Southeastern Louisiana University will check Lake Maurepas’ ecosystem before a controversial project begins to inject greenhouse gas emissions deep beneath the lake. Marsanne Golsby has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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According to Walgreens’ flu tracker, Louisiana leads the country in cases. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Tomorrow, Southeastern Louisiana University will begin providing independent scientific monitoring of the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. The goal is to see where the lake stands before Air Products begins its project to inject captured carbon emissions into wells deep beneath the lake.

Dan McCarthy is the dean of Southeastern’s College of Science and Technology.

Cut 3 (11) “..recognize changes” 

McCarthy says they will monitor the health of fish, check the condition of the wetlands, and take water samples. He says in January, they will begin using sophisticated technology to continually upload data to the school’s computers.

Cut 4 (10) “…going on.” 

McCarthy says that information will be public record, so anyone will be able to see it. Air Products is seeking permission to build a $4.5 billion “blue hydrogen” plant in Ascension Parish. Instead of sending the greenhouse gases from the plant into the air, the company proposes to inject C02 into wells beneath Lake Maurepas. The company has given Southeastern a grant to cover the costs of the monitoring.

Cut 5 (05) “..for permitting.” 

Air Products has said if it gets the permits, the earliest it would begin pumping C02 beneath the lake would be 2026.

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Louisiana shrimpers say their industry is in dire peril. They say rising fuel costs, lax testing of imports, and most of all, competition from foreign imports are the culprits. Acy Cooper is President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association.

Cut 6 (08)  “…can produce” 

Cooper says this more than two billion pounds imported shrimp is coming into U-S, a number that keeps rising. He says an estimated 1.6 billion pounds of shrimp are consumed each year by Americans.

Cooper says the imported shrimp is not only bad for the economy, but it’s also bad for consumers’ health. He cites a Consumer Reports study on shrimp safety.

Cut 7 (11) “..trash coming in”

The federal government regulates seafood imports. Louisiana has a law requiring imported shrimp and crawfish to be labelled, but has no ability to stop the imports.

Cut 8 (09)  “..and disappear.”

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Flu cases are on the rise across the country and according to Walgreens’ flu index, Louisiana is at the top of the list with cases. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Louisiana Office of Public Health says the last two years there was a dramatic decline in flu cases due to COVID restrictions but that’s changed this year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the flu.”

An annual flu shot is recommended for those 6 months and older. LDH is holding several vaccine events where in addition to a flu shot you can get your COVID vaccine or booster also.

Gray encourages you to get your flu shot especially with the holidays coming up and after social events were discouraged the last two years the flu is certainly making a comeback.

Cut 10 (09) “…a rage.”

Gray says that an annual flu shot reduces your chances of catching the flu by 40 to 60%, it also reduces severe symptoms and possible hospitalization.

An uptick in flu cases is also causing some local schools to close due to outbreaks and Gray says while the flu is being transmitted across the state, they are seeing spikes in heavily populated areas

Cut 11 (07)  “…our universities.”

For a vaccine event near you visit LDH’s website or vaccines.gov

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly says he was surprised to see the fans rush the field following Saturday’s 45-20 come-from-behind victory over Ole Miss. Kelly says State Troopers told him the student section was spilling on to the field…

Cut 12 (09) “…that bad”

LSU was fined 250-thousand dollars by the SEC because it was the third time in recent history fans came onto the field following an LSU win. The last time they did it was in 2018 when the Tigers defeated Georgia.

Fines collected by the conference go into the SEC Post-Graduate Scholarship Fund.

Kelly says the win over previously unbeaten Ole Miss was a good win for his program, but didn’t think the students would celebrate by coming onto the field

Cut 13 (14) “..win more” 

You can bet LSU fans will rush the field if they beat sixth ranked Alabama on November 5th.

U-S News and World Report ranks Louisiana Tech as the 2nd best public university in the state in its best global universities list. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LRN’s series detailing the Constitutional Amendments on the November 8th ballot continues. Today, we look at Amendment Three with the Public Affairs Research Council. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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So, what costumes should you expect to show up at your door or Halloween party this year? A New Orleans costumer says the TV screen has inspired some of the most popular costumes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Early voting for the November 8^th election is underway through next Tuesday. In addition to congressional and local races, your ballot will include eight proposed constitutional amendments. Today we take a look at proposed Amendment Three with Public Affairs Research Council’s Stephen Procopio.

As it stands now, public employees who are civil servants cannot engage in any political activity.

Cut 4 (10)  “…their family.”

Procopio says the proposed amendment would also let civil service employees attend campaign events during their off-duty hours.

Cut 5 (05) “…for you.”

Procopio says it’s a long list of family members and is very inclusive.

On the flip side, he says there are concerns about eroding protections for state employees.

Cut 6 (11)  “…officials have.” 

The change would affect about 51,000 state and local employees.

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Louisiana Tech University ranks as the second-best public university in the state on the U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities List. La Tech’s Executive Associate President for research and partnership, Dr. Sumeet Dua says the rankings focused on the university’s reputation and academic research.

Cut 7 (13) “…pursue.”

The university’s Physics Program was recognized for its global research and reputation impact, one of the only two programs in the state to be honored.

Dr. Dua says our physics faculty is extremely bright…

Cut 8 (12)  “…over the years.”

Dua says the ranking from U-S News and World Report can help attract students not only from the U-S but internationally.

Cut 9 (12)  “…scholarship opportunities”

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State Treasurer John Schroder says there are tens of millions in the state’s Unclaimed Property fund, and his office wants to reunite the money with its rightful owners. Schroder says the database of people with money waiting for them continues to grow…:

Cut 10 (07) “…44-million dollars” 

This week newspapers across Louisiana began publishing the list of persons with unclaimed money received by the state between September 2021 and August of this year. Schroder says the state Treasury Department is responsible for returning the money to citizens….:

Cut  11 (08)  “…for everybody.”

Unclaimed Property can be money from unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, stock dividends and even rent or utility deposits. The state gets to keep any interest from the total in the fund, but an amendment passed by voters that took effect in July 2021 protects that principle sum from being used for state government expenditures. Schroder says amounts owed can be fairly small and sometimes pretty large…:

Cut 12 (10) “…a 258-thousand dollar CD.” 

You can quickly check and see if there is any money awaiting you at “LaCashClaim.org”

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Halloween is just days away and in case you haven’t decided how you’ll dress up this year a costumer from Southern Costume Company in New Orleans says why not dress up as your favorite movie or TV character? Macie Breaux says the premiere of the TV series Interview with a Vampire has inspired several of their customers.

Cut 13 (08) “…this year.”

In addition to supplying costumes for productions filming in New Orleans, Breaux says they offer costume rentals to the public for Mardi Gras and Halloween. Breaux says last year the series Stranger Things inspired customers and it’s again popular this year too.

Breaux says working as a costumer in New Orleans she’s heard and seen it all when it comes to disguises for Halloween.

Cut 14 (09)  “…here in New Orleans.”

And while Halloween business is typically brisk from the end of September until the end of October, Breaux says if you haven’t picked out your costume yet, you’re not alone.

Cut 15 (09)  “…here for it.”

According to Google Trends the most searched Halloween costume this year is a witch, inspired by the recent release of Hocus Pocus 2.

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The Southern University football program is set to get some big time exposure this Saturday as ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Jackson, Mississippi Saturday for the Jaguars game against SWAC rival Jackson State. Head Coach Eric Dooley says it’s a big deal for the entire school

Cut 16 (13)  “…coming here” 

With College Gameday in Jackson, Mississippi that means a lot more attention will be placed on this game nationally. It will likely also mean some sort of feature during the popular TV show involving a Southern player, coach or tradition. Dooley says the focus needs to remain on the game…

Cut 17 (14) “…ready to play” 

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The Saints get back to work today as they get ready to host Las Vegas. New Orleans is 2-and-5 on the season, but New Orleans still has a chance to turn its season around. Especially considering they are just one game back of first place in the NFC South, behind Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Linebacker Demario Davis has been a leader for the Black and Gold for several seasons and he’s trying to lead this squad now…

Cut 18 (15) “…come back out.” 

The Saints defense has struggled this season. Davis says they know how to turn it around…

Cut 19 (18) “…always done”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services might be looking for you! DCFS needs to fill 400 vacancies in a hurry—so they’re changing their hiring process. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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RSV and flu cases are up among children but when do you need to seek medical help? Brooke Thorington has more from a pediatrician.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is trying to fill 400 vacancies in a hurry. So they’re hosting job fairs around the state through December 15^th.  Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’re looking for people with big hearts.

Cut 3 (10) “..families” 

More about the specific jobs is available at D C F S. LA. GOV. She says they are looking to fill jobs in both of their major programs. Family support—helping low-income people get food—But especially child welfare.

Cut 4 (06) “…adoption worker.” 

Walters says the job fairs—held at nine locations around the state—help shorten the hiring process by several weeks. She says she is very excited at the response so far.

Cut 5 (09) “…will be.” 

The next job fair is tomorrow at the Slidell municipal auditorium, then November 2^nd at the Lake Charles Civic Center, and November 10^th at the Delta Community College in Monroe.

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Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is asking voters to vote against his proposed Constitutional Amendment seven on the November 8th ballot, because he says the ballot language is confusing. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin also opposes the amendment that deals with a form of slavery

Cut 6 (08)  “…intended” 

Erwin says the intent of the amendment was to restrict the use of involuntary servitude, to make sure it’s only permitted as a form of criminal punishment, but because of how the amendment was written, it may actually broaden the use of involuntary servitude

Cut 7 (06) “..in the constitution”

Jordan is asking voters to vote no on Amendment 7 so the Legislature can rewrite the proposed amendment next year. Erwin says this has to be confusing for voters…

Cut 8 (11)  “..do it”

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RSV and flu cases are on the rise among children and Dr. Brannon Perilloux, a pediatrician at Ochsner Health Center for Children in Baton Rouge says when you should seek medical care depends on how your child is reacting. For example, if they have a significantly high fever or they feel really bad and Tylenol isn’t helping bring them in.

Cut 9 (08)  “…your pediatrician. “

But if they are behaving as normal they don’t necessarily need to see the doctor.

There’s no vaccine for RSV but there is for the flu, so Perilloux encourages anyone six months or older to get their flu shot. In 2020 he says they didn’t see hardly any flu cases and RSV cases decreased dramatically but since COVID restrictions eased both are making a comeback.

Cut 10 (10) “…comes through.”

In addition to a drop in temps Perilloux says the biggest spreader by far of RSV and the flu is among daycares, preschools, and schools themselves.

Cut 11 (10)  “…get it.”

The symptoms of both the flu and RSV are the same; runny nose, cough, congestion, and fever. The only way to determine is by taking a nasal swab test.

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The Powerball Jackpot reaches $ 700 million and it’s the fifth largest jackpot in Powerball history. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it has a cash value of $335.7 million and it’s the 8^th largest U.S jackpot ever.

Cut 12 (07) “…three-dollars.”

The current jackpot has been growing since August and Annison says for Wednesday night’s drawing tickets must be purchased by 9 PM. After you purchase your ticket he says immediately sign the back. And while you might not win a jackpot be sure to check your ticket for additional prizes.

Cut 13 (11) “..prize tier.” 

And as always, he says to play responsibly and it only takes one to win. Wednesday night’s drawing is at 9:59.

Early voting for the Nov. 8th Election begins today and continues through Tuesday, Nov. 1st.  Secretary of State Kyle Adroin is reminding people to get out and be proactive Whitney Thomas has more …

Cut 1 (33) “…Whitney Thomas.”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is headed for London, England on a mission to help improve Louisiana’s costs for insurance and reinsurance. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Democratic candidates running for US Senate, Gary Chambers and Syrita Steib attended the Baton Press Club’s forum Monday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Early voting for the Nov. 8th Election begins today and continues through next Tuesday except Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Citizens that want to vote early in person may do so at their parish registrar of voters office or at their assigned locations. The election lacks a heated statewide race but Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin still expects half of the state’s registered voters to cast a ballot.

Cut 4 (57)  “…that goes.”

Voters are encouraged to utilize the free smartphone app GeauxVote Mobile to locate early voting locations, and Election Day voting sites, or to view a sample ballot. Ardoin says early voting has become popular.

Cut 5 (05) “…local parishes.”

Voters must have a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana special ID, or a generally recognized ID with a picture and signature. Voters also have the option to use their license via LA wallet. Ardoin says the election does not fall on a Saturday so he expects a lot of people to take advantage of the early voting opportunity.

Cut 6 (06)  “…early voting.” 

For more information contact the Elections Division at 800-883-2805 or elections tat at sos.la.gov

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is headed for London, U.K. today to meet with the heads of Lloyd’s of London and other top insurance underwriters, in hopes of improving the state’s ailing property insurance market. Donelon says over a third of Lloyd’s business is writing reinsurance to cover companies that claim losses. He says Louisiana makes up a good amount of that business…:

Cut 7 (10) “…surplus market at large.”

Donelon says he’ll provide an update to both Lloyd’s and the International Underwriting Association of London (IUA) of Louisiana’s insurance market and what the state is doing to improve it…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…the market perspective.”

Donelon will also tell of plans to create an incentive fund to attract new property insurers to Louisiana; a plan that worked with some success after Katrina and Rita hindered the market. He hopes to convince Lloyd’s and the IUA to reduce to cost of reinsurance; especially on those smaller carriers…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…substantial coastal exposure.”

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Early Voting for the November 8^th election begins today. Your ballot will contain congressional and local races, but also EIGHT Constitutional Amendments to decide. Today, we break down Amendment 2. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), says this amendment if approved by voters, would exempt disabled military veterans from paying property tax…:

Cut 10 (12) “…$150-thousand exemption.” 

Current law gives veterans with a service-related disability to claim double the $75-thousand standard homestead exemption on property tax. Currently, disabled vets get double that amount. Procopio says a “yes” vote removes all property tax liability…:

Cut  11 (07)  “…paying property taxes.”

The amendment, if approved, would also establish a sliding scale of additional property tax exemption for persons with a partial military service-related disability. He says a “no” vote on the November 8^th ballot would reject the plan and stay with what is already in place…:

Cut 12 (10) “…not a total exemption.” 

PAR does NOT recommend how people should vote but gives information needed to make an informed decision. For more go online to “PARLouisiana.org.” LRN will continue our series on the six remaining Constitutional Amendments between now and Election Day.

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Two candidates running against Senator John Kennedy, participated in a Baton Rouge Press Club forum. Democrats Gary Chambers and Syrita Steib both spoke about how Kennedy’s yet to participate in any debate or forum in his re-election bid.  When asked how they differ from each other Chambers says he’s the only democrat with a track record of running a race that has a voter base after his bid for the 2nd Congressional district.

Cut 13 (03) “…the party.”

Steib says her experience getting legislation passed in Louisiana and other states prohibiting public universities from asking questions about criminal history for the purpose of admissions sets her apart.

Cut 14 (10)  “..they’re on.”

The candidates were also asked about what they would do if elected to Congress concerning the Ronald Greene investigation. Chambers says he’d want to see Louisiana State Police under consent decree and says how can we trust their investigations of other law enforcement agencies if they can’t be trusted.

Cut 15 (07)  “…have felt.”

Steib whose non-profit helps remove roadblocks and provide opportunities for females after incarceration says she will push for laws to uplift people.

Cut 16 (11)  “…continue to do.” 

Early voting begins today for the November 8^th election.

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The Saints are 2-and-5, but they are just one game out of first place in the NFL South. Atlanta and Tampa Bay currently lead the underperforming division with records of 3-and-4. Linebacker Demario Davis says they have a real shot at getting into the playoffs despite their record

Cut 17 (25) “…worst enemy.” 

Injuries have contributed to the Saints losing record. They played the last game without starters Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Andrus Peat and Marshon Lattimore. Coach Dennis Allen is optimistic you’ll get some of those guys back for Sunday’s game against the Raiders…

Cut 18 (17) “…to be back.” 

The Saints are allowing 29 points a game on defense. That’s the second worst in the NFL. Allen, who calls the defensive plays, understands they have to play better on that side of the ball…

Cut 19 (18) “…those things.”

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Cut 20 (19) “…with that.”

Baton Rouge Police arrest the suspected gunman in the early Friday morning shooting at a fraternity party just off the campus of Southern University. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The first national report card since the global pandemic shows declines nationally in reading and math scores, but Louisiana outperformed the rest of the country in reading growth among fourth graders. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The suspected gunman in an early Friday morning shooting at a fraternity party just off the campus of Southern University has been arrested. Baton Rouge Police spokesperson Sgt L’Jean McKneely says Sunday afternoon 22-year-old Jaicedric (Jay-Cedric) Williams was arrested without incident at his home.

Cut 3 (12) “…history.” 

28-year-old Daryl Stansberry and 24-year-old Miles Moss were arrested on Friday and charged with 11 counts of Accessory After the Fact to Attempted First Degree Murder and Illegal Use of a Weapon. McKneely says the two were with Williams at the party and left with him after the shooting.

McKneely says there was some type of altercation that happened just before gunfire erupted.

Cut 4 (07) “…the crowd.” 

The investigation is ongoing and McKneely says they are still asking for the public’s assistance and for anyone who witnessed the shootings or has videos and photos from the scene to contact Baton Rouge PD or Crimestoppers.

Cut 5 (07) “…right people.” 

All three suspects have been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

DA Hillar Moore is requesting Williams be held without bond.

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Louisiana ranks number one in the nation for 2022 for improvement in fourth grade reading. State Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says over the last two years, Louisiana has implemented a number of policy decisions to curb the state’s long-standing literacy crisis.

Cut 6 (09)  “…we’ve been doing.” 

Louisiana’s fourth grade reading improved by two points while the national average declined by three points according to the National Report Card released today by the National Center for Education Statistics.

This was the national assessment since 2019 and Louisiana improved its ranking from 49th overall to 43rd. Brumley says the state improved its reading math score rankings…

Cut 7 (11) “..49th to 45th.”

Brumley says the results nationally and in Louisiana demonstrate the pandemic’s impact on students over the  last two years. He says in eighth grade math, Louisiana saw a six-point decline compared to eight-point decline nationally. He says trying to improve math scores has been problematic…

Cut 8 (12)  “..conceptual skills”

The 2022 mathematics and reading assessments were administered between January and March of this year.

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The first full month of football brought a nice surge in sports betting revenue for Louisiana. The state Gaming Control Board says September saw almost $4-million in fee income from sportsbook. Board Chairman Ronnie Johns…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…for the state revenue.”

The September gaming report noted that on-site sportsbook revenues for DraftKings at the Golden Nugget and The Sportsbook at L’Auberge – both in Lake Charles – did significantly more business than onsite operations in other cities. Johns says we have our Texas neighbors to thank for that..:

Cut 10 (07) “…open at this point.”

Sportsbook – both onsite and via an app – has been legal since January. The September take brings the year-to-date tax revenue from sports betting to over $22-million. 10-percent goes to local governments, 25-percent to early childhood education and the rest to gambling addiction program and “other projects.” Johns expects the revenue number to grow when they get the October numbers next month..:

Cut 11 (12)  “…National Hockey League.”

The Gaming Control Board also approved five-year permit for WynnBet to operate a sportsbook app in Louisiana.

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Today Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the official Proclamation declaring October 24th as Red Beans and Rice day across Lousiana. Cajun Country rice and Camellia Beans are both working with Edwards to keep the tradition of Red Beans and Rice alive in Louisiana.

In conjunction with Red Beans and Rice Mondays, the two brands have also partnered with Second Harvest and Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank for families in need. Robbie Trahan, Cajun  Country rice co-owner says the retail program created using Rouses, Albertsons, and Winn Dixie helped them succeed in donations

Cut 12 (10) “…thousand meals..”

Trahan says Louisiana natives love  Red Beans and Rice and are diverse in their ways of cooking them..

Cut 13 (12) “..the best..” 

Back in the day families used Red Beans and Rice Mondays as a way to start the week, Trahan says the tradition is still convenient.

Cut 14 (13)  “…big meal.” 

To learn more visit www.mondaytradition.com

Louisiana will add 50 nurse positions to the Department of Children and Family Services, for infants that were exposed to drugs while in utero. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Homecoming at Southern University is marred by a shooting during an off-campus homecoming celebration. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There’s a gun buyback program scheduled for Saturday in Jeanerette. The program is a faith-based effort to get guns off the street and help prevent further violence. Organizer Felton Hogan says the buyback will start at noon Saturday at Jeanerette’s King Joseph Recreational Center. Hogan says his group had a successful buyback in New Iberia recently as well…:

Cut 3 (12) “…one life at a time.” 

Hogan says they’ll pay up to $300, depending on the gun. He encourages young people – who shouldn’t have dangerous weapons anyway – to take advantage…no questions asked…:

Cut 4 (11) “..hurting somebody or themselves.” 

Hogan says guns brought to the buyback will be sold completely anonymously. The event is backed by the city of Jeanerette, who will then destroy the guns…:

Cut 5 (10) “..in the cities again.” 

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The Department of Children and Family Services plans to hire 50 nurses to make home visits to infants who were exposed to substance abuse by their mothers while pregnant. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says five years ago the department was ordered to come into compliance with follow-up visits for those infants.

Cut 6 (10)  “…for a while.” 

DCFS came under fire after a two-year-old’s overdosed death from fentanyl and the agency received multiple warnings about the child and other child welfare incidents. So far 11 nurses have been hired and 11 more are in the process of onboarding. Walters says the purpose of nurse visits is to see that the mother understands how to protect their infant especially when drug abuse could cloud their judgment and…

Cut 7 (11) “…their child.”

And if a nurse encounters a visit where they sense the child is in danger, Walters says DCFS will act.

Cut 8 (12)  “…into foster care.”

Walters says she feels it will greatly improve a child’s welfare because people are more likely to be more honest with a nurse and their homelife can be more accurately assessed.

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Multiple people were rushed to the hospital early after a shooting this morning at a fraternity house located just off the Southern University campus. Baton Rouge Police Lt. Don Coppola says officers responded to the Kappa Alpa Psi House on Harding Boulevard at around two o clock…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the time”

Coppola says this is an active investigation

Cut 10 (06) “…6-7” 

It’s homecoming weekend on the Southern campus and based on a flyer posted on social media, the fraternity was hosting a homecoming celebration. We spoke with a student who was at the gathering

Cut 11 (09)  “…started running.”

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The State Supreme Court refused to allow the ban on non-unanimous jury verdicts be retroactive. The ruling denies new trials for as many as 15-hundred inmates convicted by divided jurors. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says as a practical matter it’s an important decision.

Cut 12 (12) “…judicial districts.”

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to make non-unanimous verdicts retroactive two years ago which Ciolino says left advocates to appeal to the state’s highest court for those incarcerated by juries 10-2 or 11-1.

Cut 13 (13) “..retroactively” 

Ciolino says when the law passed in the state legislature it specifically addressed that non-unanimous verdicts would not be retroactive, but says lawmakers are free to change that law.

Cut 14 (12)  “…end of the road” 

If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year you need to do so. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Zion Williamson’s long-waited return to the NBA went very well as the Pelicans star scored 25 points in his first game in 17 months. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Another name has surfaced as a possible candidate for governor next year and it’s Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson. Jeremy Alford at La-Politics-dot-com was the first to report and we asked Wilson his thoughts about whether he’ll look to replace his current boss, Governor John Bel Edwards

Cut 3 (06) “…be a candidate” 

The La-politics-dot-com report says Wilson could be the Democrats best chance at winning the 2023 governor’s race. Wilson says he’s not close to making a decision, but he is considering a possible run at governor…

Cut 4 (11) “..those options” 

Wilson lives in Lafayette and has served as the state’s Transportation Secretary since Governor Edwards took office in January 2016. Wilson says he still has a lot of work to do as the DOTD Secretary and he’s proud of the work the Edwards administration has accomplished…

Cut 5 (07) “..to come.” 

The only announced candidates for the 2023 governor’s race are Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and personal-injury attorney Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles, who plans to run as an Independent.

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If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year, a deadline is approaching.  Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says the November 15^th deadline applies to a quick filing tool at GetCTC-dot-org.

Cut 6 (08)  “…takes 15 minutes.” 

Moeller says in response to the pandemic Congress enacted the one-time increase in the Child Tax Credit and it grew from $25-hundred per child to $3,000 or $36-hundred depending on the child’s age. And what’s also important about the 2021 Child Tax Credit is that it’s fully refundable.

Cut 7 (08) “…in 2021.”

The 2021 tax year CTC is $3,600 for children under the age of six and it is $3,000 for ages six to 17. And while the CTC has been around for some time, Moeller says most years you have to earn a certain amount to claim it, but for 2021…

Cut 8 (11)  “…very long.”

He says the process is also rather simple, that website is GetCTC-dot-org.

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Two Louisiana companies have been awarded $320 million in US Department of Energy funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Governor Edwards says Syrah Technologies in Vidalia will receive $220 million to expand production to manufacture components for batteries to power electric vehicles. He says the expansion means more jobs also.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the country”

And Edwards says $100 million has been awarded to Koura to build the first US plant to manufacture lithium hexaflouridephosphate in St. Gabriel.

Cut 10 (09) “…is very important.” 

Syrah’s Vidalia facility will be the only vertically integrated and large-scale graphite Active Anode Material plant outside of China and the Koura plant in St. Gabriel will be the first US plant to assist in the lithium-ion battery shortage also. Edwards says the pandemic reminded us how dependent we are on other countries.

Cut 11 (08)  “…as possible.”

Edwards says it’s a positive step towards clean energy and the expansions in Louisiana will help manufacture one million electric vehicles annually.

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Pelicans forward Zion Williamson had an impressive return to the NBA last night as he scored 25 points in his first game in 17 months as New Orleans defeated Brooklyn 130 to 108 to tip off a new season. Williamson says it was a decent performance.

Cut 12 (13) “…excited to grow.”

Williamson missed all of last season with a foot injury that would not heal. Zion showed up for training camp this year in excellent shape and is glad to be playing the game he loves so much…

Cut 13 (12) “..everyday with it” 

Williamson scored most of his points inside the paint and also had nine rebounds. The former first round pick says he was encouraged to score as often as he could…

Cut 14 (11)  “…stay high” 

The Pelicans next game is tomorrow night in Charlotte.

As you make your morning commute you might have noticed your tire pressure indicator light is on. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The transfer of violent juvenile offenders from a Jefferson Parish facility to Angola state prison has begun. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Kroger announces its plans to buy Albertsons in a nearly $25 billion deal creating one of the largest food chains in the retail industry Whitney Thomas has more….

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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When you get in your car this morning chances are you’ll have an indicator light telling you your tire pressure is low. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says your tires are actually losing pressure on a regular basis, on average one to three PSI, which stands for pound per square inch.

Cut 4 (11)  “…in your tire.”

Not only when there’s a drop in the temperature should you be aware of your tire pressure. With inflation you want your car to be as fuel efficient as possible, so Redman recommends checking your tires on a regular basis.

Cut 5 (09) “…inflated.”

Redman says you’ll want to have your tires inflated properly and to find out how much air you should have in your wheels he says check your owner’s manual…

Cut 6 (08)  “…pound per square inch.” 

He recommends using a digital tire pressure gauge or to ask someone where you get your oil changed or other maintenance to check your tires for you. Also, checking check that your spare tire is also inflated.

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The transfer has begun of violent juvenile offenders, from the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish to the Louisiana State Prison at Angola. A bus carrying ten young inmates made the trip to the prison early Tuesday morning. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says it took a legal battle to put the plan in motion, but it is now happening…:

Cut 7 (11) “…this is taking place.”

A facility has been prepared for them where they will remain separate from the adult population. The transfer comes after numerous escapes, riots, and violent incidents among the worst of the Bridge City Centers’ youths. He says the young men are not being moved as punishment…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…to change their lives.”

Connick says, due to security concerns, the actual number of juveniles being moved to Angola will not be made public until the transfers are complete. He says the move will help protect guards at Bridge City, the less violent juveniles still there, and the community in general. He says this will greatly help the remaining youths, who want to turn their lives around…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…that’s been going on.”

Legal challenges to the state’s transfer of the youths to Angola are ongoing.

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Kroger announces plans to buy Albertsons. Kroger has eight stores that are mostly located in the Shreveport, Bossier City area while Albertsons is primarily in the Lafayette and Baton Rouge area. When combined the merger could possibly create one of the largest supermarket chains in the country and have one of its largest private employers.

Retail Analyst Wade Ragas says consumers won’t be inconvenienced.

Cut 10 (08) “…new product. 

Inflation is a problem most consumers have been dealing with, Ragas says this deal could change the retail industry…

Cut  11 (14)  “…minimize cost.”

The deal is expected to close in 2024 if the federal government approves. Both of the companies combined reach over 85 million households, Ragas says he’s expecting a reasonable outcome.

Cut 12 (11) “…to cause.” 

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A recent report indicates that employment in the manufacturing sector for central Louisiana is expected to outpace the national average over the next four years. CEO of Louisiana Central, Jim Clinton says in comparison nationally jobs are expected to decline by four percent and statewide by two percent.

Cut 13 (10) “…cause for hope.”

Clinton credits central Louisiana’s fairly diversified manufacturing base for a reason the region is expected to remain above the national average when it comes to jobs.

Cut 14 (09)  “…going forward.”

He cites the state’s timber industry as a steady sector that’s expected to see growth.

Clinton touts the Proctor & Gamble plant in Pineville. He says that plant was among the first to test new laundry products which created what we know now as Tide Pods. He says the plant’s cutting-edge development is an asset to the area.

Cut 15 (12)  “…standpoint.”

Clinton says the average salary for Central Louisiana manufacturing jobs is more than $72,000 annually.

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The Pelicans season begins tonight in Brooklyn as all-stars Zion Williamson and Ben Simmons make their returns after missing all of last season. Williamson will provide a spark to a talented Pels roster that made it out of the play-in tournament as the 8 seed last year. The former number-one overall pick says he’s excited to rejoin the team and thinks they have a special group this year….

Cut 16 (10)  “…how we do.” 

Williamson averaged 26 points a game on 60 percent from the field and 7 rebounds over his 85-game career. Pelicans Coach Willie Green says his physical abilities are impressive, but his love for the game and basketball IQ are what truly make him special…

Cut 17 (18) “…guys like Z.” 

New Orleans went 13-10 after the All-Star Break earning a spot in the play-in tournament and eventually a postseason berth against Phoenix. Their late-season success and playoff production from rookie standouts along with Zion’s return have created massive hype for this season from both fans and national media. Coach Green says the team needs to focus more on their preparation than the attention if they want to win big…

Cut 18 (23) “…win games.” 

The season tips off at 6:30

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ULM travels to West Point in their final non-conference game of the season Saturday. The Warhawks are 2-5 on the season and have lost their last three games straight and their last two by only seven points each. Head Coach Terry Bowden says that this game against Army heading into the bye week is as important as any Sun Belt matchup…

Cut 19 (19) “…of problems.”

The Black Knights’ triple-option offense averages over 300 rushing yards a game, and Coach Bowden praised the team’s commitment and discipline. He says stopping the run game will be a key to victory for the Warhawks this Saturday…

Cut 20 (17) “ …about it too.” 

Kickoff is at 11:00 AM

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.39. But according to Triple-A, it’s a good news bad news scenario. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Experts say we’ve entered a new era in political ads, thanks to an ad running in the Shreveport mayor’s race…and it may have implications far beyond one part of the state. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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The first cold snap of the season is here. State Climatologist Barry Keim predicts the northern half of the state will see the season’s first freeze tomorrow morning

Cut 3 (07) “…Alexandria” 

Forecasters expect lows tonight in the thirties across almost everywhere except New Orleans and the coast. But Keim says the first cold snaps are almost always followed by much warmer weather.

Cut 4 (09) “..need rain.” 

Right now Keim’s biggest concern is the ongoing drought. Some parts of the state had rain last week but he says it wasn’t enough to really help.

Cut 5 (09) “…is suffering.” 

He says the first chance for some wet weather next week.

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Gas prices took a slight drop along with the temps in Louisiana. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Bayou State today is $3.39.

Cut 6 (13)  “…uncertainties.” 

Redman says it doesn’t appear as if prices will get that high because now prices are slowly retreating.

He says however it’s good news, bad news situation. Redman says prices are going down due to a drop in crude oil prices. He says it’s dropped to $82 a barrel which is about $10 down from a couple of weeks ago.

Cut 7 (12) “…previously”

As for gas prices for the holiday travel season, because surveys indicate more people plan to cut back on their travel budget, Redman says the futures markets are predicting lower gas prices.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the holidays.”

A week ago a regular gallon of gas in Louisiana was $3.36 a gallon, a month ago it was $3.15, and a year ago it was $3.07.

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A new television ad in the Shreveport mayoral race could start a new trend in campaign ads in Louisiana. It’s produced by the People over Politics PAC and the main character in the 30-second commercial is a person who looks and sounds like Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, who is called into the principal’s office

Cut 9 (06)  “…no.”

But the person who sounds and looks like Perkins is not actually the mayor. Deep fake artificial intelligence technology helped create a character that looks just like Perkins.  Perkins is in a tough race for re-election. Alford says the ad is funded by an anti-Perkins PAC.

Cut 10 (08) “…incredibly sophisticated”. 

Alford says the PAC is called People Over Politics, and it is funded by a New Orleans developer named Anthony Marullo the Third. Alford says Marullo bought real estate in Shreveport but became disgruntled with the city leadership so paid for the ads.

Alford believes this is the first time that such technology has been used in a political ad in Louisiana.  But with next year’s statewide races looming, he believes its impact will echo far outside of northwest Louisiana.

Cut 11 (06)  “..what comes next.”

A disclaimer briefly appears in the corner of the ad saying the image is not actually Perkins. But Alford says there’s nothing to guarantee future ads will have such disclaimers.

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Two brothers from Baton Rouge will face each other in the National League Championship Series which gets underway tonight in San Diego. Former LSU baseball players Austin and Aaron Nola are trying to get to the World Series for the first time in their careers. Their former coach at LSU, Paul Mainieri, is cheering them on

Cut 12 (05) “…LSU baseball.”

Austin Nola is the starting catcher for the Padres, who upset the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series. Austin Nola was the starting shortstop on LSU’s 2009 national championship team and Mainieri calls him a great human being

Cut 13 (12) “..different people.” 

Aaron Nola has helped the Phillies reach the N-L-C-S for the first time since 2010. The right-hander is one of the better pitchers in the National League and Mainieri remembers how consistent he was at LSU

Cut 14 (11)  “…end of the day” 

Temperatures are set to drop all over the state. Marsanne Golsby reports north Louisiana could set record lows on Wednesday morning.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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Tim Temple announces his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner of Louisiana, and he says the department needs, even more, change since his last run for office. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A strong cold front is moving through Louisiana and the cooldown is already beginning in north Louisiana. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport expects temperatures along I-20 to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal

Cut 3 (08) “…Wednesday morning” 

He says if temperatures in Shreveport reach freezing that would tie the earliest freeze there — set on the same dates in 1948 and 1989. Monroe’s earliest freeze was on October 18, 1948. Temperatures along the Arkansas border could be in the upper 20s Wednesday morning. Hansford says a large low-pressure system over the Great Lakes is the source. The forecast also calls for near-freezing temperatures in parts of southern Louisiana.

Cut 4 (05) “..spilling south.” 

Hansford says dew points will plunge with the cold air, which raises the concern for outdoor burning on Tuesday and Wednesday…

Cut 5 (13) “…as well.” 

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture has a burn ban map. It is showing that nearly a third of Louisiana’s parishes have issued their own burn bans. Hansford says the rare mid-October chill will only last a couple of days. Forecast highs are back in the eighties by Friday.

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DeRidder native and insurance executive Tim Temple who helped businesses recover from the BP Oil Spill, announces his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner. Temple who garnered 47 percent of the vote in his last run for commissioner says so much has changed since the last election.

Cut 6 (12)  “…over 15 years.” 

Temple who serves as the President of Temptan, a family own business, and Chair of the Louisiana Committee 100 for Economic Development says he will bring more than 20 years of insurance experience to the office.

Cut 7 (11) “…anymore.”

Temple says if you want competition in the state you have to change it, so companies want to come to Louisiana to write policies. And he says lack of competition discourages industry and potential employees from relocating to Louisiana especially if they’ll face higher premiums.

Cut 8 (12)  “…economic development.”

Temple says he wants to bring more transparency to the office, he says we only hear when there are rate increases for the homeowner insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens but never about increases for other companies.

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You knew the Saints were in trouble when former LSU star Joe Burrow arrived at the Superdome yesterday wearing Ja’Marr Chase’s national championship worn jersey prior to the Bengals 30-26 win over New Orleans. Burrow was asked about his wardrobe decision…

Cut 9 (10)  “…like it.”

Chase is from New Orleans and went to Rummel High School. Burrow is known for his pre-game outfits and thought it was best to recognize Chase’s homecoming…

Cut 10 (11) “…people of Louisiana. 

Chase was glad to have such a big game in the Superdome, as he grew up less than 10 miles away from the Dome…

Cut 11 (11)  “…unbelievable experience.”

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Alexandria Police are seeking the suspect in a fatal hit & run Saturday morning. Alexandria Police spokesman Lane Windham says 40-year-old Don Lair, Jr. was struck as he walked across a street at about 3:30 AM Saturday…:

Cut 12 (12) “…waited on police.”

Lair was pronounced dead at the scene. Windham says the first driver that hit Lair sped away from the scene.  Lair was hit by a second car, but that driver stopped and called 9-1-1. Police questioned a few witnesses and got only a partial description of the vehicle…:

Cut 13 (09) “…than that to go on.” 

Alexandria Police ask that the driver who hit Lair surrender to them, or that anyone with information on the case contact them right away.