that if a runner’s forward progress is stopped early in a game, officials should make the same ruling at the end of a half, regardless of the circumstances….

Cut 4 (06) “…with it.”

Another controversial call that went against LSU came right before the winning the two-point score. It appeared a Kentucky player was guilty of a false start and a flag was thrown, but the officials determined the Wildcats called a timeout before the penalty occurred. Kiffin says he didn’t get a clear explanation on that call

Cut 5 (13) “…what it is.”

________________________________________________________________

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 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 peculiar.

Cut 6 (10) “…in some way.”

Harris says Makarudze is charged with third-degree rape.

Cut 7 (12) “…state of mind.”

Harris says like the circumstances surrounding the resignations of Chief Demery and Assistant Chief Feliciano, details of the alleged incident that led to Makarudze’s arrest are unknown at this time.

Cut 8 (11) “…at this point.”

Demery posted a message on his Facebook page alluding to his departure from Grambling but making no mention of the Makarudze case. Makarudze has stepped down from his role as SGA president for the time being.

____________________________________________

Not only is this Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day, depending on your point of view, but it’s also National Gumbo Day. To celebrate the occasion, Lieutenant Governor has award-winning Monroe Chef Corey Bahr over 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.”

Bahr says the secret to making a great pot of gumbo goes far beyond following a recipe in a cookbook.

Cut 10 (12) “…things like that.” 

Bahr says he and Nungesser are also using this day not only to promote one of Louisiana’s great dishes, but also to promote Louisiana itself.

Cut 11 (09) “…food so special.”

____________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry says Louisiana is investing three-point-five billion dollars in rural communities to improve healthcare, broadband access, roads and bridges. Landry says the investment will create better opportunities for residents and businesses…

Cut 12 (12) “…market” 

Landry made the announcement this morning during a press conference in Ruston.

Landry made the announcement this morning at a news conference in Ruston.

The governor says better access to healthcare, high-speed internet and improved roads will help attract more businesses and investment to rural Louisiana…

Cut 13 (09) “…they love.”

Landry says the investment fulfills a campaign promise to improve life for all Louisianians, including those who live outside the state’s urban centers…

Cut 14 (11) “…tears of joy.”

It was not discussed at the press conference where the three-point-five billion dollars is coming from and how it will be allocated.