Tonight’s the night! Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Superdome for her first of three shows – and she’s giving 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.

Louisiana’s public colleges are seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year. 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.”

The Board of Regents is seeking this additional cash, despite projections the state will have fewer dollars to spend.

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.”

A Lafayette couple is offering free rides to the polls. Chad and Jennifer Landry have been offering free rides to Lafayette residents. Chad Landry says it doesn’t matter which political party they’re affiliated with or which candidates they plan to vote for, he wants to make sure that anyone who wants to vote gets to vote. Early voting runs through Tuesday.

Louisiana’s public colleges are seeking 142-million dollars in additional state funding for the next fiscal year. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed understands the state has some financial challenges, but she says now is not the time to cut to higher ed…

Cut 12 (14) “…in higher education.” 

The funding request includes more dollars to support dual enrollment and the M-J Foster Promise Program. The budget request goes to the Landry administration, which presents a budget to lawmakers early next year.

Nurses at University Medical Center in New Orleans hit the picket lines today. They are staging a one-day strike against the hospital as contract negotiations continue. Among other things, the nurses are seeking better pay, enhanced workplace safety and better staffing ratios. The hospital says no patient care will be interrupted. 

Tonight is the night – Taylor Swift takes the stage for her first of three shows. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says Swifties have been in town all week long; and when they’re not enjoying the shows, they’re enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer.

Cut 8 (12) “…nights with Taylor.”

There will also be 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 you can practically call this a food festival.

Cut 14 (12) “…the holidays now.”

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.

The big day is here – Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Superdome tonight for her first of three shows. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says the city has been leaving special friendship bracelets at the hotels for them to give to Taylor Swift fans from all over the world as they check in.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a great package.”

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

Cervical cancer prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing. Dr. Donna Williams, the associate director of LSU LSMC Health Cancer Center, 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.

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.”

An arrest is made in the deadly shooting of a teenager in St. James Parish. The sheriff’s office says 28-year-old Kendrick Armant is charged with criminal conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the shooting death of 19-year-old Makhai Martin on October 15th. Another 19-year-old was injured in the shooting. The sheriff’s office says this is still an active investigation.

New Orleans welcomes Taylor Swift tonight as she kicks off the first of three concerts in the Crescent and they’re plenty excited as Swifties and the Eras Tour are already making an economic impact on the city.  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.”

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 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.”

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Cervical cancer detection and prevention is expanding. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana’s public colleges are seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the funding request includes more dollars for the M-J Foster Promise Program which provides aid to adults looking to earn high-demand, short-term credentials at a Louisiana community college or technical school

Cut 11 (06) …can’t achieve it.”

Taylor Swift takes the stage tonight for the first of three shows at the Superdome…and New Orleans is already reaping the benefits.  Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’s also a big weekend in Monroe as Chennault Fest begins today at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.  In addition to the usual fair activities, Museum President and CEO Nell Calloway says  weather permitting, there will be hot air balloon rides.

Cut 13 (06)  “…miles an hour.”

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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 wants more money, 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.”

A newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing means the expansion of cervical cancer prevention.  According to the Louisiana tumor registry, Louisiana sees more than two hundred new cases of cervical cancer every year. Associate Director of LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, Dr. Donna Williams says if someone tests positive for HPV, the same sample can be used for a pap smear that would detect pre-cancer cells that can be treated right in the doctor’s office.

Cut 5 (09) “…can tackle.”

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.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

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. 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.

______________________________________________________

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

_________________________________________________________________________

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.”