One person is dead and eight motorists injured after several vehicles collided in another super fog event that produced low visibilities in the New Orleans area. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow is co-authoring legislation to provide rural communities with grants to upgrade their police and fire departments. Many rural facilities are still operating out of facilities built in the 1980s and with a small tax base Letlow says they are unable to adequately fund any upgrades.

Cut 8 (11) “….would provide.” 

Centenary College in Shreveport announces it’s raising $50 million dollars to improve the four-year liberal arts school ahead of its bicentennial anniversary in 2025. Centenary spokesperson Kate Pedrotty says the college has already raised $37 million of the $50 million campaign goal. She says the campaign will also support endowed scholarship expansion and is a major component of operational support.

Cut 5 (12) “ …to grow.”  

Residential and Commercial Cleco customers can receive rebates for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargers. Manager of Cleco’s EV Program Richard Biedenharn a Level 2 EV charger and any type of application that’s in a multifamily facility, workplace, or a publicly accessible charger is eligible for a $1,000 rebate.

Cut 13 (06) “…who use lifts.”

To apply or for more information, Biedenharn says to visit cleco.com/electrification

New Orleans Police officials say the marsh fire that’s creating the smoky conditions along I-10 is on remote private property that’s difficult to access and the property has no fire hydrant service. National Weather Service Meteorologist Christopher Bannan says it’s been burning for weeks.

Cut 11 (11) “…helping things.”

One person was killed in a wreck this morning and at least eight others were injured.

Cleco customers can receive rebates for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargers. Manager of Cleo’s EV Program Richard Biedenharn says the rebates are for both commercial and residential customers.

Cut 12 (09) “…great benefit.”  

For more information visit Cleco-dot-com.

A judge has ordered federal oversight of the State Penitentiary at Angola claiming the prison continues to violate inmates’ constitutional rights by systematically ignoring their medical needs. The court will appoint Special Masters to oversee a plan to address the violations.

Centenary College in Shreveport announces a major fundraising initiative ahead of the school’s 200^th anniversary in 2025. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Smoke from a marsh fire in New Orleans East led to another deadly multiple-vehicle wreck this morning on Interstate 10 near the Michoud exit. National Weather Service meteorologist Christopher Bannan says it’s similar to the massive pile-up on I-55 last month and we could see identical conditions tonight and probably again tomorrow night…

Cut 10 (07) “….St. Tammany Parish” 

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow is co-authoring legislation to provide rural communities grants to upgrade their police and fire departments. She says if the BUILD Act passes every community in her district of 24 parishes would be eligible for grants.

Cut 7 (07) “…their facilities.” 

Communities with less than 50-thousand people would be eligible.

Centenary College in Shreveport announces it is raising $50 million dollars for improvements to the school ahead of its bicentennial anniversary in 2025. Centenary spokesperson Kate Pedrotty (per-dirty) says the return of football will boost recruitment and fundraising for the school.

Cut 4 (12) “…very exciting.”

$20 million will fund new infrastructure and upgrades to the School of Health Sciences and that includes new state-of-the-art laboratories. $37 million has already been raised of the $50 million goal.

Smoke from a marsh fire in New Orleans East led to another fatal multiple vehicle wreck this morning on Interstate 10 near the Michoud exit. Christopher Bannan, a meteorologist with National Weather Service says the smoke was mixed with fog which made for very low visibility…
cut 9 (08) “…seen”
An adult male was pronounced dead in the wreck. Seven motorists were killed on I-55 in St. John the Baptist on October 23rd in a similiar super fog event.

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow is co-authoring legislation to provide rural communities with grants to upgrade their police and fire departments. Letlow says it’s time to step up and help our rural public safety agencies.
Cut 6 (12) “…50,000 residents.”
Letlow says if the BUILD At passes every community in her district of 24 parishes would be eligible.

Centenary College in Shreveport announces its raising $50 million dollars to improve the four-year liberal arts school ahead of its bicentennial anniversary in 2025. Centenary spokesperson Kate Pedrotty says 20 million dollars will fund new infrastructure and upgrades to the School of Health Sciences
Cut 3 (13) “…enclosed pavilion.”
Pendrotty says another ten-million dollars will support the transformation fund, which will support new academic and co-curricular programs.

There are four constitutional amendments on the November 18th ballot. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says Amendment three would allow local governments to provide an additional property tax break to first responders
cut 14 (09) “….up to 25-thousand dollars”
For a full review of the four amendments on the November 18th ballot just go to PAR’s website.

It’s a ten billion dollar industry in Louisiana but the recent wildfires have hit the timber industry hard, costing landowners millions in losses. LSU Ag Center Forester Robbie Hutching says the costs go beyond logging. The industry employs about 45-thousand people and is indirectly responsible for 40 thousand more jobs.

Cut 11 (12) “…the mills.” 

Amendment 3 on the ballot would allow local governing authorities the ability to provide an ad valorem tax exemption of up to $25,000 for qualified first responders. President of the Public Affairs Research Council Steven Procopio says proponents believe the tax exemption would be a recruiting and retention incentive…

Cut 15 (05) “…salary increase.”

State Transportation officials want your input on the state’s infrastructure and transportation plans. You can do so via a new website,latransportationplan-dot-la-dot-gov DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallet gives examples of some of those projects

Cut 5 (12) “…transportation plan.”

More than 200 jobs are coming to the Acadiana region with the announced expansion of Infinity Valve & Supply. Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter says the expansion will allow Infinity to provide oil and gas companies with more environmentally friendly alternatives to current practices.

Cut 7 (11) “…as well.”

Infinity Valve & Supply is investing $1.1 million in the expansion.

Once again the combination of fog and smoke from a nearby marsh fire has resulted in a series of crashes in the New Orleans area. This time on I-10 in New Orleans East. Authorities say one adult male is dead and multiple people were injured and transported to the hospital. The interstate will remain closed at the Michoud Boulevard exit until the scene is cleared.

DOTD has a new website that provides residents with information on transportation projects and allows the public to provide input on transportation needs in Louisiana….
cut 6 (11) “…policy wise”
That’s DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet, who says L-A-transportation-plan-dot-la-dov will also host the Statewide Transportation Plan, which will shape the state’s infrastructure landscape through 2055.

Passage of Amendment 3 on the November 18th ballot would allow local parish governments the ability to give first responders a larger property tax break. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU AgCenter says this summer’s record breaking heat and drought dealt a blow of at least 71-million dollars to the state’s timber industry. LSU AgCenter forester Robbie Hutchins says the drought has only intensified this fall…
cut 12 (05) “…rain really”
There is rain in the forecast later this week.

A dangerous morning on Interstate 10 in New Orleans East has left at least one person dead after several early morning accidents. The I-10 is shut down now in both directions as authorities say fog and smoke from that marsh fire burning nearby is causing near zero visibility.

(TIX)Yesterday, the Army Corps of Engineers contributed to the effort to flood out a wetland fire in New Orleans East… five 8 inch portable pumps. They’re on loan to try and drown out the smoldering fire that’s been causing problems for weeks.
Wildfires and drought have affected Louisiana’s bottom line when it comes to the $10 Billion dollar a year timber industry. Here’s Colleen Crain.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

————-
Amendment 2 on the November 18^th ballot would allow money allotted to inactive special funds to be transferred into the state’s general budget. President of the Public Affairs Research Council Steven Procopio says the amendment focuses on six inactive funds…

Cut 13 (10) “…the constitution.”
State Transportation officials want your input on the state’s infrastructure and transportation plans. And they’re making it easy through a new website,latransportationplan-dot-la-dot-gov

DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallet says the user-friendly portal features straightforward navigation and gives individuals the opportunity to provide their thoughts on future projects…

Cut 5 (12) “…transportation plan.”

Interstate 10 is closed in both directions this morning from Highway 11 to I-510 after at least four accidents this morning due to poor visibility. At least one person is reported dead. Officials say early morning fog and smoke from that marsh fire burning in New Orleans East is causing near zero visibility on the I-10. That’s between Irish Bayou and Michoud.

In other news, State Transportation is making it easier for Louisianans to give input on infrastructure and transportation projects through a new website.  Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says latransportationplan-dot-la-dot-gov details the state’s transportation plan and infrastructure landscape through 2055.

Cut 4 (11) “…mega projects.”

 ———

The Timber Industry generates $10 Billion per year for Louisiana’s economy. That’s according to Robbie Hutchins, a forester with the LSU Ag Center who says the wildfires that have engulfed more than 50,000 acres of Louisiana forests, have cost the state millions…

Cut 10 (09) “…in 2023.”

Good news for Acadiana as Infinity Valve and Supply has announced it will expand in Youngsville, bringing more than 200 jobs with it. Mayor Ken Ritter Ritter says the state’s incentive package played a significant role in bringing the expansion to fruition and he believes it’s a good use of state funds.

DOTD unveils a new website to get public input on the state transportation plan. Here’s Teiko Fox.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

More than 200 jobs are coming to Acadiana as Infinity Valve & Supply is set to expand. Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter says it’s a huge win for the city.

Cut 8 (11) “…to Lafayette.” 

——/

It’s a ten billion dollar industry in Louisiana but the recent wildfires have hit the timber industry hard, costing the state millions of dollars. That’s according to Robbie Hutchins, a forester with the LSU Ag Center, who says the costs go beyond just logging. He says the timber industry employs about 45-thousand people and is indirectly responsible for 40 thousand more jobs.

Cut 11 (12) “…the mills.” 

The Army Corps of Engineers is contributing to the an effort to flood out a wetland fire in New Orleans East in the form of five 8 inch portable pumps. They’re on loan to try and drown out the smoldering fire that’s been producing blankets of foul-smelling smoke across the area for three weeks now. If there’s any other good news at this point, Fire officials there say the fire is mostly contained and doesn’t appear to be spreading.

DOTD unveils a new website to get public input on the statewide transportation plan. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Timber generates $10 Billion per year for Louisiana’s economy but this year’s drought and fires are having a devastating impact. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________

Passage of Amendment 3 on the November 18^th ballot would allow local parish governments the ability to give first responders a tax break. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

State Transportation is making it easier for Louisianans to give input on infrastructure and transportation projects through a new website.  Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says latransportationplan-dot-la-dot-gov details the state’s transportation plan and infrastructure landscape through 2055.

Cut 4 (11) “…mega projects.”

The website will also allow DOTD to engage the public as they update several modal plans including updates to aviation, freight, and rail plans. Mallett says the user-friendly portal features straightforward navigation and it gives individuals the opportunity to provide their thoughts on future projects…

Cut 5 (12) “…transportation plan.”

The last time the statewide transportation plan was updated was in 2015.  Mallet says the goal is to provide more opportunities to identify areas where improvements are critical.

Cut 6 (11) “…policy-wise.”

_________________________________________________

More than 200 jobs are coming to the Acadiana region with the announced expansion of Infinity Valve & Supply. Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter says the expansion will allow Infinity to provide oil and gas companies with more environmentally friendly alternatives to current practices.

Cut 7 (11) “…as well.”

Infinity Valve & Supply was founded in 2002 and has been in Youngsville since 2008. Ritter says the $1.1 million investment to increase production of the new air compression division and expansion of the facility is a huge win for the city.

Cut 8 (11) “…to Lafayette.” 

The creation of 68 new direct jobs from the expansion is expected to have an average annual salary of $52,000. Ritter says the state’s incentive package played a significant role in the expansion and he believes it’s a good use of state funds.

Cut 9 (11)  “…well spent.”

The company also owns Infinity Operators, an energy service company that was founded in 2018. It specializes in oil and gas property management, operations, and maintenance services.

__________________________________________________

The Timber Industry generates $10 Billion per year for Louisiana’s economy according to Robbie Hutchins, a forester with the LSU Ag Center. Hutchins says wildfires engulfed more than 50,000 acres of Louisiana forests costing the state millions…

Cut 10 (09) “…in 2023.”

Hutchins says the costs to the Bayou State go beyond just logging. He says the timber industry employs about 45,000 people directly and is indirectly responsible for 40,000 jobs.

Cut 11 (12) “…the mills.” 

Hutchins says we’re not out of the wildfire threats yet. We still need some significant rain.

Cut 12 (05) “…rain really.” 

__________________________________________________

Amendment 2 on the November 18^th ballot would allow money allotted to inactive special funds to be transferred into the state’s general budget. President of the Public Affairs Research Council Steven Procopio says the amendment focuses on six inactive funds…

Cut 13 (10) “…the constitution.”

State Treasurer John Schroder supports Amendment 2 and says it will help simplify the State Constitution.

Those special funds include the Atchafalaya Basin Conservation Fund, Higher Education Louisiana Partnership Fund, Millennium Leverage Fund, Agricultural and Seafood Products Support Fund, First Use Tax Fund, and the Louisiana Investment Fund for Enhancement.

Passage of Amendment 3 would allow local governing authorities the ability to provide an ad valorem tax exemption for qualified first responders. Similar to a homestead exemption, first responders could receive an additional exemption.

Cut 14 (09) “…up to $25,000.”

Procopio says proponents believe the tax exemption for qualified first responders, for example, police and firefighters, would be a recruiting and retention incentive…

Cut 15 (05) “…salary increase.”

Early voting ends Saturday and due to the state holiday, early voting will not be available on Friday.

___________________________________________________

Three National Championships have passed since LSU had its magical 2019 season and LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly is anxious to bring LSU back to the pinnacle of college football again. Kelly says the team’s ability to be bad or great is all about the Tigers’ commitment to excellence week in and out. Something they will need to do in order to reach Coach Kelly’s goal of 10 wins this season.

Cut 16 (24) “…more this week.”

Even though Coach Kelly is focused on Florida this week, his long-term goal is to make LSU an elite program in the nation that finishes and wins games against teams like Alabama. Coach Kelly left Notre Dame to build LSU into a great football team, not just a good or competitive one.

Cut 17 (18) “…not the case.”

After Saturday’s defensive struggle and heartbreaking loss to Alabama, Coach Kelly’s focus is not on any offseason moves for LSU, but its matchup against the Gators. Kelly left no doubt where his and the players’ focus will be on Saturday.

Cut 18 (19) “…beating Florida.” 

The Saints forced five turnovers in their 24-17 win over the Chicago Bears. After recording just seven interceptions last season, New Orleans has an NFL-high 12 interceptions. Coach Dennis Allen says it’s been more of an emphasis this season…

Cut 19 (19) “…to make.” 

The Saints had a chance to take a ten-point lead in the fourth quarter in Sunday’s win. But Blake Grupe’s 47-yard field goal hit the left upright. The rookie is 18-of-23 on field goals but Allen says there are no plans to try out any other kickers…

Cut 20 (19) “…into that.”