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.”

Exciting times at Southeastern Louisiana University as it celebrates an historic milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry wants to see security beefed up around Tiger Stadium when LSU is hosting a football game. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Exciting times at Southeastern Louisiana University as the school celebrates its 100th anniversary this homecoming week. S-L-U President Dr. William Wainwright says the school has achieved its highest enrollment in more than a dozen years, with a student body of almost 16-thousand.

Cut 3 (10) “…degree from Southeastern.”

Wainwright says Southeastern has recently been designated as a “Research College” by the American Council on Education, reflecting a research investment of almost three-million dollars.

Cut 4 (12) “…of our graduates.”

Wainwright says the university has a series of events planned as it celebrates its centennial.

Cut 5 (16) “….athletic training”

The Lions football team hosts Northwestern State this Saturday for homecoming.

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A Lyft driver from Lake Charles is dead and authorities say they have arrested a Lafayette man in her murder and a second suspect died while trying to run from the cops. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says their investigation started on Friday when 62-year-old Lawanna Lewis’ body was found in a ditch in Westlake…

Cut 6 (08) “…says a lot.”

Guillory says once they identified Lewis as the victim, they realized her vehicle had been stolen.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Office detectives put out a BOLO, and the vehicle was spotted in a parking lot in the Houston area. Guillory says when Harris County Sheriff deputies approached the vehicle, two men inside fled, one was caught, the other ran into the roadway…

Cut 7 (07) “…multiple cars”

Twenty-three-year-old Ethan Bush of Boyce was pronounced dead after he was struck by traffic. Guillory says 26-year-old Tristan Bush of Lafayette is facing second degree murder charges. The sheriff says his condolences go out to the Lewis family…

Cut 8 (08) “…advantage of her.”

Tristan Bush’s bond has been set at 2.5 million dollars.

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Democrat Helena Moreno will take over as the mayor of New Orleans in 90 days. Moreno beat 11 other candidates to win the mayoral election, without the need of a run-off. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says Moreno, who was born in Mexico, did very well with white voters and received a good number of votes from Republicans and Democrats…

Cut 9 (11)  “…progressive friendly”

Moreno’s two strongest opponents, Royce Duplessis and Oliver Thomas are both Black, but Couvillon says Moreno still got 30-percent of the Black vote.

Cut 10 (12) “…name recognition.”

Moreno will be sworn in on January 11^th and promises to get work right away in improving city services, the city’s infrastructure and supporting small and minority owned businesses. Couvillon says Moreno’s experience as a state lawmaker and city councilwoman gives her a chance to be successful

Cut 11 (08) “…head start”

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The Saints are 1-5 after their 25-19 loss to the Patriots on Sunday. Despite moving the ball well, New Orleans had to settle for field goals as the offense couldn’t find the end zone for most of the game. Quarterback Spencer Rattler says he feels like the Saints played good enough on offense.

Cut 12 (10) “…those plays.”

The Saints offense had multiple chances to win the game on Saturday, but they came up short after a Juwan Johnson fumble and a turnover on downs on the last drive. Rattler says that New Orleans is better than their record shows and that the offense has to do a better job of making the most out of its opportunities.

Cut 13 (09)  “those games.”

LSU defeated South Carolina 20-10 on Saturday as the offense showed signs of progress, despite three turnovers. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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For the third consecutive year, Louisiana Tech has seen an increase in enrollment, with more than 12,000 students enrolled. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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If you love hot sauce, then you’ll want to check out the Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Helena Moreno is the next mayor of New Orleans. The city councilwoman received 55 percent of the vote on Saturday to avoid a run-off election and will be sworn in on January 10th. Moreno says she looks forward to growing opportunities in the city…

Cut 4 (18) “…it deserves.”

Moreno is 48 years old. She was born in Mexico and grew up in Texas. She came to New Orleans as a TV journalist in 2001 and won an Emmy for her coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

In 2008, Moreno ran for Congress but lost. She was elected as a state representative in 2010, and in 2018, Moreno was elected to the city council.

Moreno says she plans to focus on the city’s services in her first 100 days in office…

Cut 5 (19) “…itself together.”

Moreno defeated state senator Royce Duplessis and fellow councilmember Oliver Thomas. She will replace LaToya Cantrell, who was indicted last August for allegedly using taxpayer dollars to help foster a romantic relationship with her former bodyguard.

During the campaign, Moreno said she would improve public safety, enhance economic development, and improve city services…

Cut 6 (12) “…New Orleans home.”

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Louisiana Tech’s enrollment of just over 12 thousand students for the 2025 Fall Quarter is the highest since 2018. The freshmen class of 24-hundred students is the largest domestic class in the school’s more than 130-year history. Louisiana Tech president Dr. Jim Henderson says there’s been more of an emphasis on recruiting students from the I-10 corridor

Cut 7 (11) “…the country.”

Henderson says Louisiana Tech’s nursing program has seen a 20-percent increase in students…

Cut 8 (15) “…hospital setting.”

Henderson says the Aviation management program has seen significant increase at 46 percent. He says the school also continue to attract a lot of engineering students…

Cut 9 (11)  “…success.”

Freshmen in the Honors College increased by 22 percent and boast an average ACT score of 31.

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Hot sauce is a big part of the Louisiana cuisine and there are several factories that make spicy sauce. The state Office of Tourism is trying to capitalize on that by launching the Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the trail features several places in Louisiana where hot sauce fans can get their taste buds buzzing…

Cut 10 (09) “…hot sauce.”

The Hot Sauce Trail launch coincided with National Gumbo Day, which was yesterday.

The trail can be downloaded digitally on Louisiana-Hot-Sauce-Trail-dot-com. Nungesser says featured stops on the trail can be found all over the state and will continue to expand with new locations.

Cut 11 (12) “…in Louisiana.”

Nungesser says the new trail is part of the state’s Year of Food campaign, showcasing Louisiana food as a top reason for traveling to the state…

Cut 12 (10) “…for food.”

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The 10th-ranked LSU Tigers improved to 5-1 on Saturday with a 20-10 win over South Carolina. The Bayou Bengals’ struggling offense had 420 yards of total offense, but two turnovers at the one-yard line prevented this game from being a blowout. Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 13 (11)  “…right direction.”

The Tigers’ defense was outstanding on Saturday night as they held South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers to 124 passing yards. He was intercepted once and sacked five times, and only had 19 yards rushing. Kelly says they got after Sellers…

Cut 14 (08) “…of the game.”

AJ Haulcy led the defense with 11 tackles and Trey’Dez Green led the offense with eight catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. The Gamecocks had trouble defending the six-foot-seven tight end…

Cut 15 (05) “…every time.”

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 254 yards, the most passing yards he’s had this season against an FBS opponent. But Nussmeier was also intercepted twice. Kelly didn’t like the turnovers, but overall he was encouraged by his performance…

Cut 16 (07) “…for him.”

LSU is at Vanderbilt this Saturday. Kick off is at 11 AM.

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The Saints once again came up a little short yesterday as they fell to the New England Patriots 25-19 to drop to 1-5 on the season. It’s the third time this season New Orleans has lost a game by fewer than seven points. Coach Kellen Moore says they failed to make enough plays…

Cut 17 (16) “…little margins.”

The Saints scored just one touchdown and had to settle for four field goals. The defense got off to another slow start, giving up two touchdowns in the first quarter. Safety Justin Reid says they made too many mental mistakes…

Cut 18 (18) “…over with.”

Former LSU star and Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte had 5 catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

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ULM dropped to 3-3 overall, 1-1 in the Sun Belt after losing to Coastal Carolina 23-8 in rainy conditions in Conway, South Carolina. ULM struggled to do much offensively as most of their drives lasted just five plays or fewer. Coach Bryant Vincent is not happy with his team’s execution…

Cut 19 (12) “…get there.”

Quarterback Aidan Armenta was 14 of 28 for 176 yards and a touchdown. He was also intercepted once. The Warhawks committed seven penalties, and Vincent is upset they went 1-for-13 on third down…

Cut 20 (16) “…that’s simple.”

Banana Ball is coming to New Orleans as the Savannah Bananas are bringing their unique brand of baseball to the Caesar’s Superdome March 14th and 15th. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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LSU fans are hoping to see the Tigers offense find its groove against South Carolina on Saturday night. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Landry administration has stopped another sediment diversion project. The Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion Project would have used Mississippi River water and sediment to build wetlands on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish. A similar project called the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion was also cancelled this year. Charles Sutcliffe with the National Wildlife Federation is disappointed…

Cut 3 (12) “…anti-transparency.”

Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Director Gordon Dove says both projects have become too expensive. But Sutcliffe says the state planned on using BP Oil Spill settlement money. And he says these projects were essential to the long-term health of the coast…

Cut 4 (07) “…no sense.”

Sutcliff says every scientific study, planning document and engineering effort have confirmed the need for large-scale sediment diversion projects, but the Landry Administration believes they know better…

Cut 5 (12) “…sea level rise.”

The commercial fishing industry applauds the cancellation of these projects as they expressed concern about large volume of freshwater flowing into the sound. Dove says there are smaller diversion projects that can be successful and he also says there’s a land-building projects in that same area using dredged sediment, including the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation project.

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The Savannah Bananas have released their 2026 schedule, and they will play two games at the Caesar’s Superdome on March 14^th and 15^th.  Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is pumped that Banana Ball is coming to the Big Easy

Cut 6 (08) “…really incredible.”

The Bananas game will be the first baseball game to be played in the Superdome since 2002, when LSU played Tulane. Cicero says since then, the Dome has been renovated a couple of times, and the stands can no longer move to configure into a traditional baseball field. He says they’ll leave it up to the Bananas’ creativity on the dimensions.

Cut 7 (15) “…baseball stadium”

Tickets to watch Banana Ball will be sold exclusively through the Bananas’ official lottery system. If you are chosen, tickets start at $40 while meet and greet tickets begin at $125. Cicero says buying tickets to watch the Bananas isn’t like your normal sports teams.

Cut 8 (07) “…slash ticket.”

Registration for the lottery closes on October 31.

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With no end in sight to the federal government shutdown, President Donald Trump says furloughed federal workers may not get back pay. However, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says that’s not Trump’s call.

Cut 9 (07)  “…read the constitution”

Kennedy says Congress has always made sure that federal workers have been taken care of following government shutdowns, and this time will be no different.

Cut 10 (10) “…in my opinion.”

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LSU has had two weeks to fix an offense that ranks near the bottom in the SEC for points scored. Coach Brian Kelly on what he wants to see from his offense when they host the South Carolina Gamecocks tomorrow night…

Cut 11 (12) “…within our offense”

The Tigers defense is focused on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Last year, Sellers rushed for two touchdowns against LSU, including a 75-yarder. Defensive end Jimari Butler says they want to bottle up Sellers…

Cut 12 (12) “…get home.”

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Saints fans will be glad to know that defensive end Chase Young will make his season debut against the Patriots on Sunday after missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury. Head coach Kellen Moore says Young earned his opportunity to play this week through an impressive recovery.

Cut 13 (13)  “…juice too.”

The Saints’ offense ranks 28^th in the NFL in scoring, averaging just over 18 points a game. Veteran running back Alvin Kamara says that New Orleans is still trying to figure out its offense, especially with so many players involved.

Cut 14 (14) “…they can.”

Kick off Sunday in New Orleans is at noon.