On the heels of Louisiana mustering a C-minus in its infrastructure report card, experts are giving their recommendations on how to boost that grade. And the consensus is to boost funding. Former DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says money spent to improve roads will save drivers money in repairs.

Cut 6 (08) “…sooner than otherwise.”

For the first time ever, a former LSU pitcher has won the Cy Young Award. Paul Skenes won the National League Cy Young Award in unanimous fashion. Despite Skenes’ domination on the mound, his Pittsburgh Pirates finished in last place in the National League Central. But despite the 71-and-91 record, Skenes says winning the Cy Young was a team effort.

Cut 4 (09) “…myself.”

Skenes was NL Rookie of the Year last year.

U-L Lafayette has a new leader. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry believes the U-S Supreme Court will not rule until June on whether the state’s Congressional map with two majority minority districts is constitutional. Landry says he believes the court will rule in the state’s favor. Still, if the ruling indeed doesn’t come down until June, any new map would have to wait until the 2028 elections.

The University of Louisiana System has appointed Ramesh Kolluru as the new interim president at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, replacing Doctor Jamie Hebert, who will go back to his provost position. Kolluru is the school’s current vice president for research, innovation and economic development. He had this message for the faculty at today’s U-L System Board meeting…

Cut 11 (11) “…university forward”

The State Bond Commission has approved the City of New Orleans’ request to secure a 125-million-dollar loan to cover payroll costs into January. How did New Orleans find themselves in this payroll crisis?  Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack says improper budgeting practices, no oversight of overtime spending and the loss of federal COVID recovery dollars.

Cut 13 (12) “…your biggest issue.”

With Louisiana only being able to muster a C-minus in the infrastructure report card, the big question is, how does the state improve that grade? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Work to widen I-12 in St. Tammany Parish has been completed and several months ahead of schedule. I-12 between LA 21 and LA 1077 is now three lanes. Parish President Mike Cooper says this 56-million dollar project will greatly improve the quality of life of citizens who travel this stretch of road daily.

Experts say Louisiana needs to increase funding to improve its mediocre infrastructure. Louisiana achieved an overall grade of a C-minus in its infrastructure report card, which is just below the overall national grade of C. Former ASCE President Norma Jean Mattei (muh-TAY) says on a national level, the amount of infrastructure funding needed is staggering. 

Cut 8 (10) “…need to be.”

UL-Lafayette names a new interim president – Ramesh Kolluru. Kolluru says student success will be the mission of the university.

Cut 10 (07) “…everything in between.”

Kolluru is the school’s current vice president for research, innovation and economic development, and there’s speculation that he will be named the permanent president in the near future. President emeritus Joe Savoie announced he will retire December 31st.

The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted in connection with the disappearance of a rare state artifact. A Baton Rouge grand jury indicted Clay Schexnayder for felony theft and malfeasance in office in the disappearance of the ancient cypress board. Tyler Bridges has been covering the story for The Advocate and says where the board is today is anyone’s guess.

Cut 14 (06) “…office in Gonzales”

Paul Skenes has a College World Series title and a Rookie of the Year award. He has now added a Cy Young Award to his trophy case, and he’s not “Dunne” yet. At LSU, Skenes was the Most Outstanding Player as he led the Tigers to the 2023 national title. LSU Coach Jay Johnson is thrilled to see Skenes having so much success in the Majors.

Cut 5 (11) “…so awesome.”

With Louisiana only being able to muster a C-minus in the infrastructure report card, the big question is, how does the state improve that grade? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a new leader. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes is the first former LSU pitcher to win a Cy Young Award, winning it for the National League. Skenes led Major League Baseball with a 1.97 ERA and had 216 strikeouts. Skenes, who was recruited as a catcher coming out of high school, told MLB Network he never thought he would become a dominant pitcher in the big leagues…

Cut 3 (12) “…looks like.”

Skenes is in his second season in the Major Leagues. Last year, he was a Cy Young Award finalist and was named National League Rookie of the Year. Despite Skenes’ domination on the mound, the Pirates finished in last place in the National League Central. But Skenes says him winning the Cy Young was a team effort….

Cut 4 (09) “…myself.”

At LSU, Skenes helped the Tigers win a national championship in 2023 and was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player. LSU Coach Jay Johnson is thrilled to see Skenes having success in the Majors.

Cut 5 (11) “…so awesome.”

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On the heels of Louisiana getting a C-minus in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ infrastructure report card, experts are giving their recommendations on how to boost that grade. And the consensus is to boost funding. Former DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says money spent to improve roads will save drivers money in repairs.

Cut 6 (08) “…sooner than otherwise.”

Kalivoda says furthermore, investing in road infrastructure will help lower Louisiana’s sky-high auto insurance premiums.

Cut 7 (10) “…people’s insurance rates.”

Louisiana struggled in all ten infrastructure metrics, ranging from C-plus grades in aviation and solid waste to D grades in roads and drinking water. The national overall grade, which measures 18 metrics, is a C. Former ASCE President Norma Jean Mattei (muh-TAY) says on a national level, the amount of infrastructure funding needed is staggering.

Cut 8 (10) “…need to be.”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a new interim president. Jamie Hebert is stepping down, and the U-L System Board has appointed Ramesh Kolluru as the new interim president while a search for a permanent president takes place. This year, the school has eliminated more than 70 positions and made other cuts because of a 25-million-dollar budget deficit. But Kolluru says this financial crisis will not prevent the school from growing.

Cut 9 (09)  “…push forward.”

Kolluru says he’ll release a plan after Thanksgiving on how the university can grow revenue. He says student success will be the mission of the university.

Cut 10 (07) “…everything in between.”

Kolluru is the school’s current vice president for research, innovation and economic development. He had this message for the faculty at today’s U-L System Board meeting…

Cut 11 (11) “…university forward”

There is speculation Kolluru will be named the permanent president in the near future. Also, president emeritus Joe Savoie announced he will retire December 31st. And Dr. Jamie Hebert is returning to his post as provost.

Experts are giving their recommendations on how to boost Louisiana’s mediocre infrastructure grade. Former DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says part of the solution is boosting funding, saying investing in road infrastructure will help lower Louisiana’s sky-high auto insurance premiums.

Cut 7 (10) “…people’s insurance rates.”

Paul Skenes is the first Cy Young winner from LSU. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace led Major League Baseball with a 1.97 ERA and had 216 strikeouts. Skenes, who was recruited as a catcher coming out of high school, told the MLB Network he never thought he would become a dominant pitcher in the big leagues…

Cut 3 (12) “…looks like.”

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a new leader. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Kolluru is not the only interim president the board appointed. The board also unanimously elected Kedrick Nicholas as the interim president of McNeese State University. Nicholas is a longtime administrator at McNeese who’s currently the senior vice president of student affairs. McNeese is looking for a new president after Wade Rousse was named the president of the LSU system last week.

UL-Lafayette has a new interim president. Jamie Hebert is stepping down, and the U-L System Board has appointed Ramesh Kolluru as the new interim president while a search for a permanent president takes place. This year, the school has eliminated more than 70 positions and made other cuts because of a 25-million-dollar budget deficit. But Kolluru says this financial crisis will not prevent the school from growing

Cut 9 (09)  “…push forward.”

On the heels of Louisiana mustering a C-minus in its infrastructure report card, experts are giving their recommendations on how to boost that grade. And the consensus is to boost funding. Former DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says money spent to improve roads will save drivers money in repairs.

Cut 6 (08) “…sooner than otherwise.”

For the first time ever, a former LSU pitcher has won the Cy Young Award. Paul Skenes won the National League Cy Young Award in unanimous fashion. Despite Skenes’ domination on the mound, his Pittsburgh Pirates finished in last place in the National League Central. But despite the 71-and-91 record, Skenes says winning the Cy Young was a team effort.

Cut 4 (09) “…myself.”

As for Skenes’ alma mater’s football team, the Tigers host Arkansas Saturday. Interim head coach Frank Wilson said the Tigers will play both quarterbacks this weekend, and senior defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory says he has full faith in both Garrett Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren to give LSU a shot at winning.

Cut 25 (07) “…opportunity to win.”

LSU Interim head football coach Frank Wilson said the Tigers will play both quarterbacks this weekend. Guillory defended Garrett Nussmeier after seeing a lot of criticism on social media and says he has full faith in both Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren to give LSU a shot at winning on Saturday.

Cut 19 (22) “…to win.”

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes became the first former LSU baseball player to win the Cy-Young last night. Skenes was selected as the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award and became the first pitcher in 40 years to win the Rookie of The Year one season and baseball’s top pitching prize the next. Skenes has a 10-and-10 record with a league-best 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts.

The LSU men’s basketball team hosts Florida International tonight at 7 p.m. LRN

Louisiana Tech dropped to 5-and-4 after a heartbreaking 25-24 loss to Delaware last Saturday. Blake Baker, the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending injury after tearing his ACL. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says the team is devastated.

Cut 16 (20) “…for us.”

The Bulldogs are planning to play both Evan Bullock and Trey Kukuk (Q-Kuk) at quarterback in this week’s game at Washington State.

The Pelicans dropped their third straight game last night after losing to the Portland Trail Blazers by a score of 125-117. Rookie Derik Queen led scoring for New Orleans with a career-high 26 points. The Pelicans are now last in the Western Conference at 2-and-9 on the season.

Louisiana gets its infrastructure report card, and Andrew Greenstein reports like much of the rest of the country, Louisiana has room for improvement.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The federal government shutdown is over. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter voted no to the funding bill that reopened the government, because the legislation does not extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to work together to address the health care affordability crisis.

Because of a lawsuit filed by Brian Kelly’s legal team, we’ve learned that LSU did not formally terminate the former Tigers football coach and they are planning to fire him for cause to avoid paying the entire 54-million dollar buyout. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says Kelly has not been formally terminated because an agreement on the size of the buyout was not reached. He says LSU’s final offer to Kelly was a 30-million-dollar buyout in two lump sums, and Kelly’s attorneys countered with 43-million.

Cut 12 (13) “…can win that.”

It’s unknown what information LSU has on Kelly to fire him with cause.

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes has won the National League Cy Young Award, which goes to the best pitcher in the N-L. LSU Coach Jay Johnson is thrilled to see Skenes having success in the Majors

Cut 5 (11) “…so awesome.”

Louisiana gets its infrastructure report card; and like much of the rest of the country, the state has room for improvement. Report Card Chairman Kirk Lowery says Louisiana’s coastal grade was a C-minus. He says while the state has done more than 140 projects that have protected two-million residents living near the coast, there’s a lot more work that needs to be done and not a lot of money to pay for it.

Cut 6 (10) “…funds in 2031.”

Louisiana’s lowest grades were D’s in roads and in drinking water. Its best grades were C-pluses in aviation and solid waste.

The State Bond Commission approves New Orleans’ request for a 125-million-dollar loan to cover payroll costs into January. Outgoing mayor LaToya Cantrell was not at yesterday’s meeting. But Mayor-elect Helena Moreno was there and told the commission her incoming administration is working on improving operational efficiencies.

Cut 9 (04)  “…cent to waste.”

The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted in connection with the disappearance of a rare state artifact. A Baton Rouge grand jury indicted Clay Schexnayder on a charge of felony theft greater than 25-thousand dollars in the disappearance of an ancient cypress board. Tyler Bridges has been covering the story for The Advocate.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the state capitol.”

Schexnayder is also charged with malfeasance in office.

Paul Skenes is the first Cy Young winner from LSU. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace led Major League Baseball with a 1.97 ERA and had 216 strikeouts. Skenes, who was recruited as a catcher coming out of high school, told the MLB Network he never thought he would become a dominant pitcher in the big leagues…

Cut 3 (12) “…looks like.”

The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted in connection with the disappearance of a rare state artifact. A Baton Rouge grand jury indicted Clay Schexnayder for felony theft and malfeasance in office in the disappearance of the ancient cypress board. Tyler Bridges, who has been covering the story for The Advocate, says Schexnayder was indicted because he was the last person to know of the whereabouts of the ancient artifact.

Cut 15 (07) “…office in Gonzales.”

Former LSU head football coach Brian Kelly claims in his lawsuit against the school that Monday was the first time that he was told the school was seeking to fire him for cause. Tiger Rag magazine Executive Editor Todd Horne says Kelly’s suit claims that then-athletic director Scott Woodward did not have the authority to fire him.

Cut 11 (08) “…approve or disapprove.”

The lawsuit was filed in Baton Rouge.

The American Society of Civil Engineers is out with its quadrennial report card for Louisiana’s infrastructure. Grading ten metrics, it gives Louisiana an overall grade of a C-minus, which is just below the national grade of a C. Report Card Chairman Kirk Lowery says Louisiana’s lowest grades were D’s in roads and in drinking water.

Cut 5 (10) “…if something fails.”

Louisiana’s best grades were C-pluses in aviation and solid waste.

When he says he’s retiring, he apparently means it to the letter. Former UL-Lafayette President Joseph Savoie will officially retire December 31st and will forgo a sabbatical and previously planned faculty appointment in the College of Education and Human Development. In an email to university employees, Dr. Savoie said he made the decision out of the best interests of the university.