Who’s going to be crowned the next Speaker of the House? Among the possible candidates are Louisiana’s Steve Scalise and Ohio Representative Jim Jordan.  Dr. Robert Hogan, LSU Political Science Professor says it’s indicative of the deep division within the Republican party.

Cut 9 (09)  “…on top.”

Congressional members are scheduled to vote for the next Speaker of the House today.

Election Day is Saturday and voters will cast a ballot for Constitutional Amendment Three which requires state lawmakers to use 25 percent of any state surplus to pay retirement debt for the four state retirement systems. The amendment’s author, Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says it’s time the state takes a serious approach towards paying off retirement debt…

Cut 14 (08) “…pet project.”

The Council for a Better Louisiana is in support of Amendment Three. Nelson says the goal is to pay down debt to have more money in the future…

Small business optimism nationwide declined slightly in September due to concern over inflation. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVea says sales growth has slowed, leaving owners with limited options for financial relief.

Cut 4 (11) “…to operate.”

Optimism fell by half a point in September to 90.8 marking the 21st consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98.

Rain is in the forecast today for southwest Louisiana due to a disturbance in the gulf. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain will cause a drop in temperatures.

Cut 11 (12) “…the weekend.”

For the Saturday, Keim says weatherwise it will be, believe it or not, an improvement to what Louisiana experienced last weekend…

Congressional members are scheduled to vote their next Speaker of the House today. Among the contenders are Louisiana’s Steve Scalise and Ohio Representative Jim Jordan. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan believes the election process will take a while..:
Cut 8 (10) “…anytime soon.”
When former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was elected in January it took fifteen rounds of voting and several concessions to far-right party members.

Small business optimism nationwide dips in September as inflation remains the single greatest problem in operating a business. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVea says the report also found that 43 percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill…:
Cut 5 (12) “just frustrating”

Thanks to a disturbance in the Gulf south Louisiana will have rain today. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville ranks in the top 10 as one of the most haunted destinations in the world, according to a recent report from Planet Cruise. Analyzing data from Trip Advisor, the Myrtles had 179 haunted mentions, and 62 spooky mentions.

Gas prices continue to fall in Louisiana. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular dropped another penny overnight to $3.19 which is over 10 cents lower than the same time last week.

After hearing from potential candidates last night, the US House begins the lengthy process of choosing the next Speaker…:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The state is getting some badly needed rain today into tomorrow, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says this disturbance will leave behind a delightful weekend…:
Cut 12 (11) “absolutely glorious”

The NFIB Small Business Optimism index decreased again in September as inflation remains the owners’ most important problem. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea…:
Cut 6 (10) “the year”
She says the latest report also found 43 percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill.

Constitutional amendment three on Saturday’s ballot asks voters if they want to require lawmakers to use 25 percent of any state surplus to pay retirement debt for the four state retirement systems. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson, who authored the amendment, says the state spends over a billion dollars every year just in interest on this debt…:
Cut 13 (09) “other things”
Opponents of the amendment say state surplus dollars help fund road and bridge work, coastal restoration, and other infrastructure needs.

Congressional members are scheduled to vote on their next Speaker of the House today. Among the contenders are Louisiana’s Steve Scalise and Ohio Representative Jim Jordan. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan expects it will be a close race between the two…:
Cut 7 (09) “the Democrats”
Former President Trump has endorsed Jordan and the only member of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to voice their support for Scalise is Congresswoman Julia Letlow.

South Louisiana, grab your umbrella when you leave the house today. When is the last time you’ve heard that? Lots of rain is in the forecast thanks to a disturbance in the gulf…:
CUT 10 (09) “the state”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim who says rain will last most of today into Thursday.

Inflation remains the top problem for small business owners nationwide resulting in less optimism for the future. Teiko Foxx has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

It’s World Day Against the Death Penalty and faith leaders from across Louisiana met at the Governor’s Mansion this morning urging Governor Edwards to call for clemency hearings for prisoners facing the death penalty. Advocate to abolish the death penalty, Sister Helen Prejean…

Cut 8 (09) “…our citizens.”

Faith leaders also prayed for the death row inmates and the family members of their victims.

Less than 350 thousand people cast votes during the early voting period that ended last Saturday and the Secretary of State’s Office predicts between 42 and 46 percent of registered voters will turnout for Saturday’s gubernatorial primary election. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon is projecting a lower turnout.

Cut 11 (09) “…total voter turnout.”

Grab your umbrellas tomorrow. A downpour is headed to southeast Louisiana as a result of a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee…

Cut 6 (09) “…during the evening”

The New Orleans area and St. Tammany Parish are expected to get more than two inches of rain. The Lafayette area could see about an inch of rain and less than half an inch for southwest Louisiana.

Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are offering consumers big deals- weeks before Black Friday weekend. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says a third of holiday shoppers expect inflation to impact their buying habits. He says early shoppers are looking for coupons, discounts, and sales.

Cut 4 (11) “…for discounts.”

While retailers are offering early promotions, Rossman says shoppers are eager to get the best deals but they are also being smart spenders.

JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says this is the lowest interest he’s ever seen in a Louisiana governor’s race. And Couvillon says, surprisingly more registered Republicans participated in early voting than Democrats…

Cut 12 (10) “.Democratic Friendly”  

Couvillon says participation among black voters was also down.

The Desoto Parish Clerk of Court turned himself in and was arrested today on misdemeanor charges of electioneering. Jeremy Evans posted pictures of himself on Social Media showing his September 20^th visit to 2 Mansfield nursing homes. The photos showed Evans was wearing a shirt with a “re-elect Jeremy Evans” logo on it and campaign literature in his hand. LA law says no candidate can solicit votes, hand out campaign literature or place any political advertising in nursing homes past a certain date.

This morning Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) presented Governor Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for all of the inmates awaiting execution.

Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says he believes Edwards is doing all he can on behalf of death row inmates.

Cut 9 (12) “…support it.” 

A settlement reached after an injunction was filed on behalf of Louisiana District Attorneys means most of the 56 inmates on death row with not have clemency hearings. The ruling is being appealed

We’re more than a month from Thanksgiving but major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy are already offering Black Friday discounts, weeks before the traditional holiday shopping season. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says an early start gives shoppers more time to research and spread out their cash flow

Cut 3 (10) “…card debt.”

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says based on early voting totals, total voter turnout for Saturday’s election could be less than 40-percent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court has been arrested. Jeremy Evans is charged with two counts of electioneering after two September 20^th visits to Mansfield nursing homes. During those visits, Evans posted photos of himself holding his campaign literature and wearing a shirt with a “re-elect Jeremy Evans” logo on it. The charges are misdemeanor.

A Group of Faith Leaders who oppose the Death Penalty met with Governor Edwards this morning Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) are calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. The group presented Governor Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the pardon board to grant the clemency hearing for all inmates awaiting execution. Sister Helen Prejean was among those requesting clemency hearings for the inmates

Cut 8 (09) “…our citizens.”

A recent settlement reached after an injunction was filed on behalf of Louisiana district attorneys means most of the 56 inmates on death row will not have clemency hearings. The ruling is being appealed.

Louisiana may be getting some Heavy rain tomorrow due to a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says localized flash flooding is possible in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 7 (10) “…very shortly” 

The DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court has been arrested. Jeremy Evans is charged with two counts of electioneering after two September 20^th visits to Mansfield nursing homes. During those visits, Evans posted photos of himself holding his campaign literature and wearing a shirt with a “re-elect Jeremy Evans” logo on it. The charges are misdemeanor.

Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) met with Governor Edwards and presented him with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for all inmates awaiting execution.

LIFE leaders prayed for the inmates and the family members of their victims. Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says they are not asking for death row inmates to be set free, only that their lives be spared.

Cut 10 (08) “…the death penalty.”

There’s a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s expected to bring Heavy rain southeast Louisiana tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says more than two inches of rain could fall along the coast, into the New Orleans area and St. Tammany Parish…

Cut 6 (09) “…during the evening”

Wetherbee says pay attention some areas could see some localized flash flooding.

Black Friday has come early for shoppers as major retailers are offering early deals in October. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says based on early voting totals, total voter turnout for Saturday’s election could be less than 40-percent.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Bond has been set at $350-thousand for Melanie Curtain, after her sexual assault conviction was granted a new trial. She was sentenced to life in prison without parole last year for her involvement with former high-ranking Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Perkins. The Attorney General’s Office plans to take the case of the state supreme court.

In recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty, faith leaders met with Governor Edwards this morning calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says he believes Edwards is doing all he can on behalf of death row inmates.

Cut 9 (12) “…support it.” 

Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) presented Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for death row inmates.

It’s not even Halloween but major retailers are already promoting Black Friday deals. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says while 25 percent of shoppers are stressed about the cost of holiday shopping, and the early promotions allow consumers to be smarter about their spending.

Cut 5 (06) “ …the budget”  

In recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty, faith leaders met with Governor Edwards this morning calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. Sister Helen Prejean, an advocate to abolish the death penalty, says being pro-life doesn’t mean you’re against abortion…

Cut 8 (09) “…our citizens.”

Edwards was presented with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for all of the inmates awaiting execution.

The Secretary of State’s Office predicts between a 42 and 26 percent total voter turnout for Saturday’s election. But JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon is projecting a lower turnout, after less than 350-thousand people cast votes during the early voting period that ended last Saturday

Cut 11 (09) “…total voter turnout.”

Couvillon says this is the lowest interest he’s ever seen in a Louisiana governor’s race.

The University of Louisiana System Board has delayed hiring their own President Jim Henderson, as Louisiana Tech’s next president to allow public input. Henderson says it’s just procedural and practical ramifications of having a system president interested in a university presidency.

Cut 13 (10) “… constituent groups.”

For the last six years, Henderson has been president of the state’s largest higher education system with nine member schools and more than 90,000 students.

Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart are offering big deals in October more than a month before Black Friday shopping weekend. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says a third of holiday shoppers expect inflation to impact their buying habits. He says early shoppers are looking for coupons, discounts, and sales.

Cut 4 (11) “…for discounts.”