Congressman Cleo Fields is facing allegations of insider trading involving a large amount of Oracle stock he purchased days before President Trump signed an executive order giving Oracle an advantage in TikTok’s pending U.S. spinoff. That’s according to news site NORTUS. Fields denies he had any inside knowledge and says he follows the strict rules for members of Congress and reports all his trades before the required 45 days.

Cut 8 (06) “…of the law.”

It’s unclear whether Fields initiated the trade himself or if a financial adviser did so on his behalf.

Farm Bureau has also notified the Department of Insurance that it has started writing more wind and hail coverage for homeowners across the state. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says it’s because the legislature modified the three-year rule in the 2024 legislative session.

Cut 5 (14) “…manage their portfolio.”

Temperatures throughout the state will be above normal this weekend. As for the tropics, the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on a disturbance near the Central Bahamas that it says has a low chance of becoming a cyclone. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says there’s a good chance that we’ll get through this hurricane season unscathed.

Cut 11 (13) “…to the tropics.”

The Saints look for their first win on Sunday when they host the New York Giants. Despite an 0-and-4 start, veteran linebacker Demario Davis says the Black and Gold have improved.

Cut 14 (12) “…what you’re doing.”

Kick off in the Dome is at noon.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple approves Farm Bureau’s request for a nearly 12-percent auto insurance rate decrease. He says Farm Bureau is the first company that told him its rate decrease request is a direct result of the insurance reform package that the legislature passed this year. He says Louisiana is becoming a more attractive state for insurance companies to do business.

Cut 4 (07) “…accordingly and appropriately.”

Congressman Cleo Fields is denying allegations of insider trading. The news website NOTUS reports the Democrat is being investigated after he bought a large amount of Oracle stock days before President Trump signed an executive order that gave the company a leading role in TikTok’s pending U.S. spinoff from a Chinese company. Fields says he’s been trading stocks for a long time.

Cut 7 (08) “…I’m in Congress.”

It’s a light schedule of college football games this Saturday., but there are still games of interest. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And if you’re planning on spending time outdoors this weekend, temperatures will be warmer than normal throughout the state for this time of year. A disturbance near the Bahamas will bring rain to Southeast Louisiana that will last a few days. North of the I-12 corridor, however, will see little to no rain whatsoever.

What does the weather hold in store this weekend? It depends on where in the state you’re in. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says those in Southeast Louisiana could be in for a wet end to the weekend.

Cut 9 (11)  “…along the coast.”

However, for those of you north of the I-12 corridor, Grymes says you’ll be lucky to see any rain in the next seven days.

Those of you who have Farm Bureau auto insurance could be in for a decrease in your premiums when your policy is up for renewal. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has approved its request for a nearly 12-percent rate decrease, effective the first of the year. Temple says it’s in part a direct result of the work of the legislature earlier this year.

Cut 3 (11) “…the 2025 session.”

Congressman Cleo Fields is facing allegations of insider trading. The news website NOTUS reports the Democrat bought a large amount of Oracle stock days before President Trump signed an executive order that gave the technology giant a leading role in TikTok’s pending U.S. spinoff from a Chinese company. Fields denies he had any inside knowledge.

Cut 6 (07) “…this for years.”

Fields is a member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, which oversees the financial markets and securities industry. NOTUS says it’s unclear what, if anything, Fields knew about Oracle’s involvement in the TikTok deal, or whether Fields initiated the trade himself or if a financial adviser did so on his behalf.

Economist Loren Scott has released his economic outlook and it predicts the state will grow its workforce by adding 75-thousand jobs over the next two years, pushing the state past the two-million mark for the number of employed workers. Scott says the job growth will be fueled by an industrial construction boom. But he says oil and gas sector economic outlook is not as rosy, in large part because of tariffs and oil prices…

Cut 6 (12) “…used to do”

U-L Lafayette is tightening its belt to counter a 25-million dollar budget deficit. Interim president Jason Herbert says the university has implemented ten-percent operational spending cuts and other cost-saving measures…

Cut 11 (10) “…current revenue stream”

Hebert says they hope to reach fiscal stability by May.

Good news for those of you who have your auto insurance through Farm Bureau. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

One of the stars from the hit reality TV series, Duck Dynasty, is in the hospital because of a nasty sinus infection. But the family says 77-year-old Uncle Si Robertson is on the mend and they expect he will be discharged soon. Si suffers from C-O-P-D after 40 years of smoking. He was also hospitalized in January after a hunting accident.

Economist Doctor Loren Scott is predicting the state will add almost 75-thousand jobs over the next two years with solid job growth expected for the Baton Rouge area, Lake Charles and Monroe because of ongoing construction projects like a Hyundai Plant in Ascension Parish, an LNG terminal in southwest Louisiana and the Meta Data plant in Richland Parish. But Scott says in New Orleans, job growth is stagnant…

Cut 5 (09) “….before Katrina”

But the Saints are staying in New Orleans through at least 2035 because of a new lease agreement. Saints Owner Gayle Benson says the deal is an example of the special partnership between the state and the NFL franchise…

Cut 13 (13) “…of the way”

How will the ongoing federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says it will no longer accept cash payments effective November first. L-D-R says the policy is part of an ongoing initiative to improve the efficiency of their payment processes and it’s already in effect at the department’s regional offices in Alexandria, Lafayette, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport.

With a forecast of almost 75-thousand new jobs in the next two years, one economist says Louisiana is poised to cross the two-million jobs barrier.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

DMR Technologies announces it will build a drone manufacturing facility in Lafayette. The company says it will create 521 jobs over the next ten years. This site will serve as DMR’s primary domestic production hub…integrating advanced flight control printing, rotor manufacturing and assembly.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has laid out its plan on how it will address a 25-million-dollar budget deficit. Interim President Jamie Hebert says the school has implemented 10-percent operational spending cuts and a five-percent cut to academic affairs.

Cut 10 (12) “…offices on campus.”

Hebert believes they can make these spending cuts and not diminish the student learning experience.

The Saints and the state have agreed on a lease Superdome agreement that runs through 2035.  Because the negotiations took longer than expected, the Saints missed a key deadline in order to bid on hosting a Super Bowl in 2031. But Saints owner Gayle Benson believes it’s not too late to get involved in the bidding.

Cut 15 (08) “…am not deterred.”

The winless Saints will host the Giants this Sunday.

A new Superdome lease agreement between the state and the Saints has been signed….

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana Democratic Congressman Cleo Fields is facing allegations of insider trading. The news website NOTUS, reports Fields bought a large amount of Oracle stock days before President Trump signed an executive order that gave the technology giant a leading role in TikTok’s pending U-S spinoff from a Chinese company. Fields denies he had any inside knowledge.

We head into the weekend with no signs that the federal government will be re-opened anytime soon. The government shutdown means federal workers will be without a paycheck until Congress can agree on a funding bill. Kris Linsey-Hall, associate professor of marketing at LSU, says the shutdown comes as consumers are already losing confidence…

Cut 8 (10) “….today was financially”

U-L Lafayette is tightening its belt to counter a 25-million dollar budget deficit. Interim president Jason Herbert says the university has implemented ten-percent operational spending cuts and other cost-saving measures…

Cut 11 (10) “…current revenue stream”

Hebert says they hope to reach fiscal stability by May.

One economist says Louisiana is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs in the next two years, surpassing the two-million mark for total jobs in the state.  Dr. Loren Scott says much of South Louisiana is expected to see a good portion of those new jobs, fueled by the industrial construction boom.

Cut 4 (11) “…now beginning construction.”

Scott says the Monroe area will also see an increase in jobs because of the Meta Data center in Richland Parish and he says there are rumors of a data center ending up in northwest Louisiana.

The Saints are not going anywhere. The NFL team has signed a new lease agreement with the state that locks in the Superdome as their home stadium through at least 2035. The lease agreement also contains language that would deter a future owner from relocating the team. Governor Jeff Landry praises the deal.

Cut 14 (10) “…of New Orleans.”

How will the ongoing federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana ranks as the worst state in the U-S News and World Report’s ranking of the best states. The Bayou State nailed down the last spot, because of its high crime rate, poor economy, infrastructure and it ranks 49^th for natural environment. Utah is ranked number one, followed by New Hampshire.

With a forecast of almost 75-thousand new jobs in the next two years, one economist says Louisiana is poised to cross the two-million jobs barrier. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Illuminator reports that the LSU Board of Supervisors may hire a new LSU president at its October 24 meeting. Piper Huchinson is reporting that the timeline has been moved up, and the firm hired to assist in finding a new president could deliver names to the search committee next week.

________________________________________________

How will the federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Kris Lindsey-Hall, an associate professor of marketing at LSU, says those who stand to lose their income, whether temporarily or permanently, will have a very rough go for the time being.

Cut 7 (12) “…to do that.”

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is reducing spending to counter a 25-percent budget deficit that’s grown because of a decline in enrollment of full-time undergraduate students. But interim president Jamie Hebert says the goal with these cost cutting initiatives is not to diminish the student learning experience, and they believe they can achieve that.

Cut 12 (10) “…to conduct research.”

Hebert says they hope to reach fiscal stability by May 2026.

With a forecast of almost 75-thousand new jobs in the next two years, one economist says Louisiana is poised to cross the two-million jobs barrier. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

How will the ongoing federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A new Superdome agreement between the state and the Saints has been signed, which will keep the team in the city of New Orleans for the foreseeable future. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

_________________________________________________

One economist says the state as a whole is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs in the next two years. Dr. Loren Scott says much of South Louisiana is expected to see a good portion of those new jobs, fueled by the industrial construction boom.

Cut 4 (11) “…now beginning construction.”

Dr. Scott says when considered by itself, the New Orleans metropolitan area tells a very different story. He says environmental organizations have stifled industrial projects, and with the exception of St. Tammany Parish, that has slowed job growth tremendously there.

Cut 5 (09) “…were before Katrina.”

Scott says there is a level of uncertainty in the oil and gas sector, thanks in large part to tariffs and oil prices.

Cut 6 (12) “…used to do.”

_________________________________________________

How will the federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Kris Lindsey-Hall, an associate professor of marketing at LSU, says those who stand to lose their income, whether temporarily or permanently, will have a very rough go for the time being.

Cut 7 (12) “…to do that.”

Lindsey-Hall says even those who don’t work for the federal government may find themselves cutting back on spending, or opting for less expensive options like private label brands at the supermarket instead of national brands.

Cut 8 (10) “…today was financially.”

Lindsey-Hall says people tend to put off major purchases during federal government shutdowns.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that ripple effect.”

___________________________________________

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has laid out its plan on how it will address a 25-million-dollar structural deficit. Interim President Jamie Hebert says the school has implemented 10-percent operational spending cuts and a five-percent cut to academic affairs.

Cut 10 (12) “…offices on campus.”

Hebert says there will be a handful of layoffs. He says they will also adjust building temperatures and make changes to the campus shuttle bus system. He says there will be several other cost-saving measures.

Cut 11 (10) “…current revenue streams.”

The deficit is the result of a decline in enrollment of full-time undergraduates since 2015. During that time, the school has seen an increase in online and graduate programs, but that brings in less revenue. Hebert says the goal with these cost cutting initiatives is not to diminish the student learning experience, and they believe they can achieve that.

Cut 12 (10) “…to conduct research.”

______________________________________________________

A new Superdome agreement has been signed between the Saints and the State of Louisiana. The ten-year extension keeps the Black and Gold in New Orleans through the 2035 season, and the Saints will have the option to renew every five years through 2055. Owner Gayle Benson says the deal is an example of the special partnership between the state and the NFL franchise.

Cut 13 (13)  “…of the way.”

The new lease agreement is the result of lengthy negotiations between the NFL franchise and the Saints. According to NOLA.com, the two sides had trouble agreeing on new details for other real estate properties, such as Benson Tower, which is owned by the Saints but leases office space to state agencies.

Changes have also been made on revenue percentages for food and beverage sales at games and gives Louisiana more favorable terms to market the Dome’s exclusive suites for marquee events.

The lease agreement also contains language that would deter a future owner from relocating the team. Governor Jeff Landry praises the deal.

Cut 14 (10) “…of New Orleans.”

Because the lease agreement negotiations took longer than expected, the Saints missed a key deadline in order to bid on hosting a Super Bowl in 2031. But Benson believes it’s not too late to get involved in the bidding.

Cut 15 (08) “…am not deterred.”

If 2031 is not on the table for the Saints, the next available year for New Orleans to host the Super Bowl is 2038.

______________________________________________

McNeese football hasn’t had the ideal start they would have liked, but the Pokes will have an opportunity to get back in the win column as they host Southeastern tomorrow. Head coach Matt Viator says he wants his team to be frustrated and be able to respond to a tough loss to Stephen F. Austin.

Cut 16 (18) “…you don’t win.”

The Pokes have struggled to be put a full offensive showing together for four quarters. Even though the group has showed flashes, Viator says that the coaching staff has to do a better job of putting his players in the best position to be effective.

Cut 17 (16)  “…hit and miss.”

Southeastern is 3-2 after coming off of a 45-31 win over Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Lions play two quarterbacks on offense, junior Carson Camp and sophomore Kyle Lowe. Head coach Frank Scelfo commends the two quarterbacks for being able to make such a difficult system work.

Cut 18 (19) “…win or lose.”

__________________________________________________

Quarterback Jaxson Dart was drafted 25^th overall by the New York Giants in the this year’s NFL Draft. Even though the Saints were in the market for a quarterback, they passed on the electric playmaker from Ole Miss. Dart says that he’s going into Sunday’s game against the Saints with an extra chip on his shoulder.

Cut 19 (14) “…like that happens.”

Dart will make his first start on the road in New Orleans on Sunday. Even though the Superdome is known for being one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, Dart says he’s used to crowd noise from playing in the SEC.

Cut 20 (19) “…prepare that way.”