We are 24 days away from the October 14th gubernatorial primary and today one of the main candidates running to replace the term-limited John Bel Edwards dropped out of the race. Republican Richard Nelson says he’s now throwing his support behind Jeff Landry.

Singer-songwriter Jim Croce died in a plane crash 50 years ago today after a performance at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Teiko Foxx has more memories from that day.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

LSU safety Greg Brooks is recovering after undergoing brain surgery to remove what his family says was a large tumor. Coach Brian Kelly said an MRI detected the tumor after Brooks complained about dizzy spells. Kelly says it’s too early to tell if Brooks will play again…
cut 7 (11) “…to that”
Brooks’ family is saying it’s awaiting results on the biopsy.

LSU’s enrollment for this Fall semester is a record 39,419 that includes a record freshman class of 74-hundred students. LSU President William Tate says this freshmen class is the most academically accomplished and the university is doing a good job in retaining students, with a first year to second year retention rate at 84-percent…
cut 4 (09) “…really well”

Two breaking news stories…Republican Richard Nelson has dropped out of the governor’s race and endorsed Jeff Landry.

LSU safety Greg Brooks Junior is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says Brooks had episodes of vertigo during preseason camp and had another episode last Wednesday….
cut 6 (08) “….was located”
A biopsy is being conducted on the tumor to see if it is cancerous.

Legendary singer Jim Croce and five others died in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State University 50 years ago today. Dan McDonald, who was a reporter for Northwestern’s student newspaper, remembers Croce looking exhausted during his final performance.
Cut 8 (11) “…of there.”
Croce was set to spend the night in Natchitoches but called the pilot to leave early for a performance at Austin College the next day

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history, three-point-three percent. Louisiana Workforce Chief Economist Emily DiPalma says residents deciding to retire in their mid-60s is one thing helping.:
Cut 29 (07) “to retire”
Federal data also shows the number of unemployed individuals is just under 69 thousand, which is also a record low.

LSU says this incoming freshman class is the most academically accomplished in history with a record-high average ACT score of 26.5 up one point from last fall. President William Tate touts the university’s excellence in academics, especially cyber and computer science.
Cut 3 (12) “…cyber operations.”

Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy Louisiana will be partnering with local agencies to offer $1 million bill payment assistance to customers across Entergy service areas to address the increase in bills due to the state’s historic heat. Customers can apply for a one-time $200 credit through their local United Way website starting Friday.

50 years ago today, folk singer Jim Croce and five other people were killed in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Not long after takeoff, Croce’s plane crashed into a pecan tree at the end of the runway. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter, recalls arriving to the scene of the crash…

Cut 9 (13)  “…my mind.”

An event was held at the university on Monday to commemorate Croce’s death.

Six of Louisiana Tech’s most decorated student-athletes will have a statue unveiled in their honor tonight at Champions Plaza. Life-like images of Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Fred Dean will be on display. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…

Cut 14 (11) “…the pros.”

After the statues are unveiled and the living recipients take part in a Q&A session, the public will be allowed to walk through Championship Plaza.

The state’s unemployment rate sits at three point three percent, the lowest in history.  Federal data also shows the number of unemployed individuals is just under 69-thousand, which is also a record low. Emily DiPalma Chief Economist with the Louisiana Workforce says a tight labor market helps push wages up, but that is slowing down….

Cut 6 (11) “…a little bit.”

New data reveals Louisiana car insurance rates are the most expensive in the country, according to the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. PAR President Steven Procopio says the increase depends on several factors.

Cut 11 (11) “…substanial.”

Newly approved premiums by the Department of Insurance will result in rate increases of as much as 20 percent or more.

Legendary singer Jim Croce and five other people died in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches 50 years ago today. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter for Northwestern’s student newspaper, remembers Croce looking exhausted during his performance.

Cut 8 (11) “…of there.” 

Croce was set to spend the night in Natchitoches but called the pilot to leave early for a performance at Austin College the next day

Louisiana Tech will unveil statues of some of the university’s greats like Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, Fred Dean, and Teresa Weatherspoon tonight at the new Sarah and A.L Champions Plaza. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…

Cut 13 (10) “…background is.”

The free event is open to the public and begins at 6 o’clock.

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday showed Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Louisiana Workforce Chief Economist Emily DiPalma says older residents deciding to retire in their mid-60s is one thing helping.:
Cut 5 (07) “to retire”
Federal data also shows the number of unemployed individuals is just under 69 thousand, which is also a record low.

A recent study by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana indicates auto insurance rates in Bayou State rank among the most expensive in the nation. PAR President Steven Procopio says there was a slight decline in premiums during the pandemic…:
Cut 10 (12) “in the country”
Newly approved premiums by the Department of Insurance will result in rate increases of as much as 20 percent or more.

The family of LSU Safety Greg Brooks Jr. released a statement this morning explaining he had not been playing due to emergency surgery he had last Friday to remove a large brain tumor. Brooks missed the Mississippi State game and had been ruled out for Arkansas Saturday. The family added they are gaining further clarity on the extent of Brooks’ battle and ask fans for prayers and support.

It’s a big night in Ruston as Louisiana Tech opens Championship Plaza to unveil the statues of five Hall of Famers. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The governor’s office says the state’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Bastrop Police Department says an anonymous call has led to a dog fighting ring. They said during the investigation at a residence, authorities discovered approximately 20 pit bulls chained in the back yard covered with numerous scars in various stages of healing. 39-year-old Justin Johnson was arrested on 20 Counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and warrants are issued for two others.

Kim Mulkey, Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone and other notable Louisiana Tech alums will have their statues unveiled today outside Joe Aillet Stadium. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…:
Cut 15 (09) “open arms”
The free event is open to the public and begins at 6 o’clock.

50 years ago today, legendary singer Jim Croce and five other people were killed in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State in Natchitoches. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter for the student newspaper, says there were details about the concert that stand out:
Cut 7 (12) “go home”
An event was held at the university on Monday to commemorate Croce’s death.

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday showed Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Louisiana Workforce Chief Economist Emily DiPalma says the state’s unemployment rate is 3.3 percent for August 2023…:
Cut 4 (11) “six other states”
The industries seeing the largest gains are private education and health services, construction and government.

A recent study by the Public Affairs Research Council found Louisiana has some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation. PAR President Steven Procopio (Pra-cope-ee-oh) recommends drivers shop around…:
Cut 12 (08) “to do that”
He says the rate increases are driven by inflation for parts and labor costs.

Folk-rock singer-songwriter Jim Croce was killed in a plane crash in Natchitoches 50 years ago today following a concert at Northwestern State. Teiko Foxx reports…:
CUT 2 (35) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

A Morgan City woman has been arrested in connection with a double fatal fire in St. Mary Parish last month. 22-year-old Haley Ramo was booked on one count each of negligent arson and negligent homicide.

A Gray Media and Mason-Dixon poll shows 40 percent of respondents plan to vote for Republican Jeff Landry for Governor.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is trying to help Mardi Gras krewes in Shreveport and Mayor Tom Arceneaux find a solution after Arceneaux asked one krewe to change their parade date and he wants all parades to end by 7 p.m. Nungesser says he’s worried about international travelers who could be impacted.

Louisiana Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is a co-author of a bill that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to eleven dollars an hour. Democrats in the Senate have filed a bill that would raise the federal minimum wage to 17 dollars an hour by 2028. Cassidy that’s not achievable.

Cut  14 (09) “the good”

The federal minimum wage has not been increased since 2007.

Saints running back Tony Jones Junior scored his first two touchdowns of his NFL career last night as New Orleans defeated Carolina 20-17. Jones was elevated from the practice squad prior to the game…
cut 5 (15) “…blessed man”
The Saints are at Green Bay this Sunday.

New poll numbers are out on the governor’s race and 40 percent of respondents say they plan to vote for Republican Jeff Landry in the gubernatorial primary election. The survey was paid for by Gray Media and Mason-Dixon polling.  The poll shows Democrat Shawn Wilson in second place with 24 percent but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says ….

Cut 7 (10) “…Democrat is.” 

Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is backing new legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to eleven dollars an hour. Cassidy blames inflation and President Biden…

Cut 13 (06) “…keep up.”

Cassidy also supported legislation in 2021 to raise the minimum wage to ten dollars an hour, but the Democratic-controlled Senate didn’t think it was high enough.

The New Orleans Saints are now 2-0 after a win of 20-17 over the Carolina Panthers last night. Quarterback Derek Carr is glad the Saints defense kept Carolina out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter…

Cut 3 (13) “…football game.”

Running back Tony Jones Junior scored two touchdowns on two short rushing TDs.

After a possible fentanyl exposure in the evidence room of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Monday morning, three employees were transported to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition. Public Information Officer Mark Pierce says the supervisor was unable to talk and was found by two deputies.

Cut 9 (11) “…the hospital (x2).” 

The two deputies are recovering at home. The department’s evidence supervisor remains hospitalized but will recover.

The Saints put the Carolina Panthers to bed after a 20-17 win last night. Two touchdowns in the second half pushed the Saints to 2-0 for the season. Quarterback Derek Carr threw a first-half interception and ended the night throwing for 228 yards. He knows he can be better than that…

Cut 4 (12) “…in practice.”

According to a new survey conducted by Gray Media and Mason-Dixon polling, 40 percent of respondents plan to vote for Republican Jeff Landry in the October 14^th gubernatorial election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says is not a surprise Landry continues to have a big lead over his opponents.

Cut 6 (09) “…the primary.”

The poll shows the lone major Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson holding second place with 24 percent.

Three employees of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office were hospitalized Monday after a possible fentanyl exposure in the evidence room. The department’s evidence supervisor remains hospitalized. Public Information Officer Mark Pierce says they brought in a Hazmat Team Monday night after the office was closed.

Cut 11 (09) “…anywhere.”

Pierce says the evidence supervisor remains in the hospital as a precaution and is expected to recover.

Louisiana Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is a co-author of a bill that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to eleven dollars an hour. Cassidy says it’s time to have a responsible conversation about increasing the minimum wage for American workers…

Cut 12 (08) “…market has increased” 

Cassidy also supported legislation in 2021 to raise the minimum wage to ten dollars an hour, but the Democratic-controlled Senate didn’t think it was high enough.