Flu cases are on the rise across the country and according to Walgreens’ flu index, Louisiana is at the top of the list with cases. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Louisiana Office of Public Health encourages you to get your flu shot especially with the holidays coming up and after social events were discouraged the last two years the flu is certainly making a comeback.

Cut 10 (09) “…a rage.”

The flu shot is recommended for ages six months and up.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says he was surprised to see the fans rush the field following Saturday’s 45-20 come-from-behind victory over Ole Miss. says the win over previously unbeaten Ole Miss was a good win for his program, but he didn’t think the students would celebrate by coming onto the field

Cut 13 (14) “..win more” 

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

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

Tomorrow, Southeastern Louisiana University will begin providing independent scientific monitoring of the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. The goal is to see where the lake stands before Air Products begins its project to inject carbon emissions in wells deep beneath the lake. Dan McCarthy is the dean of Southeastern’s College of Science and Technology.
Cut 3 (11) “..recognize changes”
McCarthy says they will use sophisticated technology to continually upload data to the school’s computers.

Flu cases are on the rise across the country and according to Walgreens’ flu index, Louisiana is at the top of the list with cases. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Louisiana Office of Public Health says the last two years there was a dramatic decline in flu cases due to COVID restrictions but that’s changed this year.
Cut 9 (12) “…the flu.”

Louisiana Tech University ranks as the second-best public university in the state on the U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities List. Tech’s Executive Associate President for Research and Partnership, Dr. Sumeet Dua says the rankings focused on the university’s reputation and academic research…:
CUT 07(13) “…pursue.”

Should civil service workers be allowed to participate in campaign activities if the candidate is an immediate family member. Amendment three on the November 8th asks voters that question. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the proposed amendment would let civil service employees attend campaign events during off duty hours…
cut 30 (05) “….for you”
Procopio says prohibitions on political activity for civil service workers were enacted to curb inappropriate acts by employees who are supposed to do their work in a nonpartisan fashion.

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

Cut 12 (09) “…that bad”

LSU was fined 250-thousand dollars by the SEC because it was the third time in recent history fans came onto the field following an LSU win.

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

Cut 10 (07) “…44-million dollars” 

To see if you have money, check your local paper, or go online to “LACashClaim.org”

Louisiana Tech University ranks as the second-best public university in the state on the U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities List. La Tech’s Executive Associate President for research and partnership, Dr. Sumeet Dua says the ranking will attract students not only from the U-S but internationally as well.

Cut 9 (12)  “…scholarship opportunities”

Halloween is just days away and in case you haven’t decided how you’ll dress up this year a costumer Macie Breaux from Southern Costume Company in New Orleans they’ve had lots of requests for period costumes from Interview with a Vampire and Bridgerton and Stranger Things is another popular theme. And if you haven’t picked out your costume yet Breaux says you’re not alone.

Cut 15 (09)  “…here for it.”

Another popular costume is a witch thanks to the release of Hocus Pocus 2.

Louisiana Tech is ranked as the second best public university in the state according to the U-S News and World Report’s Best Global Universities list. The rankings focus on a university’s academic research and reputation. Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships Doctor Sumeet Dua says the University’s Physics program was also recognized for its global research…
cut 8 (12) “…over the years”

Newspapers across the state are publishing the names of individuals who have money with the state’s Unclaimed Property Trust Fund. The money went into the fund between September 2021 and August of this year. Treasurer John Schroder says they hope to return the unclaimed money, but if they don’t….
cut 11 (08) “….for everybody”
Unclaimed Property can be money from unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, stock dividends and even rent or utility deposits.

We continue to look at the constitutional amendments on the November eighth ballot. Today we discuss Amendment three, which would allow civil service employees to support campaign activities of family members who run for office. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says people who oppose the amendment say it opens the door to abuse and public perception problems…
cut 6 (11) “….officials have”
But supporters of the amendment say civil service workers should be able to support family members if they are running for political office.

We are five days away from Halloween. Macie Breaux works at Southern Costume Company in New Orleans and she’s seen all kinds of different costume choices…
cut 14 (10) “….here in New Orleans”
Breaux says the premiere of the TV series Interview with a Vampire has inspired several of their customers.

Early voting for the November 8^th election is underway through next Tuesday. In addition to congressional and local races, your ballot will include eight proposed constitutional amendments. Today we take a look at proposed Amendment Three with Public Affairs Research Council’s Stephen Procopio. As it stands now, public employees – civil servants – cannot engage in any political activity.

CUT 04(10)      “…with their families”

If approved, the change would affect about 51-thousand state and local government workers. However, those who work in registrars’ or clerks of court’s offices would still be prohibited.

A Baton Rouge teacher has been fired, after allegations of inappropriate behavior with students at a previous job came to light. Woodlawn High terminated Vincent Hoang once they learned of alleged grooming, sexual assaults and even giving bad grades to students who rebuffed advances while a teacher at Episcopal High. An alleged victim filed suit against Hoang.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Louisiana Tech as the 2nd best public university in the state in its best global universities list…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Palermo.”

Southern University is in Jackson, Mississippi this weekend to play rival Jackson State…but so is ESPN’s College GameDay. This should be great national exposure for both schools. It will likely also mean some sort of feature during the popular TV show involving a Southern player, coach or tradition. Southern is 5 -2, Jackson state is 7-0.

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

CUT 10(07)      “…44-million dollars.”

Schroder says amounts owed can be fairly small and sometimes pretty large. To see if you have money, check your local paper or go online to “LACashClaim.org”

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

CUT 07(13)      “…pursue.”

A candidate for city council in Crowley faces felony cruelty charges. Christopher George Sr. was arrested in late September. His lawyer says he is embroiled in a bitter custody battle for his kids and the allegations made against him are “patently false.” George is still in the race for that council seat.

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

CUT 03(33)      “…Thorington.”

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

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen announced Andy Dalton will be the starting quarterback moving forward even with Jameis Winston a full participant in practice. Coach Allen’s decision was performance-based.

The offense under Dalton has been one of the top-ranked in both yards and points, and Allen said Dalton will keep the starting job if that trend continues. Dalton and the Saints will host the 2-4 Raiders at noon this Sunday.

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

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

Cut 7 (11) “..trash coming in”

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

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

Cut 3 (11) “..recognize changes” 

Flu and RSV cases are up among children, but when do you need to seek medical help…?

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has recommended closure of a St. John parish elementary school due to toxic exposure. The EPA says the 5^th Ward school in Reserve is very close to the Denka chemical plant, and there’s danger from possible cancer causing agents in the plant’s emissions. The state Department of Environmental Quality says it’s looking into it.

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

CUT 03(10)      “…to help families.”

For information on available jobs go to “DCFS.la.gov”

Tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is at $700-million; the 5^th largest in the game’s history. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says be sure to sign the back of your ticket…and even if you don’t win the Big Money, check to see if you’ve won additional prizes..:

CUT 13(11)      “…prize tier.

Tickets are on sale until 9 pm tomorrow night.

Early Voting is underway for the November 8^th election. There are eight Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, but the author of one of them, Amendment 7, wants voters to REJECT it. Brusly Rep. Edmond Jordan’s amendment is intended to prohibit involuntary servitude; slavery. However, he says the ballot language will confuse voters. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin…:

CUT 06  (08)        “…further than intended.”

Jordon hopes we’ll all vote “NO”, and he will tweak and reintroduce the proposed amendment next year.

The Powerball Jackpot reaches $700-million for Wednesday night’s drawing; the fifth largest jackpot in Powerball history. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says it has a cash value of $335.7-million: a lot of money for fairly small risk…:

CUT 12  (07)        “…three dollars.”

Tickets will be on sale until 9 pm tomorrow night.

Folks looking for reasons for rising crime in New Orleans’ French Quarter need look no further than the Department of Public Works. About a fifth of all the street lights in the Quarter are broken or burnt out. A full third are damaged in some way or form. With the darkness comes the crime. City officials say they’re working to get the lights back ASAP.

RSV and flu cases are on the rise among children and Ochsner Health Center for Children in Baton Rouge pediatrician Dr. Brannon Perilloux says it’s no coincidence the surge comes as COVID restrictions are relaxed. He says the biggest spreaders for kids are daycares, preschools, and schools themselves…:

CUT 11(10)      “…get it.”

By the way, if you didn’t know…RSV stands for Respiratory Syncitial Virus, and causes minor cold-like symptoms. There’s no vaccine for that yet, but Perilloux urges you to get your kids their annual flu shot soon.

There’s been a significant rise in cases of the flu and RSV in Louisiana kids. So, when you should you seek medical help if your kid is sick…?

CUT 02  (33)        “…Thorington.”

The man who allegedly burned down an abandoned hotel in Sulphur has been arrested. The Quality Inn had been shuttered since Hurricane Laura in 2020. It was virtually destroyed by the blaze. 27-year-old Nathan Thomasini, from Washington state, is under arrest for arson, burglary and injury by arson.

The Department of Children & Family Services seeks to fill about 400 job openings with all due haste, so they’re having job fairs across the state in mid-December. DCFS Secretary Marketa Walters says the response so far has been good…:

CUT 05  (09)        “…will be.”

For details on what positions are open, go online to “DCFS.la.gov”

The state lawmaker who authored one of the 8 Constitutional Amendments on the November 8^th ballot is now asking you to vote “no” on it. Brusly Representative Edmond Jordan says the bill was meant to officially abolish slavery from Louisiana law books, but he says language within the bill could confuse voters…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…do it.”

That’s Barry Erwin with the Council for a better Louisiana, CABL.