Queen Elizabeth is being laid to rest today in London. Among the millions of condolences is one from a Louisiana man who once threatened to sue her. Marsanne Golsby  has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

 _______________________________________________

Hurricane Fiona is the third hurricane and sixth named storm for the 2022 Atlantic Season. As we reach the peak of the season, AccuWeather has revised its predictions for the season. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

________________________________________________

For a third straight month, Louisiana posts record-low un-employment numbers. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

Queen Elizabeth II is being laid to rest today. Did you know in 2003 Queen Elizabeth issued a formal apology for the illegal deportation of thousands of French Acadians from Nova Scotia in 1755? It was Louisiana attorney Warren Perrin who demanded an apology in 1990.

Cut 4 (09)  “…world today.”

Perrin’s own ancestors were among the ten thousand men, women, and children exiled. Many of those made their way to the swamps and marshes of Southern Louisiana, but about one third died on the way. After years of wrangling, and with help from the Canadian government, Queen Elizabeth issued a formal apology.

Cut 5 (09) “…British Crown.”

And even though the queen is gone now, Perrin says she is still helping new generations of Louisiana students learn about their culture and history.

 Cut  6 (06)  “…bilingual document” 

The original signed apology from the British government is in the archives of Canada. The only other signed copy–with the queen’s signature–is at the Acadian museum in Erath.

____________________________________________

According to WalletHub Louisiana ranks 10^th in the nation with the highest rate of job resignations. But with record low unemployment in the Bayou State where are those individuals working UNO business professor Mark Rosa says many are choosing to become online content providers.

Cut 7 (08) “…platforms.”

In addition to online jobs, Rosa says he’s heard of out-of-state accounting and law firms hiring remote employees in Louisiana. For example, an accounting firm in Chicago recruiting virtual talent and paying Windy City wages.

Cut 8 (07)  “…outreach.”

And while service industry jobs like wait staff and the hospitality sector continue to have staffing shortages, Rosa says with more options to work remotely that include benefits are winning out.

Cut 9 (10)  “…have gone.”

Rosa says many who’ve left the productive workforce have been able to sustain themselves with remote work. Georgia ranked 1st among states with the highest resignation rate, followed by Kentucky, Tennessee, Arizona, and Wyoming.

________________________________________________

Hurricane Fiona is just the third hurricane and sixth named storm of the 2022 Atlantic season. AccuWeather predicted an above-average season earlier with anywhere from 16 to 20 named storms. State Climatologist Barry Keim says now AccuWeather is calling for only 12 named storms which is considered below normal.

Cut 10 (09) “…that perspective.”

In the spring NOAA forecasted 14 to 21 named storms and Colorado State University predicted 19 names storms, both above-average, for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.

Reasons for the revised forecast Keim says is so far, we’ve only had six named storms and we’re past the halfway point in the season. And even though a La Nina is in place along with above-average sea surface temperatures, conditions over the breeding grounds have not been favorable for the formation of storms.

Cut  11 (10)  “…form this year.” 

And while Keim says he’s not complaining whatsoever considering the last two seasons and their impact on Louisiana have been extremely harsh, it’s still too soon to say the Bayou State is out of the woods just yet.

Cut 12 (10) “…will tell obviously.” 

Keim says hurricanes have been known to arrive in Louisiana deep into the month of October before.

________________________________________________

Once again, Louisiana posts record low unemployment numbers. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says this is three months in a row of benchmark low jobless claims and/or applications…:

Cut 13 (10) “…and Louisiana citizens.”

August figures show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.5-percent; that’s a record low number and the third consecutive month of declines. Cates says, yes, there are still a lot of unfilled jobs across the state…but the number of those applying for or collecting unemployment benefits has never been lower…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…are unemployed now.”

Cates says wages are coming up, which encourages more people to enter the workforce. She says LWC offers job assistance and even connections for on-the-job training, via its Tech Ready Louisiana program…:

Cut 15 (07)  “…training programs.”

Cates says she anticipates unemployment numbers to keep falling as more Louisianans go back to work.

_______________________________________________

The Saints turned it over five times on Sunday as they suffered their first loss of the season, falling to Tampa Bay 20-10. Quarterback Jameis Winston was sacked six times and he threw three interceptions in the final 12 minuts as the Buccaneers scored 17 points in the fourth quarter…

Cut 16 (15)  “..positives there” 

Prior to the game, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that Winston has four fractures in his back, but there’s no risk of further damage. New Orleans Coach Dennis Allen says he didn’t think the back injury hampered Winston’s play…

Cut 17 (20) “…and see” 

________________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers won their SEC opener on Saturday night, scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to rally back from a 13-point deficit to beat Mississippi State 31-16. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly likes the grit his team showed…

Cut  18 (18)“…football team.”

LSU went up tempo towards the end of the second quarter and scored a touchdown right before halftime and they kept up that fast pace in the second half as they began to wear down the Mississippi State defense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels says they like playing up-tempo…

Cut 19 (19) “…we do”

LSU’s defense gave up a 37-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, but kept the Bulldogs’ Air Raid offense in check for most of the game. They held State to 289 yards of total offense. Kelly credits the defense for following the game plan, which called for them to give the Bulldogs’ offense different looks…

Cut 20 (20) “ …situations” 

2021 saw an alarming increase in traffic fatalities and an all-time high for pedestrian deaths. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

LSU and the Saints are home underdogs this weekend, which is rare for both teams not to be favorite at home. Jeff Palermo has more on the games in Baton Rouge and New Orleans and other matchups…

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

972 people were killed in 2021 on Louisiana roads. That’s a 17-percent increase from 2020, according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Mark Lambert says the numbers are disturbing.

Cut 3 (09) “…of COVID.” 

The 972 traffic deaths in 2021 are the most since 2007.  And 174 of the traffic fatalities occurred on Louisiana interstates, an alarming increase of 49 percent from 2020.

In addition to an uptick in aggressive driving crashes, Lambert says the number of impaired fatal driving crashes increased a disturbing 32 percent.

Cut 4 (07) “…seatbelts.” 

Lambert says awareness campaigns like Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket, were paused during the pandemic and he believes it had an impact on the increase in traffic fatalities.

Another alarming statistic among the 2021 numbers is an all-time high of 185 pedestrian fatalities, that’s an increase of 27 percent from 2020. Lambert says if you are walking along a roadway, even in a neighborhood always walk against traffic not with it.

Cut 5 (09) “…against the traffic.” 

The major cause of roadway deaths and injuries in Louisiana are distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive driving.

_________________________________________________

Seven Louisiana schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools. The winning schools are located in Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Lafayette, St. Landry and St. Tammany parishes. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says it’s exciting news…

Cut 6 (07)  “…our schools.” 

Three Louisiana schools are recognized as “Exemplary High Performing.” They are the LSU Lab School and St. James Episcopal Day School in Baton Rouge and South Highlands Elementary Magnet School in Caddo Parish. Brumley was at South Highlands on Friday morning to celebrate the achievement with the student body…

Cut 7 (12) “… excellence.”

Four of the schools are recognized as Exemplary Growth. They are Folsom Elementary in St. Tammany, Frasch Elementary in Calcasieu, Grand Prairie in St. Landry and Myrtle Place Elementary in Lafayette. Brumley says these schools showed progress in closing achievement gaps…

Cut 8 (06)  “…year to year”

___________________________________________

An LSU student was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds this morning in her car near Baton Rouge’s downtown area. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant L’Jean (EL-jeen) McKneely says 21-year-old Allison Rice’s vehicle was found on Government Street near railroad tracks…

Cut 9 (09)  “…in her car”

Rice was from Ascension Parish. She was a senior at LSU majoring in marketing. A Baton Rouge TV station say Rice was with friends at an establishment in the Mid City area of Baton Rouge. McKneely says their investigation is in its initial stages…

Cut 10 (10) “…we’re collecting” 

___________________________________________________

Three children were tragically killed in a Gretna house fire this morning. Jefferson Parish Sherriff Joe Lopinto says the 3, 7, and 15-year-old victims were all from the same family.

Cut 11 (11)  “…to those injuries”

According to NOLA.com the 15-year female was babysitting her two younger brothers when the fire broke out. Firefighters reportedly found the 7-year-old boy inside the home at the bottom of the stairs on the first floor and the 15-year-old girl was found at the top of the stairs lying on top of her younger brother.

Lopinto says the department’s arson division is working with the Jefferson Parish Fire Services to investigate the cause of the blaze along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. He says they do not suspect arson at this time, but the division is merely assisting and the cause of the blaze has not been determined.

Cut 12 (06) “.. .sad situation.”  

The fire was reported at 9:31 AM in the 500 block of Lynnmeade Road and Lopinto says firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were on the scene at 9:35

_____________________________________________________

LSU is 2.5 a point underdog at home in tomorrow’s SEC opener against Mississippi State. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says there’s a lot of talk about the Bulldogs Air Raid offense, but they are also good on defense…

Cut 13 (10) “…to succeed” 

The Bulldogs have only allowed 169 rushing yards in two games. LSU struggled to run the ball two weeks ago against Florida State, but running back John Emery returns on Saturday from academic suspension. The former five-star running back has not played since 2020 and Kelly says it’s good to get Emery back…

Cut 14 (11)  “..the ball well” 

The debate over whether New Orleans should receive a 39-million dollar line of credit for a flood protection project because city leaders oppose the state’s abortion ban is over.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

 _______________________________________________

The state-run property insurer of last resort requests a rate hike of over 60 percent. Kevin Gallagher has the story…:

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

Well, there’s good news and bad news on how Louisiana fared in 2021 financial wise according to the Census. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

After failing on two previous occasions, the Bond Commission approved a 39-million dollar future line of credit for a new power plant for New Orleans drainage pumps. Attorney General Jeff Landry pushed to delay the funding, because he says New Orleans officials pledged not to enforce the state’s abortion ban. Angelique Freel, Civil Director of the Louisiana Department of Justice, spoke on Landry’s behalf…

Cut 4 (10)  “…physical cost.”

But New Orleans City Attorney Donesia Turner told the Bond Commission that the mayor, the city council or the police superintendent never said they would not enforce the state’s abortion ban, but it would not be a high priority…

Cut 5 (08) “…be priority.” (2x)

After a spirited discussion, the Bond Commission voted to approve the future line of credit. It’s money the city will not see for a future year, but Franklin Senator Bret Allain says if they keep delaying a vote on this project, it will impact other projects….

 Cut  6 (07)  “…is ridiculous” 

Landry has been accused of playing politics by leading the effort to withhold this future line of credit. Landry is expected to run for governor next year, another potential candidate, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser said it’s time to approve the line of credit…

Cut 7 (09) “…I feel.”

____________________________________________________________-

The Federal Highway Administration approved the state’s Electric Vehicle infrastructure plan which will result in $73 million in federal funding over the next five years.

Louisiana was one of the first states to submit and be approved. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, says this money will be distributed to private companies that will own, install, and operate EV charging stations.

Cut 8 (10)  “…the requirements.”

The state won’t own the infrastructure but will be responsible for inspections. Wilson says they expect private sectors to be responsive.

Cut 9 (12)  “…do that.”

Wilson says Louisiana’s EV charging network is relatively low compared to our neighboring states

Cut 10 (04) “…public 24/7.”

Funds are estimated to disburse by summer 2023. 

________________________________________________

The state-run property insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens, requests permission to raise rates by over 60 percent. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Citizens requested a 63-percent hike, but he and staff have not gone over it yet. He says the answer is to offer new insurers incentives to come to Louisiana and take on some of those Citizens policies, at much less cost to homeowners…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…after Katrina.” 

Donelon’s plan had measurable success in shrinking Citizens book of business after it ballooned following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. In the past year, six companies have left Louisiana due to the ravages of hurricanes in 2020 and ’21. Donelon says a great many of those displaced customers had to go to Citizens…:

Cut 12 (14) “…114-thousand now.” 

Because of the cost of covering all those new policies, Citizens is requesting the rate increase, which Donelon says he’ll go over thoroughly with his staff. If approved it will take effect on January 1^st…:

Cut 13 (06) “…what they submitted.”

Donelon says the incentive plan to get new insurers worked before and he’s confident it will work again; bringing needed relief to south Louisiana homeowners.

_______________________________________________

Census Bureau data indicates how the Bayou State fared during the pandemic. Executive Director of the Louisiana Budget Project, Jan Moller says there’s good news and bad news when you look at the numbers. Among the bad is the state’s poverty rate.

Cut 14 (11)  “…in the country.”

But Moller is quick to point out that when you look at the Supplemental Poverty Measurement, the financial situation for Louisianans improved during the pandemic. He says in addition to income, it looks at benefits like SNAP and enhanced unemployment and that measure shows the poverty rate decreased.

Cut 15 (12)  “…improved.”

Moller says national data shows poverty, especially among children fell to historic lows when the expanded Child Tax Credit was available.

In addition to the state’s poverty rate Census data indicated an improvement when it comes to health insurance coverage. Moller says in 2021 those without health insurance fell to an all-time low and approximately 92% of Louisianans had some form of health coverage.

Cut 16 (09)  “…health insurance.” 

Data also indicates the median household income dropped from $54,000 in 2019 to $52,000 annually in 2021.

______________________________________________________

The Saints welcome Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Ceasars Superdome on Sunday for New Orleans home opener. Brady is 0-4 against the Saints in the regular season since arriving in Tampa. The future Hall of Famer on why the Black and Gold have been their nemesis…

Cut 17 (29) “…expect to win.” 

Saints quarterback Jameis Winston gets to face his old team and it’s the opponent he tore his ACL against last October. But Winston is not putting any added significance on this game…

Cut  18 (22)“…for those guys.”

Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

______________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns will try to extend the nation’s longest active winning streak to 15 games when they visit the Rice Owls. U-L Lafayette has yet to really get its running game going and Coach Michael Desormeaux says that will be a key in Houston…

Cut 19 (19) “…when you need it”

K-C Ossai has emerged on the Cajuns defense. He has 12 tackles and a forced fumble through two games after just five tackles last season. Desormeaux says there’s a lot to like about the sophomore linebacker from Texas

Cut 20 (20) “ …young guy.” 

A portion of the historic match-up between LSU and Southern went viral after a Tiger fan walked onto the field. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Two juveniles are now in custody for the shooting of a teenager from Assumption Parish. Whitney Thomas has more..

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”  

______________________________________

During the LSU-Southern game when an extra man walked onto the field the officer who ended up tackling him was Baton Rouge PD Spokesperson Don Coppola. On Mornings with Brian Halden, Coppola talked about how video of the incident has gone viral.

Cut 3 (12) “…been bad.” 

Coppola says the viral video even ended up on Sean Hannity’s program on Fox News.

When these oddities do occur Coppola says it’s usually a fan running across the field and possibly even streaking. But this incident was most unusual because the fan walked onto the field and just stood there with his hands on his hips while the ball was in play.

Cut 4 (12) “…to continue.” 

The game was already historic being the first match-up for LSU and Southern but thanks to social media it might most be remembered for the fan on the field. Coppola says he was quickly escorted off the field but not before words were exchanged.

Cut 5 (09) “…end up well.” 

_________________________________________________

Thibodaux Police make a second arrest in the death of 15-year-old Jairen Cole, who was shot multiple times inside a home on Saturday. Earlier this week detectives arrested a 15-year-old male, charging him with 1 count of Second Degree Murder.

Spokesperson Clint Dempster says further investigating led them to a 12-year-old suspect who they charged with 1-count of Principle Second Degree Murder

Cut 6 (08)  “…definitely involved.” 

The Juvenile is currently being held at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility awaiting court proceedings. Dempster says it’s disheartening to see juveniles in these situations.

Cut 7 (05) “… it’s heartbreaking.”

Dempster says that this should make the community realize that structure starts at home.

Cut 8 (13)  “…at home.”

The incident still remains under investigation. The suspected motive is still being withheld at this time. If you have further information contact Thibodaux police.

___________________________________________

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says if cities and towns want to reduce crime, they need to hire more police officers. A recent study shows New Orleans could have the highest murder rate per capita in the nation for the first half of 2022. Kennedy says New Orleans needs to double its force and retain veteran cops…..

Cut 9 (06)  “…retiring in droves”

Kennedy says it will cost money to hire more officers and prevent older cops from retiring, but local governments should not use that as an excuse…

Cut 10 (11) “…use that money” 

Kennedy says improving morale within police department can also help reduce crime. He says improving officer morale starts with elected officials and standing behind their cops when they’re right, which is 99-percent o f the time…

Cut 11 (12)  “…police officers”

_______________________________________________

The website DivorceAnsweres.com discovered that 38 percent of Louisiana couples that seek separation renege due to financial dependency. Legal Analyst Doug Sunseri says most couples face a devastating reality when deciding to split.

Cut 12 (12) “.. upon divorce”  

Some couples conclude that the financial burden weighs more than the actual divorce. Sunseri says even the most complex situations result in spouses staying together to avoid financial consequences.

Cut 13 (11) “…case base” 

Couples that both receive financial income separately from work have a better advantage of splitting than couples with one dependent. Sunseri says the legal process can still be pernicious.

Cut 14 (11)  “…financial standpoint” 

A nationwide survey of small business owners finds that inflation continues to be a serious problem. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Today, carbon dioxide levels in the Earth’s atmosphere are the highest they’ve been in about 800 thousand years. An expert from LSU’s AgCenter says there’s something you can do that’s actually very easy. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

______________________________________

Nearly a third of small business owners nationwide say inflation is their single most important problem in operating their business. That’s a slight decrease from a previous survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says inflation remains a serious challenge for small businesses

Cut 3 (09) “…reduced some.” 

A consumer Price Index Report released this week showed annual price inflation hit eight-point-three percent in August, which was slightly down from July. McVea says the survey also shows small business owners have a dismal outlook when it comes to better business conditions over the next six months…

Cut 4 (08) “..the election” 

McVea says spending and plans to spend by small business owners remain historically weak and uncertainty remains high. She hopes 2022 can still end on a high note…

Cut 5 (10) “… the year.” 

_________________________________________________

Tropical Depression Number Seven formed in the Atlantic this morning. New Orleans National Weather Service Meteorologist Danielle Manning says it’s about 800 miles west of the Lesser Antilles. She says it’s expected to remain on a westward track and reach Haiti by Monday.

Cut 6 (09)  “…out to sea.” 

As far as Louisiana or even the Gulf of Mexico, Manning says right now it’s not a huge concern, but we should keep a watchful eye on Number Seven…

Cut 7 (06) “…more clear.”

Compared to the last two hurricane seasons things are unusually calm for the Bayou State storm-wise. Manning says the Saharan Dust along with dry air over the Caribbean has made it more difficult to predict the season months in advance. Manning says it’s not time by any means to let your guard down.

Cut 8 (10)  “…time of year.”

Manning says it’s never too early to review your hurricane plans and have things prepared just in case.

___________________________________________

LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard is urging us to plant more trees to absorb greenhouse gasses.  A single tree can pull 48 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere in one year. She says people in Louisiana tend to cut trees out of fear of hurricane damage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…quickly”

Fast-growing trees that resist strong winds include Nutall oaks, river birch, and sycamores.

She says trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it as carbon molecules in the plants’ wood, roots, and leaves.

Cut 10 (09) “…they grow.” 

Ballard says forested areas can be up to ten degrees cooler than cities because trees act as natural air conditioners.

Cut 11 (09)  “…the summertime.”

Ballard says trees that are even 60 feet away can help cool our homes.

_______________________________________________

Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, College World Series Champion baseball coach Paul Mainieri and LSU’s all-time leading receiver Wendell Davis are going into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Chairman Doug Ireland says former LSU pitcher Paul Byrd and W-N-B-A all-star Alana Beard are also part of the class…

Cut 12 (11) “.. represent Louisiana”  

Mainieri led the LSU Tigers to a national championship in 2009. Ireland says during 15 seasons at LSU, Mainieri won 641 games…

Cut 13 (12) “…the class” 

Ireland says Beard led Southwood High School in Shreveport to four consecutive state championships, the Duke Blue Devils to two Final Four apperances and she helped the Los Angeles Sparks win a WNBA title

Cut 14 (12)  “…for years” 

The 2023 class will be enshrined on July 29th in Natchitoches.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office issues new guidelines for complying with the state’s new carbon monoxide detector law. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 _______________________________________________

 Louisiana is bring back an African American Heritage Trail.  Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Whitney Thomas” 

________________________________________________

The House Ways & Means Committee held its first meeting looking at how the state can eliminate income taxes, but still pay for government services. Kevin Gallagher has the story…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

The State Fire Marshal’s Office issues guidance on complying with Louisiana’s new law requiring carbon monoxide detectors in all new homes and rentals. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the law, passed in the 2022 legislature, takes effect January 1^st…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…carbon monoxide alarm inside.”

The law requires that all homes sold or leased and all rental properties must have at least one C.O. monitor, as well as a smoke detector, placed within 10 feet of sleeping areas. She says this is particularly important for homes using natural gas for heating, cooking or hot water, but also for those with whole home generators…:

Cut 5 (07) “…to be in place.”

The law doesn’t take effect until January, but Rodrigue says now is the time to get the detectors installed…so there will be time to work out any potential issues….:

 Cut  6 (07)  “…if it’s not working.” 

Carbon monoxide detectors can be bought at most any home hardware store, and one can even get single units that operate as both smoke AND C.O. detectors at a reasonable cost.

_________________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism announced the relaunch of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. A luncheon took place at the Whitney plantation in St. James Parish to discuss further plans.

Governor Nungesser says the trail created years ago left out some of Louisiana’s significant history…

Cut 7 (11) “…in Louisiana.”

The African American Heritage Trail includes sites that showcase innovative African Americans’ contribution to our nation’s history, and Louisiana’s everyday life, culture, and art. The Civil rights trail focuses on events that predated the Civil Rights movement.

Nungesser says the relaunch came with consolidating the staff.

Cut 8 (11)  “…new promotion.”

The  African American Heritage trail was first launched in February 2008, including 26 sites from New Orleans to north Louisiana. Now there are over 38 sites open to the public. The Heritage trail will highlight the arrival of ships carrying the enslaved, and continue through the civil rights period.

Nungesser says this will have long-term benefits.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for tourist.”

_______________________________________________

Ochsner Health President and CEO Warner Thomas is leaving to lead a health care system in California. Thomas became Ochsner’s CEO in 2012 and during that time Ochsner Health tripled in size from 13-thousand to 36-thousand employees and that includes 23-hundred physicians in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama

Cut 10 (07) “…everyday.”

Thomas and his successor, Pete November, worked together to develop the Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana–adding more than 300 physicians there and investing more than $200 million.

Thomas says the biggest challenge his team has faced was the early days of the COVID pandemic. He praises the heroism of Ochsner’s front-line medical staff.

Cut  11 (11)  “..health care entity” 

The Ochsner Health Board unanimously voted to appoint Pete November as Thomas’s success. November is Ochsner Health’s current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He’ll assume his role on November first and Thomas predicts a smooth transition…

Cut 12 (08) “..flourish.” 

Thomas is joining Sutter Health, based in Sacramento, California.

______________________________________________

The House Ways and Means Committee has begun the process of looking at eliminating the state’s income tax as a way to bring more jobs to Louisiana. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says the state’s current tax structure continues to hold Louisiana back and it’s time for real tax reform…

Cut 13 (08) “…bring that forward”

Nelson reminds members that other states in our region of the country are doing much better than Louisiana, in terms of revenue, jobs & business growth and their tax structures…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…no income tax.”

Nelson asks fellow lawmakers to find a way to make fundamental tax reforms, including ridding the state in the income tax. Way & Means Committee Chairman (and Lafayette Representative) Stewart Bishop says there’s a lot of work ahead…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…a very big task.”

_______________________________________________

ULM is nearly a 50-point underdog heading into this Saturday’s game against second ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden says it’s not easy to come up with a game plan to slow down Crimson Tide quarterback and last season’s Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young…

Cut 16 (16)  “..run it” 

Bowden is asking his players to play the best that they can play. He says last week saw a bunch of upsets in college football and would love to see the Warhawks pull off a stunner at Alabama…

Cut 17 (18) “…in Notre Dame” 

ULM 1-and-1 on the season after beating Nicholls 35-to-7 last Saturday. Warhawks coach Terry Bowden says he’s been pleased with his quarterback Chandler Rogers, who threw for 253 yards and two TDs…

Cut  18 (20)“…we got him”

______________________________________________________

LSU continues to prepare for Mississippi State’s air-raid offense which means a lot of passing. Bulldogs Quarterback Will Rogers leads the SEC in passing yards and has thrown a league-high nine touchdowns. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says State runs a half-dozen concepts very well, so you can’t get too cute on defense…

Cut 19 (17) “..get exposed”

Kelly doesn’t plan on making any changes to the starting line-up of his offensive line. Against Southern, the Tigers started Will Campbell, Charles Turner, Miles Frazier, Garret Dellinger and Anthony Bradford…

Cut 20 (23) “ …hoping for” 

This morning, Governor John Bel Edwards rolled up his sleeves for the fifth time to get the latest booster against COVID and is urging you to do the same. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

______________________________________

A Caddo Parish substitute teacher is charged with paying five students cash to bully one. More from Jeff Palermo…:

Cut 2 (30) I’m  Jeff Palermo.”  

______________________________________

Thibodaux Police continue to search for the gunman who fatally shot 15-year-old Jarian Cole from Assumption Parish on Saturday afternoon. Lt. Clint Dempster says Cole was shot multiple times in the back inside a home…

Cut 3 (12) “…in the helicopter.” 

Dempster says detectives are working around the clock searching for the shooter.

Cut 4 (07) “..come forward with” 

Dempster would not provide details on why Cole was in Thibodaux. He says it’s a city that’s only had a few murders over the years

Cut 5 (08) “… the victim.” 

_________________________________________________

State health officials say ninety percent of the new COVID19 cases in Louisiana are caused by the latest variant of the disease, Omicron BA-FOUR, and BA-FIVE. This morning, Governor John Bel Edwards received the new bivalent COVID booster shot. He says the latest variants are highly transmissible.

Cut 6 (09)  “…people do that.” 

State health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says people are still dying daily from COVID in Louisiana. Nearly 18-thousand people have died since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Pfizer bivalent COVID shot is available for anyone who is 12 and older and the Moderna bivalent shot is available for anyone who is 18 and older.

Edwards says protection from boosters becomes weaker after a few months.

Cut 7 (13) “…Johnson and Johnson .”

This is the fifth COVID shot the governor has received.

He also received a flu shot. It’s available for people who are six months old or older.

Cut 8 (07)  “…with COVID.”

Health officials are concerned that after two mild flu seasons, because of COVID mitigations and mask-wearing, this year’s flu season could be an active one.

____________________________________________

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a substitute P.E. teacher; accused of encouraging students to bully a classmate. CPSO spokesperson Bia Rolden says detectives became aware of the allegations against 24-year-old Aadrina (uh DREE nuh) Smith, of an incident in late August…:

Cut 9 (14)  “…for money.”

Rolden says Smith allegedly paid the five students $5 each to attack their classmate in the gym at North Caddo Elementary Middle School. Three of them actually carried out the request. She says Smith was present and offered the bullied child no help or support…:

Cut 10 (08) “…after this happened.” 

Rolden says once school officials became aware of what happened, they alerted the sheriff’s office who began an investigation. Rolden says it is shocking for a teacher to be a part of school bullying…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…somebody said something.”

Smith has terminated and is now charged with 5 counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and malfeasance. Rolden says more arrests may be coming.

_______________________________________________

CVS Pharmacies in Louisiana add an extra measure of security against prescription drug thefts; time delay pharmaceutical safes. CVS Chief Policy Officer Tom Moriarty says criminals steal drugs from pharmacies and sell them illicitly on the street; leading to higher crime and even overdose deaths. He says using time-lock technology will discourage that…:

Cut 12 (06) “.. from happening.”  

Moriarty says time delay drug safes are now in place in all 133 CVS locations across Louisiana. He says the technology has been proven effective in reducing drug theft…:

Cut 13 (07) “…of this technology.” 

Moriarty says, in stores with a working time-lock drug vault, thieves are limited to only whatever product is out on the counters from the day’s business. He says once thieves determine a pharmacy has a time-lock drug vault, they rarely attempt a second theft. Moriarty says CVS doesn’t do this to reduce their pharmaceutical losses; they do it to prevent drugs from being sold on the street for ill-gotten cash…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…on the street.” 

The U-S Marshal’s Service announces they recovered 14 missing children and made several arrests during their “Summer Knights” operation in New Orleans. More from Whitney Thomas

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Whitney Thomas”

 _______________________________________________

Louisiana ranks among the Top Ten states nationally for Educational Freedom. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

Lawmakers meet in Baton Rouge today to discuss the idea of eliminating the state income tax. More from Jeff Palermo…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________________________

The U.S Marshals Office has announced the results of their operation “Summer Knights”, conducted in the New Orleans metro area, leading to the recovery of fourteen missing endangered teens. One additional child was located, and eight arrests were made.  

Brian Fair, a senior inspector said some teens were fugitives, while others were held captive.  

Cut 4 (12)  “…That recovery.”

Out of the eight arrests made, one individual associated with a 16-year-old runaway will be facing hit-and-run charges, along with the aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.  Fair says another suspect associated with the 16-year-old runaway was wanted for various burglaries in the New Orleans Area.  

Cut 5 (10) “..with minors.”  (3x)

Fair says they couldn’t have done this deliberate operation alone.  

  Cut  6 (10)  “…these recoveries.” 

Any information about missing children should be reported to your local police department or the National Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-The-Lost.  

_________________________________________________

A new report from the Heritage Foundation ranks Louisiana among the Top Ten states for “Educational Freedom.” State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says Louisiana’s Number 9 ranking is a great place to be in the first-ever such report by Heritage. He explains what it meant by Educational freedom…:

Cut 7 (12) “…in education appropriately.”

Brumley says Heritage Foundation gives high marks for empowering parental choice, in transparency in education policy-making and spending public dollars wisely and properly. The Heritage report ranks Louisiana among the Top 20 for both school choice and transparency. Brumley says both are important to him as the state’s Top Educator…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…even home school.”

The Heritage “Education Freedom Report Card” comes as the Department of Education observes Celebrate Freedom Week. Brumley says the recognition by heritage is good, but there’s more progress to be made

Cut 9 (07)  “…being classroom teachers.”

_______________________________________________

A recent Washington Post analysis ranks Louisiana 17th in the nation in retention of college graduates. That puts the Pelican State ahead of southern states like Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and South Carolina. The governor’s communications director Lauren Leist says the state’s investments in higher education are paying off

Cut 10 (07) “…we’ve seen.”

Leist says in the six years the governor has been in office, he’s worked to diversify the state’s economy which is allowing college graduates to stay right here to begin their careers.

Cut  11 (13)  “..lately” 

Leist says the state has created nearly 200-thousand jobs since the worst of the COVID pandemic and many people filling those jobs are recent college grads. She says the governor will continue to diversify the economy in order to prevent the brain drain….

Cut 12 (10) “…water management.” 

______________________________________________

The House Ways & Means Committee meets today to discuss broad state tax reforms, including eliminating the state income tax. The meeting is the result of a resolution passed this spring by Mandeville Republican Rep. Richard Nelson. He says he hopes lawmakers can get to “the root of some fundamental problems” within the tax structure…:

Cut 13 (09) “…move the state forward.”

Nelson feels getting rid of the state income tax would help move Louisiana forward to compete with states like Texas and Florida which have no such tax. He proposed a tax reform package in 2021, but it was a bit too weighty to get passed during a short “fiscal only” session. In 2022, he came back with a resolution to meet in the off-months to discuss the idea…:

Cut 14 (13)  “…better way to go.”

Nelson feels our tax structure is “broken” and it drives people and business away from the state. He says today is likely the first of many meetings to map out a strategy for crafting a new tax system. He says it won’t be easy, but it CAN be done…:

Cut 15 (12)  “…a local level.”

_______________________________________________

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says the Tigers need a better week of preparation than last week to defeat Mississippi State this Saturday in Baton Rouge. The Bulldogs are 2-0, with wins over Memphis and Arizona and State’s air raid offense is averaging 385 passing yards, fifth best in the nation. Kelly his defensive players will need to execute their assignments

Cut 16 (12)  “…get exposed” 

LSU’s running game should get a boost with the return of running back John Emery, who served a 15-game suspension as a result of some sort of an academic infraction. Kelly says he’s excited to have the former Destrehan star back…

Cut 17 (19) “…can’t do that 

This will be Kelly’s first SEC game, but he doesn’t feel like he’s behind the other coaches in the league when it comes to familiarity. He says that’s because at Notre Dame, which does not belong to a conference, he was always preparing for a new opponent…

Cut  18 (19)“…their tendencies”

______________________________________________________

There are plenty of corrections to be made following the Saints come from behind 27-26 win over the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans Coach Dennis Allen is not happy that the Dirty Birds rushed for 201 yards. Allen says that’s not the Black and Gold standard…

Cut 19 (23) “..that area”

The Saints offense also struggled for the first three quarters, but Allen says offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael did an awesome job calling plays and Allen liked that the quarterback received the play call with plenty of time left on the play clock…

Cut 20 (20) “ …good job” 

Running back Alvin Kamara only had 39 yards rushing and three catches. Allen says Kamara was dealing with a rib issue, but should be fine. New Orleans hosts Tampa Bay this Sunday.

It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and the Louisiana Motor Transport Association is celebrating drivers who deliver America’s freight every day. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Unconventional U.S. Senate candidate Gary Chambers appeared on “Talk Louisiana” with Jim Engster this morning, and faced more questions about his electability Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m  Marsanne Golsby.”  

______________________________________

This week, representatives of the trucking industry are here to remind you how important truck drivers are. It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Renee Amar is executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association.

Cut 3 (08) “…brought it to you.” 

More than fourteen hundred appreciation kits were sent to truck drivers across Louisiana. Wallace Simien the third, of Jennings, is the Louisiana Motor Transport Association’s truck driver of the year.

Cut 4 (:11) “..his truck” 

Amar says truckers nationwide have shown their commitment to delivering the goods people need during challenging times. One big concern is the nationwide shortage of truck drivers. Amar says they are aggressively trying to recruit new drivers, especially women.

Cut 5 (06) “… Louisiana.” 

There are more than 3.6 million professional truck drivers nationwide, including 10-thousand trucking companies in Louisiana. LMTA says these businesses provide 88-thousand jobs across the state.

_________________________________________________

US Senate candidate Gary Chambers says that contrary to the opinion of many political experts, he has a real chance to beat Senator John Kennedy. Kennedy last ran in 2016. Chambers says in that election 585 thousand black voters turned out to vote for Hillary Clinton.

Cut 6 (09)  “…believed in.” 

Chambers was a guest on “Talk Louisiana” with Jim Engster this morning. He faced questions about his electability in a low turnout election year. He says of the three  Democratic candidates he is the clear leader

Cut 7 (08) “…being disingenuous .”

Kennedy has a massive war chest and has already begun advertising. Chambers says if he can get into the runoff he can beat Kennedy.

Cut 8 (08)  “…the left and the right.”

Chambers accused Kennedy of being a coward for refusing to debate him.

____________________________________________

Louisiana woke up to somewhat cooler, and more “Autumn-like” weather today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a pocket of dry and cool air is parked over Louisiana…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…across the state.”

Keim says many parts of Louisiana woke up temperatures in the 60’s today; bringing in a first small “taste” of Fall…:

Cut 10 (05) “…made it through.” 

Keim says it’s not necessarily time to break out the jackets and sweaters, but we can expect even cooler weather tomorrow morning…:

Cut 11 (08)  “…most of the state.”

He says morning low temperatures should only dip into the 70’s in coastal areas. He says the less humid weather should be with us at least through Thursday.

_______________________________________________

A Chalmette grocery store is having fun with the Saints come from behind 27-26 win over the Falcons. The bakery at Breaux Mart was already preparing cakes with icing that read 28-3, a jab at the Falcons Super Bowl collapse, but assistant store manager Stephen Exnicios says the cake decorator changed the decorations so it reads 26-10 which was the score before Atlanta blew the lead yesterday…

Cut 12 (04) “.. everybody else does.”  

The Saints trailed 26-10 with just over eleven minutes left in the game, but New Orleans scored the final 17 points to win 27-26. Exnicios says they wanted to do something to celebrate the Black and Gold’s largest fourth quarter comeback in team history…

Cut 13 (04) “…nerve racking” 

Exnicios says the cakes are the size of a traditional birthday cake and they are taking orders…

Cut 14 (04)  “…requesting them.” 

Seen at a recent Jeff Landry alligator hunt fundraiser: “Team Landry Governor” merchandise. Is this a signal the Attorney General is officially in the race? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 _______________________________________________

When a Calhoun man went gator hunting for the first time ever, he had no idea what he was in for. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

________________________________________________

After three frustrating quarters, the Saints erupted for 17 fourth-quarter points to beat the Atlanta Falcons 27-26. Jeff Palermo has a recap.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s annual alligator hunt event appeared to an un-official launch of his campaign for Governor in 2023. At the event, people passed out “Team Landry Governor” merchandise. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s a good indicator that he intends to run, however…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…you’ll know it.”

Landry’s event was attended by numerous deep-pocketed Republican supporters and conservative political celebrities like Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle. Photos posted on Facebook show the Landry merchandise pretty plainly. Alford says anyone could have supplied the hat & t-shirts, and the most important thing is Landry’s eventual official announcement…:

Cut 5 (10) “..as a candidate.”

So far, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser looks poised to run next year, and state Treasurer John Schroder is expected to make an announcement soon. Alford says an actual official announcement from the Attorney General may not come until the November mid-term election…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…his own campaign.” 

_________________________________________________

An advocacy group is seeking compensation for a man wrongly convicted, who served decades in prison. 62-year-old Malcolm Alexander’s rape conviction was overturned in 2018 after serving 38 years in Angola. But Innocence Project New Orleans executive director Jee Park says Alexander was denied compensation last year, and they are appealing the ruling. In Louisiana, it’s $40,000 for each year of wrongful imprisonment.

Cut 7 (11) “…for that.”

So the maximum amount he could receive is $400,000.

Park says now they are waiting on a ruling from the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeal. The defense argued that DNA from evidence collected matched neither the victim nor Alexander. Park says not everyone who is exonerated receives compensation.

Cut 8 (10)  “…court jurisdiction.”

Even though Alexander has been free since 2018, Park says compensation is long overdue for him and is another acknowledgment of his innocence.

Cut 9 (10)  “…finish line yet.”

Park is hoping they will receive a ruling before the end of the year.

_______________________________________________

So, imagine your 71-year-old friend who’s never been gator hunting in their life, tells you he caught one that he thought weighed around 400 pounds. You’d laugh at them, right? Well, Jerry Sepulvado of Calhoun did just last week on Lake St. John. He actually caught three gators and one was a real whopper.

Cut 10 (09) “…1,000 pounds.”

Fortunately, Sepulvado has witnesses, and thanks to Nathan Gauthier, he has video evidence of the massive gator. Sepulvado says they worked for hours on getting his prize catch in the boat.

Cut  11 (06)  “…he was.” 

So, what does one do with an almost 12-foot alligator that weighs more than 750 pounds, Sepulvado says you sell it…

Cut 12 (11) “…my man cave.” 

And if you bagged a gator like that you’d probably quit while you’re ahead right? Well, Sepulvado thinks he’ll give gator hunting another try.

______________________________________________

A high-ranking state lawmaker comes out with an endorsement for Democrat Luke Mixon in November’s U.S. Senate race. The 42-year-old Mixon, a former Navy fighter pilot and current airline pilot, is from Bunkie. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, says he feels Mixon has the “right stuff” for the Senate…:

Cut 13 (10) “…Barksdale Air Force Base.”

Mixon is a White man. He is challenging Republican John Kennedy for re-election, along with two Black Democrats: activist Gary Chambers from Baton Rouge and non-profit director Syrita Steib from New Orleans. Jenkins says this is his personal endorsement for Mixon; not necessarily that of his caucus. He explains why he chose Mixon over the others…:

Cut 14 (08)  “…well-rounded candidate.”

Mixon and Chambers report having raised over a million dollars each for their campaigns, while Kennedy has nearly $16-million and is already running TV ads. Jenkins says, for him, Mixon is a good candidate with an impressive resume^’…:

Cut 15 (10)  “…of Louisiana first.”

_______________________________________________

What a start to the Dennis Allen era in New Orleans. The Saints roared back from a 26-10 fourth-quarter deficit to beat their biggest rival the Atlanta Falcons 27-26. Michael Thomas caught two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter as the offense finally woke up after three sluggish quarters…

Cut 16 (15)  “…make a play.” 

Thomas finished with five catches for 57 yards in his first game since 2000. Saints fans are glad Can’t Guard Mike is back and so is Allen…

Cut 17 (13) “…what he did” 

Veteran receiver Jarvis Landry also had a big game in his first contest as a Saint. He caught seven passes for 114 yards including a fantastic 40-yard grab to set up Will Lutz’s game-winning 51-yard field goal. Landry on the come-from-behind win…

Cut  18 (18)“…made plays”

______________________________________________________

The first-ever meeting between LSU and Southern on the football field turned into a blowout quickly and the Fighting Tigers went on to a 65-17 victory over the Jaguars. LSU scored 37 points in the first quarter, the most points scored ever in a single period in school history. Coach Brian Kelly wanted to see a fast start…

Cut 19 (16) “..go play”

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels completed ten of his eleven pass attempts for 137 yards and three touchdowns. Kayshon Boutte got involved right away and caught five passes for 42 yards and had a 41-yard carry.

Kelly also changed his offensive line, starting Charles Turner at center, Garrett Dellinger moved to guard and Miles Frazier went from guard to tackle and last week’s starting right tackle Cam Wire watched the start of the game from the sidelines…

Cut 20 (20) “ …guard position”