The most closely watched federal race in the state is the one for the newly-redrawn 6th Congressional District. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (50) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen after the team suffered its seventh straight loss. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana voters will go to the polls tomorrow to elect a new Congressman in the newly drawn sixth district, which cuts a diagonal line through the state from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. It’s the state’s second majority-Black district. All five candidates for the seat are Black, including Democrats Cleo Fields and Quentin Anderson and Republican Elbert Guillory. Fields is a current state senator and served in Congress in the 1990s. Fields says one of his priorities is to increase the minimum wage.

Cut 3 (07) “…that they do.”

Fields says early childhood education will be another of his main priorities.

Cut 4 (06) “…care about education.”

Anderson has never previously held elected office. He echoed Fields’ call to boost the minimum wage.

Cut 5 (07) “…even more so.”

Anderson said another of his priorities is addressing crime that’s rampant in the two major cities in the district, saying that it goes beyond policing.

Cut 6 (10) “…nothing to lose.”

Guillory is the lone Republican running in the race and had previously served in both the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Louisiana Senate. He also said public safety is one of his top priorities, along with education.

Cut 7 (09) “…an illiterate society.”

Guillory also said he would work to keep American dollars in America and to cut down on foreign spending.

Cut 8 (15) “…food and medicine.”

The other two Democrats on the ballot are Wilken Jones and Peter Williams. The redrawing of the district by a federal judge’s order led to Republican incumbent Garret Graves declining to run for re-election.

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After their seventh straight loss, the Saints have fired Head Coach Dennis Allen. It comes one day after the Saints lost to the Panthers in Carolina, 23-22. Ross Jackson, the Saints’ beat writer for Louisiana Sports-dot-net, says the Saints needed to make, saying the team had many negative firsts yesterday.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in the NFL.”

Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi has been named interim head coach, and Jackson says that’s the right move.

Cut 10 (12) “…your young players.”

Jackson says depending on how well Rizzi does in the final eight weeks of the season, he may be considered for the full-time head coaching position in the off-season. Other names Jackson mentioned include Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson and Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores. On WWL Radio, former Saints running back Deuce McAllister says Allen was not clicking with the team.

Cut 11 (08) “…over and over.”

Allen ends his tenure with the Saints with a record of 18-25 in two and a half seasons, missing the playoffs in 2022 and 203. 

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Tropical Depression 18 has formed south of Jamaica, and it’s expected to become Rafael as it moves northwest towards the Gulf of Mexico. By mid-week, it may reach Category 1 hurricane status as it nears Cuba. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm in November is rare…

Cut 12 (07) “…almost unheard of.”

However, its potential impact on the Gulf Coast remains uncertain. While the system could maintain strength as a tropical storm or low-end Category 1 hurricane, Keim says factors like drier air and wind shear in the Gulf of Mexico could weaken it upon entry.

Cut 13 (06)  “…increasing intensity.”

Southeast Louisiana is the cone of uncertainty. But the system is expected to weaken or might even dissipate before reaching the coast. But Keim says there’s the potential for rain and breezy conditions for Saturday night”s Bama-LSU game.

Cut 14 (07) “…play football.”

Tomorrow is Election Day, and both major political parties are pulling out all the stops in getting the vote out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today is the start of the three day inaugural Louisiana State Marching Band Championship at McNeese State University in Lake Charles.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is conducting a study designed to help women at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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With just hours to go before voters go to the polls, both political parties in Louisiana are pulling out the stops in getting out the vote. State Republican Party Chairman Cory Dennis says if early voting is any indication, Election Day should be a good day for the G-O-P in the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…for Donald Trump.”

Dennis says if 2020 taught us anything, it’s that every vote counts.

Cut 5 (08) “…across the country.”

Former Governor John Bel Edwards rallied Democrats at the state party headquarters in Baton Rouge.

Cut 6 (14) “…Kamala Harris. (applause)”

Edwards said there will be at least one bit of good news for Democrats coming out of Louisiana in this election.

Cut 7 (13) “…promise you that. (applause).”

Opinion polls show that no federal race in Louisiana is competitive. Donald Trump is almost guaranteed to carry the state, and as Governor Edwards just alluded to, Democrats are a near lock to flip the redrawn Sixth Congressional District. The state’s five other House seats are almost certain to remain with their current political parties.

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The inaugural Louisiana State Marching Band Championship begins today at McNeese State University’s Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles and will continue through Wednesday. Featuring 69 high school bands and nearly 6,500 student performers, Louisiana Music Educators Association President Lee Hicks says the people of Lake Charles have been amazing…

Cut 8 (06) “…help us out.”

Bands will perform in scheduled slots, with warm-up areas assigned. Judging criteria include Music General Effect, Visual Performance, and specialized categories for Percussion and Auxiliary. Hicks says it all comes down to one performance.

Cut 9 (11)  “…one shot to nail it.”

Hicks says the event provides a high-profile platform for Louisiana’s top high school bands to demonstrate their skill, creativity, and school spirit in a competitive arena.

Cut 10 (07) “…seeing how it goes.”

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LSU Shreveport (LSUS) celebrates record-breaking enrollment for the second consecutive semester, reaching 10,851 students in Fall 2024—an 11% increase from Fall 2023 and over 24% growth from Fall 2022. This milestone marks continued growth in both undergraduate and graduate populations, with LSUS surpassing 10,000 students for the first time in Spring 2024. Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith credits faculty and staff for their commitment to recruiting and retaining students…

Cut 11 (11) “…our students.”

Graduate programs are particularly popular, with a record 8,118 enrolled, reflecting a 13% rise from the previous fall.  Undergraduate numbers are also on the rise, with 2,733 students—the highest since pre-pandemic levels. Smith says that includes face to face and online enrollment…

Cut 12 (12) “…every way you can think. 

LSUS ranks highest in Louisiana on the Economic Mobility Index, highlighting its role in helping low-income students secure well-paying jobs and improve socioeconomic status.

Cut 13 (09)  “…in this economy.” 

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Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is conducting The Sweet Study involving the medication, Ozempic. It’s designed to help women at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Scientific Research Director, Dr. Elizabeth Sutton, says most people don’t know they’re at risk for developing diabetes and women who have experienced gestational diabetes are at much greater risk…

Cut 14 (09) “…in your life.”

Women who meet the study’s criteria and complete it will earn $1000 for their participation. Sutton says most people are unaware they have prediabetes, which is one of the qualifying conditions, but the study offers free screening tests for it. Sutton describes the rest of the criteria…

Cut 15 (11) “…in the last ten years.”

Half the participants receive Ozempic during the study, and the other half get a placebo. It includes women from all over Louisiana. Those who pass a phone screening will visit Woman’s in Baton Rouge for in-person screening tests. If those tests and questions qualify her, Sutton says the participant will come back for baseline testing then…

Cut 16 (11)   “…with your medicine.”

Sutton says it’s easy to apply for the study. Either visit “womans dot org slash research” and click the Sweet Study link or you can call or text 225-421-9185.

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The Saints’ losing streak is now seven after losing to one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers scored a late touchdown in the fourth quarter to beat New Orleans 23 to 22. Coach Dennis Allen was hoping the return of starting quarterback Derek Carr would propel the Black and Gold to a much-needed win.

Cut 17 (20) “…advantage of them.”

New Orleans will try to end the losing streak this Sunday at home against Atlanta. Allen’s seat is also getting hot as the calls for him to get fired are getting louder. Allen was asked how they can end this losing streak

Cut 18 (17)   “…stand up and fight”

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ULM could not hang on to a three-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost to Marshall 28 to 23. After starting 5-and-1, the Warhawks now have a two-game losing streak. Coach Bryant Vincent expects his team to keep grinding…

Cut 19 (19) “….uncommon.”  

ULM will host Texas State this Saturday.

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Southeastern Louisiana rallied late to beat Lamar in overtime 30 to 27. After starting 1-and-4, the Lions are now 5-and-5 and Coach Frank Scelfo says the FCS playoff selection should take notice…

Cut 20 (14) “..played.”

The Lions host Northwestern State this Saturday and S-L-U closes out the regular season November 21st against Nicholls.

It’s the first day of Open Enrollment, and Louisiana residents looking for affordable coverage have new options. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana’s Sixth Congressional District could have a major impact on who has control of the U-S House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Book Festival returns to downtown Baton Rouge for its 20th year tomorrow. Robert Wilson, the assistant director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there will be something for everyone.

Cut 3 (12) “…as academic titles.”

Events will be held in the State Capitol, the State Library, the Capitol Park Museum and in tents on neighboring streets. Wilson says there will be scores of authors and presenters on hand.

Cut 4 (08) “…following their programs.” (More than 200 authors and presenters will be on hand.)

In addition, there will be cooking demonstrations. Wilson says the book festival is a family-friendly event.

Cut 5 (07) “…look for lunch.”

The event tomorrow is from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and admission is free.

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Annual enrollment for healthcare.gov begins today. Louisiana Blue Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut  says if you do not have affordable health insurance through an employer, or you’re losing Medicaid or you need to get covered, look at options on HealthCare.gov. He says enrollment is through January 15…

Cut 6 (07) “…by December 15.”

Bertaut says Louisiana Blue, the state’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield provider, offers HMO plans with the state’s lowest rates available in every parish, showing an average premium reduction of 9% compared to last year. He says you can work with an experienced, licensed agent at no cost…

Cut 7 (11) “…networks work.”

Bertaut says to connect with an agent call 1-844-GET-BLUE.

Residents should consider coverage needs, monthly premiums, and provider networks before enrolling, as each plan varies in cost and benefits. Bertaut says figuring out what health insurance plan works for you can be confusing, but the worst thing you can do is go uncovered…

Cut 8 (10) “…devastating if you do.”

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Louisiana’s newly drawn Sixth Congressional District could result in Democrats regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dillard University political science professor Doctor Robert Collins says the sixth district is expected to flip from Republican to Democrat because it’s now a Majority-minority district…

Cut 9 (06)  “…federal courts.”

Louisiana lawmakers approved new Congressional districts earlier this year after a federal judge ordered the state to create a second Majority-Minority District.

Republicans currently occupy 220 seats in the U.S. House, Democrats have 212 and there are three vacancies. Collins says Democrats are banking on winning the Sixth Congressional District in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (05) “…real opportunity.”

Republican Garret Graves represents the Sixth District, but the political boundaries of his district have been radically changed to favor a Black candidate. Four Democrats and one Republican are running for this open seat that might need a run-off election in December to decide.

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This is the weekend in which we “fall back.” Before you go to bed Saturday night, be sure to turn your clocks back an hour. Even though it will give us an extra hour of sleep, the time change can have some negative effects. Dr. Pamela Alonso with LSU in New Orleans says they go beyond sleep disruptions, and some can be very serious. 

Cut 11 (10) “…during those changes.”

Dr. Alonso says the most common negative effect is a disruption in the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Cut 12 (10) “…on 24 hours.”

And as a result of the time change, people are going to have to completely alter their daily routines based on daylight or darkness.

Cut 13 (10)  “…want to sleep.”

It’s for these reasons that Congress in recent years has debated doing away with biennial time changes altogether as Mexico did in March of 2023.

Louisiana set a record for in-person early voting, beating its previous high set in 2020 by 32,000 votes. Sean Richardson has the numbers.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A 14-year-old boy is shot to death in Terrebonne Parish. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana has set a record for in-person early voting, surpassing its previous high set in 2020. Recent reports from the Secretary of State’s Office show that 849,000 voters have cast their ballots early in person, compared to 817,000 in 2020. Including absentee ballots, 960,000 Louisianans voted ahead of the November 5 election.  Secretary of State Deputy Secretary Joel Watson says people are excited about this election.

Cut 3 (10) “…continuing this year.”

Watson says this year’s early voting also broke a single-day record on the final day, with people voting in person on Tuesday, beating the previous record of 99,000 from the last election cycle.

Cut 4 (05) “…cast their vote.”

Early voting statistics by parish show notable turnout, with Calcasieu Parish leading at 38,000 votes, followed by Jefferson Davis at 7,000, and Beauregard at 6,000. To accommodate absentee voters, the deadline to request an absentee ballot is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and ballots must be returned by 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Louisiana voters can use the Geaux Vote Mobile app or GeauxVote.com for polling locations and sample ballots.

Cut 5 (09) “…requests in right away.”

Early voting statistics by parish show notable turnout, with Calcasieu Parish leading at 38,000 votes, followed by Jefferson Davis at 7,000, and Beauregard at 6,000.

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A 14-year-old boy is killed in a shooting in Terrebonne Parish. The shooting happened last Friday in a neighborhood in Chauvin, and the boy’s body was found in a wooded area. First Lieutenant Blake Tabor says the boy’s identity, which the sheriff’s office is not releasing, led to another discovery.

Cut 6 (11) “…several days prior.”

Lieutenant Tabor says the 14-year-old was breaking into the vehicles with two other juveniles, one of whom admitted to shooting the boy to death.

Cut 7 (11) “…14-year-old child.”

Tabor says while investigators believe that the vehicle burglaries and the deadly shooting are related to one another, the investigation is still ongoing, and that they’re not looking for anyone else.

Cut 8 (09) “…in Terrebonne Parish.”

The juveniles are each charged with second-degree murder.

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The St. Tammany Parish coroner is warning you about a supplement that’s widely available but could be deadly. Over the summer, a 36-year-old woman died in part of an overdose of the legal drug Kratom. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says since it’s readily available, people might not realize that it’s lethal in excessive doses.

Cut 9 (07)  “…think it’s safe.”

Dr. Tape says Kratom is derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia and mainly used to provide a burst of energy.

Cut 10 (08) “…underlying natural disease.”

In high doses, Kratom can cause seizures, which will cause the user to stop breathing. Tape says Kratom has been used for decades.

Cut 11 (16) “…you will overdose.”

Kratom is not regulated by the FDA, so there are no standards to ensure its safety.

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The Ragin Cajuns improved to 7-and-1, 4-and-0 in the Sun Belt with a hard fought 23-17 victory at Texas State last night. U-L Lafayette is now 5-and-0 on the road and Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) gives the credit to the players

Cut 12 (15) “…over and over again.”

Desormeaux says the key to the win was keeping Texas State out of the end zone when they had threatened.

Cut 13 (16)  “…a couple more.”

The Cajuns, who control their own destiny for a Western Division title, will host Arkansas State on November 9th.

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It was not an offensive explosion for either team as Louisiana Tech falls to Sam Houston last night, 9-3. The Bearkats scored the game’s lone touchdown early in the third quarter on a 40-yard touchdown run by running back Jevyon Ducker. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says his team’s lack of effectiveness in the red zone was what doomed them.

Cut 14 (19) “…able to capitalize.”

Cumbie says with the exception of that long touchdown run, his team played a great defensive game.

Cut 15 (09) “…make that commitment.”

The Bulldogs will try to get back into the win column a week from Saturday at home against Jacksonville State.

Resale ticket websites are busy with activity as pop star Taylor Swift is set for three performances at the Superdome starting on Friday.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Political discussions can get very uncomfortable, and this presidential election season is no exception. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour” continues this weekend with three shows at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, from Friday to Sunday.  Stubhub.com spokesperson Joseph Bocanegra says the Eras Tour surpasses her last concert tour in 2018…

Cut 3 (08) “…certainly up there.”

Launched in 2023, the “Eras Tour” has set numerous records, including surpassing $1 billion in sales, making Swift the first artist to achieve this milestone.  Bocanegra says the Saturday night show is most in demand…

Cut 4 (07) “…thousand dollars to get in.”

The tour has captivated fans globally, cementing Swift’s legacy as one of the most successful touring artists in history.  Bocanegra says Eras Tour is bringing international travelers to New Orleans…

Cut 5 (12) “…26 other countries”

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Discussing politics is always a stress-inducing activity, and this presidential election season is certainly no exception. Friendships and family relationships have been destroyed over political differences. Dr. Michelle Moore, the chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, says people should enter such discussions with open minds and to listen carefully to the opposing view.

Cut 6 (16) “…think that way.”

Moore says if you can’t do that, the best thing to do is to avoid those situations altogether.

Cut 7 (11) “…engage with people.”

Thanksgiving is coming up, just a few short weeks after the presidential election, in which there’s no guarantee that the outcome will be known by then. Moore says hosts may want to consider setting boundaries as to what to talk about and what not to talk about at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Cut 8 (14) “…moderate that environment.”

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Louisiana has recently adopted a new 10-point grading scale, transitioning from the previous 7-point system due to House Bill 424. Bill Author, Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps says this change aims to standardize grading practices and align Louisiana more closely with many other states.

Cut 9 (10)  “…ccalculations accurate.”

This shift provides students with a broader range to achieve higher grades, potentially enhancing their GPAs and academic performance. Phelps says it also aims to create a more equitable grading system across the state, making it easier for students who transfer between schools or states.

Cut 10 (06) “…across the nation.”

For students, this change means increased opportunities for higher grades, clearer grading standards, and simplified transcript evaluations for college applications. Phelps says she hopes the new standard will allow Louisiana to be more competitive when it comes to comparing Louisiana’s education rankings with the rest of the country.

Cut 11 (06) “…is that beneficial?”

Phelps says despite these benefits, the importance of hard work, early identification of struggles, and seeking help remains paramount for academic success and resilience in life.

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A special session will likely begin in the first week of November as Governor Jeff Landry will ask lawmakers to approve his ambitious tax reform plan that would lower state income taxes for most, but widen the sales tax base. Jason DeCuir from Advantus Consulting is an expert on tax law and says legislators are taking a close look at all the new services that would be taxed under the governor’s plan….

Cut 12 (08) “…be taxed.”

Landry’s plan calls for the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax to be expanded to several other services, like lawn care, pet grooming, used car sales and lobbying activities. DeCuir says this is a big change to the state’s tax code and legislators are taking a long look at it…

Cut 13 (11) “…parish rate is.” 

DeCuir says legislators have been studying rough drafts of the bills that make up the governor’s tax plan. The reform also includes changes to Article Seven in the state constitution and that’s drawing a lot of questions too…

Cut 14 (12) “…the constitution.”

A federal judge hears arguments over the state’s controversial Ten Commandments law, and the judge is expected to issue a ruling by the middle of next month. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Louisiana Tech student has been accused of driving drunk and killing a 21-year-old man from Sterlington. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Reverend Darcy Roake, says it’s not the state’s job to push religion on kids.

Cut 3 (11) “…the school system.”

Reverend Roake said there are many kids, including her own, who don’t live by the Ten Commandments.

Cut 4 (11) “…able to answer.”

The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious. The hearing included testimony from Steven K. Green of Willamette University, who the plaintiffs called as an expert witness. Attorney General Liz Murrill argued that Green’s testimony be excluded.

Cut 5 (15) “…was admittedly subjective (2x)”

Murrill said Green failed to prove that the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms violates the First Amendment.

Cut 6 (11) “…for the judge.”

Judge John deGravelles (de-GRAVEL) is expected to issue a ruling by November 15th.

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State Police is looking for the driver of the vehicle that struck a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Richland Parish just east of Louisiana Highway 133. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Jared Osbon of West Monroe. Trooper Ryan Davis says investigators believe it was a 2021 or newer Ford Super Duty truck that hit him…

Cut 7 (12) “…through that area”

Davis says it’s likely the truck that struck Osbon sustained damage to the left front headlight assembly and grill.

Cut 8 (12) “…close this case.”

Pedestrians should stay clear of interstates, including walking on the shoulder, median, and crossing lanes along the roadway.  Davis emphasized when walking along roads be sure there is a sidewalk…

Cut 9 (07)  “…diligence in being safe.”

The crash is under investigation and Davis urges anyone with information on this crash to contact Louisiana State Police – Troop F at 318-345-0000.

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A genealogist has identified the remains of five enslaved people who are buried on the grounds of a proposed plastics facility in St. James Parish. The plant would be on the site of a former plantation owned by Benjamin Winchester. Lenora Gobert (go-BEAR) says the five people were between the ages of nine and 31 when they died.

Cut 10 (18) “…died at nine.”

The first names of the other two are Stanley and Henry. Gobert points out that it was standard practice back then to bury the remains of enslaved people at the plantations they worked at.

Cut 11 (07) “…on the plantation.”

Gobert says these sites need to be treated just like any cemetery, with the utmost respect for those buried there.

Cut 12 (14) “…least not yet.”

Community groups have been battling Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group for years, trying to prevent it from putting up its 9.4-billion-dollar facility there. The company says it has fenced off the burial site for protection.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has 5.8 million in his campaign warchest, along with an additional $1 million in his SuperPAC sending a strong signal he will run for re-election in 2026.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The challenge to Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law goes before the U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Some 150-thousand Swifties are set to invade New Orleans this week. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Ahead of the 2026 election cycle, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy raised nearly $1.5 million in the third quarter of this year and has 5.8 million dollars in cash on hand. Cassidy’s team says this is the most cash on hand for any incumbent Louisiana senator at this point in history.  LA-Politics-dot-come Publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 4 (08) “…fundraising base come together.”

There’s been speculation Cassidy may not seek a third-term. But Alford says Cassidy is sending a strong signal about his intentions…

Cut 5 (05) “…put up a tough fight.”

But Cassidy could face challengers from his own party, PSC Member Eric Skrmetta and State Treasurer John Fleming are rumored candidates. Both are arguably more conservative than Cassidy. Skrmetta has close connections with Donald Trump, and Alford noted Fleming was a Deputy Chief of Staff in the Trump administration.

Cut 6 (09) “…wait and see.”

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Oral arguments will take place in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge this morning over Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law. The law which requires all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments is on hold as it works its way through the courts.

Cut 7 (14) “…in public schools.”

Dane Ciolino (see-oh-LEEN-oh), a professor of law at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law, says the plaintiffs, which includes the ACLU, have Supreme Court precedent on their side.

Cut 8 (14) “…in public schools.”

While the state will argue that the law is constitutional, Ciolino says it has almost no chance of winning in the lower court.

Cut 9 (16)  “…establishment clause precedent.”

Ciolino says despite the Supreme Court precedent, the state actually has a good chance of winning in the Supreme Court, should the case get that far, since the current Supreme Court has shown a willingness to allow religion in public schools. But before it gets there, it would need to go to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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An Amendment to Louisiana’s Constitution on this November’s ballot would dedicate any federal money Louisiana receives from offshore Alternative energy production to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund which funds coastal protection projects. CPRF is constitutionally protected and already receives dedicated OIL and GAS money from federal and state sources, and from the BP Oil Spill settlement.  State Representative Joseph Orgeron…

Cut 10 (12) “…energy infrastucture.”

A vote against Amendment 1 would send any Federal money received from offshore wind, solar, or other alternative renewable energy sources to the state’s general fund. Orgeron says expiring funds need to be replaced because the CPRF does several projects that safeguard the coast, its people, and businesses.

Cut 11 (09) …in 2031.”

All of Louisiana’s share of federal money from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) is dedicated to CPRF. Louisiana’s lawmakers in Washington are currently working to improve GOMESA. Orgeron says dedicating those funds to coastal restoration helped push the original passage of GOMESA.

Cut 12 (11) “…all of the renewables.”

Opponents of Amendment 1 say dedicating money from offshore energy production to the CPFR restricts lawmakers’ ability to make budget decisions. Some believe federal money received should be shared across the whole state because north and central Louisiana have as many needs as the coastal region.

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New Orleans is getting ready for the invasion of the Swifties. Travis Kelce’s girlfriend will be performing three shows at the Superdome Friday through Sunday. Kelly Schulz (shuhlz) with New Orleans and Company says with close to 150-thousand people descending on the Crescent City, hotel rooms are nearly gone.

Cut 13 (09)  “…going very quickly.”

And Schulz says the hospitality industry will be getting into full Taylor Swift fever.

Cut 14 (15) “…New Orleans way.”

Schulz says the Taylor Swift shows will provide a golden opportunity to showcase the city on a worldwide stage.

Cut 15 (09) “…throughout their lifetime.”

Schulz says through her shows, Taylor Swift single-handedly boosts cities’ economies throughout the world. If you’d like to see Taylor Swift in concert and don’t yet have a ticket, be prepared to fork over some serious dough. Tickets on the secondary market are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars apiece, not including fees.

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LSU rolled past the Razorbacks on Saturday night beating Arkansas 34 to 10 in Fayetteville. The win sets up a huge game this Saturday against Texas A-and-M. The Tigers and Aggies are both undefeated in SEC play and Coach Brian Kelly’s team has to go back on the road again…

Cut 16 (16)   “…anymore.”

LSU started fast in Fayetteville with a touchdown on its opening drive. When Arkansas got back into the game, Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks had a huge interception to set up a Caden Durham touchdown. LSU finished the scoring with 14-play, 80 yard drive late in the fourth quarter. Kelly says the Tigers played well from start to finish…

Cut 17 (17) “…this point.”

LSU has won six in a row since the season-opening loss to USC and Kelly’s team seems to be getting better every week…

Cut 18 (18)  “…coming together.

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The Ragin Cajuns racked up a season-high 516 yards of total offense as U-L Lafayette defeated Coastal Carolina 34-24. Quarterback Ben Woolridge threw for a career-high 373 yards and accounted for four touchdowns in the big win on the road…

Cut 19 (17) “…score touchdowns.”  

The Cajuns are bowl eligible for a school-record seventh straight season and they are tied for first place in the Sun Belt West with ULM. Coach Michael Desormeaux…

Cut 20 (20) “…our best.” 

The Cajuns are at Texas State on Saturday.

Today the Louisiana National Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new readiness center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Early voting in the presidential election is underway here in Louisiana, and the polling places are very busy. Andrew Greenstein is outside one of them in Baton Rouge.

Cut 2 (34) “…in Baton Rouge.”

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The Louisiana National Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new readiness center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles today. The previous center was already set for replacement, but damages from Hurricane Laura in 2020 accelerated the timeline. Col. Scott Slaven says the original facility has been around since the 1950s…

Cut 3 (11) “…them remove debris.”

The new facility will accommodate over 200 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment. Slaven says It will span nearly 60-thousand square feet and feature separate areas for administrative work and training, along with shared spaces such as an auditorium, and classrooms

Cut 4 (12) “…soldiers overseas.”

Slaven praised the project as a reflection of the determination and hard work, ensuring soldiers have access to a modern facility. The project’s cost is estimated at 23-million-dollars with 75-percent federal funding and 25-percent state funding. Slaven says it’s a great example showing that partnership…

Cut 5 (09) “…there as well.”

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People are not procrastinating when it comes to voting in the presidential election. People are showing up in droves on this, the first day of early voting. These people cast their ballots at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge.

Cut 6 (08) “…got it done.”

These people wanted to get it out of the way to avoid any problems in the future.

Cut 7 (12) “…actual voting day.”

These people wanted to cast their ballot as soon as possible.

Cut 8 (09) “…and cast it.”

If your parish has multiple early voting locations, you can vote at any one of them. On Election Day, you will need to vote at your specific precinct. Early voting runs until October 29th; the polls are closed on Sundays.

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Despite Louisiana being home to some of the best college baseball programs in the country and having the lowest per capita engagement in the sport of hockey, there are more professional hockey teams in Louisiana than professional baseball teams – two to none. The Monroe Moccasins join the Baton Rouge Zydeco (ZYE-de-koh) in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, taking the ice following a 23-year absence. Moccasins Owner Nic Perkin says there’s excitement in the air

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s just incredible.”

Perkin says he would like to see the National Hockey League come to Louisiana, despite the biggest TV market in the state, New Orleans, ranking only above Buffalo among U.S.-based teams. He says it’s a proven fact that the NHL can work in non-traditional markets.

Cut 10 (10) “…have natural ice.”

Perkin is aiming to use his Monroe Moccasins as a way of increasing youth participation in hockey through his Power Play Promises youth program.

Cut 11 (09) “…equipment for free.”

As for the Moccasins themselves, they dropped their first two games of the season, both against the Athens Rock Lobsters. The first loss, 7-2, was apparently so bad that Perkin fired head coach Todd McIlrath after the game.

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A continuing burn ban in Louisiana is a response to ongoing dry conditions, low humidity, and high winds, raising concerns among firefighters about a potential increase in wildfires.  Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain noted that there’s been 29 fires across the state in the past few days.

Cut 12 (06) “…very (x3) careful.”

Fire departments have reported that local burn bans significantly increase the number of emergency calls, as residents often report any visible fire, even those not covered by the ban. Strain says if you’re doing prescribed burning to monitor wind speeds and follow all the guidelines for prescribed burning…

Cut 13 (09) “…agricultural burn.” 

The dry weather is expected to persist, leading firefighters to remain vigilant as they prepare for potential fire outbreaks. Strain says reminds people that burning wooded areas is illegal…

Cut 14 (06) “…get them involved..”

If you see a fire getting out of control, immediately call 9-1-1.

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Eighth ranked LSU will try to follow up last Saturday’s emotional win over Ole Miss with a win on the road tomorrow night at Arkansas. Coach Brian Kelly expects his team can avoid a let down…

Cut 15 (10) “…right direction.”

LSU is 5-and-1 on the season, while Arkansas is 4-and-2 and two weeks ago the Razorbacks upset Tennessee. Kelly says this very good Razorbacks team…

Cut 16 (12)   “…SEC”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

A severe drought and heat in South Louisiana caused major setbacks for crawfish farmers, with many crawfish and hatchlings perishing in 2023, but the 2025 season looks more promising. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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New Orleans certainly knows how to throw a party, and that’s exactly what it’ll be doing the day before the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Breaux Bridge man faces dozens of counts of trafficking of children for sexual purposes. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Major Ginny Higgins, says their deputies have been investigating 32-year-old Javien Demouchet since July….

Cut 3 (08) “…juvenile victim.”

Higgins says Demouchet is accused of soliciting minors for sex in exchange for money and-or gifts. She says right now they know of just one victim, but the investigation is ongoing regarding other juvenile victims…

Cut 4 (05) “…the case.”

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In 2023, a severe drought and heat in South Louisiana caused major setbacks for crawfish farmers, with many crawfish and hatchlings perishing. The 2024 season reflected this loss, with lower availability and higher prices. According to LSU AgCenter’s Todd Fontenot, the upcoming season looks more promising, as the crawfish are emerging to better conditions.

Cut 5 (09) “…water on these fields.”

Increased rainfall and moderate temperatures have improved field conditions, especially for crawfish raised alongside rice. While concerns remain, especially with salinity issues in southern ponds, Fontenot expects this year to be an improvement over last year’s record low yields.

Cut 6 (13) “…into the ponds.”

With acreage dedicated to crawfish production up to 400,000 acres, hopes are high for a plentiful season. However, Fontenot says it remains too early to predict whether prices will remain stable.

Cut 7 (09) “…crawfish production.”

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New Orleans certainly knows how to throw a party, and that’s exactly what it will be doing the day before the Super Bowl with a Mardi Gras-style parade. The grand marshal is Todd Graves, the founder of Baton Rouge-based Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. He says this is a way to invite the whole city to the festivities surrounding the big game.

Cut 8 (08) “…are around it.”

The parade will be shown on national television, and Graves says it’s a way for New Orleans to showcase itself not only to the country, but to the world.

Cut 9 (10)  “…business convention there.”

Again, this will be a Mardi Gras-style parade, featuring marching bands, throws and about 20 floats, including signature floats from various krewes. Float-builder Barry Kern can’t wait.

Cut 10 (12) “…who we’re about.”

The parade will be held February 8th, and it will go along streets in the French Quarter and the Central Business District, albeit not following one of the traditional Mardi Gras routes.

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The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the southern half of the state. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says a red flag warning signals a heightened risk of wildfires, caused by a combination of low humidity and strong winds.

Cut 11 (08) “…spread of wildfires.”

Louisiana is currently experiencing drought conditions, which, according to Grymes, further increases the wildfire threat. As temperatures drop and winds rise, the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly grows.

Cut 12 (09) “…most of the state.”

To stay safe, residents are advised to avoid all fire-related activities, including campfires and burn piles. Additionally, people should comply with burn bans and other restrictions issued by local authorities. Grymes says these precautions are essential to prevent uncontrolled fires during the red flag warning.

Cut 13 (10) “…with open flames.” 

This hurricane season has produced 13 named storms, four tropical storms, and nine hurricanes, but it looks like the worst is over.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Time is running out to vote for next month’s presidential election. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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So far, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has produced 13 named storms, including four tropical storms and nine hurricanes. Among these, four were major hurricanes: Beryl, Helen, Kirk, and Milton. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there have been 300 deaths due to storms this season…

Cut 3 (08) “…from these storms.”

Following a lull from mid-July to mid-August, the season saw a significant resurgence, now above average in named storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes, and total hurricane days. Keim says the season is far from over.

Cut 4 (12) “…fro a while.”

The period from mid-August to mid-October accounts for most of the storm activity, but the season typically winds down after October. As ocean temperatures continue to drop, reducing the likelihood of storms, Keim says once we get into November Louisiana can breathe a sigh of relief…

Cut 5 (10) “…not very likely.”

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If you want to vote in the presidential election and have not registered to vote, you’d better get a move on it. Tomorrow is the deadline to register online. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says registering online is easy.

Cut 6 (11) “…vote in Louisiana (2x).”

And once you register to vote, you will have many opportunities to cast your ballot early.

Cut 7 (12) “…vote on Sundays.”

Obviously, the big race this year is the presidential race. But there are many other races on the November 5th ballot, and Landry says the state has a one-stop shop for all essential election information.

Cut 8 (11) “…your sample ballot.”

At this point, the only way to register to vote in the November 5th election is online. The deadline to register in person has expired.

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Three LSU players have been named as SEC Players of the Week for their performances in the Tigers thrilling overtime victory over Ole Miss. Sophomore linebacker Whit Weeks had a career-best 18 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Weeks says the entire defense played great…

Cut 9 (13)  “…keep fighting.”

Weeks this is a game he’ll never forget it….

Cut 10 (10) “…pretty cool.”

Bradyn Swinson was named SEC Defensive Line player of the week. Swinson had a career-high eight tackles and two sacks. Q-B Garrett Nussmeier is the league’s offensive player of the week as he threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns. But Nuss also completed less than 50-percent of his passes and threw two interceptions…

Cut 11 (06) “…got a win.”

LSU is at Arkansas on Saturday.

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A new national report card shows that kids in Louisiana and across the nation are achieving nearly a failing grade when it comes to physical activity. Dr. Katie Spring at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at LSU says kids are getting way too much screen time and not nearly enough physical activity.

Cut 12 (11) “…time a day.”

Dr. Spring says kids need one hour of physical activity a day, and it by no means has to be hard-core.

Cut 13 (07) “…hit those recommendations.” 

Dr. Spring says this is where parents can get involved in their kids’ physical health.

Cut 14 (06) “…get them involved..”

The Physical Activity Alliance gives kids nationwide a D- when it comes to meeting the goal of one hour of physical activity each day.