After less than a week, the special session is over. The legislature has voted to delay the 2026 federal primary elections by 30 days, with the April closed primary moving to May. Democrats have fought against this GOP-backed plan, including Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan.

Cut 6 (12) “…political process.”

The legislation also moves qualifying from January to February. House Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Beau Beaullieu pushed back against the idea they’re trying to suppress the Black vote.

Cut 7 (11) “…interference.”

Republicans say this will give them more time in case the Supreme Court rules in the coming weeks that the current Congressional map is unconstitutional.

Louisiana lawmakers also approve a plan to fund the SNAP program while the federal government remains shut down. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

It took less than 24 hours for Monroe Police to make an arrest in connection with the murders of three people, including a two-year-old girl. 24-year-old Travis Payton is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and criminal conspiracy. Payton had 11 prior arrests and three prior convictions; police say he was on probation at the time of the murders.

Monroe Police arrest a suspect in connection with the murder of three people, including a two-year-old girl. 24-year-old Travis Payton is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and criminal conspiracy.

The special session is over as the state legislature votes to push back next year’s closed party primary elections by one month. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Before adjourning sine die, the legislature also approved a resolution that calls on the use of 150-million in state funds to pay for the SNAP program in November. Monroe Senator Jay Morris was the only no vote – he says it sets a bad precedent for the state to do something that the federal government should be doing.

Cut 11 (14) “…support this”

LSU’s search for its next president is down to five – Interim President Matt Lee, McNeese President Wade Rousse, Tulane Research VP Giovanni Piedimonte, Former Arizona President Robert Robbins and Alabama Provost and Executive VP James Dalton. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says the presidential search committee will narrow that list during its meeting today, and those who make the cut will have some busy days ahead.

Cut 3 (14) “…and upper administrators.”

The legislature has given final passage to a plan to move the 2026 federal primary election calendar back one month. Democrats argued that this is part of a greater plan to redraw the Congressional map and take away one of the two majority minority districts so that the Republicans can add another seat in the U.S. House. Baton Rouge Representative Denice Marcelle…

Cut 8 (10) “..against it.”

House Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Beau Beaullieu tried to assure Black lawmakers that the only intention is to move the dates back so they will have more time to react to an expected ruling by the Supreme Court over the constitutionality of the current Congressional map…

Cut 9 (12)  “…United States.”

Before adjourning sine die today, the legislature also approved a resolution that calls on the use of 150-million in state funds to pay for the SNAP program in November. Denham Springs Senator Valarie Hodges says it’s ridiculous the feds are not doing its job in providing food assistance benefits.

Cut 10 (06) “…at stake.”

The search for LSU’s next president is currently down to five –  Interim President Matt Lee, McNeese President Wade Rousse, Tulane Research VP Giovanni Piedimonte (ZHEE-uh-von-ee pee-duh-MON-tuh), former Arizona President Robert Robbins and Alabama Provost and Executive VP James Dalton. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says even though Lee is currently serving as the interim president, Rousse is actually seen as the front-runner to land the job.

Cut 5 (11) “…Landry mega-donor.”

After less than a week, the special session is over. The legislature has voted to delay the 2026 federal primary elections by 30 days, with the April closed primary moving to May. Democrats have fought against this GOP-backed plan, including Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan.

Cut 6 (12) “…political process.”

The legislation also moves qualifying from January to February. House Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Beau Beaullieu pushed back against the idea they’re trying to suppress the Black vote.

Cut 7 (11) “…interference.”

Republicans say this will give them more time in case the Supreme Court rules in the coming weeks that the current Congressional map is unconstitutional.

LSU’s search for its next president is down to five – Interim President Matt Lee, McNeese President Wade Rousse, Tulane Research VP Giovanni Piedimonte (ZHEE-uh-von-ee pee-duh-MON-tuh), Former Arizona President Robert Robbins and Alabama Provost and Executive VP James Dalton. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says while the decision will ultimately be made by the Board of Supervisors, Governor Landry will have outsized influence in the process – especially since he’s the one who appoints board members.

Cut 4 (14) “…looks that way.”

LSU’s search for its next president is down to five – Interim President Matt Lee, McNeese President Wade Rousse, Tulane Research VP Giovanni Piedimonte, Former Arizona President Robert Robbins and Alabama Provost and Executive VP James Dalton. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says the five will have some busy days ahead.

Cut 3 (14) “…and upper administrators.”

Senator Bill Cassidy now has to fend off a challenge from five prominent Republicans in next year’s primary election in order to hold onto his Senate seat, with the newest addition being State Representative Julie Emerson. Cassidy says he welcomes the additional competition and the political attacks that will come with it.

Cut 6 (05) “…plan on winning.”

Frank Wilson is hard at work as LSU’s interim football coach, preparing his team to take on Alabama in Tuscaloosa a week from Saturday. Wilson says he’s not thinking into the future, whether he would be considered for the full-time vacancy. He says when he was asked to serve as head coach for the remainder of the season, he jumped at the opportunity.

Cut 15 (09) “…university extremely well.”

One name that’s been mentioned as Brian Kelly’s permanent replacement is Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall. During his media availability yesterday, Sumrall said he’s not fazed or distracted by the mentions of his name in the coaching searches and said he’s locked in on playing UTSA tomorrow night.

Cut 17 (11) “…my focus, fully.”

The special session could end today as the House is poised to approve Republican backed legislation that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May. Democrats do not have the votes to stop the change to the election cycle, but they’ve been vocal in their opposition. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle believes there’s a push to move the dates back so Republicans can re-draw a new Congressional map with only one Black majority district instead of two, after the Supreme Court rules the current map is unconstitutional.

Cut 8 (11) “…and draw maps.”

A breezy and cool morning across Louisiana today and we’ll see morning lows in the 40s the rest of the work week and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we are looking at a cool Halloween on Friday…

Cut 12 (09) “…keep them warm”

New Orleans native, St Aug grad, and longtime assistant coach Frank Wilson addressed the media yesterday for the first time as interim head coach of the LSU Tigers…

Cut 14 (10) “…so love”

Tulane football coach Jon Sumrall addressed the LSU coaching vacancy. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The legislative special session could end today as House Republicans are expected to vote for a plan that would push back next year’s party primary elections from April to May. Democrats are against the effort, because they say this is part of an effort to eliminate one of the two Black majority districts as part of a nationwide effort to give Republicans more seats in the U-S House. Listen to this exchange between Baton Rouge Democrat Denise Marcelle and Port Allen Republican Caleb Kleinpeter…

Cut 10 (18) “…wouldn’t be here”

The Louisiana Senate is expected to give approval today to a resolution that calls for the Louisiana Department of Health to provide funding so that SNAP recipients continue to receive their benefits in November, despite the federal government shutdown.

State Representative Julie Emerson of Carencro is the latest entrance into next year’s U-S Senate race, seeking to unseat fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. Emerson says her record in the state legislature shows she can get things done…

Cut 5 (11) “…had bipartisan support”

Cassidy says while Emerson and all other challengers tout their conservative credentials, he has actually proven them in Washington…

Cut 7 (08) “….with President Trump”

Longtime LSU assistant coach Frank Wilson met with the media yesterday for the first time as interim head coach of the Tigers. Wilson says he’s embracing the opportunity to lead the Fighting Tigers…

Cut 15 (09) “….university extremely well”

With State Representative Julie Emerson now the fifth Republican to mount a primary challenge against Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican says he’s not worried about his political future. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux is hospitalized with pneumonia.  His office made the announcement yesterday saying the mayor is receiving treatment as a precautionary measure. We’re told Arceneaux is alert, in good spirits, and resting comfortably.

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Louisiana’s special legislative session could end today as the House is poised to approve legislation today that that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May.  Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter authored the bill , as lawmakers will need to act should the Supreme Court rule Louisiana’s current congressional map, unconstitutional.

Cut 9 (07)  “…back four weeks.”

If you’ve been waiting for cooler weather to arrive in Louisiana, the wait is over.  The crisp, much cooler temperatures are here. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re in for lows in the upper forties to lower fifties across the state today and it’ll stay that way through Halloween night…and

Cut 12 (09) “…keep them warm.”

State Representative Julie Emerson announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate Monday morning, joining four other prominent republicans running for the seat currently held by Bill Cassidy. The Carencro representative says while she views herself as a staunch conservative, she also sees herself as a consensus-builder.

Cut 4 (07) “…skills to work.”

The special session could end today as the House is poised to approve legislation that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May. Democrats do not have the votes to stop the change, but they’ve been vocal in their opposition. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle believes Republicans want to push the dates back so they can re-draw a new Congressional map with only one Black majority district instead of two, after the Supreme Court rules the current map is unconstitutional.

Cut 8 (11) “…and draw maps.”

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LSU football fans, get used to the name Frank Wilson. He’s going to be the team’s head coach for the remainder of the season. He was appointed interim head coach Sunday after the school fired Brian Kelly after almost four seasons at the helm. During his first news conference following his appointment, Wilson said he’s excited for the challenge.

Cut 13 (11)  “…prepare yourself for.”

If you haven’t left the house yet this morning, be sure to grab a jacket or sweater. It’s cool outside in Louisiana.  LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re in for the coldest temperatures so far this season today.

Cut 11 (11) “…pretty much statewide.”

The special session may end today as a bill to move the federal election primaries from April to May is one vote away from passage.  Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Authorities in Jasper County, Mississippi now say it’s three Rhesus monkeys that are unaccounted for after that crash on I-59 near Heidleberg yesterday.  This after Tulane officials access the truck and do an updated count. Sheriff’s officials are warning the animals are dangerous to humans and should not be approached.

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State Representative Julie Emerson is joining the race to unseat Senator Bill Cassidy.  Emerson made the announcement on Monday.  The Carencro representative says proven that she can work across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation.

Cut 5 (11) “…had bipartisan support (2x).”

Emerson is the fifth prominent Republican to mount a primary challenge against Cassidy.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall addressed the coaching carousel when he met with the media on Tuesday. Sumrall is expected to be one of the top candidates for the LSU head coaching position, but he says he’s committed to being with the Green Wave.

Cut 16 (18) “…guys know that.”