House GOP leader State Representative Blake Miquez and sugar cane farmer Hugh Andre are running for Senate in District 22, one of the most competitive races in the state. The race includes Lafayette, Iberia, and St. Martin parishes. The Advocate Journalist Tyler Bridges says the winner will determine if the higher chamber remains conservative in a pragmatic bipartisan manner.

Cut 13 (10) “… LGBTQ rights.”

And Bridges says the winner of this race will also determine the next Senate President Pro Tem.

The Louisiana Treasury has announced nearly 81 thousand names of unclaimed property owners have been published in local newspapers. To find the list of Unclaimed Property owners, State Treasurer John Schroder encourages residents in every parish to check the Legal Notices section in their local newspaper. He says this is a crucial step in reuniting residents with unclaimed funds.

Cut 5 (07) “ …return it.”  

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

Amendment 4 on the October 14^th ballot would allow local governments to remove property tax exemptions from nonprofit organizations that lease housing. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Early voting is underway for the October 14th primary election and will continue through Saturday. Polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  If you will not be in town during early voting or election day, officials urge residents to request an absentee ballot. On election day, polls will open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The state made available 500 grants of up to 10-thousand dollars for Citizens policyholders to fortify their roofs. Teiko Foxx reports the grants were gone in just over two minutes and a second round of grants will be available in two weeks…
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

At 1 PM, high school principals will hold a special meeting in Baton Rouge to vote on the definition of a select school. A yes vote would keep the select definition the LHSAA used last year that resulted in several non-select schools being defined as select schools, which prompted a lawsuit.

Beginning today, nearly 81 thousand new names of unclaimed property owners have been published in local newspapers. State Treasurer John Schroder says they are committed to reconnecting residents with money received by the Louisiana Treasury.
Cut 3 (11) “…new data.”
Unclaimed Property consists of abandoned financial assets like checking and savings accounts, unpaid wages, life insurance payouts, proceeds from safety deposit boxes, and more.

There are four constitutional amendments on the October 14th ballot and the fourth amendment would allow a local government to take away a non-profits property tax exemption if their building receives multiple health or safety violations. Public Affairs Research Council President Steve Procopio says supporters of the amendment say it’s way to address blight, but on the other hand…
cut 12 (05) “….the voters”
Go to PAR’s website for information on all of the amendments.

The first 500 grants for Louisiana’s Fortify Homes Program were given out in less than three minutes when they became available yesterday afternoon. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says they will make another 500 grants available to Citizen policyholders in two weeks and he’s not surprised by the popularity…
cut 9 (13) “,,,succession”
The grants can be worth up to 10-thousand dollars for a homeowner to buy a new roof that can better withstand hurricane force winds.

Congressman Troy Carter is co-authoring legislation that would result in the federal government providing funds to help athletic departments of HBCU schools like Southern and Grambling. Carter the says the legislation is called the Prime Act…
cut 5 (13) “…university experience”
So far only Democrats are backing the legislation.

There’s a heated senate race ongoing in Acadiana as Republican Blake Miguez, who has served as the House GOP’s leader, is trying to succeed Fred Mills as the state senator for District 22. But Advocate reporter Tyler Bridges says the bipartisan political establishment in the district favors sugarcane farmer Hugh Andre…
cut 15 (12) “…everybody”
Early voting continues through Saturday this week.

Constitutional Amendment four on the October 14th ballot would allow local governments to remove property tax exemptions from nonprofit organizations that lease housing and have repeated public health or safety violations. But Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the passage would not mean the tax exemption status is automatically pulled…
cut 11 (06) “…..to do that”

The District 22 Senate race in Acadiana is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the state. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A federal judge is sanctioning LSU for failing to preserve evidence in the ongoing lawsuit against the university where several former students say the school mishandled cases of sexual misconduct and assault. The cellphones of former tennis coaches were wiped clean and the judge is ordering LSU to pay fees.

500 grants of up to 10-thousand dollars were accounted for in just over two minutes yesterday when the Louisiana Department of Insurance made available grants that Citizens homeowners can use to fortify their roofs. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says they plan to give out three-thousand grants by the end of the year…
cut 9 (15) “…..at large”
For more information go to the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s website.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is co-authoring legislation that would provide federal dollars for HBCU athletic departments. Carter says a larger funding stream would allow schools like Grambling and Southern to become more competitive
cut 4 (07) “…better training”
So far only Democrats have said they support the bill.

That didn’t take long. The Louisiana Department of Insurance made available 500 grants of up to 10-thousand dollars for Citizens policyholders to fortify their roofs. Teiko Foxx reports the grants were gone in just over two minutes and a second round of grants will be available in two weeks…
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

No one matched the six numbers in last night’s Powerball drawing so the grand prize for Wednesday night’s drawing is expected to be one-point-two billion dollars.

Constitutional Amendment 4 on the October 14th ballot would allow local governments to remove property tax exemptions from nonprofit organizations that lease housing and have repeated public health or safety violations. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the entity must have at least three violations within a 12-month period.
Cut 10 (09) “…tax exemption.”
Procopio says opponents of the amendment say code enforcement violations can be subjective.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is a co-author of a bill that would provide federal dollars to historically black colleges to help them compete in college athletics. Carter says schools like Grambling and Southern have great traditions, but suffer from a lack of funding. Carter calls the legislation the Prime Act…
cut 6 (12) “…that do”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its second round of 500 grants of up to $10 thousand in two weeks for Citizens policyholders to strengthen their roofs. Donelon says the first round of grants came available yesterday and went very quickly…
Cut 7 (07) “…seconds pass.”
For more information go to the state Department of Insurance’s website.

There’s a big state senate race going on in Acadiana. The two main candidates are Republican Blake Miguez and Huge Andre. The 41-year-old Miguez has been the House GOP leader since 2020 and Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges says if MIguez wins, the Senate will move more to the right…
cut 14 (11) “….woke liberals”
But Bridges says Andre has the support of the political establishment in Lafayette, Iberia and St. Martin Parishes.

Amendment 4 on the October 14th ballot would allow local governments to remove property tax exemptions from nonprofit organizations that lease housing. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

After exhausting its first round of grants in less than three minutes, the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its second round of grants for 500 Citizens policyholders in two weeks. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Amendment 4 on the October 14^th ballot would allow local governments to remove property tax exemptions from nonprofit organizations that lease housing. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The District 22 Senate race in Lafayette, Iberia, and St. Martin parishes is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the state. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter has introduced the PRIME Act to increase athletic budgets at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Junior Colleges. Carter says a larger funding stream would allow HBCUs to become more competitive.

Cut 4 (07) “…better training.”

Last year, LSU had an athletic budget of $192 million, while Southern University reported only $18 million. Carter says larger athletic budgets allow universities to hire talented coaching staff for their athletes.

Cut 5 (13) “…university experience.”

Texas A&M’s Kyle’s Field is estimated at a $485 million facility. Morehouse’s Forbes Arena is only $8 million. Carter hopes both Democratic and Republican lawmakers will help push this legislation through.

Cut 6 (12) “…goal post.”

These grants will be awarded by the Department of Education.

_________________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its second round of 500 grants of up to $10 thousand in two weeks for Citizens policyholders to strengthen their roofs. Donelon says the first round of grants was very successful.

Cut 7 (07) “…seconds pass.”

The LFHP has enough funding to award approximately 3,000 grants. Donelon says residents will have to meet certain requirements to be eligible for the grant including…

Cut 8 (08) “…flood zone.” 

Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.

The Legislature set aside $30 million for the program earlier this year. Donelon says this will provide relief to Citizens policyholders who are paying the highest premiums.

Cut 9 (13)  “…or succession.”

The remaining grants will be available to all eligible homeowners across the state in upcoming weeks.

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Amendment 4 on the October 14^th ballot would allow local governments to remove property tax exemptions from nonprofit organizations that lease housing and have repeated public health or safety violations. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the entity must have at least three violations within a 12-month period.

Cut 10 (09) “…tax exemption.”

Procopio says passage wouldn’t mean the tax exemption status is automatically pulled…

Cut 11 (06) “…to do that.”

When it comes to blight, Procopio says some believe this is one proposed way to punish the violator but on the other hand…

Cut 12 (05) “…the voters.” 

Early voting for the October 14th primary ends Saturday evening.

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The District 22 Senate race, which includes Lafayette, Iberia, and St. Martin parishes is one of the most competitive in the state. The top two candidates are House GOP leader Representative Blake Miguez and the largest sugar cane farmer in the area Hugh Andre. The Advocate Journalist Tyler Bridges says the winner will determine if the higher chamber remains conservative in a pragmatic bipartisan manner.

Cut 13 (10) “… LGBTQ rights.”

And Bridges says the winner of this race will also determine the next Senate President Pro Tem.

If Miguez, who’s currently leading in the polls, wins, Bridges believes the Senate will go to the extreme right.

Cut 14 (11) “…woke Liberals.”

Andre, who Bridges says isn’t as polished as Miguez, is well known in the area for being self-made and his uncle and grandfather were sheriffs in St. Martin Parish. Bridges says the bipartisan political establishment in the district favors Andre.

Cut 15 (12) “…everybody.”

Out of the five candidates running for the Senate seat, Republicans Andre and Miguez are expected to force a runoff. The seat is being vacated by Senator Fred Mills who is term-limited.

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The Saints have failed to score more than 21 points in ten straight games, but head coach Dennis Allen is not planning on making any changes with his offensive staff…

Cut 16 (16) “…on the board.”

A lot of the criticism is coming down on Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Allen says the longtime OC understands the fans want to see better results…

Cut 17 (13) “…get it fixed.”

________________________________________________________________

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says he has the utmost confidence in his defensive coordinator Matt House. Through four games, the Tigers’ defense ranks 105th in scoring defense, allowing 31 points a game. Kelly says one major reason why LSU’s defense has struggled is the number of new and young players on the field…

Cut 18 (15) “…at a higher level.”

Kelly has confirmed they’ve hired former LSU defensive line coach Pete Jenkins as an analyst. He’s considered a guru when it comes to coaching defensive lineman. Kelly says he’ll help out John Jancek, who was named D-Line coach when Jimmy Lindsey had a medical emergency before the season…

Cut 19 (19) “…in that room.” 

While LSU is struggling on defense, the Tigers have an elite offense. It’s ranked sixth in the country, averaging 530 yards a game. Kelly says the LSU offense is looking like the one Joe Burrow directed in 2019….

Cut 20 (20) “..about the defense” 

30-year-old Zachary Faulk of Merryville has been arrested for allegedly starting a fire on his property on August 17^th. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain…

Cut 9 (11) “…several days.” 

He faces one count of negligent burning and one count of violating the state burn ban.

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

Cut 12 (08) “..right now” 

The Saints play the Patriots Sunday afternoon in Foxboro.

There were no Powerball jackpot winners again this weekend, so tonight’s jackpot is more than one-billion dollars… Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison…

Cut 6 (11) “…one million.”

The cash value of tonight’s jackpot is $478 million. Tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m. to qualify for tonight’s drawing.

Fall is finally here but Sunday’s high reached into the 90s. State Climatologist Barry Keim says you’ll definitely feel a chill in the air this weekend.

Cut 5 (06) “ …finally arrives.”  

Lows on Saturday will be in the lower 60s and upper 50s. Keim says after one of the most oppressive summers on record, the cooler temperatures will be most welcomed in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Enforcement Division has arrested 30-year-old Zachary Faulk of Merryville. Commissioner Mike Strain says Faulk allegedly started a fire on his property on August 17^th and the blaze was adjacent to and part of the Tiger Island Fire, but the big battle was to save the town of Merryville…

Cut 10 (10) “…court of law.”

He faces one count of negligent burning and one count of violating the state burn ban.

It’s officially fall but it still feels like summer in Louisiana. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says we should start to see autumn-like temperatures going into the weekend. Usually by mid-September, we would have experienced our first drop in temperatures signifying that autumn has arrived.

Cut 4 (12) “…right here.”

There are a lot of questions about the Saints’ offense after they failed to score a touchdown in a 26-9 loss to Tampa Bay…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is a staggering $1.04 billion, the fourth-largest jackpot in the history of the game. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says to play responsibly.

Cut 8 (09) “..to win.”

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

After one of the most oppressive summers on record, fall-like temperatures are on the horizon, just a little later than normal. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Lake Charles Police continue to investigate fatal shooting that left one person dead, three others injured. It happened Friday night near the Y-2-K nightclub. When officers arrived on the scene they were greeted by a large crowd. 23-year-old Paige Ceasar died from his injuries early Saturday morning.

There were no winners in Saturday night’s Powerball jackpot so tonight’s drawing is just over one-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says you do not have to match all six numbers to be a winner….
cut 7 (12) “…your numbers.”
The cash value of tonight’s jackpot is $478 million, making it the fourth-largest jackpot in the history of the game.

Despite giving up a school record 706 yards of total offense, LSU Coach Brian Kelly says he still has the utmost confidence in defensive coordinator Matt House. Kelly says it will take a team effort to get the defense back on track…
cut 11 (12) “…play better”
23rd ranked LSU is at 21st ranked Missouri.