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.

Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been found on Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands for the third consecutive year. Sean Richardson has the story on the Chandeleur Island restoration project.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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What does Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal mean for you? Colleen Crain helps to break it down.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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It was a game that lived up to every syllable of its billing – LSU came away with a hard-fought win over Ole Miss, and they needed overtime to do it. Andrew Greenstein was at Tiger Stadium for all the excitement.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For the third year in a row, loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been found on Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Todd Baker says a total of 60 hatchlings emerged from two nests in 2024.

Cut 4 (08) “…turtles out there.”

Baker says this discovery is part of a 300-million-dollar restoration project for the islands, which is expected to be completed by 2026.

Cut 5 (09) “…do it correctly.”

Since 2022, Baker says the islands have seen 136 turtle crawls, making it one of the highest-density nesting beaches in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 6 (10) “…in good numbers.”

The Chandeleur Islands also support various rare species and important coastal habitats.

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A big milestone for the massive I-20 construction project in Bossier Parish. Today, three of the four ramps currently closed at the Old Minden Road interchange reopen. The lone holdout, the westbound on-ramp, is expected to reopen in a week following final drainage work. DOTD Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says the project is moving along on schedule.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the final project.”

And with that new phase, traffic will be flowing on newly-built roadways, which are replacing roadways that had outlived their usefulness.

Cut 8 (10) “…since the 60s.”

During construction, tractor-trailers have thus far been prohibited from going through the construction zone, and that prohibition will remain in place as the project enters the final phase.

Cut 9 (12)  “…areas along there.”

Buchanan says the project is still on track to be completed late next year.

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We’re just weeks away from a special session, in which lawmakers will consider Governor Landry’s sweeping tax reform proposal. What does his proposal mean for the average Louisiana taxpayer? Tax attorney Sanders Colbert (COLE-bert) says the wealthiest taxpayers will still pay the lion’s share of the state’s income taxes.

Cut 10 (13) “…that are collected.”

Part of Landry’s plan to make up for the reduction in income tax collection is to start collecting sales taxes on services not currently being taxed. Landry’s plan also involves simplifying the state sales tax code, which Colbert says is among the most complicated in the country.

Cut 11 (16) …and the state.”

Landry’s plan would also reform the inventory tax, which along with the franchise tax that he’s also looking to eliminate, has been discouraging businesses from coming to Louisiana, according to Colbert. 

Cut 12 (15) “…these property taxes.”

The special session is slated to take place next month. And some of the items, if passed, would go to voters for final approval.

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It was a game that lived up to every syllable of its billing. LSU came back to beat Ole Miss, 29-26, in overtime. After trailing the entire game, LSU tied it with 27 seconds left in the 4th quarter on a 23-yard  Garrett Nussmeier touchdown pass to Aaron Anderson on a fourth down play. And then Nussmeier threw a touchdown to Kryen Lacy for the game-winning score. But Coach Brian Kelly says it was the defense that gave them a chance to win…

Cut 13 (15)  “… complimentary football.”

LSU’s defense sacked Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart a career-high six times. The Rebels were also 3-of-6 in Red Zone opportunities.

Nussmeier said after the game this was the worst game of his career. He completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions. But Kelly says the offense never blinked..

Cut 14 (15) “…for him.”

Lacy said there was no quit in the team, even as they were settling for field goals through much of the game.

Cut 15 (08) “…to score more.”

Immediately after Lacy caught the 25-yard game winning TD pass, fans stormed the field.

Cut 16 (10)   “…Geaux Tigers!”

The fans storming the field will likely cost LSU a fine of 250-thousand dollars, which under SEC bylaws would go to Ole Miss.

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On Saturday, the Ragin Cajuns improved to 5-and-1 overall and 2-and-0 in the Sun Belt with a 34-24 victory over Appalachian State. U-L Lafayette scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull away from the Mountaineers. Coach Michael Desormeaux’s team has won in its last three games by ten points or less.

Cut 17 (17) “…proud of em.”

ULM moved to 5-and-1 on the season with a homecoming win over Southern Miss 38-21. The Warhawks’ 38 points are a season-high. Coach Bryant Vincent…

Cut 18 (17)  “…this team.”

ULM is off this Saturday and then a trip to South Alabama on October 26th.

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The Saints rallied from a 17-0 deficit to take a 27-24 lead at halftime, only to fall apart in the second half and lose to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 51-27. . Coach Dennis Allen had this to say afterwards…

Cut 19 (15) “….all areas.”  

The Saints suffered a couple of injuries. Tyrann Mathieu went down with a wrist injury and Chris Olave left with a concussion. It’s the fourth straight loss for New Orleans who gave up 594 total yards, second most in franchise history. Allen says it was a disappointing day for the defense…

Cut 20 (15) “…explosive plays.” 

The Saints have a short week as they will host Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

The Louisiana National Guard has mobilized over 500 soldiers to Florida in anticipation of  major damage from Hurricane Milton. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Good news kids – you’ll be spending less time taking LEAP tests this year! Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Over 500 Louisiana National Guard soldiers have been mobilized to support Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay late this evening. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and eight Guardsmen are in staging areas near Tallahassee. Lt. Col. Noel Collins says these helicopters are pre-positioned for rapid aerial search and rescue.

Cut 3 (07) “…conditions allow.”

Additionally, 500 soldiers from the 225th Engineer Brigade will support recovery efforts, including 20 route clearance teams and six engineer work teams focused on debris removal and restoring essential infrastructure. Collins says a  60-Soldier Light Medium Truck Company will also assist…

Cut 4 (08) “…critical supplies.”

The Louisiana Guard is also on standby to aid in states affected by Hurricane Helene. Their response efforts have already contributed to significant operations across the Southeast, involving thousands of responders and the delivery of millions of pounds of aid. The Guard’s commitment to multi-state support highlights their readiness to provide essential assistance during hurricane recovery.

Cut 5 (12) “…provide in return.”

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Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter!

Cut 6 (10) “…quality of result.”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the English and math tests given to students in the third through eighth grade will take about 20-percent less time to complete.

Cut 7 (10) “…kids are testing.”

The English tests will take up to 70 minutes less time to complete, while the time to complete the math tests will drop by about 40 minutes. Teachers and parents are hailing the move, saying that the tests cause undue stress for their kids. Brumley says the change is effective immediately.

Cut 8 (06) “…taking LEAP tests.”

Standardized tests like Louisiana’s LEAP tests are required by federal law.

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Drivers filling up their tanks today had quite the sticker shock. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices spiked by about five cents overnight.

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollars a barrel.”

Redman says you can blame the upcoming landfall of Hurricane Milton to the Florida Gulf Coast for this price spike.

Cut 10 (10) “…closed to tankers.”

Redman says this price increase is more regional in nature, and it shouldn’t be too long until gas prices come back down.

Cut 11 (06) “…Texas and Louisiana.”

Mid-grade is averaging $3.25 and premium is averaging $3.63.

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A woman and her daughter are found dead inside their home in Vernon Parish. Sheriff Sam Craft says deputies discovered the bodies of 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter Fredda Pierce.

Cut 12 (12) “…two homicide victims.”

Craft says deputies secured the home and detectives started processing and collecting evidence.

Cut 13 (12) “…inch by inch.” 

Craft stated that there is currently no perceived danger to the public, and encourages anyone with information to contact Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 14 (10) “…this investigation.”

The investigation is ongoing, with detectives processing the scene for evidence. As of now, no additional information is available for release.

A 10-year-old Webster Parish girl who disappeared from her home last month went missing again. And as Andrew Greenstein reports, this one, like the last one, had a happy ending.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and over the years treatment and survival have improved dramatically. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index points in September was 91.5, marking the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. Sean Ricardson has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A ten-year-old Webster Parish girl who went viral for sleepwalking from home late one night last month disappeared from her home again Monday night. Like the last time, the girl was found safe in the woods. Pat Culverhouse with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office says the search was extensive like the last time.

Cut 4 (12) “…from Wade Correctional.”

Culverhouse says they found the girl at around one yesterday afternoon.

Cut 5 (08) “…her so quickly.”

Again, this is the second time in less than a month that the girl disappeared from her home late at night. Culverhouse says it’s unclear what will happen now that this has happened twice.

Cut 6 (11) “…to the residence.”

The girl was checked by medical personnel at the scene and appears to be okay.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Excluding skin cancers, breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women with a lifetime average 1 in 8 chance of getting it. But Breast Medical Oncologist, Dr. Melanie Sheen with Ochsner/MD Anderson Cancer Center in New Orleans says early detection, treatment, and survival have dramatically improved and advances continue with game-changing medications coming out in the last five years… 

Cut 7 (09) “…fatal disease..”

Dr. Sheen says mammograms save lives. Early breast cancer often has no signs or symptoms and certain changes may or may not signal cancer but you should make your doctor aware of them immediately.

Cut 8 (10) “…you can feel.”

Sheen says women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40.

Dr. Sheen says it’s important to know your family cancer history but there are other risk factors like dense breast tissue and while you may not be able to prevent breast cancer you can lower your risk…

Cut 9 (11)  “…alcohol intake.”

She says no family history of breast cancer is not a guarantee you can’t get cancer and men can also get breast cancer and should discuss their risk factors with their doctor.

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The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose by 0.3 points in September to 91.5, marking the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index increased by 11 points to 103, NFIB State Director Leah Long says this is the highest level recorded, reflecting growing hesitation among small business owners to invest due to inflation and high financing costs.

Cut 10 (05) “…business owners.”

Inflation remains the top issue for 23% of owners, while labor quality and costs also pose significant problems. Price hikes were most frequent in finance, retail, transportation, and construction sectors. Additionally, 19% plan capital outlays in the next six months, down five points from August.

Cut 11 (09) …a lot of purchases.”

Long says small business owners remain cautious about future conditions, with uncertainty dampening investment and hiring decisions, despite some optimism around the upcoming holiday season.

Cut 12 (10) “…election right now.”

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If you play Mega Millions, get ready for some changes next spring. The price for each ticket is increasing from two dollars to five dollars. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says as a result, the starting jackpot will be much higher, and it will take no time at all for the jackpot to balloon to astronomical figures.

Cut 13 (08)  “…these huge jackpots.”

Chopin says there will be other changes to distinguish Mega Millions from Powerball; the two games are currently nearly identical to one another. She says in addition to the bigger jackpots, all other prizes are going up as well.

Cut 14 (12) “…non-jackpot prizes.”

Not only that, Chopin says there will be no more breaking even – the smallest winning ticket will be ten dollars, twice the price of the ticket.

Cut 15 (05) “…you do win.”

The odds of hitting the jackpot will be slightly improved, but they will still pale in comparison to being hit by lightning multiple times.

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Losing 26-13 to the two-time defending Super Bowl champions was not the worse thing that happened to the Saints Monday night. Quarterback Derek Carr went down with an oblique injury in the fourth quarter; and now, the team is getting word that Carr will miss multiple games. Bobby Hebert (AY-bear) on WWL radio says without Carr, the team is in trouble.

Cut 16 (17)   “…nine to six.”

Last year, the Saints started off slow and fought back to finish at 9-and-8, losing out on the NFC South title and a playoff spot by tiebreak. Hebert says if Carr is out a long time, there’s no way that the Saints can improve on that mark.

Cut 17 (17) “…in scoring offense.”

For those wanting Spencer Rattler instead of Jake Haener, Hebert says there’s a reason that Haener will be starting Sunday.

Cut 18 (19)  “…bigger than that.”

The Saints take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday at the Superdome. Kickoff is at noon.

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The Ragin Cajuns rushed for 188 yards in their win over Southern Miss, but averaged just over four yards a carry. Coach Michael Desormeaux says the potential is there to create bigger plays in the run game if they can get better blocking down the field…

Cut 19 (21) “….get better.”  

The Cajuns will host Appalachian State on Saturday. The Mountaineers have one of the best quarterbacks in the Sun Belt. Joey Aguilar is averaging 305 yards passing, but he’s thrown five interceptions in five games. Desormeaux says putting pressure on Aguilar is a key…

Cut 20 (21) “…this week” 

When severe weather hits in the south, GOHSEP is ready to help. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is back from India promoting tourism in Louisiana.  Sena Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson. ”

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GOHSEP is pitching to help states impacted by severe storms. Nearly 100 personnel have been deployed to Virginia and the Carolinas after Hurricane Helene left destruction in its wake, and another 77 are headed to Florida as Milton bears down on that state. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says states often turn to Louisiana to help out in the wake of severe weather.

Cut 3 (16) “…and help out.”

Steele says other states have helped Louisiana when our state was impacted by hurricanes, so this is a chance for Louisiana to return the favor.

Cut 4 (10) “…our partner states.”

Steele says GHOSEP should have the manpower to help states impacted by Hurricane Helene and, later this week, Hurricane Milton. But especially with parts of Louisiana still recovering from Hurricane Francine, the state may need to dole out resources carefully.

Cut 5 (11) “…of that time.”

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We’re now a little more than a day away from Hurricane Milton’s landfall, and forecasters say this will be catastrophic.

Cut 6 (14) “…south of Tampa.”

LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says millions of people live in Milton’s direct path, so those who need to evacuate should not wait any longer in doing so.

Cut 7 (09) “…the last century.”

Keim says job one is to move away from the coast and onto higher land.

Cut 8 (06) “…on the coast.”

As of late this morning, Milton has weakened to a strong Category Four storm, but Keim says the storm surge will still be akin to that of a Category Five storm. Landfall is forecast for late tomorrow night.

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The Public Affairs Research Council released the Guide to the 2024 Constitutional Amendments, outlining the impact of five constitutional amendments appearing on the Nov. 5 and Dec. 7 ballots. PAR President Dr. Steven Procopio says this nonpartisan review is designed to inform voters about the nature of each amendment and the implications of their potential approval.

Cut 9 (07)  “…for and against.”

The guide presents an educational overview, helping readers understand the legal and social changes each proposition might bring. This allows individuals to form their perspectives based on the content and consequences of the proposed amendments.  Procopio emphasized that these amendments are somewhat hyperboring and not considered controversial…

Cut 10 (07) “…functioning of government.”

The guide aims to clarify the amendments’ language and context, Procopio says, ensuring that voters are better equipped to make informed decisions on election day.

Cut 11 (08) “…and facebook.”

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The Louisiana Office of Tourism concluded its first promotional mission to India on September 27, in Mumbai and New Delhi. Led by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.  The mission aimed to boost Louisiana’s appeal to Indian travelers and media by showcasing its cultural experiences, cuisine, music, festivals, and outdoor adventures. Nungesser says after visiting Italy, Spain, and India, and enthusiastic about seeing the results from this tourism mission…

Cut 12 (08) “…visitors to Louisiana.”

This outreach is part of Louisiana’s strategy to tap into India’s growing travel market, which saw a 17-percent increase in visitors to the U.S. from January to July 2024. With support from a U.S. Department of Commerce grant, Louisiana is strengthening its presence in India through partnerships with U.S. Commercial Services and the U.S. Embassy.

Cut 13 (12) “…market for us.” 

Louisiana’s central location and the connectivity of the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans make it accessible to Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. In 2024, the state is celebrating the “Year of Music,” promoting its heritage as the birthplace of jazz, Cajun, and Zydeco music to attract more international visitors.

Cut 14 (08) “…indian market.”

The fall Angola Rodeo is back each Sunday in October, offering the best in prison rodeo excitement.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Establish rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, or widen Interstate 10 between the two cities? A rail commissioner asks, why not both? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Angola Prison Rodeo is back every Sunday in October, featuring adrenaline-pumping events like Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, and the renowned Guts-n-Glory. Held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, the show starts at 1 p.m., with gates opening at 8 a.m. for pre-rodeo festivities.  Warden Tim Hooper says visitors can enjoy delicious Southern cuisine and shop a variety of handmade crafts such as jewelry, leather goods, and woodworking.

Cut 3 (11) “…come out a purchase.”

This year’s events are on October 6, 13, 20, and 27, with tickets available for $20 each. Purchases can be made online or by phone. All proceeds fund reentry programs to help inmates reintegrate successfully after release.

Cut 4 (08) “…home with a trade.”

For families, there are kid-friendly attractions like pony rides and carnival games. Hooper says come for the excitement, stay for the crafts, and support a good cause.

Cut 5 (08) “…to do all day long.”

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The Louisiana State Police now has 55 more officers. They graduated from Cadet Class 104 this morning during a ceremony outside Istrouma (is-TROO-ma) Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says they completed their 24-week training that began in late April.

Cut 6 (14) “…physical training regimen.”

And now, Captain Manale says those graduates are ready to go on patrol.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana state trooper.”

Manale says if you’re interested in becoming a Louisiana state trooper, there will be additional training classes coming up.

Cut 8 (06) “…later in 2025.”

More information is available on the Louisiana State Police’s website.

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Governor Landry has come out and said while he does not oppose passenger rail service connecting Baton Rouge and New Orleans, he’d rather see money go towards widening I-10 between the two cities. John Spain, a member of the Southern Rail Commission, says, why not both?

Cut 9 (10)  “…can have both.”

Spain says adding passenger rail would ease congestion on I-10.

Cut 10 (11) “…of that congestion”

Governor Landry has questioned whether a Baton Rouge-New Orleans train corridor would get used. Spain says polls show that it would.

Cut 11 (07) “…ride the train.”

Landry’s predecessor, John Bel Edwards, had dedicated more than 20-million dollars to the rail project. It would be up to Governor Landry to decide whether to move forward. Spain notes that the Biden administration has committed 60-billion dollars for intercity rail.

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Faith House is relaunching the Purple Light Project this October to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month and bring attention to the issue of domestic abuse. The campaign encourages community members to replace their porch lights with purple bulbs.  Prevention and Development Director Kimberly Boutte says it symbolizes peace, courage, survival, and solidarity with survivors.

Cut 12 (05) “…October for sure.”

Boutte says for a donation of $10 or more, Faith House will provide a complimentary purple bulb to display throughout October.

Cut 13 (13) “…lights will help.” 

The Purple Light Project was a success last year, and Faith House hopes to see even more homes and businesses join in. Boutte emphasizes by uniting as a community, we can shine a light on domestic violence and create meaningful change.

Cut 14 (09) “…ending the violence.”

Donations can be made online at Faith-House-Acadiana-dot-com

Facing a 700-million-dollar budget shortfall, Governor Landry unveils his tax reform plan in a news conference at the Capitol. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Union dockworkers went on strike this morning at ports across the country.  Experts say we could see similar supply chain issues like we did during Covid.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Southeastern Louisiana University celebrates a major milestone today – its 100th year. University President William Wainwright says the Hammond school has come a long way in one century.

Cut 3 (08) “…of higher education.”

And during that time, the school has awarded tens of thousands of degrees.

Cut 4 (11) “…our centennial year.”

To mark the centennial, the school is putting on a big celebration in the Student Union breezeway with several speakers, along with a video message from one of its most famous alumni – Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts. Wainwright says you’ll be able to drink to the milestone too!

Cut 5 (05) “…few short weeks.”

The celebration was originally scheduled for the middle of September, but Hurricane Francine forced those plans to change.

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Governor Landry unveils his tax reform plan that he says would close most of a 700-million-dollar budget shortfall. In a news conference at the Capitol, Landry said his plan, which he has dubbed Driving Louisiana Forward, would increase the take-home pay for all Louisiana taxpayers.

Cut 6 (14) “…to 12,500 dollars.”

Landry says in order to compete economically with states like Texas and Tennessee, which have no state income tax, Louisiana needs to eliminate the income tax.

Cut 7 (10) “…free by 2033.”

To make up for that shortfall, Landry’s plan would start taxing lobbying services, eliminate other tax breaks and would impose new sales taxes on services that are currently not taxed, such as house cleaning, pet grooming and TV streaming services. He says the tax structure would shift from taxing labor to taxing choices. Landry says his plan would instantly make Louisiana one of the best states to do business in.

Cut 8 (11) “…forms.”

Landry will be calling lawmakers back to Baton Rouge for a special session next month to take up his tax reform plan. Some components will involve changing the state constitution; that election would be held in March.

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Beginning today, a person could face a five-thousand-dollar fine or up to five years in prison for possessing mifepristone and misoprostol without a prescription.  Opponents have expressed concern this will negatively impact the health care of pregnant women, but Attorney General Liz Murrill says this is fearmongering from the pro-abortion activists…

Cut 9 (09)  “…for women.”

In May, Governor Jeff Landry signed a law reclassifying the abortion drugs Mifepristone and Misoprostol as controlled, dangerous substances. The law designates them as Schedule IV drugs, making possession illegal without a valid prescription.  Murrill says securing medications that can and have been abused isn’t new…

Cut 10 (08) “…emergency situation.”

Supporters believe this reclassification will prevent coerced abortions, while opponents, including some doctors, argue that it may delay access to medications with other medical uses Despite concerns, Murrill says the law includes protections for pregnant women obtaining these drugs for personal use.

Cut 11 (11) “…violating federal law.”

The drugs are used to induce an abortion, but they also can help manage miscarriages, induce labor, insert IUD’s, and stop hemorrhaging in pregnant women.

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Union dockworkers hit the picket lines early this morning, including those at the Port of New Orleans. UNO Economic Professor Walter Lane says prolonged work stoppage could significantly impact the U.S. economy, potentially raising the cost of consumer goods and causing shortages ahead of the holiday season.

Cut 12 (11) “…saw in Covid.”

Grocery stores, which have limited capacity to store perishable goods, could struggle to restock quickly, leading to empty shelves and price spikes. Lane stresses that affected ports handle 75% of the nation’s banana imports, making this particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

Cut 13 (13) “…in the Gulf.” 

A one-week strike alone could cost nearly $3.8 billion, according to industry estimates. Lane says the economic fallout would likely move through multiple sectors, with consumers feeling the effects of higher prices and reduced availability of key products.

Cut 14 (09) “…a lot of people.”

Here we go again – we’re keeping an eye on the tropics for another potential storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Nearly every Louisianian is waiting with baited breath on potential word of a special session on insurance reform. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Fire Service has been mobilized to support rescue and recovery operations in South Carolina following Hurricane Helene. An Incident Support Team (IST) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Louisiana arrived last week. Baton Rouge Fire Chief Mike Kimble says some team members will work in the state’s Emergency Operations Center, and others will directly engage in rescue operations.

Cut 3 (11) “…this  county.”

Kimble says their readiness and commitment to assist in these critical situations, emphasizing the strength of the partnership between the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and other agencies.

Cut 4 (08) “…very good spirits.”

Kimble noted that the OSFM teams have thoroughly built a robust unit capable of urban rescue and swift water rescue to support emergency responses nationwide.

Cut 5 (08) “…as we speak.”

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There’s the possibility of another named storm in the Gulf of Mexico this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the National Hurricane Center is watching a disorganized area of low pressure in the western Caribbean Sea that has a medium chance of developing into at least a tropical depression. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 6 (09) “…anybody’s guess.”

There’s the possibility this potential storm following a similar path as Hurricane Helene, but Keim says it’s way too early to tell.

Cut 7 (12) “…all over the place.”

Keim says this will be a slow developing system…

Cut 8 (11) “…forms.”

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Will there be a special session on insurance reform? That’s what nearly every Louisianian saddled with sky-high auto and property insurance rates wants to know. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment, the chairman of the House Insurance Committee, says reforming property insurance should be the easy part. Auto insurance – not so much.

Cut 9 (11)  “…can accomplish successfully.”

Firment cautions, however, that there’s almost nothing that the legislature can do to lower your insurance rates.

Cut 10 (11) “…a competitive quote.”

Firment says the only way to do that is to make Louisiana a more attractive state to do business. He says in any discussion on insurance reform, the focus has to be on the families and small business owners who have to make tough choices just to afford their insurance premiums.

Cut 11 (12) “…can be successful.”

Louisiana has some of the highest, if not the highest, property and auto insurance rates in the country.

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A 5-year-old was killed and a ten-year-old injured over the weekend in a two-vehicle crash in Claiborne Parish and investigators say impairment is a factor in the wreck. State Trooper Eddie Thomas says 31-year-old Jordan Burton of Homer crossed the centerline on Louisiana Highway 146 hitting another car. Thomas says the five-year-old was not properly restrained and died at a local hospital…

Cut 12 (10) “…the hospital.”

A 10-year-old child, improperly restrained in the front passenger seat of Burton’s SUV also suffered severe injuries and was hospitalized.  Thomas says the 5-year-old child was also improperly restrained…

Cut 13 (04) “…hospital.” 

Thomas says proper restraints and safe driving behaviors can often be the difference between life and death in serious crashes.

Cut 14 (09) “…50-percent.”