The Louisiana Treasury announced more than 80 thousand names of unclaimed property owners in every parish will be published beginning today through Friday. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Louisiana is one of 20 states to receive $10 million to better prepare high school students with disabilities for careers or even the transition to college. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Beginning today, nearly 81 thousand new names of unclaimed property owners have been published in local newspapers. State Treasurer John Schroder says they are committed to reconnecting residents with money received by the Louisiana Treasury.

Cut 3 (11) “…new data.”

Unclaimed Property consists of abandoned financial assets like checking and savings accounts, unpaid wages, life insurance payouts, proceeds from safety deposit boxes, and more.

Due to changes in addresses or other reasons, people may not always be aware of money owed to them when businesses attempt to return the property to the owners. Schroder says they’ve been able to identify tens of thousands of recipients who are owed money, but it could also include relatives.

Cut 4 (12) “…be anybody.”

To find the list of Unclaimed Property owners, Schroder encourages residents in every parish to check the Legal Notices section in their local newspaper. He says this is a crucial step in reuniting residents with unclaimed funds.

Cut 5 (06) “ …return it.”  

Residents can also visit LA Wallet or visit LACashClaim.org to check names for unclaimed property.

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The Louisiana Department of Education is one of 20 states to be awarded $10 million to improve career opportunities for students with disabilities. Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley says it’s part of the US Department of Education’s Pathway to Partnerships to help prepare these students for life after high school.

Cut 6 (11) “…(x2) students with disabilities.”

Brumley says the funding will enable them to focus on life after high school for students with disabilities. For example, how to transition to a career in transportation or prepare for college.

Cut 7 (10) “…and beyond.” 

Brumley says the program parallels their overall approach of being more deliberate with all students about the handoff after high school and what’s next in a student’s life.

Cut 8 (08) “…position possible.”

The funds for the state’s special education transition program will be distributed over a five-year cycle.

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With two full days of early voting for the October 14^th gubernatorial primary election in the books, voters appear to be less motivated. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says 118-thousand people casted a ballot on Saturday and Monday, down from 122-thousand for the same time period in 2019 and more Republicans than Democrats…

Cut 9 (07) “…to happen.” 

The state has 2.9 million registered voters and registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by 146-thousand. But Couvillon says through two days of early voting more registered Republicans are showing up to the polls than Democrats

Cut 10 (12) “… more Democratic.”

The Secretary of State’s office says voter turnout for a gubernatorial primary is usually in the mid-40s, but Couvillon says based on the first two days of early voting, the turnout could be lower than that…

Cut 11 (13) “…mid thirties.”

After one of the most oppressive summers on record, fall-like temperatures are on the horizon, just a little later than normal. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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There are a lot of questions about the Saints offense after they fail to score a touchdown in a 26-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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It’s officially fall but it sure still feels like summer in Louisiana. Highs Sunday reached into the 90s, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says we should start to see autumn-like temperatures into the weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…taste of fall.”

Keim says the fall-like weather is arriving late for Louisiana, usually by mid-September we’ll experience our first drop in temperatures signifying that autumn has arrived.

Cut 4 (12) “…right here.”

For football and any outdoor activity this weekend, Keim says you’ll definitely feel a chill in the air, especially compared to the oppressive summer temperatures that have been relentless.

Cut 5 (06) “ …finally arrives.”  

Lows on Saturday will be in the lower 60s and upper 50s.

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Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is a staggering $1.04 billion with a cash value of $478 million, making it the fourth-largest jackpot in the history of the game. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says sales normally pick up when there’s a jackpot of this size because of the excitement.

Cut 6 (11) “…one million.”

Jackpot winners can either take the cash value of $478 million in one payment or the billion-dollar jackpot in annual payments over 29 years. Annison says players can win prizes from the lottery without matching all six numbers.

Cut 7 (12) “…your numbers.” 

It’s the second largest jackpot this year and the 9^th largest U-S jackpot. Annison says the odds of winning the jackpot is one in 292 million but the odds of winning any prize is one in 25. Although players are excited, he urges people to play responsibly.

Cut 8 (09) “..to win.”

Tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m. to qualify for tonight’s drawing.

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Investigators with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Enforcement Division have arrested 30-year-old Zachary Faulk of Merryville. Commissioner Mike Strain says Faulk faces one count of negligent burning and one count of violating the state burn ban after he allegedly started a fire on his property on August 17th…

Cut 9 (11) “…several days.” 

Strain says the blaze that Faulk was arrested in connection to was adjacent to and part of the Tiger Island Fire, but the big battle was to save the town of Merryville…

Cut 10 (10) “…court of law.”

Faulk surrendered himself on September 25^th to the Beauregard Parish Jail. (Bond was set at $50,000)

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It was a rough weekend for LSU and Saints fans as their teams suffered disappointing losses. The Fighting Tigers gave up a school record 706 yards in 55-49 loss to Ole Miss. Many fans are putting defensive coordinator Matt House on the hot seat, but Coach Brian Kelly says everyone needs to pick up their game..

Cut 11 (12) “…play better.”

On Sunday, the Saints failed to score a touchdown in a 26-9 defeat to Tampa Bay. New Orleans has scored 21 or fewer points in ten consecutive games. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for only 127 yards in yesterday’s loss…

Cut 12 (08) “..right now” 

The Louisiana Civil Rights Museum will open its doors to the public in New Orleans at the Ernest Morial Convention Center on Sunday. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Now that it’s October, that means only two official months left of hurricane season. So far it’s been quiet for Louisiana. Jeanne Burns has more…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Amendment 3 on the October 14^th ballot would increase the percentage of state surplus dollars to pay off state retirement debt of $17-billion. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The LSU AgCenter and the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture have received a nearly $800,000 grant to bring drone education to high school students. Louisiana 4-H STEM Coordinator Brian Gautreau says the training will provide students with knowledge about how drones and other agriculture technologies.

Cut 4 (08) “…are needed.”

Students are also prepared to take the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 certification which will allow them to fly drones commercially. Gautreau says he’s working with farmers to get students hands-on field experience on agricultural sites.

Cut 5 (11) “…other drones.”

The grant will also fund the Agriculture Career Exploration with Drones camp which is a year-long course for 4-H students across the state. Students will receive the Trust Advance certification which is needed for recreational flight in the state. Gautreau says the course will introduce youth to careers using drones and teach them to program drones.

Cut 6 (12) “…agricultural careers.”

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More than 30 years in the making, the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum will officially open to the public inside the Ernest Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on Sunday. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the museum is part of a continued effort to educate visitors about Louisiana’s place in the Civil Rights Movement and the real-life activists like Leona Tate…

Cut 7 (13) “…on forever.”

The five thousand-square-foot exhibit includes information about lunch counter sit-ins, Southern University students marching to the Capitol in 1960, swim-ins leading to the desegregation of public pools, and more. Nungessor says the museum serves as a way to learn about the past.

Cut 8 (11) “…incredible museum.” 

The two-million-dollar exhibit will be the first in the state dedicated to memorializing events and honoring Louisiana heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Nungesser says the ‘dream cube’ will give the public the ‘wow factor’.

Cut 9 (09)  “…were there.”

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Even with officially two months left in hurricane season, State Climatologist Barry Keim says if we can get through the next few weeks without a named storm in the Gulf, it’s highly likely Louisiana will be unscathed this season. Statistically, the latest storm on record to threaten the Bayou State was Halloween 28 years ago.

Cut 10 (07) “…in general.”

So far, this Atlantic Hurricane Season there have been 18 named storms; six were hurricanes and three were major hurricanes. The average is 14 named storms.

And now that we’ve reached the next to last month of hurricane season, Keim says on average one named storm forms in the North Atlantic Basin in October…

Cut 11 (10) “…of October.”

Zeta made landfall as late as October 28, 2020, and in 1985 Hurricane Juan showed up late to the party and was still hanging around the Louisiana coast on Halloween day.

Keim says even with a few late-season named storms in our history we’re not out of the woods just yet…

Cut 12 (08) “…major hurricane.” 

For the last 175 years, Keim says a hurricane has never made landfall in Louisiana during the month of November. Hurricane Season ends November 30^th.

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Passage of Amendment 3 on the October 14^th ballot would require lawmakers to use 25 percent of any state surplus to pay state retirement debt. President of the Public Affairs and Research Council Steven Procopio says this would increase the current minimum of ten percent to 25 percent.

Cut 13 (08) “…around 2029,”

Procopio says when there is a state surplus of dollars, it’s a matter of do voters want to a portion towards paying off retirement debt…

Cut 14 (10) “…and roads.”

The four major retirement systems (Teachers, State Employees, School Employees, and State Police, have a combined $17 billion gap between how much they need to pay in benefits and their investment assets.

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The Saints failed to find the end zone in a disappointing 26-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a battle of first-place teams in the NFC South. Despite the return of running back Alvin Kamara, New Orleans only had 197 yards of total offense. Coach Dennis Allen says it was an unacceptable performance…

Cut 15 (15) “…very good”

Despite a banged-up shoulder, Saints quarterback Derek Carr threw for just 127 yards. Allen was asked about Carr’s performance…

Cut 16 (14) “…we had”

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ULM lost an absolute heartbreaker on Saturday night as Appalachian State kicked a 54-yard field with no time left to beat the Warhawks 41-40. ULM failed to score on third and goal earlier in the quarter and couldn’t run out the clock late in the fourth quarter. Coach Terry Bowden is sick to his stomach over his loss…

Cut 17 (14) “…a long time”

ULM hosts South Alabama this Saturday.

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The LSU Tigers defense gave an all-time bad performance on Saturday night in Oxford as the Rebels outscored the Bayou Bengals 55 to 49. LSU gave up a school record 706 yards and Coach Brian Kelly says everyone should be mad….

Cut 18 (11) “…acceptable”

LSU’s defense has been a source of frustration all season and on Saturday night they made some personnel changes. Cornerbacks Ashton Stamps and Laterrance Welch saw their most playing time of the year, linebacker Omar Speights returned to the starting line-up. They used a number of defensive linemen. But the scheme, the personnel, and the tackling were flat-out bad. Kelly says they will continue to coach this unit up…

Cut 19 (12) “…ever week” 

The loss drops LSU’s record to 3-2 overall, 2-1 in the SEC. Getting into the college football playoff is a pipe dream, even repeating as the SEC West champs is a long shot. Kelly says it’s very disappointing, but they can’t give up…

Cut 20 (20) “..get better” 

The new fiscal year starts tomorrow which means Congress is running out of time to avoid a government shutdown Senator Bill Cassidy says we would see little impact here at home if that happens.(:13) Cut 9 (10) “…pay claims”

Just one day after four Baton Rouge Police officers were placed on administrative leave, they’ve all been arrested in connection to an arrest two years ago. Chief Murphy Paul says body cameras were activated during an excessive force strip search, but when a supervisor saw the footage, that’s when the cover-up began. (:16) Cut 4 (06) “…body camera.”

The chief saying corruption and misconduct will not be tolerated. (:06)

After a six-year hiatus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is back with a newly reimagined “Greatest Show on Earth” that opens tonight in Bossier City. Performer Wesley Williams says there will be no animals but their goal is to enhance the total experience with technology and amazing wow moments. (:16) Cut 6 (11) “…this experience.”

The cast will of the reimagined all-human show features 75 talented people from 18 countries. (:06)

Big game tonight in Oxford, Mississippi as the # 13 LSU Tigers try to improve to 3 and o in SEC play.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says his defense will need to keep an eye out for Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins. (:14) Cut 15 (11) “…best players”

Kick off tonight is at five.

If Congress doesn’t reach an agreement by midnight tonight, the federal government will shut down. (:08) Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Nearly 600 orphaned wells have been plugged so far this year. That’s thanks to money from the federal government and the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service. Governor John Bel Edwards says those wells can leak methane and contribute to global warming. (:12) Cut 12 (10) “…doing this”

Four Baton Rouge Police officers including the Deputy Chief have been arrested following an investigation into physical abuse and misconduct in the arrest of a man two years ago. Chief Murphy Paul says officers used tasers and one officer struck the man during a strip search. (:14)

Cut 3 (12) “…was activated.”

The chief says corruption and misconduct will not be tolerated in his department and anyone involved will face prosecution. :(:07)

It’s a top 20 matchup tonight between 13th-ranked LSU and number-20 Ole Miss. LSU’s defense has had trouble stopping teams on third down. But Coach Brian Kelly says they’ve been focused on fundamentals (:12)

Cut 14 (11) “…third down”

Kick off is set for five.

After a six-year hiatus, Ringling Brothers. and Barnum & Bailey kicks off their North American tour in Bossier City with four performances this weekend at the Brookshire Grocery Arena. Teiko Foxx has more on the reimagined “Greatest Show on Earth”…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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 If Congress doesn’t reach an agreement by midnight Saturday, the federal government will shut down. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Four Baton Rouge Police officers including the Deputy Chief have been arrested following an investigation into physical abuse and misconduct of officers involving a man arrested two years ago. Chief Murphy Paul says officers used tasers and one officer struck the man to get him to comply with their requests during a strip search.

Cut 3 (12) “…was activated.”

When the officers deployed their tasers, their body cameras were also activated.

Paul says a supervisor viewed the footage and determined that the officers were in violation of the department’s use of excessive force policy. He says a decision was then made to destroy the evidence.

Cut 4 (06) “…body camera.”

Paul reassures the public that corruption and misconduct will not be tolerated in his department and anyone involved will face prosecution.

Cut 5 (08) “ …we’re doing.”  

The arrests come a day after officers were placed on administrative leave after being exposed to a secretive BRPD “Brave Cave” warehouse where it is alleged some suspects were beaten and illegally interrogated.

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After a six-year hiatus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are back with a newly reimagined “Greatest Show on Earth” that opens today at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City. Performer Wesley Williams says there will be no animals but their goal is to enhance the total experience with technology and amazing wow moments.

Cut 6 (11) “…this experience.”

The reimagined all-human show features spectacular acts including Criss-Cross Flying Trapeze, Extreme Box Jump Trampoline, and more. Williams says there will be an amazing triangular highwire performance.

Cut 7 (09) “…a pin.” 

The cast will have 75 talented humans from 18 countries.  Williams points out that his three-story unicycle performance will be an incredible back-and-forth experience.

Cut 8 (12) “…magical thing.”

The show will run in Bossier City today through Sunday.

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Congress is running out of time and the possibility of a government shutdown is looming with the new fiscal year beginning Sunday. US Senator Bill Cassidy says for the most part there will be little impact on day-to-day life for Louisianans.

Cut 9 (10) “…pay claims” 

If you do need to contact a federal agency for an issue, however, Cassidy says you might encounter some delays. The state’s senior senator says his office will be on call and to reach out to his Baton Rouge office if needed.

Cut 10 (10) “…cassidy.senate.gov”

Lawmakers have until midnight Saturday to reach an agreement to avoid a federal government shutdown. Cassidy, a Republican, blames the Biden administration.

Cut 11 (08) “…good faith.”

During a shutdown, federal employees will be furloughed and those who work in the military and Transportation Security Administration are forced to work without pay.

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Nearly 600 orphaned wells have been plugged since the beginning of the year thanks to money from the federal government and the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service. Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s important abandoned wells get sealed because they leak methane which scientists say contributes to the earth’s warming….

Cut 12 (10) “…doing this” 

Edwards says the federal money is the result of the Infrastructure Law approved by Congress in 2021. The governor says they expect to get more money from the federal government to address this problem…

Cut 13 (10) “…we can.”

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13th ranked LSU is at 20th ranked Ole Miss on Saturday for a 5 PM kick off in Oxford. The Fighting Tigers have struggled on defense and they’ve had trouble stopping teams on third down. Coach Brian Kelly says at practice this week, they harped on the fundamentals…

Cut  14 (11) “…third down”

The Rebels have been explosive on offense, but they have yet to get their top running back, Quinshon Judkins, going. Kelly says they know Judkins is a talented back that’s capable of having a big night…

Cut 15 (11) “…best players”

A win for LSU and they will improve to 3-0 in the SEC. The Rebels are trying to avoid a second consecutive loss.

Tonight’s your last chance before early voting to hear from five of the six major gubernatorial candidates in a statewide televised debate. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Officials are discussing building a freshwater pipeline that can dilute salt water as it enters water treatment facilities in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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The last gubernatorial debate before early voting airs tonight on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Council for a Better Louisiana and LPB are hosting the debate featuring five candidates and CABL President Barry Erwin says this debate will focus on their plan for the future of the Bayou State.

Cut 3 (09) “…the state.”

Erwin says with many undecided voters in the state, this is a great chance for the public to get to know the candidates better and…

Cut 4 (11) “…the candidates.”

Because CABL is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, Erwin says their forums focus on issues that impact residents, not political rhetoric.

Cut 5 (12) “ …our state.”  

Front-runner Attorney General Jeff Landry is not participating in tonight’s forum.

The one-hour debate will air on LPB at 7 o’clock tonight and available for streaming afterwards on LPB’s YouTube channel and some public radio stations will also broadcast the forum.

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According to the AARP Scorecard, Louisiana ranks 45^th in the nation for long-term care services and support for older Americans. Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says only 22 percent of Louisiana’s Medicaid spending goes toward home care service.

Cut 6 (10) “…individual choosing.”

In nursing homes and institutional care, the scorecard shows only two percent of the state’s aging population live in a high-rated facility. The report also shows gaps in workforce and equity which result in persistent problems in care.

Muhl says nursing home quality falls below the national average. And one of the biggest myths is that people in nursing homes receive 24-hour care…

Cut 7 (12) “…nursing home.” 

In family caregiving, the state also shows a 10 percent decline in adult day services and access to home health aides. Muhl hopes the new governor along with lawmakers will rebalance long-term care for older adults. 

Cut 8 (10) “…prioritize options.”

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As saltwater continues to move up the lower Mississippi River, plans are underway to build a pipeline that would take fresh river water from past Kenner and transport it to drinking water treatment plants in Orleans and Jefferson Parish to dilute the salt. New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness Collin Arnold

Cut 9 (09) “…the city” 

Arnold says costs estimates for the project are 100-to-250 million dollars and construction could begin in a week.

Current forecasts call for the salt to reach New Orleans’ Carrollton plant, which serves the city’s east bank around October 28th. Arnold says the duration of this event could last into next year

Cut 10 (11) “…the Midwest.”

Arnold says if the pipeline is not finished by the time the salt arrives at the Carrollton water treatment plant in late October, the city is preparing to distribute bottled water…

Cut 11 (09) “…do that.”

The Lions Camp Road and Elizabeth wildfires, in Vernon and Allen parishes, are now 100 percent contained. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Sixty-six fewer people died on Louisiana roadways last year, compared to 2021 according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research and in Transportation Safety. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Two of the four fires that have damaged more than 40,000 of woodlands in Louisiana are under control, according to the Southern Area Complex Incident Management Gold Team. The Lions Camp Road and Elizabeth wildfires are 100 percent contained. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says fire crews have spent nearly a month trying to get the Lions Camp Road fire controlled.

Cut 3 (11) “…nobody’s residence.”

Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the Lions Camp Fire was arson. The fire started at the end of Vernon Park Road near the Lions Camp neighborhood. Craft says the fire began to burn really slow but within minutes was out of control.

Cut 4 (07) “…so dry.”

Craft says rain prevented any jumps or hot spots from reigniting. He says firefighters from across the country were amazed at the intensity of the wildfires in Louisiana

Cut 5 (11) “ …west maybe.”  

Anyone with information about the Tiger Island fire or any other arson-related wildfires should call the State Fire Marshal, or local law enforcement.

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Amendment 2 on the October 14^th ballot would grant the highest level of protection to worship in a church. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says COVID restrictions prompted the amendment and that both US and state constitutions already protect the freedom to worship.

Cut 6 (11) “…of protection.”

Procopio says if you believe not only should individuals have the right to worship but the right to do so in a church, or any other religious facility you would be in favor of the amendment.

Cut 7 (06) “…against it.” 

During the pandemic, Central Pastor Tony Spell was cited for continuing to hold church services for more than 50 people during Phase I COVID protocols in Louisiana.

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Last year 906 people died on Louisiana roadways, that’s almost a seven percent decrease from 2021 which had 972 fatalities. That’s according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research and in Transportation Safety. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says more people returned to work in 2022 which increased traffic…

Cut 8 (11) “…DWI stops.”

In 2022 Fischer there was a bigger effort to stop drunk and impaired drivers and it paid off.

Cut 9 (11) “…(x2) fewer fatalities.” 

DWI arrests in 2022 increased eight percent and there was an eight-percent decrease in drunk-driving fatalities.

Sadly, fatalities among pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists remained near or above 2021 levels. Fischer encourages pedestrians to walk against traffic so they can see oncoming vehicles and move out of harm’s way. And to also make yourself more visible…

Cut 10 (06) “…see you.”

Fischer says the majority of traffic fatalities are caused by four things, lack of seatbelt usage, aggressive, impaired, and distracted drivers.

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President Biden has approved Louisiana’s request for an emergency declaration in the state’s battle against saltwater intrusion moving up the Mississippi River. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says steps are being taken to protect the drinking water in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines parishes

Cut 11 (10) “…with that event.”

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts. Steele says the emergency declaration unlocks federal assistance to help impacted parishes that are taking steps to make sure the salt water doesn’t get into the drinking water facilities…

Cut 12 (12) “…along the river” 

Steele says the emergency declaration is set to last for 90 days, but Steele says it can be extended….

Cut 13 (13) “…some point.”

You can find more information under the Saltwater Intrusion tab at emergency-dot-la-dot.gov.

Democrat Shawn Wilson says he has the proven track record of bipartisan leadership to move the state forward. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Amendment 1 on the ballot would ban the use of financial of other donations from a nongovernmental or foreign source to administer elections in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A powerful lobbying group for businesses has a new leader. Jeff Palermo reports he’s a familiar face at the state capitol…

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Former State Transportation Director Shawn Wilson says he’s the best gubernatorial candidate because of his proven bipartisan leadership and the ability to deliver infrastructure projects. Projects like widening I-10 in Baton Rouge, advancing a new Mississippi River Bridge, and building a new entrance at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Cut 4 (11) “…do that.”

The Democrat says his campaign is about making sure residents are healthier, safer, smarter, and wealthier. First Wilson says he’ll address Medicaid expansion requirements and then make investments to be smart on crime…

Cut 5 (12) “…and educators.”

Wilson says he wants to fund early childhood education and ensure teacher pay raises….

Cut 6 (08) “…everything else.”

The Lafayette native says in addressing the state’s insurance crisis he also wants to be a governor that holds insurers accountable so citizens receive the benefits they are entitled to.

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Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the Louisiana Forestry Association continues to offer a reward of up to $15 thousand for tips leading to the arrest of arsonists in the state’s three largest wildfires. He says Laura McLaughlin of Pitkin was arrested for setting the Highway 113 fire which started in Rapides and spread into Vernon Parish

Cut 7 (11) “…being destroyed.”

The total suppression cost associated with these fires is estimated at $2.7 million.

Strain in the last six weeks, five arrests have been made but there has not been an increase in calls despite the reward. He says the reward remains until everyone is held liable for committing such a criminal act. 

Cut 8 (11) “…to justice.” 

The crime of simple arson could carry a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment of not more than 15 years. If the damage is less than $500, the offender will be fined or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. Strain says the state is still experiencing dry conditions…

Cut 9 (12)  “…to wildfires.”

Anyone with information about the Tiger Island fire or any other arson-related wildfires should call the State Fire Marshal, or local law enforcement.

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Also on the October 14^th ballot are four constitutional amendments. Steven Procopio, President of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says a vote for Amendment 1 would ban the use of financial or other donations from a nongovernmental or foreign source to administer elections.

Cut 10 (10) “…with that.”

Procopio says at least twice the lawmakers passed legislation against it, but it was vetoed by Governor Edwards. Procopio says Amendment 1 is another attempt to solidify that those types of organizations cannot donate to help administer elections.

Cut 11 (06) “…looking at.”

The concern is that the organization might try to influence an election by encouraging some voters to turn out more or even less. But Procopio says opponents argue the state only has so many dollars when it comes to elections.

Cut 12 (11) “…against it.” 

Early voting begins Saturday.

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry has a new president. Will Green is leaving as the head of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association to lead L-A-B-I. Green says he’s eager to work with the new governor and the legislature in removing unnecessary regulations and taxes on businesses…

Cut 13 (11) “…we’re open”

Green says he’s ready to advance positive policies Louisiana businesses desperately need…

Cut 14 (09) “…lawsuit abuse”

Green says he wants to enact bold reforms that will result in a climate for economic growth and champions the principles of a free enterprise system…

Cut 15 (09) “…their throat”

According to his LinkedIn page, Green worked at LABI from 2014 to 2016 as their director for civil justice reform and employee relations. In 2016, he got the job to lead the state’s auto dealers.

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ULM will once again start Jiya Wright at quarterback this Saturday when they host Appalachian State in the Sun Belt opener. Wright failed to throw for 100 yards a couple of weeks ago in the loss to Texas A-and-M, but Coach Terry Bowden liked what he saw from Wright…

Cut 16 (16) “…gets back.”

Herring started the Lamar game, but injured his shoulder  and will not available this Saturday. The Warhawks had last Saturday off and they spent time on improving their pass defense…

Cut 17 (17) “…football wise.”

ULM hosts App State at 7 PM.

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The Lady Tigers return All-American Angel Reese and SEC Freshman of the Year Flau-jae Johnson, plus several key role players. Coach Kim Mulkey has also added talented newcomers in All-Americans Haily Van Lith from Louisville and Aneesah Morrow from DePaul. So the expectation is LSU will repeat. Coach Kim Mulkey was asked about the expectations…

Cut 18 (18) “…right time”

Mulkey says this is a much different team than what she had last year…

Cut 19 (19) “…what happens” 

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13th ranked LSU will visit 20th ranked Ole Miss on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels lost their first game of the season last Saturday as they fell to Alabama. Coach Lane Kiffin says the players will not let that loss linger…

Cut 20 (17) “…good defense.” 

Kick-off is at 5 PM in Oxford.

LSU women’s basketball Coach Kim Mulkey says she had surgery that potentially saved her life over the summer. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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A major donor to Jeff Landry’s campaign for governor says he wants his money back. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Low water levels in the Mississippi River have decreased water flow into the gulf, which is allowing salt water to enter the river.  And for those water systems who get their supply from the Mississippi River…

Cut 3 (10) “…to treat.”

That’s Ricky Boyette, Public Affairs for the Army Corps of Engineers. He says they’ve acquired barges that will go upriver and be filled with river water…

Cut 4 (12) “…drinking purposes.”

Boyett says the Corps’ focus is to be able to transport 15 million gallons of water daily by the end of the week downstream with a goal of moving 36 million gallons a day.

Cut 5 (09) “ …effective measures.”  

On Monday, Boyette says the Corps began to raise the underwater levee that was constructed in July to buy more time with very little rain in the foreseeable future.

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A major donor to Jeff Landry’s gubernatorial campaign is asking for his $100,000 donation to be returned. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it appears donor John Odom has a beef with Landry hiring a former Trump campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski.

Cut 6 (07) “…and none.”

Pinsonat says usually once the check clears, it’s already spent and it’s highly unlikely your donation will be returned. But there have been cases where donations are sent back, especially if the donor is a distraction to the campaign.

Cut 7 (10) “…top them.” 

Odom has stated that Lewandowski is unfit to serve in any campaign and he’s urged Landry to reconsider the hire. There was an article in The Advocate newspaper about the situation and as we get closer to the election Pinsonat says stories like this might become more prevalent.

Cut 8 (08) “…a conclusion.”

Early voting begins this Saturday for the October 14^th primary.

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has appointed Dr. Rebecca Hook as its first Medical Director to help with medical response efforts to child abuse and neglect. Amanda Brunson DCFS Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare says Hook will serve as an in-house clinical resource for case workers and staff.

Cut 9 (11) “…understand it.” 

Hook has worked as the pediatric emergency room physician at Our Lady of the Lake for eight years. She has also worked at OLOL Children’s Hospital since it opened. Brunson says Hook will also act as a subject matter expert for children and families.

Cut 10 (12) “…child welfare.”

Since moving to the Bayou State, Hook has served as the medical representative on the multidisciplinary team for DCFS and the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center. When conflicting opinions from medical providers or a report come in, Brunson says Hook will consult on complex medical cases on child welfare.

Cut 11 (12) “…right path.”