Campaign donations are mounting, as this year’s election cycle has raised a record $ 74 million in Louisiana. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is sounding the alarm on cychlorphine by urging everyone to carry Narcan with them at all times. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today is National Gumbo Day, and there’s no better state to celebrate the occasion than Louisiana. Cade Voisin reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Cade Voisin.”

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Louisiana’s congressional candidates have raised 74-million dollars this election cycle. LA Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s a record-breaking number, and there are several reasons why it’s so high.

Cut 4 (09) “…themselves to run.”

According to OpenSecrets, which is a nonprofit campaign finance watchdog, only 11 states have seen their candidates raise more. Alford says perhaps most striking: almost 80-percent of that cash is pouring in from outside the state.

Cut 5 (07) “…our Congressional members.”

In Louisiana, two of the state’s five House elections are open, which is resulting in a flood of donations. Alford says two of the candidates, State Representative Michael Echols and State Senator Blake Miguez, have poured millions of dollars into their own campaigns.

Cut 6 (05) “…your own pockets.”

Alford says House Speaker Mike Johsnon from Bossier Parish and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Jefferson are also bringing in large fundraising hauls, which is leading to the 74-million raised so far. This total will go up as new campaign finance numbers will come out this week.

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The Louisiana Department of Health says with cychlorphine becoming more and more prevalent, it’s extremely important to have Narcan on hand. Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan says everyone should be carrying Narcan at all times.

Cut 7 (12) “…that person’s life.”

Health officials say Cychlorphine is a synthetic opioid that’s ten times more potent than fentanyl. Dr. Croughan says Narcan is sold over the counter in pharmacies and normally comes in packs of two sprays – and he suggests buying more than one pack.

Cut 8 (11) “…those two sprays.”

Croughan says even if the date on the packaging is a date that has already come and gone, don’t throw the Narcan out.

Cut 9 (08)  “…than no Narcan.”

Cychlorphine is a Schedule One drug, meaning it has no medical benefit and is illegal in all forms. It’s been linked to at least 55 deaths across the country since last year. Croughan says the best way to prevent exposure to cychlorphine is to always get your prescriptions from reputable pharmacies.

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Today is National Gumbo Day, and there’s no better state to celebrate the occasion than Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is launching a national satellite media tour to showcase the history, technique and traditions behind Louisiana’s iconic dish, and he’s recruited an expert to help him along the way.

Cut 10 (12) “…owns Paris restaurant.”

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says the secret to authentic Louisiana gumbo is to use local ingredients.

Cut 11 (13) “…pot of gumbo.”

Nungesser says now that we’re in the middle of October, this is the perfect time to dust off that gumbo recipe, pick up the necessary ingredients, gather the family into the kitchen and make a pot.

Cut 12 (07) “…pot of gumbo.”

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The Saints had nine first downs, and just 142 total yards of offense as New Orleans could only muster one scoring drive in a 23-13 loss to the Vikings. Minnesota loves to pressure the opposing quarterback, and Coach Kellen Moore felt like they were prepared…

Cut 13 (12)  “…on me.” 

New Orleans falls to 1-4 on the season and another non-playoff season seems likely.

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw for just 96 yards and was picked off twice. Moore says he still has all the confidence in the world in Shough…

Cut 14 (14) “…opportunities.”

The Saints went 0-3 during their homestand and will visit the Giants this Sunday. New York tied the Commanders on Sunday. After the Giants game, New Orleans heads overseas to play Pittsburgh in Paris.

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LSU’s college football playoff chances are slim after letting one slip away to Will Stein and the Kentucky Wildcats. For the second straight week, Stein elects to go for two in overtime and it works, and the Tigers suffer a gut-wrenching 35-34 defeat on the road. Coach Lane Kiffin watched his team fail to close out a three-point lead in the final minutes…

Cut 15 (09) “…going to happen.”

On the two-point conversion, Kentucky had five receivers spread across the field and no running back in the backfield with quarterback Kenny Minchey. After taking the snap, Minchey ran straight ahead for the easy game-winning score. Kiffin says it was not defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s best call, but a player also failed to adjust to the formation…

Cut 16 (19) “…run vertically.”

Kiffin has been second-guessed for not going for it on fourth-and-one with 1:46 left and the ball on LSU’s 43-yard line. Kiffin decided to punt because the Wildcats had no timeouts, they had to throw into the wind, and their kicker had just missed two relatively easy field goals earlier in the quarter. LSU’s coach felt the worst that can happen to them after they punted was that Kentucky would tie the game with a field goal…

Cut 17 (13) “…in regulation.”

The 22nd ranked Tigers return home to host Mississippi State at 11 AM this Saturday.

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Louisiana Tech’s first Sun Belt football game is one to remember, as the Bulldogs rallied from 31-19 down in the fourth quarter to beat the Ragin Cajuns 32 to 31. Quarterback Blake Baker, who threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns, connected with Eli Finney from seven yards out with 46 seconds left for the winning score. Coach Sonny Cumbie says his team reached down deep to pull out this victory…

Cut 18 (16)  “…great win” 

With the victory, Tech improves to 3-2, 1-0 in the Sun Belt.

Tech had 485 total yards, 338 through the air and converted seven of 13 third-downs. The Bulldogs turned it over three times and had eight penalties. Cumbie says it was not perfect, but his team found a way…

Cut 19 (18) “…resiliency.”

La Tech has now won nine straight games in the series. The Ragin Cajuns fall to 4-2, 1-1 in the Sun Belt and Coach Michael Desormeaux knows they let one get away…

Cut 20 (17) “…for a year.”

La Tech is at ULM this Saturday, while the Cajuns return home to host Troy.

The national independent pharmacist of the year hails from right here in Louisiana. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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If you want to help clean up Louisiana, all you have to do is buy a slush. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana Tech and UL Lafayette kick off the first game of their renewed Sun Belt rivalry tomorrow night, and now it’s got a little more at stake. Governor Jeff Landry announced that Louisiana’s three Sun Belt schools, ULL, ULM and LA Tech, will compete for the Governor’s Cup in football each year.

Cut 3 (07) “…in this state.”

Landry says the cup will go to whichever team wins the regular season series among the three schools.

Cut 4 (12) “…games begin.”

Tech’s trip to ULM next week will be the second game in the series, and the Warhawks and Cajuns will cap off the race for the cup on November 12.

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LSU visits Kentucky tomorrow to face a Wildcats team led by first-year head coach Will Stein. The former Oregon offensive coordinator is off to a hot 4-and-1 start in Lexington, and LSU coach Lane Kiffin says you can tell his team is well-coached by their confidence on the field.

Cut 5 (12) “…really well.”

Notre Dame transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey orchestrates the offense. The redshirt junior has thrown 11 touchdowns and only one interception. Kiffin breaks down what he sees in his game.

Cut 6 (13) “…confidence in him.”

Kickoff at Kroger Field is set for 6:30.

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The National Community Pharmacists Association names its national pharmacist of the year, and he hails from right here in Louisiana. T.J. Woodard owns Prescriptions to Geaux, which has two locations in Baton Rouge. Woodard, who owns the pharmacy with his wife, was very humble when he learned that he was named national pharmacist of the year..

Cut 7 (08) “…being seen nationally.”

Woodard says along with a plaque and a one-thousand-dollar Willard B. Simmons award, his alma mater is also benefitting from his honor.

Cut 8 (10) “…I both graduated.”

Woodard earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from ULM in 2007. He later earned his MBA from LSU in 2011.

Woodard says contrary to popular belief, he and other independent pharmacists are able to effectively compete against the major pharmacy chains.

Cut 9 (10)  “…your only option.”

Woodard says the biggest challenge facing independent pharmacists is the current model in which pharmacy benefit managers that also own the big pharmacy chains reimburse them at below their costs.

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Louisiana SONIC Drive-Ins are partnering with Keep Louisiana Beautiful to support litter cleanup across the state. Pray SONIC Marketing Director Lori Moresi (MOR-zee) says 100-percent of the proceeds from the sales of Blue Pelican Slushes will go to Keep Louisiana Beautiful.

Cut 10 (07) “…with a purpose.” 

The slush is a blend of Sprite, blue coconut and sweet cream.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell says the partnership gives Louisianians the opportunity to support their effort to keep the paradise in Sportsman’s Paradise.

Cut 11 (09) “…make a difference.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser worked in a Baton Rouge SONIC Drive-In to promote the campaign, although he left his roller skates at home. He says over 90-million-dollars was spent cleaning up litter in Louisiana last year.

Cut 12 (10) “…back end.” 

The slush will be available until March 31.

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Louisiana is lending a helping hand to Florida’s panhandle as it prepares for the possibility of a Category 3 hurricane or at least a strong Category 2 storm. Regional Vice President for Acadian Ambulance, Porter Taylor, says they have deployed 15 ambulances to assist with preparations for and response to Hurricane Isaias…

Cut 13 (08) “…affected area.”

Taylor says the ambulances have been deployed to Marianna, Florida. He says they will hunker down once the storm starts impacting the area…

Cut 14 (12) “…require transport”

Taylor says their crews could be in Florida for the next couple of weeks…

Cut 15 (09) “…get back to normal.”

If you have a fortified roof, your insurance premium discount might not last forever. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Based on its current projected path, Louisiana could see minimal effects from Tropical Storm Isaias. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Those with fortified roofs may see their homeowners insurance discounts disappear several years from now. That’s because the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety is expected to change the way it designates roofs, certifying them as fortified for only 15 years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says without the fortified certification, insurance companies would no longer offer premium discounts for fortified roofs.

Cut 3 (07) “…discount drops off.”

Temple says exposure to the severe weather that Louisiana is prone to, will degrade a roof. But he says that does not mean that fortified roofs older than 15 years are ineffective.

Cut 4 (12) “…discount going on.”

Temple says despite the likely change, getting a fortified roof is still a great investment.

Cut 5 (12) “…an insurance discount.”

While IBHS released the Fortified Home program back in 2010, the first fortified roof wasn’t installed in Louisiana until 11 years later. So that means for those earliest adopters, those discounts would disappear in 2036.

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State Police detectives have arrested the owner and an employee of the Tobacco Tavern in Ville Platte as part of an investigation into the death of a 17-year-old boy in Turkey Creek. Sergeant Peggy Bourque says the day before Taylon Hebert’s death, he purchased over the counter herbal supplement pills from the Tobacco Tavern, which were suspected to contain a Schedule One Controlled Dangerous Substance…

Cut 6 (10) “…same location.”

Bourque says State Police is not releasing the exact name of the drug allegedly sold to Hebert or the over-the-counter herbal supplemental pills seized during a search warrant…

Cut 7 (07) “..this time.”

Two men arrested are from New Iberia. Bourque says 34-year-old Musa Saleh Salem and the employee, 29-year-old Ghaleb Mohammed Mousa have been charged with Distribution of a Schedule One Controlled Dangerous Substance…

Cut 8 (08) “…Evangeline Parish jail”

State Senator Heather Cloud, who represents the town of Turkey Creek in Evangeline Parish, said in a statement that anyone who knowingly sells dangerous, illegal products to adolescents is putting profit before lives. Cloud also said that parents must understand the danger and talk with their children and stay vigilant.

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Tropical Storm Isaias does not look like a problem for Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center’s official forecast track continues to shift farther to the east. The latest update has the storm making landfall near the Alabama-Florida state line. National Weather Service Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says the steering currents are pushing the storm away from Louisiana…

Cut 9 (11)  “…the east.”

Grigsby says Louisiana could still see some effects. He says a storm surge watch and tropical storm watch has been issued for Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Orleans parishes, as well as the southeastern corner of St. Tammany Parish…

Cut 10 (10) “…into Friday night.” 

Grigsby says Louisiana will see less than an inch of rain from the storm that is expected to make landfall either late Friday night or early Saturday morning…

Cut 11 (14) “…rain even.”

Isaias is expected to develop into a hurricane, possibly a strong Category two storm before weaking to a Category one storm before landfall.

Forecasters are projecting the first Atlantic hurricane of the season will develop in the next 24 hours and will make landfall near Mobile, Alabama late Friday night, early Saturday morning. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Department of Children and Family Services launches a new way for prospective foster parents to get certified. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A newly released economic forecast projects the state will add 55-thousand jobs over the next couple of years. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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State Treasurer John Fleming is urging school funding to be focused on classrooms and teacher salaries. Fleming says the recently-released Legislative Auditor’s report uncovered significant discrepancies between certain budget and expenditure reports.

Cut 4 (12) “…other budget items.”

Fleming’s call also comes following a review of financial information from the K-Through-12 School Transparency Project, which he says showed some questionable expenditures.

Cut 5 (13) “…and Uber Eats.”

Fleming says eliminating unnecessary spending can get teachers the additional pay that they had been seeking for years. He says it starts with better transparency.

Cut 6 (13) “…that alongside us.”

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Tropical Storm Isaias (ee-sah-EE-ahs) has formed this morning in the southern Gulf more than 500 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River.  An official forecast track from the National Hurricane Center shows a Category One Hurricane making landfall near Mobile, Alabama late Friday night or early Saturday morning. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says southeast Louisiana should pay attention, because of a portion of the state’s coast is is in the cone of uncertainty.

Cut 7 (10) “…at the cone.”

Keim says the system will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S. Gulf coast and much of the Southeast Friday and into the weekend.

Cut 8 (06) “…to ten inches.”

According to the National Hurricane Center, there is a marginal risk of flash flooding for southeast Louisiana over the next five days.

Keim says there is a risk for dangerous wind and storm surge impacts for the northern Gulf Coast.

Cut 9 (06)  “…that storm approaches.”

The official forecast track has shifted a bit to the East reducing the chances that Louisiana will see any significant impacts from the storm.

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The Department of Children and Family Services is revamping foster caregiver training and certification by launching HomeReady. Secretary Rebecca Harris says with more than seven-thousand children in foster care, the state needed an easier, more modern way for prospective foster parents to get certified.

Cut 10 (09) “…and help children.”

Harris says the biggest change with HomeReady is that everything is now done online.

Cut 11 (11) “…in one spot.”

Families can use either a computer or a mobile device to complete their forms, upload their documents and track their progress. Harris says by moving everything online, it simplifies the process and creates much less paperwork.

Cut 12 (12) “…a temporary home.”

HomeReady officially launches today. There’s a link on DCFS’ website.

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Louisiana is expected to add 55-thousand jobs over the next two years, according to an economic forecast. Dr. Loren Scott puts together this economic forecast annually, and he’s projecting more jobs than usual because of the boom in data centers in north and central Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11)  “…just about Alexandria.” 

Lake Charles is expected to have the highest percentage growth over the next two years, adding about six-thousand jobs. Scott says the big number in Lake Charles is almost exclusively due to three new LNG export facilities — two in Cameron Parish and another just south of Sulphur.

Cut 14 (05) “…of projects underway.”

Scott is projecting the Acadiana area will add 56-hundred jobs because of the Space X facility in Vermilion Parish and the drone industry. Monroe is projected to be the second-fastest growing region in the state as a result of the construction of the 50-billion-dollar Meta data center under construction in Richland Parish.

Scott is only projecting a one-percent job growth increase for New Orleans. He says a continued decline in convention post-COVID is having an impact on the city’s economy.

Cut 15 (08) “…there’s about 60.”

St. Tammany is forecasted to add 11-hundred jobs over the next two years, making it the slowest growing area in Louisiana. Scott says New Orleans slow growth is impact the Northshore.

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt says he will be fully healthy by the time tenth-ranked LSU heads to Kentucky  Saturday night. Leavitt has played through a hamstring injury the last two weeks and says it has given him a new perspective on staying in the pocket.

Cut 16 (16) “…even more lethal.”

The Tigers have not won in Lexington since the Bluegrass Miracle in 2002. It will be LSU’s second away game of the season, and Leavitt says the team has learned from the mistakes it made when it played at Ole Miss.

Cut 17 (17) “…great job communicating.”

The LSU offense has not missed a beat with star tight end Trey’Dez Green sidelined. The Tigers are still looking for answers at tight end, but Leavitt says wide receivers have stepped up to replace his production.

Cut 18 (13)  “…comes their way.” 

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UL Lafayette is 4-and-1 and first in the Sun Belt West after a last-second 23-20 win over Arkansas State. The Cajuns will have another big division game against rival Louisiana Tech this weekend. It’s the Bulldogs’ first Sun Belt game, but UL coach Michael Desormeaux says he’s been following their defense for years.

Cut 19 (14) “…they play physical.”

Cajuns star wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr. returned in the win over the Red Wolves. The  redshirt junior did not have any catches as he came back from a string of injuries, but Desormeaux says his message to him was to just go play.

Cut 20 (14) “…played really well.”

The Superdome crowd was silenced last night as the Saints fell to the Falcons 45-24 on the 20th anniversary of the team’s return to the stadium after Katrina. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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So far, there has yet to be a hurricane in the Atlantic in 2026. Could that streak come to an end this week? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Department of Energy awards Entergy almost 14-million dollars in federal grants to strengthen its power grid in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. Kristen Granier (GRAHN-yay), the director of federal infrastructure policy at Entergy, says part of that money will be used to deploy a dynamic line rating sensor.

Cut 3 (11) “…as it’s flowing.”

Granier says information obtained from this sensor can help it manage its energy infrastructure.

Cut 4 (10) “…capacity as needed.”

Granier says the goal is to reduce congestion and to use existing assets more efficiently.

Cut 5 (14) “…about 50-percent.”

In all, this is a four-year project aimed at improving congestion management so that Entergy can defer capital investments and reduce costs – ultimately translating into savings for customers.

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A night of celebration in the Superdome went sour quickly as the Falcons spoiled the 20th anniversary of the Domecoming with a 45-24 thrashing of the Saints. New Orleans trailed by two scores for much of the game, and quarterback Tyler Shough says there’s no way to sugarcoat it.

Cut 6 (13) “…eyes forward.”

The Falcons got whatever they wanted offensively, scoring on their last six complete drives. The Saints fell to 1-and-3 after a promising start to the season, and head coach Kellen Moore says the team was especially frustrated after the divisional loss.

Cut 7 (09) “..this one.”

The Saints will return to the Dome on Sunday to host the undefeated Vikings. Moore says the team needs to move past the disappointing loss but can’t forget it.

Cut 8 (12) “…from this game.”

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President Trump has signed an executive order that waives the off-road requirement to use tax-free red-dye diesel. This means truckers, farmers and timber harvesters can use red-dye diesel, which is cheaper, because it is exempt from state and federal highway excise taxes. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain on the cost savings

Cut 9 (11)  “…federal tax.”

The White House says the executive order immediately cuts diesel costs by authorizing highway use of tax-free dyed diesel and deferring the federal diesel excise tax through the end of the year. Strain says the action puts money back in the pockets of farmers, ranchers, truckers and loggers

Cut 10 (06) “…right direction.” 

Diesel fuel prices have spiked since the Iran war started. According to Triple-A, the price of diesel was more than six-dollars a gallon last month in Louisiana. It has come down to a statewide average of $5.84 a gallon. But Strain says he’s hearing that diesel prices will remain high for many months…

Cut 11 (11) “…today.”

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Today is October 6th; and we are still waiting for our first Atlantic hurricane of 2026. There’s a chance a disturbance brewing in the Bay of Campeche in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico could be it. National Weather Service Meteorologist Jacob Zeringue says conditions are favorable for development over the next couple of days.

Cut 12 (14) “…increase after that.” 

Zeringue says that means it’s possible that after eight Atlantic tropical storms, we could see Hurricane Isaias (eee-sah-EE-ahs).

Cut 13 (11) “…of the season.”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s almost a 100-percent chance of a cyclone forming within the next 48 hours. Zeringue says two big questions remain – Will the storm be hurricane strength when it makes landfall, and where along the U.S. coast will it make landfall?

Cut 14 (11) “…Friday and Saturday.”

In the satellite era, there has never been a year without a hurricane in the Atlantic. We have never gone this late into the year without one; the previous record for the latest date for the first hurricane to form in the Atlantic was September 11th, accomplished in 2002 and 2014.

A potential disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico could impact Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy continues to keep a door open to possibly running for President in 2028. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo ”

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The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on a potential disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico near the Bay of Campeche. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says there’s about an 80-percent chance of a tropical cyclone forming in the next seven days.

Cut 3 (11) “…into southeastern Louisiana.”

Grymes says this is something that you should keep monitoring throughout the week.

Cut 4 (10) “…get better organized.”

Grymes says while there’s a good chance that this could become Tropical Storm Isaias (EE-sah-EE-iss), it’s unlikely that it will strengthen into a hurricane.

Cut 5 (07) “…to deal with.”

So far, there have been no hurricanes in the Atlantic this year – only eight tropical storms. In the satellite era, we had never entered the month of October without a hurricane until this year.

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The Saints take on the Falcons tonight in an anniversary game of the team’s emotional return to the Superdome post-Hurricane Katrina. That night was, of course, defined by Steve Gleason blocking the game’s first punt, which the Saints recovered for a touchdown en route to a 23-3 win. Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano says the Falcons will be waiting for them to go after a punt tonight.

Cut 6 (08) “…be outstanding.”

New Orleans will be without key defenders Kaden Elliss, Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings. Linebacker Pete Werner is also questionable. Second-year linebacker Danny Stutsman says he is ready for his first career start.

Cut 7 (13) “..tremendous opportunity.”

The Black and Gold will have the tough task of containing All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson, who was the NFL’s second-leading rusher entering the week.

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So far, it’s been a season for the ages for LSU defensive tackle Deuce Geralds. Not only did the freshman from Suwanee, Georgia, score an offensive touchdown Saturday night against McNeese, but he also recorded his fifth sack of the season, moving him closer to the all-time record for sacks by a freshman, which Harold Perkins Jr. set in 2022 with seven and a half. Geralds says not only is he going after it, he plans on leaving the current record in his dust.

Cut 8 (10) “…on my mind.”

On Saturday night, Geralds became the first player in LSU history to record a full sack and score an offensive touchdown in the same game. In 1995, defensive tackle and nose guard Booger McFarland scored a receiving touchdown against Florida, but he had recorded a half-sack and not a full sack. Geralds says when you put in the work, good things will happen.

Cut 9 (15)  “…God for it.”

Geralds will try to get closer to Perkins’ freshman sacks record Saturday in Lexington against Kentucky.

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Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy is keeping the door open on a run for the White House. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Kennedy says seeking re-election in 2028 remains his top option, but if he doesn’t like the field of Republican candidates running for president, he could pivot…

Cut 10 (10) “…running for re-election.” 

Kennedy was first elected to the U-S Senate in 2016 and he was re-elected in 2022.  The 74-year-old, who lives in St. Tammany Parish, says he wants to serve where he’s most effective…

Cut 11 (09) “…considerate it.”

Kennedy is known in Louisiana and around the country for his one-liners, his Southern wit and his candor. During his appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Kennedy disapproved of President Trump’s decision to post Arkansas Senator Tom Cotten’s cell phone number online over a dispute over permanent daylight saving time

Cut 12 (16) “…convince Tom.” 

Former state lawmaker, Lt Governor and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has said he me may run for the Democratic nomination.

UL System president Rick Gallot says higher-ed officials will need to make tough decisions regarding the deficits university athletics departments face. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Tonight the Saints host the Falcons and the game will be used to remember rebirth of New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Despite boasting the best cuisine on the planet, Louisiana is actually slimming down. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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College football fans across the state were sent into a frenzy last week after a Louisiana Regent suggested that the UL System should consider moving ULL, ULM and Louisiana Tech down from the FBS to the FCS. UL System president Rick Gallot says that comment was not a directive, but the system will have to consider all cost-cutting measures as it looks to correct athletics deficits.

Cut 4 (09) “…its expenses.”

Gallot said universities around the country are experiencing the same budget concerns.

Each university’s athletics department is 10s of millions of dollars in the red. Gallot says the system commissioned a report from Deloitte to evaluate its athletics departments and develop a path to sustainability. He says that report is expected by the end of the year and will be used to inform his recommendation.

Cut 5 (13) “…have to make.”

While Gallot wants to remain data-driven, that does not mean the UL System will be ignoring the opinions of its universities. He says the system plans to solicit input from each of their campus communities.

Cut 6 (11) “…tough decisions.”

Gallot was not surprised by public backlash to the idea but says it is important to remember their primary mission is the education of students. He says that does not mean athletics and education cannot coexist.

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Tonight, the Saints host the Falcons, but this game is about more than the regular-season rivalry. It’s also a night to remember one of the most emotional moments in New Orleans sports history — the Saints’ return to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. The Saints’ radio voice, Mike Hoss, was a fan in the stands when Steve Gleason famously blocked Michael Koenen’s punt, setting off an eruption of emotion inside the Superdome…

Cut 7 (09) “…once.”

The Saints went on to win 23-to-3, but Hoss says Gleason’s blocked punt became a defining moment in the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina…

Cut 8 (13) “…pivotal moment.”

Gleason, who has been living with A-L-S for years, will be at tonight’s game as an honorary captain and will lead the “Who Dat” chant before kickoff. Hoss says part of what made Gleason’s block so powerful was that nobody saw it coming…

Cut 9 (11)  “…release.”

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U-S Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has designated LSU as a Distinguished Military College. U-S Air Force Colonel Joseph Musacchia, who is the commandment of the LSU Corps of Cadet says Hegseth’s order gives LSU Corps of Cadets and ROTC graduates a better chance at starting their military career in the officer ranks…

Cut 10 (11) “…from the pack.”

Musacchia says these military programs teach leadership skills that would help any student regardless of their career path. He says LSU was founded in 1860 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy, so the school has a long military tradition…

Cut 11 (12) “…Spanish American War”

Musacchia says the cadet crop program currently has about 350 students, which this designation, he expects it will double in size in the next four years…

Cut 12 (14) “…Louisiana State University.”

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It appears that Louisianans are slimming down. According to the State of Obesity 2026 report, Louisiana is only one of two states which showed a significant decline in adult obesity rate, falling from 39.2-percent to 35.6-percent. That helped Louisiana move from number-three down to number-19 in the state rankings for obesity rates. Dr. Oren Rom, the assistant vice chancellor for research at LSU Health Shreveport, says you can thank Ozempic and Mounjaro for that.

Cut 13 (08)  “…receptor agonist drugs.” 

Dr. Rom says the benefits of the GLP-1 drugs, which are becoming more and more popular for weight loss, outweigh the side effects.

Cut 14 (10) “…in body weight.”

Rom says the one side effect of using the GLP-1 drugs, loss of skeletal muscle mass, is easily treatable.

Cut 15 (08) “…don’t do that.”

The only other state to show a significant decline in adult obesity rate is West Virginia.

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The Saints host the Falcons in a 20th anniversary game of the team’s historic return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Quarterback Tyler Shough was just three days away from his seventh birthday in Arizona when Steve Gleason blocked the punt, but he says he was emotional nonetheless when Kellen Moore showed the team a video about the post-Katrina rebirth.

Cut 16 (18) “…coming up.”

If New Orleans wants it to be another positive memory, the Saints will have to stop Falcons running back Bijon Robinson. The All-Pro is the NFL’s second-leading rusher and ran for 194 yards against the Packers last week. Defensive end Cam Jordan says all you can do is hope to slow him down.

Cut 17 (19) “…than positives.”

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It was a win that LSU had in the bag simply by arriving safely at Tiger Stadium. In easily the most predictable game on the schedule, LSU scored on its first possession and went into cruise control from there, annihilating an overmatched McNeese, 63-14. After the game, Head Coach Lane Kiffin said one of his biggest objectives going into the game was getting his backups as much playing time as possible.

Cut 18 (15)  “…do some things.” 

The biggest question going into Saturday night’s game was how much quarterback Sam Leavitt would play, if at all. While nursing a hamstring injury, Leavitt ended up playing nearly the entire first half – minus a few plays here and there – going 18 for 23 for 176 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. On his decision to play Leavitt, Kiffin said he was going to be cautious with his play-calling.

Cut 19 (18) “…they were running.”

It was a game for the ages for defensive tackle Deuce Geralds. He recorded a full sack and scored an offensive touchdown, becoming the first LSU player ever to accomplish that feat. The freshman from Suwanee, Georgia, says he routinely did it in high school, but not at this level.

Cut 20 (14) “…of my life.”

There are several college football games in the state tomorrow, will the weather cooperate? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU hosts McNeese tomorrow, but the big question is: will starting quarterback Sam Leavitt play? Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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With another weekend of football ahead, all eyes are on the weather. That’s because thunderstorms could cause delays throughout the state. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says any thunderstorms that develop this evening should move out pretty quickly. However, tomorrow could be a different story.

Cut 3 (11) “…bit more prolonged.”

There are several college football games scheduled for Saturday evening, and Grymes says if thunderstorms delay any kickoff times, the delays shouldn’t be too significant…

Cut 4 (11) “…way it looks.”

As far as rainfall totals go, Grymes says those numbers have come down from the original forecast, with the heaviest amounts being in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 5 (14) “…come down markedly.”

Grymes says north Louisiana, where the worst of the drought currently is, will be lucky to get an inch of rain by the time the system pushes out of the state at the end of the weekend.

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The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches is ranked number one in the country for the best public high school teachers, according to the 2027 Niche rankings. LSMSA Executive Director Doctor Jason Anderson says students are challenged to pursue excellence, while learning from faculty who model those same values…

Cut 6 (08) “…every day.”

LSMSA was founded in 1983 as a residential high school for high-achieving students. Niche also ranks it as the nation’s best public high school for STEM. But Anderson says there’s more to the school than academics…

Cut 7 (09) “..young people.”

LSMSA faculty members are required to have at least a master’s degree in the subjects they teach, and 85-percent have a Ph.D., M-F-A or another terminal degree in their field. Anderson says that level of expertise makes the faculty…

Cut 8 (09) “…remarkable.”

LSMSA has 287 students from across Louisiana.

Anderson says students looking to take the next step in their academic journey should consider whether LSMSA is the right fit for them.

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt played through a hamstring injury against Texas A&M last week, but coach Lane Kiffin said that he would be cautious playing him against McNeese tomorrow. With the Tigers favored by over 50 points, LSU Radio sideline reporter Gordy Rush says he shouldn’t play at all.

Cut 9 (14)  “…next week.”

WAFB Sports Director Jacques Doucet says the situation reminds him of Garrett Nussmeier starting against Southeastern last season while he dealt with nagging injuries. He thinks LSU should keep Leavitt on the sideline but says that adds another risk.

Cut 10 (10) “…nothing wrong.” 

Leavitt could get the start but be pulled shortly after. That is what Zach Nagy with 247Sports thinks. He says the Tigers need to be especially careful with their starting quarterback for the long term.

Cut 11 (13) “…ramps up more.”

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Baton Rouge is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. It would honor the best high school players, coaches, teams and contributors and would preserve high school football history through exhibits and memorabilia. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser nominated Baton Rouge…

Cut 12 (06) “…in Baton Rouge.” 

The other finalists are Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Ohio; and Valdosta, Georgia – none of which, according to Nungesser, could compete with Baton Rouge.

Cut 13 (07) “…put on festivities.”

Nungesser says landing the National High School Football Hall of Fame would be a huge win for Baton Rouge and Louisiana.

Cut 14 (06) “…year after year.”

An official announcement could be made later this month or in November.

Two Louisiana Tech students have been arrested for using a racial slur repeatedly in a social media video that went viral. Joe Gallinaro has the story….

Cut 1 (23) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Following a postgame brawl, one football team’s season is over, and another team will play the rest of the season on the road. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Forecasters are predicting rainfall totals from 1.5 to four inches of rain from today through Sunday for central and south Louisiana. Danielle Manning with the National Weather Service in Slidell says scattered thunderstorms are expected today and tomorrow and more widespread rain for south Louisiana this weekend…

Cut 3 (10) “…in this incident.”

LSU hosts McNeese on Saturday night. Southern and U-L Lafayette host homecoming games on Saturday night as well. Manning says there’s a good chance it will rain during those games….

Cut 4 (09) “…not ideal.”

Manning says locally heavy rain and flash flooding is possible for a good portion of the state on Saturday and that threat continues for southeast Louisiana on Sunday. She says some areas could receive a half foot of rain….

Cut 5 (08) “…develop.”

The best chance for rain for north Louisiana is on Sunday.

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If you have lots of outdoor lighting on your property, you’re asked to turn them down or off at night for the time being. That’s because this is fall migration season for birds. Charles Williams, a board member of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the founder of Lights Out Louisiana, says bright lights are very bad for birds flying at night.

Cut 6 (09) “…lot of lighting.”

Williams says that disorientation might cause birds to fly directly into tall buildings.

Cut 7 (06) “…in North America.”

Williams says you can go to the Bird Cast website at bird cast-dot-org to follow the birds’ migration.

Cut 8 (08) “…about two weeks.”

Williams says if the lighting on your property is limited to low-intensity accent lighting, such as path lights, that should be okay. But you should keep lights like bright flood lights off late at night.

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The LHSAA comes down hard on a pair of football teams involved in a postgame brawl last Friday night. After Assumption’s 16-6 home victory over Carroll, some Carroll players got into a confrontation with some Assumption fans. It was serious enough that some deputies had to use their Tasers to get the situation under control. Aaron Dietrich, the sports director at KNOE-TV in Monroe, says as a result, Carroll’s season is over, and Assumption will play the remainder of its schedule on the road.

Cut 9 (14)  “…games this year.”

While Monroe City Schools said it would comply with the LHSAA’s ruling, Carroll High School and Senator Katrina Jackson Andrews both said they would fight it, filing emergency appeals.

Dietrich says Carroll had at least two similar incidents in the last 15 years; and he says last Friday, the school did not follow standard procedures when the team went down to Assumption for the game.

Cut 10 (13) “…situations like this.” 

Dietrich says the cancellation of the remaining six games of Carroll’s season has cost not just one, but two homecoming games.

Cut 11 (13) “…few weeks also.”

A 19-year-old man is arrested in connection with shooting three children, one fatally, at a Shreveport apartment complex. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is taking a different legal approach in the state’s effort to prevent abortion pills from being shipped into Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Shreveport Police make an arrest in connection with a shooting at an apartment complex. Corporal Christopher Bordelon says following a thorough investigation, police arrested 19-year-old Javieon Abbott for shooting three children at the apartment complex’s basketball court.

Cut 3 (10) “…in this incident.”

Bordelon says Abbott was directing his gunfire at the 17-year-old, and it hit and killed 13-year-old Sha’michael Russell in the process.

Cut 4 (09) “…at that location.”

The other child shot was Russell’s two-year-old sister. Family members told local media in Shreveport that Sha’michael and his little sister were visiting their grandmother at the apartment complex, and he died while saving his sister amid the barrage of gunfire. Bordelon says Abbott is charged with second-degree murder, with other charges forthcoming.

Cut 5 (09) “…after the fact.”

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Louisiana Tech welcomed its third straight record-breaking freshman class and set a new record for its highest undergraduate and main-campus enrollment in school history. It is also its most academically prepared freshman class ever, with the number of students with an A-C-T score of 30 or higher — up 22-percent. University president Jim Henderson says the school has not given up on rigor.

Cut 6 (14) “…practical application.”

Construction engineering technology had a 25-percent year-over-year increase in enrollment, the most of any program. The other fastest-growing programs are nursing, kinesiology, electrical engineering, and accounting. Henderson says the growth reflects a commitment to research that can be practically applied to economic growth.

Cut 7 (10) “…future demands.”

LA Tech also has the highest retention rate of any school in the University of Louisiana System. Nearly 90-percent of the school’s enrollment is made up of Louisiana residents, but Henderson says students are not just choosing Louisiana Tech over other in-state schools.

Cut 8 (12) “…higher-ed experience.”

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Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama are asking the U-S Supreme Court to strike down abortion shield laws that allow providers in states where abortion is legal to prescribe and mail abortion pills to women in states where abortion is banned. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says Louisiana law is clear — abortion drugs are illegal in the state…

Cut 9 (14)  “…Louisiana babies”

Shield laws in states including New York, California and Massachusetts protect doctors from prosecution if they prescribe and mail abortion pills to patients in states with abortion restrictions. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin says some doctors are telling patients the drugs are safe, but he claims some women have ended up hospitalized after taking them…

Cut 10 (12) “…crawfish.” 

Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama have also filed a federal lawsuit against 30 abortion-pill providers, seeking to stop the drugs from being shipped into their states.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall says his state has made abortion illegal, and it should have the authority to enforce that law…

Cut 11 (11) “…in our state.”

The Center for Reproductive Rights says shield laws provide critical protections for patients seeking abortion care. But Murrill argues abortion pills can pose serious risks to women, citing what she says are several examples…

Cut 12 (09) “…very dangerous.” 

Murrill says data from abortion providers indicate roughly 800 abortions are taking place each month in Louisiana as a result of abortion pills.