A new report shows strong wage outcomes for men earning associate degrees and short-term credentials. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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President Trump is likely to approve Governor Landry’s request to send National Guard troops to New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A drone manufacturing company is shifting production to Louisiana. Jeanne (“zhahn”) Burns reports.

Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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A new report from the Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette shows there’s been a significant growth in the number of certificate completers since 2010. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says this is a positive development.

Cut 4 (10) “…to the workforce.”

The 150-page report shows a two-year credential has helped lower the percentage of workers between 25 and 34 who have a high school degree or less. In 1980, that percentage was 54-percent; it’s now down to 29-percent. And a credential worker can make a good living.

Erwin says the report shows men who earned an associate degree, which may take two to three years to complete, earn higher wages in many cases than men with a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four-years to receive.

Cut 5 (12) “…terms of wages.”

Erwin says a major focus is to raise the state’s educational attainment rate. The Board of Regents says it’s close to 53-percent, and the goal is 60-percent. Erwin says some disparities also must be closed.

Cut 6 (09) “…men and women.”

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President Trump is likely to approve Governor Landry’s request to send the National Guard to New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport to assist law enforcement in those three cities in fighting crime. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says since neither the city nor the police department has any say in whether the National Guard shows up, she wants to work with the Guard so that things are orderly.

Cut 7 (09) “…our National Guard.”

Kirkpatrick says she understands both sides of the political debate over the issue, and that she wants the National Guard to work in cooperation with NOPD.

Cut 8 (13) “…the needs are.”

In Baton Rouge, Republican Mayor-President Sid Edwards says he’s fully on board with sending the National Guard to the city, saying he ran for the office on a platform of cracking down on crime.

Cut 9 (07)  “…it a chance.”

Edwards says there are a lot of misconceptions about the National Guard’s role in law enforcement, saying the Guard is not trying to take over cities.

Cut 10 (14) “…be the gestapo.”

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Lafayette will soon be the manufacturing home for a commercial drone manufacturing company. Houston-based DMR Technologies is renovating a facility in the city that it will use to manufacture its flagship unmanned aerial system. Mandi Mitchell, the president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says the site will be the company’s primary domestic hub.

Cut 11 (11) “…Field Ranger X50.”

Mitchell says the company’s economic impact will go far beyond the 500 direct jobs that it expects to create over the next ten years.

Cut 12 (10) “…vendors and suppliers.”

Mitchell says the direct jobs that the company will create will pay well above the parish’s average salary.

Cut 13 (07)  “…very good wage.”

The company says by shifting production to Louisiana, it will better serve U.S. customers through shorter lead times, enhanced regulatory compliance and strengthened domestic supply chain capabilities. It hopes to have the renovated facility up and running by the middle of next year.

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The Saints picked up their first victory on Sunday, defeating the Giants 26-14. It was also the first for Kellen Moore as a head coach. Moore says after New Orleans came up short in their first four games, it was nice to break through and get in the win column.

Cut 14 (15) “…the future.”

New Orleans second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler earned his first win as a starter in the NFL after starting his career 0-10. Rattler threw for 212 yards with a touchdown and rushed for 22 yards in the 26-14 win on Sunday.. Rattler says that he isn’t worried about the past and is focused on improving each week to help his team.

Cut 15 (12) “…every week.”

New Orleans’ defense forced three fumbles and intercepted two passes against the New York Giants in their 26-14 win on Sunday. Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry intercepted quarterback Jaxson Dart twice and says the unit takes a lot of pride in taking the ball from opposing offenses.

Cut 16 (14) “…the game.”

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Disappointing start to Southland play for Northwestern State as the Demons lose on homecoming night to previously winless East Texas A&M 40 to 10. Second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle did not see his team being on the wrong side of a blowout…

Cut 17 (16)  “…work to do.”

The Demons fall to 1-and-4 and they will be at Houston Christian on Saturday.

____________________________________________

The Northwestern Wildcats took it to the ULM Warhawks, defeating Coach Bryant Vincent’s team 42-7. Vincent says their lack of success on third down was the biggest factor in the loss…

Cut 18 (19) “…that simple.”

ULM is at Coastal Carolina on Saturday.

_________________________________________________________

Southeastern Louisiana smoked McNeese 38 to 0 in Lake Charles on Saturday. Coach Frank Scelfo’s team has won 10 of its 11 games played against FCS teams…

Cut 19 (19) “…been outstanding.”

The Cowboys have lost five in a row heading into a bye week. Coach Matt Viator was shocked with Saturday’s result…

Cut 20 (12) “…your level.”

Congress’s failure to pass a funding bill to keep the federal government operating also means the National Flood Insurance Program is no longer active. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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One economist says Louisiana will soon reach a jobs milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Congress’s inability to approve a government funding bill has resulted in the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program. Louisiana Commissioner Tim Temple says this means the N-F-I-P cannot issue new or renew existing flood insurance policies…

Cut 3 (10) “…of people.”

NFIP policies currently in effect will continue until the end of the current one-year policy term. Temple says the NFIP can still pay claims, but that will stop once available funds run out…

Cut 4 (10) “…hurricane season.”

The government shutdown and the failure of Congress to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program also impacts real estate transactions. Temple says properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area are required to have flood insurance….

Cut 5 (08) “…to be closed.”

Temple says private flood insurance is available and home buyers can contact a property insurance agent for assistance in helping to find private flood insurance.

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One economist is predicting that Louisiana is going to achieve a significant employment milestone within the next two years. Dr. Loren Scott says Louisiana is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs over the next two years, pushing the state past the elusive two-million jobs threshold.

Cut 6 (11) “…employment in Louisiana.”

Dr. Scott says the record employment is being driven in large part by the industrial construction boom throughout the state. He says in Shreveport, one thing to watch for is whether a long-rumored project will come to fruition.

Cut 7 (10) “…sign non-disclosure agreements.”

Scott says further east, Monroe is already starting to feel the effects of the Meta data center being put up in Richland Parish.

Cut 8 (09) “…next few years.”

________________________________________________

We’re looking at higher rain chances this weekend, but mainly for southeast Louisiana as tropical moisture could bring much needed rainfall to that part of the state. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the whole state could really use some rain…

Cut 9 (12)  “…part of the state.”

Keim says the National Hurricane Center has identified an area of low pressure near the Bahamas that has a low potential of developing into a tropical depression. Keim says this tropical disturbance is helping to bump up the rain chances for southeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (12) “…anybody’s guess.”

Keim says rain chances will increase on Sunday…

Cut 11 (09) “…part of Wednesday.”

Governor Landry says the national guard is needed to help local enforcement combat a rise in crime. But is violent crime really on the rise? Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Scary moments outside a Montessori school in Alexandria as a deputy shoots towards a driver trying to run him over. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU’s offense has struggled to be effective through the first five games of the season, and it could get worse before it gets any better. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Two men are arrested in connection with a shooting on Bourbon Street over the weekend that killed a Chicago woman in town celebrating her birthday. Chief Deputy Superintendent Hans Ganthier announced the arrests during a news conference yesterday afternoon.

Cut 4 (14) “…he returned fire.”

20-year-old Mekhi Jarius Andry, the initial shooter, was arrested in Metairie, while Dontrell Bradley, who returned fire after being injured, was arrested on scene. 33-year-old Jessica Williams was near them; she was hit by the gunfire and was killed. Williams’ mother and stepfather were at the news conference, and Ganthier expressed his sorrow to them.

Cut 5 (10) “…this tragic incident.”

Ganthier has a stern message for anyone looking to wreak havoc in New Orleans and put the lives of residents or tourists in danger.

Cut 6 (11) “…you to justice.”

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Governor Landry says one-thousand Louisiana National Guard troops need to be deployed to urban centers throughout the state because of elevated crime rates in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. But crime data analyst Jeff Asher says crime rates are actually declining.

Cut 7 (12) “…very civil matter.”

In 2022, New Orleans had the nation’s highest murder rate, but the number of homicides this year in the Crescent City are the lowest they’ve been since 1970, and other violent crimes are also down.

Cut 8 (12) “…peak in 2023.”

Asher says murders are also down in Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

Cut 9 (08)  “…murder through June.”

If the governor’s request for the federal government to pay for the deployment of Louisiana National Guard troops is approved, they would assist local law enforcement in public safety until July 1^st.

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Some scary moments outside a Montessori school in Alexandria. A Rapides Parish deputy opened fire at a vehicle that sped towards him in the parking lot of Peabody Montessori School yesterday. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office  spokesperson Tommy Carnline says security was already beefed up at all schools throughout the parish amid all the online threats, when the deputy noticed the driver speeding into the parking lot shortly after nine A-M…

Cut 10 (13) “…what’s happening?”

Carnline says that’s when the driver attempted to run the deputy over.

Cut 11 (11) “…at my deputy.”

The deputy hit the ground and opened fire. The deputy was slightly shaken up due to having to fall to the ground to avoid being hit; otherwise, there were no injuries. The school and other nearby schools were placed on lockdown. The driver was arrested later in the day. Carnline says amid the threats and many other incidents across the country, everyone is on edge these days.

Cut 12 (07) “…vehicle was doing.”

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No progress on Capitol Hill yesterday; thus, the federal government is shut down. Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, who represents New Orleans, says what’s different about this one is that unlike shutdowns in the past, where federal employees were furloughed, employees this time around will lose their jobs altogether with no guarantee of being rehired when government reopens.

Cut 13 (12)  “…get reimbursed later.”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says even if you’re not a federal worker, you could experience some major inconveniences thanks to the shutdown.

Cut 14 (14) “…to be locked.”

One of the biggest sticking points relates to the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Democrats want Republicans to commit to extending them now, while Republicans want to save that discussion for a later date. Carter says he’s not willing to risk those subsidies for millions of Americans.

Cut 15 (12) “…shut it down.”

Cassidy, on the other hand, says Democrats are proposing spending cuts of their own which he says are untenable.

Cut 16 (10) “…reimagine their future.”

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The LSU offense has been a major issue through the first five games of the season. The Tigers only put up 254 yards of total offense against Ole Miss. Former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey says that no one on the offensive side of the ball is on the same page, which is making it difficult to be effective.

Cut 17 (21)  “…there’s no cohesiveness.”

It’s evident that LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has not played up to his potential the past couple of weeks of the season. Head coach Brian Kelly said that Nussmeier is healthy, but Davey thinks that something is wrong with the starting quarterback after seeing multiple uncharacteristic underthrows this season.

Cut 18 (09) “…release that football.”

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Nicholls football dropped to 1 and 4 on the season after a disappointing 27-7 loss to Eastern Kentucky. The Colonels scored on the third play of the game but were not able to score for the rest of the game. Head coach Tommy Rybacki says his team has to do a better job of executing.

Cut 19 (14) “…are doing that.”

Despite dropping four non-conference games, Nicholls will get the opportunity to stay undefeated in conference play as they travel to Beaumont to face Lamar on Saturday. Rybacki says he is making sure his team knows everything they want to accomplish is still in front of them.

Cut 20 (21) “…to address those.”

Governor Jeff Landry has asked the federal government to fund the deployment of one thousand Louisiana National Guard soldiers to help law enforcement fight crime. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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A state representative from Rapides Parish says laws need to be beefed up amid a series of social media threats against high schools. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has made a formal request to the Pentagon for the federal government to pay for the deployment of one thousand Louisiana National Guard Troops, who will assist local law enforcement in fighting crime. Landry, who appeared on Fox News last night, says when he took office last year, there was a decline in violent crime in New Orleans, but recently they’ve seen an uptick…

Cut 3 (08) “…right now.”

The Trump administration has already authorized the deployment of the National Guard to Washington D.C. in an effort to reduce crime and enforce immigration laws. More recently, the Guard has been deployed to Memphis, Tennessee, and now Portland, Oregon. Landry expects the President will approve Louisiana’s request…

Cut 4 (05) “…happy to come.”

Landry says the state is also seeing elevated crime rates in Shreveport and Baton Rouge, coupled with manpower shortages within local law enforcement. He says the Guard can supplement law enforcement presence in high-crime areas…

Cut 5 (04) “…our streets.”

(All sound courtesy of Fox News)

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A series of threats against high schools in Rapides Parish has those schools on edge. Over the course of the last several days, threats have been posted onto social media against no fewer than four high schools, forcing the cancellation of one school’s entire homecoming weekend. So far, five juveniles have been arrested, but Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says current laws are way too lenient.

Cut 6 (09) “…the school properties.”

Johnson says this is something that the legislature needs to address in the next session.

Cut 7 (13) “…the young people.”

Johnson says it’s not just the juvenile perpetrators who need to be held accountable for these threats.

Cut 8 (15) “…in some situations.”

The investigation into the threats remains ongoing, and more arrests may be forthcoming.

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The U-S Department of Education is sending Louisiana 13-point-five million dollars to support charter schools. This allocation is on top of the 55 million dollars the state received in 2023 to increase the number of charter schools. Assistant Superintendent in the Office of the School Choice, Germaine Gilson, on how this round of money can be used…

Cut 9 (09)  “…really important.”

The money will be divided up among numerous charter schools who will have to submit applications to the department of education. Gilson says charter schools are an important piece in the state’s effort to expand school choice options, and the state wants them to succeed…

Cut 10 (12) “…students forward.”

Gilson says charter schools expand education choice by providing more schooling options for students, particularly those that reside in failing districts…

Cut 11 (11) “…child.”

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A federal government shutdown could be just hours away. If Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on how to keep the government funded by midnight Eastern time, 11 p-m Central time, the government will shut down – and at this point, the two parties are galaxies apart. Senator Bill Cassidy says Democrats are looking to add one-trillion dollars to the national debt by spending money on things that Republicans will never go along with.

Cut 12 (11) “…access to Medicaid.”

Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, on the other hand, says Republicans are determined to enact policies that take away Americans’ basic rights and freedoms.

Cut 13 (11)  “…freedom of speech.”

Cassidy says the House speaker is offering an extension to continue the negotiations.

Cut 14 (11) “…of the year.”

Carter says Republicans are governing through deception, and that’s not the way to govern.

Cut 15 (09) “…the American people.”

A woman is shot dead on Bourbon Street over the weekend. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Due to what they say were credible threats, officials in Alexandria cancel Peabody Magnet High School’s homecoming weekend. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Many LSU fans are down on their football team following Saturday’s 24-19 loss to Ole Miss. It’s the Tigers first loss of the season and the offense does not look good. Linebacker Whit Weeks has not lost faith…

Cut 3 (10) “…us yet.”

The Tigers are off this Saturday and will host South Carolina on October 11th.

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The Saints are 0-4 for the first time since 2012 after losing to Buffalo 31-19. Just like two of their previous losses, New Orleans was in the game in the fourth quarter, but didn’t make enough plays to win. Spencer Rattler is now 0-and-10 as a starting quarterback in the NFL

Cut 4 (10) “…keep progressing.”

The Saints will host the Giants this weekend. New York receiver and former LSU star Malik Nabers is out for the season with a torn ACL.

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The most exciting game of the weekend was in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns rallied back from a 17-point third quarter deficit and defeated Marshall 54-51 in double overtime. Backup quarterback Lunch Whitfield came off the bench and accounted for five touchdowns…

Cut 5 (12) “…just us.”

The Cajuns are off this Saturday and will visit James Madison on October 11th.

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She was in the wrong place at the wrong time – a woman visiting New Orleans from Chicago celebrating her 33rd birthday is shot dead on Bourbon Street early Sunday morning. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says a fight broke out near Canal Street, and it culminated in gunfire.

Cut 6 (07) “…and witness statements.”

Kirkpatrick says three others were injured in the shooting, including the woman’s sister.

Cut 7 (07) “…a fabulous city.”

Kirkpatrick is urging people who visit the French Quarter to leave their guns at home.

Cut 8 (10) “…high-risk situation.”

Police have released surveillance video of the four people involved in the fight, including the suspected shooter.

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Governor Landry wants the EPA to pick up the pace in cleaning up the Tangipahoa River following last month’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. In a video posted to social media, Landry said he watched a video of what the river looks like more than 30 days after the explosion, and he was disgusted at the sight of all the oil in the water.

Cut 9 (08)  “…going fast enough.”

Landry said immediately after watching the video, he got several people on the phone.

Cut 10 (13) “…of that site.”

Landry said his commitment is to the people of Tangipahoa Parish, especially those who live near the site of the explosion and the river.

Cut 11 (10) “…before the fire.”

The EPA says it’s already cleaned up almost seven million gallons of waste from the river and adjacent ponds and four million gallons have been shipped for disposal. The EPA says its working around the clock and they released video that shows crews deploying booms and barriers to contain and remove the oil from the waterways. The EPA says underflow dams have also been constructed to prevent further discharge of oily materials. 

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What was supposed to be a festive weekend in Alexandria turned into a weekend of frustration and anger. All events during homecoming weekend at Peabody Magnet High School were cancelled because of what officials say was a credible security threat. Community activist Tony Brown is furious.

Cut 12 (09) “…happy about it.”

Brown says people came from as far away from California and Canada for the celebration, just to have the celebration taken away. In fact, Brown says people had been lined up along the parade route for hours before word came down that the parade had been cancelled.

Cut 13 (11)  “…that got cancelled.”

In addition, Peabody Magnet’s homecoming game against Franklin was also cancelled. Brown says it’s a huge loss for the entire community.

Cut 14 (12) “…making this happen.”

The football game will not be made up.

Early voting in the New Orleans mayoral election begins Saturday. Andrew Greenstein reports it could be a runaway.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Tangipahoa Parish man has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for killing a Loranger mother and her daughter in June of 2024. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Early voting starts Saturday in the New Orleans mayoral election. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Helena Moreno has such a big lead in the polls that the other two major candidates in the race, Royce Duplessis and Oliver Thomas, are just hoping to get the race to a runoff.

Cut 3 (09) “…percent plus one.”

Chervenak says while Moreno, who’s currently the president of the New Orleans City Council, is resonating with voters, Duplessis and Thomas are having a much more difficult time doing so.

Cut 4 (14) “…to the past.”

Chervenak says with Duplessis and Thomas trailing in the polls by a wide margin, they’re pulling out all the stops in portraying Moreno in a negative light.

Cut 5 (10) “…the city council.”

Early voting ends October 4th, and the election is October 11th. If no one reaches the 50-percent-plus-one threshold, a runoff between the top two votegetters will be held November 15th.

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An Amite man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges in the death of a 35-year-old woman and her four-year-old daughter. Prosecutors say Daniel Callihan stabbed to death Callie Brunett 50-times in Loranger in June of 2024 and took her girls to Hinds County, Mississippi. That’s where four-year-old Erin Brunett was found dead. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says Callihan will serve two life sentences with no possibility of parole…

Cut 6 (06) “…important to us.”

By pleading guilty, Callihan avoids the possibility of a death sentence. Perrilloux says capital punishment cases are difficult to prosecute, so avoiding a trial and getting a guilty plea is a positive result.

Cut 7 (09) “…great benefit.”

Callihan also kidnapped Brunett’s six-year-old daughter and he intended to keep her as a sex slave. After he was apprehended in Mississippi, Callihan told reporters as he was being walked by Jackson, Mississippi police that he killed Brunett and her daughter and blamed it on being on Lexapro.

Callihan’s attorney, Kerry Cuccia, says his client is a different person than he was 15 months ago…

Cut 8 (13) “…the time.”

Callihan is also expected to plead guilty on Monday to state charges in Mississippi. He will also be sentenced in November to federal crimes he pleaded guilty to last month.

The Brunett family issued a statement, wishing him “nightmares every night for the rest of his life.”

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If you have a “baby on board,” take a few minutes to check on the installation of your child safety seat. Saturday is National Seat Check Saturday, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is setting up nine free safety seat inspection stations around the state from nine to noon. Bridget Gardner, the state director for the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force, says the vast majority of parents fail to properly install child safety seats.

Cut 9 (10)  “…don’t get it right.”

Gardner says an improperly installed seat or an improperly buckled child is as dangerous as a lack of a child safety seat altogether.

Cut 10 (14) “…room for injury.”

There are many different types of child safety seats based on the child’s height and weight; and Gardner says if you show up to one of these stations and you’re found to have an improper seat, you might be able to obtain a proper one right then and there.

Cut 11 (13) “…have any extras.”

If they don’t have any extras, they can point you in the right direction on what specifically to buy.

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In tomorrow’s SEC showdown between 4th ranked LSU and 13th ranked Ole Miss, the Tigers could have success running the football. The Rebels have the 120^th rush defense in the nation, allowing 190 yards on the ground a game. ESPN analyst and former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland says the Tigers must be able to run the ball efficiently in order to open up other parts of the offense.

Cut 12 (09) “…130 yards.”

LSU’s defense will be tested against Ole Miss on Saturday. Last time the Tigers played Ole Miss in Oxford, LSU’s defense surrendered a program worst 707 yards of offense. McFarland says he has a lot more confidence in this 2025 squad.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the field.”

LSU’s offense looked much more comfortable last week against Southeastern Louisiana, scoring eight total touchdowns. Tigers head coach Brian Kelly says look for the Tigers to play with some tempo.

Cut 14 (13) “…the offense.”

State Representative Mike Bayham says he had the honor of a lifetime as he had the opportunity to shake hands and speak with Pope Leo the 14^th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While there’s progress being made, truancy continues to be a problem in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Republican State Representative Mike Bayham from Saint Bernard Parish had the thrill of a lifetime as he met Pope Leo the 14th at the Vatican. Bayham says he gave the first American-born pontiff a copy of a state resolution congratulating him on becoming the head of the Catholic church…

Cut 3 (08) “…he appreciated it.”

Leo the 14’s grandparents on his mother’s side got married and lived in the New Orleans 7^th Ward before moving to Chicago. Bayham also gifted Pope Leo a glass oyster shell, a symbol of St Bernard’s rich commercial fishing heritage…

Cut 4 (09) “…this is unique.”

Bayham says he asked the Holy Father to keep St. Bernard Parish in his prayers and prayers for his mother Kathy Gomez and a woman who works at the State Capitol who is undergoing experimental treatment for an aggressive form of cancer.

Bayham went to Holy Cross High School in New Orleans and says when you have one on one time with the pope you need to make the most of the opportunity..

Cut 5 (07) “…first American pope.”

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After months of delays, construction at the new Buc-ee’s in Ruston is finally underway. Equipment moved in last Friday, and construction workers started turning dirt on Monday. Mayor Ronny Walker says the delays will prevent the massive road trip staple from opening in 2026.

Cut 6 (08) “…fine with us.”

Mayor Walker says when the new Buc-ee’s does open, it will create hundreds of jobs, and they’re all good-paying jobs.

Cut 7 (05) “…more than that.”

Walker says the quality of the jobs go far beyond the 18 to 20 dollar an hour starting wage.

Cut 8 (07) “…in North Louisiana.”

Construction is also underway at the Buc-ee’s in Lafayette; so even though Mayor Walker doesn’t view this as a race, there could be a friendly competition as to which one will open first.

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While the state is making progress on truancy, it still has quite a ways to go. The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says statewide, the truancy rate – that is, five or more unexcused absences in a semester – is more than 40 percent. PAR President Steven Procopio says the truancy rate varies by parish, and it varies greatly within each region and demographic.

Cut 9 (08)  “…an immediate connection.”

Procopio says the Louisiana Department of Education and BESE are working on a strategy to boost student attendance, whether it be enforcement, encouragement or both.

Cut 10 (11) “…a little bit.”

Procopio says it’s a challenge to determine where Louisiana ranks nationally, since each state defines truancy differently. However, when applying the national definition of chronic absenteeism – absent for more than ten-percent of all class time, whether excused or unexcused – Louisiana doesn’t do too badly.

Cut 11 (06) “…about 22.5-percent.”

Twenty years ago today, Hurricane Rita flooded low-lying areas of southwest Louisiana with its storm surge and produced more power outages to a state struggling to get back on its feet from Katrina. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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NOLA.com is reporting the Superdome lease negotiations are at standstill between the Saints and the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking you to be on the lookout for the eastern spotted skunk so that biologists can determine the current distribution and conservation needs of the species. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today is the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Rita’s landfall in Cameron Parish. The storm produced widespread damage across southwest Louisiana as the state was still reeling from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Katrina. Retired Major General John Basilica was the commander of Louisiana National Guard’s storm operations in Louisiana and says it was difficult to respond to two natural disasters at the same time…

Cut 4 (12) “…Rita.”

Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29^th in Plaquemines Parish, killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless. On September 21^st, Rita entered the Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane and developed into Category Five storm before eventually weakening to a Category Three storm in southwest Louisiana on September 24^th. Basilica says the preparation for the storm was well done, despite the tough circumstances…

Cut 5 (09) “…listened.”

There was only one reported in death in Louisiana that was attributed to Rita, while Texas had 113. Rita produced four-billion dollars in damages across southwest Louisiana and left one-million people without power, including the thousands that were still without power because of Katrina.

Many low-lying areas of southwest Louisiana were flooded as storm surge flooding even reached Lake Charles. Many buildings and homes in Cameron Parish were washed away.

Basilica says just like with Katrina, they had to perform search and rescue operations, but they had more assistance than they did with Katrina

Cut 6 (07) “…getting it.”

Basilica says it was not until February 2006 until the National Guard restored all authority and responsibility back to civilian authorities.

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Louisiana approves its first-ever carbon storage well. The state issued Sempra Infrastructure a Class Six permit to inject an estimated two-million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year for up to 20 years underneath Black Lake in Cameron Parish. Patrick Courreges (cur-RAHJ) with the Department of Energy and Natural Resources says these permits are the most restrictive permits the department does, because something is being injected into the ground permanently.

Cut 7 (16) “…inject the carbon.”

Courreges says a company like Sempra really needs to know the geology in the area to build the storage well.

Cut 8 (14) “…the zone underground.”

Courreges says the well will need to be thoroughly monitored.

Cut 9 (11)  “…CO2 is going.”

The well is expected to be drilled more than ten-thousand feet below ground level.

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NOLA.com reports that the Superdome lease negotiations have stalled because of pending deals regarding related properties such as Benson Tower, Champions Square and the Saints practice facility. Times-Picayune reporter Jeff Duncan says that state and the Saints are in the midst of a major disagreement.

Cut 10 (15) “…philosophical disagreement.”

As part of the current lease agreement, the state has rented office space in Benson Tower since 2010. The Saints have been leasing the spaces to state agencies at $32.50 per square foot compared to the New Orleans average of $20.67 per square foot. Duncan says the agreement is a way to for the state to financially support the Saints….

Cut 11 (11) “…that support”

The current lease agreement ends in 2030. Duncan says he doesn’t see a world where the Saints relocate to another city, but he says neither side is planning to back down.

Cut 12 (07) “…to be.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking you to be on the lookout for the eastern spotted skunk. It’s a species that hasn’t officially been documented in the state in more than three decades, and the department wants to use the data to help biologists determine the current distribution and conservation needs of the species. Jennifer Manuel, the furbearer biologist with the State of Louisiana, says the eastern spotted skunk is the smallest species of skunk, and they have a very distinctive pattern of white spots on a black coat – and they have a unique behavior.

Cut 13 (14)  “…scare away predators.”

Manuel says the eastern spotted skunk is very good at pest control.

Cut 14 (08) “…sort of thing.”

Manuel says if you see an eastern spotted skunk, you can do one thing to help LDWF.

Cut 15 (05) “…might still occur.”

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LSU attacked the transfer portal heavily this offseason, specifically on defense. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin credited Brian Kelly’s aggressiveness in the portal and said that the Tigers got the best of the best at the defensive back positions by adding Mansoor Delane, AJ Haulcy and Tamarcus Cooley.

Cut 16 (20) “…playing great.”

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is coming off of his best game of the season after totaling four touchdowns against Southeastern. Kiffin says that Nussmeier has an elite pocket presence that saved the Tigers in last year’s matchup in Baton Rouge.

Cut 17 (17)  “…savvy player.”

Even though the LSU offense hasn’t statistically jumped out to most, Kiffin says that the Tigers’ receivers are extremely gifted and that it will be a difficult matchup for the Rebels’ defensive backs.

Cut 18 (16) “…really challenged.”

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Louisiana Tech sophomore quarterback Blake Baker played the entire game against Southern Miss last week, completing 15 of his 21 passes for 239 yards while also rushing for 29 yards and a touchdown in the 30 to 20 win. Baker says that he was not initially a quarterback that would leave the quarterback, but understood that offensive coordinator Tony Franklin needed a QB that could both pass it and use his legs.

Cut 19 (13) “…out tremendously.”

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New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson has had an extensive history with injuries. Last season, he only played in 30 games due to a hamstring issue; but after a long year of training, Williamson says he feels the best he’s ever felt physically.

Cut 20 (23) “…feel good.”

The State of Louisiana has a stern warning for litterbugs – we’re not putting up with your garbage anymore! Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is pushing back on the notion that autism could be caused by pregnant women taking Tylenol. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The State of Louisiana has a stern warning for litterbugs: We’re not taking your trash anymore! Harahan Representative John Illg authored the new state law that beefs up enforcement of the state’s anti-littering enforcement efforts.

Cut 3 (07) “…enforce litter laws.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says part of the new law is the establishment of a litter hotline.

Cut 4 (11) “…likely to litter.”

Fines for littering range from 175 dollars for simple littering on a first offense up to one-thousand dollars for gross littering – dumping large amounts of trash or having an illegal dump site. For those who can’t afford the fines, the judge has the option to require eight hours of picking up trash. Nungesser says if you think those fines are stiff, think about what littering costs the state.

Cut 5 (10) “…on other things.”

Illg and Nungesser touted the new law ahead of the start of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful State Conference.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is pushing back on President Trump’s notion that autism can be linked to women taking acetaminophen while pregnant. The Republican Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says it’s important to note that no study has explicitly said that taking the drug, most commonly sold under the Tylenol brand, CAUSES autism.

Cut 6 (08) “…that it’s associated.”

Cassidy cited an article out of Sweden, in which they followed two-million people, which he says is the highest quality study done on the topic.

Cut 7 (12) “…Tylenol and autism.”

Cassidy says when in doubt, don’t listen to politicians on television or anything you read on the internet, especially on social media – always trust your doctor.

Cut 8 (09) “…to your OB.”

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It seems that restaurants in the Monroe and Ruston areas need a little work in telling diners about the source of their shrimp. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting went to 24 restaurants, and Founder David Williams said none of them said anything about the possibility of their shrimp being imported, as required by law.

Cut 9 (13)  “…we went to.”

SeaD Consulting did genetic testing on the shrimp from all 24 restaurants and found that every single one of them was serving imported shrimp – including seven where the server told them that their shrimp was caught in the Gulf of Mexico. Williams says especially with the increase in radioactive material being found in imported shrimp, that’s a huge issue

Cut 10 (14) “…issue to me.”

Williams says the fact that many restaurants in Monroe, Ruston – and Shreveport, as previously tested – serve imported shrimp is par for the course, based on his company’s findings.

Cut 11 (07) “…drop down significantly.”

By contrast, the authenticity rate along the I-10 corridor tends to be very high, with the New Orleans area being the highest.

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An Allen Parish man is facing multiple counts of arson after he allegedly set ten fires along Louisiana Highway 26. Louisiana Agricultural and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says 67-year-old Bradley Montou set the fires on September 15^th…

Cut 12 (10) “…the highway.”

Strain says Montou was booked into the Allen Parish jail on ten counts of simple arson and his bond is set at 75-thousand dollars.

Cut 13 (09)  “…more fires.”

Strain says quick actions by the Agriculture and Forestry fire crew personnel and aircraft minimized the damage from these fires. He says with the dry conditions, these fires could have gotten out of hand…

Cut 14 (09) “…wildfire.”

The public is urged to report any and all forestry-related crimes to the LDAF 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323.

A former Union Parish football star has a new trial date. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU football’s three permanent opponents for the 2026 to 2029 season have been leaked. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new trial date is set for former Union Parish football star and ex-LSU running back Trey Holly, who is facing two felony charges in connection with a shooting in Union Parish that injured two people in February of last year. Holly’s lawyer, Michael Small, says Judge Monique Clement (clay-MAW) has set the trial date for April 27th. Holly was scheduled to stand trial in July, but it was postponed due to a broken air conditioner at the courthouse in Farmerville.

Cut 3 (09) “…on that date.”

Holly is charged with illegal use of a weapon and aggravated criminal damage to property; a grand jury dismissed an attempted second-degree murder charge. Small says Judge Clement denied the state’s request for a change of venue.

Cut 4 (11) “…to change venue.”

Clement said the issue could be considered during jury selection, but Small says barring any extenuating circumstances, the trial will be held in Union Parish.

Cut 5 (13) “…to have occurred.”

Because Holly is facing a felony, he was not allowed to play at LSU. He’s now playing for Southern University and he’s the Jaguars leading rusher with 267 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Holly is the all-time leading rusher in Louisiana high school football history.

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Two fishermen drowned on Sunday at Dorcheat (Door-cheat) Bayou in Webster Parish. Sheriff Jason Parker says it’s believed one of the fishermen fell from a chair into the water and the other ended up in the water trying to rescue the other…

Cut 6 (09) “…just tragic incident.”

The bodies of 54-year-old Annie Buggs of Bernice and 41-year-old Deandrea Ford of Homer were found in the water, along with a chair. Parker says relatives tell investigators they did not know how to swim.

Cut 7 (11) “…pulled in themselves”

Both bodies have been sent to Little Rock, Arkansas for autopsy. Parker says they get the results back in two weeks, but foul play is not suspected…

Cut 8 (08) “..what happened.”

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The annual SEC showdown between LSU and Alabama will come to an end. On3-dot-com’s Chris Low is reporting LSU and Alabama will not be permanent opponents when the SEC moves to a nine-game schedule in 2026. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says the battle between the Tigers and the Tide is usually one of the most watched college football games of the season…

Cut 9 (09)  “…Top Ten games.”

LSU and Alabama have met in every regular season from 1964 and will play this season on November eighth. The Tigers’ three permanent opponents will be Arkansas, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Guilbeau believes LSU is catching a scheduling break…

Cut 10 (08) “…made it.”

The Tigers will still play Alabama on a regular basis, but not every season. They will play the Tide in Tuscaloosa and in Baton Rouge between 2026 to 2029, but during two of those seasons, Bama will be off the schedule. Guilbeau says Auburn and Tennessee are rivals for Alabama, so if LSU was the third permanent opponent that would have been tough…

Cut 11 (09) “…three tough ones.”

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It’s been quite a while since much of Louisiana has seen any significant rainfall. While that’s made for an easier time enjoying outdoor chores and activities, it’s also greatly increasing the risk of wildfires. In fact, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says wildfire activity greatly ramped up over the weekend.

Cut 12 (15) “…11 fires”

As of yesterday, six parishes – Allen, Acadia, Evangeline, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Washington – were under burn bans, and more parishes could soon follow suit. Strain says it’s important that you obey those burn bans, because it’s not Mother Nature who’s causing these wildfires.

Cut 13 (07)  “…initiating these fires.”