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.

_______________________________________________________________________

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.

The suspected gunman in Friday’s early morning shooting at an off-campus fraternity house at Southern University, 22-year-old Jaicedric Williams was out on bond and had posted bond twice within a month, in October of 2020 on separate domestic violence and attempted armed robbery charges. Bail for the 11 counts of attempted murder from the Friday shooting was denied.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services might be looking for you! DCFS needs to fill 400 vacancies in a hurry—so they’re changing their hiring process.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

RSV and flu cases are on the rise among children and Dr. Brannon Perilloux, a pediatrician at Ochsner Health Center for Children says in 2020 they didn’t see hardly any flu cases and RSV cases decreased dramatically but since COVID restrictions eased both are making a comeback.

Cut 10 (10) “…comes through.”

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is asking voters to vote against his proposed Constitutional Amendment seven because the ballot language is confusing. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin also opposes the amendment that deals with a form of slavery and but because of how it’s written, it may actually broaden the use of involuntary servitude

Cut 7 (06) “..in the constitution”

Early voting for the November 8^th election began today.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is holding several hiring fairs this fall to fill open positions. Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they are looking to fill jobs in both of their major programs. Family support—helping low-income people get food—But especially child welfare.
Cut 4 (06) “…adoption worker.”
Walters says the next hiring fair is tomorrow in Slidell.

RSV and flu cases are on the rise among children and Dr. Brannon Perilloux, a pediatrician at Ochsner Health Center for Children in Baton Rouge says when you should seek medical care depends on how your child is reacting. For example, if they have a significantly high fever or they feel really bad and Tylenol isn’t helping bring them in.
Cut 9 (08) “…your pediatrician. “
But if they are behaving as normal they don’t necessarily need to see the doctor.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is headed for London on a mission to help improve Louisiana’s costs for insurance and reinsurance….
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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 15th. Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’re looking for people with big hearts.
Cut 3 (11) “..family.”
More about the specific jobs is available at D C F S. LA. GOV.

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is asking voters to vote against his proposed Constitutional Amendment seven on the November 8th ballot, because he says the ballot language is confusing. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin also opposes the amendment that deals with a form of slavery…
cut 6 (08) “…intended”
Erwin says the intent of the amendment was to restrict the use of involuntary servitude, to make sure it’s only permitted as a form of criminal punishment.

Early voting begins today for the November 8th election and the ballot contains eight constitutional amendments. President of the Public Affairs Research Council Steven Procopio says Constitutional Amendment two would increase the homestead exemption for veterans with a 100-percent service-connected disability rating….
cut 11 (07) “…paying property taxes”
The amendment, if approved, would also establish a sliding scale of additional property tax exemption for persons with a partial military service-related disability.

The candidates running against Republican incumbent John Kennedy in the U-S Senate are trying to drum up support. Democrat Syrita Steib is a political newcomer who runs a non-profit that helps females restore their lives after they were incarcerated…
cut 14 (10) “…they’re on”

Early voting for the Nov. 8th Election begins today and continues through Tuesday, Nov. 1st.  Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding people to get out and be proactive Whitney Thomas has more …

Cut 1 (26) “…Whitney Thomas.”

The suspected gunman in Friday’s early morning shooting at an off-campus fraternity house at Southern University, 22-year-old Jaicedric Williams was out on bond and had posted bond twice within a month, in October of 2020 on separate domestic violence and attempted armed robbery charges. Bail for the 11 counts of attempted murder from the Friday shooting was denied.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon leaves for London today to meet with Lloyd’s of London. Donelon says 37 percent of Lloyd’s business globally is re-insurance and the rising cost of re-insurance is resulting in a huge increase for Citizens Insurance and fewer private insurers…

Cut 9 (10)  “…substantial coastal exposure.”

Among the EIGHT Constitutional Amendments to decide on the ballot is Amendment 2. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), if approved it exempts disabled military veterans from paying property tax and establishes a sliding scale of additional property tax exemptions for those with a partial military service-related disability. He says a “no” vote keeps what’s in place…:

Cut 12 (10) “…not a total exemption.” 

Early voting for the November eighth election begins today and runs through next Tuesday, except on Sunday. To find the early voting location nearest you, use the GeauxVote Mobile app. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says early voting has become popular…
cut 5 (05) “….local parishes”
Ardoin says is hopeful of an overall voter turnout above 50-percent.

At the Baton Rouge Press Club, two challengers to Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy showed up to discuss the issues facing Louisiana. Democrat Gary Chambers believes State Police should be under a consent decree because of what he calls a pattern of civil rights violations, including the Ronald Greene case. The 2019 fatal arrest of a black motorist on north Louisiana rural highway…
cut 15 (07) “…have felt”

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon heads to London later today to meet with leaders from Lloyd’s of London and the International Underwriting Association of London. Donelon says he’ll provide an update on legislation approved this year that helps create a business-friendly regulatory environment…
cut 8 (11) “….market perspective”
Property insurance rates are rising in Louisiana as the cost of re-insurance goes up.

The State Police Gaming audit division says the first full month of sports wagering on college football games resulted in four-million dollars in revenues for the state. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns expects the number to grow when they get the October numbers next month…
cut 21 (12) “…National Hockey League’