The Board of Regents is seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year for Louisiana public colleges.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Cervical cancer prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing.  Associate Director of LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, Dr. Donna Williams says, no HPV means no cervical cancer and self-collection will increase access to testing for the virus…

Cut 4 (10) “…completely curable.”

——————-

New Orleans is rolling out the red carpet for Taylor Swift, and with good reason – she’s about to give the city a huge economic jolt. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says Swifties from all over the world have been spending money in the city all week long. enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer.

Cut 8 (12) “…nights with Taylor.”

They’ll be having fun in Monroe this weekend as Chennault Fest happens today through Sunday at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Museum President and CEO Nell Calloway says weather permitting, there will be hot air balloon rides and so much food you might think it’s a food festival.

Cut 14 (12) “…the holidays now.”

Cervical cancer detection and prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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As Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Superdome for the first of three shows tonight, the city is already reaping the benefits. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Board of Regents is seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year for Louisiana public colleges.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Cervical cancer prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing. Cervical cancer which is caused by HPV was once only detected by pap tests that required a visit to a gynecologist.  Associate Director of LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, Dr. Donna Williams says, no HPV means no cervical cancer and self-collection will increase access to testing for the virus…

Cut 4 (10) “…completely curable.”

According to the Louisiana tumor registry, Louisiana sees over two hundred new cases of cervical cancer every year. Williams says if someone tests positive for HPV, the same sample can be used for a pap smear that would detect pre-cancer cells. If the abnormal cells are present, she could be treated easily in the doctor’s office…

Cut 5 (09) “…can tackle.”

Eventually self-collection for HPV will be done in the woman’s home but today samples are collected by the woman in her healthcare provider’s office which is especially helpful for women who have less convenient or less frequent access to healthcare.  Williams says a swab is used for collection…

Cut 6 (08) “…a pap test.”

The FDA approved HPV self-collection in May of this year and studies show 98% accuracy compared to samples collected by a healthcare provider.

__________________________________________________

New Orleans is rolling out the red carpet for Taylor Swift, and with good reason – she’s about to give the city a huge economic jolt. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says Swifties from all over the world have been spending money in the city all week long.

Cut 7 (09) “…restaurants and attractions.”

Romig says when they’re not enjoying the shows, they’re enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer.

Cut 8 (12) “…nights with Taylor.”

Romig says the city has been leaving special friendship bracelets at the hotels for them to give to Taylor Swift fans as they check in.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a great package.”

All hotels in downtown New Orleans are sold out all weekend long.

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Louisiana’s public colleges are seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year. The Board of Regents is seeking this additional cash, despite projections the state will have fewer dollars to spend. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says they are requesting more money because private employers are looking for more qualified workers…

Cut 10 (07) “…employment pipeline.”

Hunter Reed says the funding request includes more dollars to support dual enrollment and the M-J Foster Promise Program which provides aid to adults seeking to earn high-demand, short-term credentials at Louisiana community college or technical school

Cut 11 (06) …can’t achieve it.”

Higher ed’s budget request goes to the Landry administration, who present a budget to lawmakers early next year. Reed understands the state has some financial challenges, but now is not the time to cut to higher ed…

Cut 12 (14) “…in higher education.”

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Fun times in Monroe this weekend as Chennault Fest is happening today through Sunday at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Museum President and CEO Nell Calloway says weather permitting, there will be hot air balloon rides.

Cut 13 (06)  “…miles an hour.”

Calloway says you can practically call this a food festival.

Cut 14 (12) “…the holidays now.”

There will be live music practically non-stop throughout the festival, and there will be plenty of activities for kids, including toys and games.

Cut 15 (14) “…goats, alligators, snakes.”

There will also be a 40-foot obstacle course Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of the National Guard. The festival is a fundraiser to raise money for the museum and for veterans groups. Admission is ten dollars for adults and five dollars for kids and veterans.

________________________________________________________

A lot is on the line Saturday night when 8th ranked LSU meets 14th ranked Texas A&M in College Station. A win for the Tigers and they’ll have the inside track on all of the other SEC Teams in getting to the conference title game and a victory also improves their odds of making the college football playoff. But Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier says the focus is on beating the Aggies…

Cut 16 (16)   “…extracurriculars”

LSU Coach Brian Kelly is impressed with A&M’s defense…

Cut 17 (16) “…that’s in place.”

In last Saturday’s road win at Arkansas, the Tigers had six false start penalties and one snap infraction penalty called on them in the first half. It will be loud tomorrow night, but Nussmeier says they can’t let the crowd noise result in errors…

Cut 18 (14)   “…right direction.”

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ULM is a 7.5 point underdog heading into their road matchup against South Alabama on Saturday. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent expects a close game…

Cut 19 (18) “….where we are at”  

The Warhawks and the Cajuns are tied for first place in the Sun Belt West as both teams are 3-and-0 in league play. South Alabama is 2-and-1 in league play and Saturday night it’s the Jaguars homecoming. Vincent would like to spoil U-S-A’s homecoming…

Cut 20 (17) “…homecoming.”

Louisiana now has a 10-point grading scale, transitioning from the previous 7-point system. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps, who authored the bill, says the new system aims to create a more equitable grading system across the state, making it easier for students who transfer between schools or states.

Cut 10 (06) “…across the nation.”

A special session to consider Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is slated to begin the first week of November. Among other things, it calls for the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax to be expanded to several other services, like lawn care, pet grooming, used car sales and lobbying activities. Jason DeCuir from Advantus Consulting is an expert on tax law and says this is a big change to the state’s tax code, and legislators are taking a long look at it…

Cut 13 (11) “…parish rate is.”

Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour is coming to New Orleans for three record-breaking shows this weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Political discussions are often very uncomfortable, especially this year during what will likely be a very close presidential election. Dr. Michelle Moore, the chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, says if people can’t enter into such discussions with an open mind, the best thing to do is to avoid them altogether.

Cut 7 (11) “…engage with people.”

A special session is set to begin in the first week of November as Governor Landry will ask lawmakers to approve his ambitious tax reform plan. It would lower state income taxes for most, but widens the sales tax base. Jason DeCuir (de-QUEER) from Advantus Consulting is an expert on tax law and says legislators are taking a close look at all the new services that would be taxed under the governor’s plan….

Cut 12 (08) “…be taxed.”

A new 10-point grading scale is in place, replacing the previous 7-point system. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps, the author of House Bill 424 which dictated the change, says it aims to standardize grading practices and to align Louisiana more closely with many other states.

Cut 9 (10)  “…calculations accurate.”

This shift provides students with a broader range to achieve higher grades, potentially enhancing their GPAs.

Discussing politics is always a stress-inducing activity, and this presidential election season is certainly no exception. Dr. Michelle Moore, the chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, says people should enter such discussions with open minds and to listen carefully to the opposing view.

Cut 6 (16) “…think that way.”

Moore says if you can’t do that, the best thing to do is to avoid those situations altogether.

Taylor Swift’s first of three shows at the Superdome is tomorrow night. Joseph Bocanegra with StubHub says Friday and Sunday are going to be in demand, but nothing compared to Saturday…

Cut 4 (07) “…to get in.”

Swifties from all over the world have been arriving throughout the week, spending money in the city and boosting the city’s economy.

The first week of November will likely bring a special session where lawmakers consider Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform plan. Tax expert Jason DeCuir with Advantus Consulting says legislators have been studying rough drafts of the bills that make up the plan. The reform also includes changes to Article Seven in the state constitution and that’s drawing a lot of questions…

Cut 14 (12) “…the constitution.”

Thanks to a new law, Louisiana has a new 10-point grading scale for students. Bill Author, Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps says the change means students will have increased opportunities for higher grades, clearer grading standards, and simplified transcript evaluations for college applications. Phelps hopes the new standard will allow Louisiana to rank more competitively.

Cut 11 (06) “…is that beneficial?”

Resale ticket websites are busy with activity as pop star Taylor Swift is set for three performances at the Superdome starting on Friday.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Discussing politics is often stress-inducing and with Thanksgiving gatherings coming a few weeks after a presidential election that may not be called by then, Chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Michelle Moore says hosts may want to consider setting some table topic boundaries…

Cut 8 (07) “…moderate that environment.”

Lawmakers are expected to begin a special session the first week of November to take up Governor Jeff Landry’s his tax reform plan that would lower state income taxes for most but expands the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax to several previously excluded services, like lawn care, pet grooming, used car sales and lobbying activities. Tax law expert Jason DeCuir from Advantus Consulting says says this is a big change and legislators are taking a long look at it…

Cut 13 (11) “…parish rate is.” 

Louisiana has recently adopted a new 10-point grading scale, transitioning from the previous 7-point system due to House Bill 424. Bill Author, Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps…

Cut 10 (06) “…across the nation.”

Phelps hopes the new standard will allow Louisiana to be more competitive.

Political discussions can get uncomfortable, and this presidential election season is no exception. Andrew Greenstein takes a look.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour” continues this weekend with three shows at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The tour has captivated fans globally, cementing Swift’s legacy as one of the most successful touring artists in history.  Stubhub.com spokesperson Joseph Bocanegra…

Cut 5 (12) “…26 other countries”

A special session is set to begin in the first week of November as Governor Landry will ask lawmakers to approve his ambitious tax reform plan. It would lower state income taxes for most, but widens the sales tax base. Jason DeCuir (de-QUEER) from Advantus Consulting is an expert on tax law and says legislators are taking a close look at all the new services that would be taxed under the governor’s plan….

Cut 12 (08) “…be taxed.”

Political discussions are often very uncomfortable, especially this year during what will likely be a very close presidential election. Dr. Michelle Moore, the chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, says if people can’t enter into such discussions with an open mind, the best thing to do is to avoid them altogether.

Cut 7 (11) “…engage with people.”

A new 10-point grading scale is in place, replacing the previous 7-point system. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps, the author of House Bill 424 which dictated the change, says it aims to standardize grading practices and to align Louisiana more closely with many other states.

Cut 9 (10)  “…calculations accurate.”

This shift provides students with a broader range to achieve higher grades, potentially enhancing their GPAs.

Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour” continues this weekend with three shows at the Superdome tomorrow through Sunday. Joseph Bocanegra with StubHub says the demand is unlike anything they’ve seen in 20 years.

Cut 3 (08) “…certainly up there.”

If you’re still looking for tickets, be prepared to fork over at least a thousand dollars a piece before fees.

Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour is coming to New Orleans for three record-breaking shows this weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Louisiana sues the Department of Homeland Security because a Chinese national who entered the country illegally was found to have tuberculosis. Governor Jeff Landry says patient zero tested positive at Richwood Correction Center in Monroe and was then sent to Acadia Parish…

Cut 9 (05) “….had active tuberculosis”

Discussing politics is always a stress-inducing activity, and this presidential election season is certainly no exception. Friendships and family relationships have been destroyed over political differences. Dr. Michelle Moore, the chief of psychology with LSU Health New Orleans, says people should enter such discussions with open minds and to listen carefully to the opposing view.

Cut 6 (16) “…think that way.”

Moore says if you can’t do that, the best thing to do is to avoid those situations altogether.

Some reassuring words from Governor Landry after a Chinese national being held in a federal prison in the state is shown to be infected with tuberculosis.

Cut 7 (06) “…in any danger.”

Landry says the patient crossed into the U.S. from Mexico illegally, was detained in California and was subsequently transferred to Louisiana. The patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless non-detainees. Attorney General Liz Murrill sued ICE, demanding that it not release any prisoners from the state’s federal prisons without medical clearance from the state department of health.

Speaking of Murrill, she’s speaking out on reports of hotels canceling reservations made months in advance and offering those rooms at jacked-up rates ahead of Taylor Swift’s sold-out shows at the Superdome.

Cut 13 (10)  “…and deceptive practices.”

A 108-year-old Baton Rouge runner who competed in the National Senior Games has passed away.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A pair of Louisianians have been floated as potential cabinet members under Donald Trump, should he win re-election in two weeks. Politico says outgoing Congressman Garret Graves could be considered for transportation secretary and former Governor Bobby Jindal could be tapped for secretary of health and human services. Of course, that’s a big “if” – polls show a very tight race between Trump and Kamala Harris.

Louisiana is suing U-S Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a Chinese national that crossed the Southern Border illegally tested positive for a rare and drug-resistant form of tuberculosis while detained at the Richwood Correction Center in Monroe….

Cut 8 (10) “…illegal border crossing”

Governor Jeff Landry says the state filed the suit because it wants ICE to not release any detainees in Louisiana, until they are medically cleared.

Politico is reporting former Governor Bobby Jindal is a candidate to be the nation’s next health and human services secretary if former President Donald Trump is re-elected. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Jindal was a vocal critic of Trump when the two ran for President in 2015…

Cut 6 (09) “….that’s for sure”

Jindal was the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals when he was 24 years old.

Senior sprinter Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins has passed away at the age of 108. Hawkins lived an active lifestyle but didn’t start running until she was 100 years old until she saw another centenarian run the 100-yard dash. Owner of Varsity of Sports, Jenni Peters, says Hawkins was an inspiration…

Cut 12 (10) “…age group”

In 2017, Hawks set a world record for running the 100-meters at 39.62 seconds.

If you’re still looking for Taylor Swift tickets, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has this advice…

Cut 14 (07) “…a credit card”

Most tickets on re-sale websites are going for more than one-thousand dollars. Swift will hold three concerts at the Superdome starting tomorrow night.