Low water levels in the Mississippi River caused by the ongoing drought are allowing saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico. Ricky Boyette, Public Affairs for the Army Corps of Engineers says water supplies are pulled from the river and this salt water has the potential to impact several parishes.

Cut 3 (10) “…to treat.”

Boyett says the Corps’ focus is to be able to transport 15 million gallons of water daily by the end of the week downstream with a goal of moving 36 million gallons a day.

A major donor to Jeff Landry’s gubernatorial campaign is asking for his $100,000 donation to be returned. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it appears donor John Odom has a beef with Landry hiring a former Trump campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski.

Cut 6 (07) “…and none.”

Pinsonat says usually once the check clears, it’s already spent and it’s highly unlikely your donation will be returned. But there have been cases where donations are sent back, especially if the donor is a distraction to the campaign.

The Corps of Engineers continues to work to mitigate saltwater intrusion into the Mississippi River that’s expected to impact water systems in southeast Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A MAJOR DONOR TO JEFF LANDRY’S GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN IS ASKING FOR HIS DONATION TO BE RETURNED TO HIM.  JOHN ODOM WANTS LANDRY’S CAMPAIGN TO RETURN 100 THOUSAND DOLLARS AFTER LANDRY HIRED COREY LEWANDOWSKI, A FORMER TRUMP CAMPAIGN MANAGER.  ODOM SAYS LEWANDOWSKI SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HIS EX-WIFE.  POLITICAL ANALYST BERNIE PINSONAT SAYS IT’S ONLY LIKELY THE MONEY WILL BE RETURNED IF THE DONAR BECOMES A DISTRACTION TO THE CAMPAIGN.
CUT 7 ::11 SEC               “…THEM.”
L-S-U’S STARTING QUARTERBACK JAYDEN DANIELS HAS BEEN NAMED CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK IN THE S-E-C.  DANIELS LED THE TIGERS TO A 34-31 WIN OVER ARKANSAS SATURDAY NIGHT.  DANIELS IS NOW THE SIXTH PLAYER IN F-B-S HISTORY TO PASS FOR 10-THOUSAND YARDS AND RUSH FOR 2-THOUSAND YARDS IN A COLLEGE CAREER.  LAST YEAR, DANIELS EARNED -S-E-C OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS AFTER WINS OVER OLE MISS AND ALABAMA.
AS IF THE DROUGHT WASN’T BAD ENOUGH, IT’S BEEN GOING ON SO LONG IT’S FORCING RATS INDOORS SEARCHING FOR FOOD AND WATER.  DR. CLAUDETTE (RYE-CUL) AT THE L-S-U AG CENTER SAYS TRAPS, RODENTICIDS, REPELLENTS AND PREDATORS ARE A FEW WAYS TO REMEDY THE RODENT ISSUE.  SHE ALSO SUGGESTS ELIMINATING ACCESS TO  YOUR HOME…
Cut 15     :09 SEC            “…GAP.”
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF LOUISIANA AND ELEVANCE HEALTH HAVE WITHDRAWN THEIR PROPOSAL TO HAVE INDIANA-BASED ELEVANCE ACQUIRE LOUISIANA’S LEADING HEALTH INSURER.  HOWEVER, BOTH COMPANIES SAY THEY PLAN TO RESUBMIT THE PROPOSAL AT A LATER DATE, SOMETIME NEXT YEAR.  COMPANY OFFICIALS SAY IN THE MEANTIME, THEY PLAN TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS POLICYHOLDERS, STATE OFFICIALS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE RAISED.

The saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to impact water resources in Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes according to the Corps of Engineers. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle…

Cut 7 (08) “…this issue.”

Tingle says plans are being implemented to curtail the issue and at this time there’s no reason to panic.

The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering up to a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those who intentionally set wildfires. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says the Tiger Island Fire is 84 percent contained.

Cut 11 (09) “…thousand acres.”

49-year-old Laura McLaughlin of Pitkin was arrested yesterday in connection with the Rapides Parish wildfire on Highway 113.

Republican Stephen Waguespack has been endorsed by The Times-Picayune and Nola.com for Louisiana governor. Waguespack believes he’s the right choice for governor. He says the state needs an education reform advocate who puts families and parents first.

Cut 5 (08) “…existing industries.”

The former Chief of Staff for Governor Bobby Jindal says

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder and it’s possible he could play this Sunday against Tampa Bay. Coach Dennis Allen says the injury could have been much worse…

Cut 16 (16) “…goes on.”

Quarterback Jameis Winston would start against the Buccaneers if Carr can’t play, but Allen says they are not ruling Carr out yet…

So far, we’ve done daily profiles on gubernatorial candidates Sharon Hewitt and Hunter Lundy. Today’s feature is Stephen Waguespack. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police say a Holden man who was driving a tractor when it was rear-ended by a car in Livingston Parish has died. Authorities say Tracy Gauthier was driving the tractor on LA 441 when it was hit from behind by a Chevrolet Malibu. The driver of the Malibu was treated for moderate injuries. Troopers did not say if any tickets were given.

The Corps of Engineers says the saltwater intrusion from the Mississippi River is expected to impact the water supply in Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle urges people in those areas to visit emergency.la.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Cut 9 (08)  “…statewide information.”

At this time only Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted by the saltwater intrusion.

Historic drought conditions have increased the number of rodents entering Louisiana homes in search of food and water. LSU Ag Center Professor emeritus Dr. Claudette Reichel (Rye-cul) suggests traps, repellents, and closing all openings to your home to keep the furry creatures out.

Cut 15 (09) “…small gap.”

She also suggests removing all items that are sitting outside of your home where rats can nest and breed.

To date, the Corps of Engineers say Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted by the increased salinity in the Mississippi River. GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle says the website emergency.la.gov is a good resource…:
Cut 9 (08) “statewide information”
Tingle says GOHSEP is working with all parties to rectify the issue and implement emergency plans should they be needed.

So far, we’ve done daily profiles on gubernatorial candidates Sharon Hewitt and Hunter Lundy. Today’s feature is Stephen Waguespack. He says if elected he’ll do an audit of every state agency…:
CUT 6 (07) “the taxpayer”
Early voting for the October 14th election begins Saturday.

Residents across the Bayou State who normally don’t have this problem are now seeing rats in their homes due to drought conditions. Teiko Foxx explains…:
Cut 3 (33) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

Singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks will try again to perform in New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center, it was announced Monday. Nicks postponed, then canceled a show at the venue earlier this year and is now slated to hold a concert in The Big Easy on February 28th. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday.

The Corps of Engineers continues work to mitigate saltwater intrusion into the Mississippi River which could impact water systems in southeast Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

State Police say a Holden man who was driving a tractor in Livingston Parish when he was hit by a car Sunday has died. They say Tracy Gauthier was operating the farm equipment on LA 441 when it was hit from behind by a Chevrolet Malibu. Gauthier was taken to a hospital where he later died. The driver of the Malibu was treated for moderate injuries. Troopers did not say if any tickets were given.

Due to the dry conditions, rats have been making their way into homes and buildings looking for food and water. LSU Ag Center Professor emeritus Dr. Claudette Reichel (Rye-cul) says watch for rodents if you’ve got bad allergies…:
Cut 14 (09) “and bookcases”
Many people are also reporting an increase in the number of spiders and ants around their homes.

A Central Louisiana woman has been arrested amid allegations she started the wildfire fire in Rapides Parish that spread into Vernon Parish. 49-year-old Laura McLaughlin of Pitkin was booked on four counts of simple arson and one count of obstruction of justice. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen..:
Cut 10 (09) “these wildfires”
Anyone with information on arson-related wildfires is urged to contact authorities.

Governor John Bel Edwards sent a letter to the White House Monday requesting a federal emergency declaration to help combat saltwater intrusion on the Mississippi River. To date, the Corps of Engineers says Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted…:
Cut 7 (08) “this issue”
That’s GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle who says plans are being implemented to curtail the issue and there’s no reason to panic.

Got rats? These dry conditions are forcing rodents to search for food and water inside homes. LSU Ag Center Professor emeritus Dr. Claudette Reichel (Rye-cul)…:
Cut 13 (09) “in buildings”
She says traps, pesticides, repellents, and predators are a few ways to remedy the rodent issue.

Our profiles of candidates in the governor’s race continue. Today it’s Republican Stephen Waguespack who was just endorsed by the editorial board of the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. Waguespack says he can turn the tide for Louisiana…:
Cut 4 (10) “to live here”
Among his priorities, if elected, Waguespack says he’ll immediately call for a special legislative session to address the state’s insurance crisis.

There was no jackpot winner in last night’s Powerball drawing so the prize now soars to an estimated $835 million dollars. That remains the 4th largest prize in the game’s history, according to Powerball. The cash value of Wednesday’s drawing is $390.3 million.

So far, we’ve done daily profiles on gubernatorial candidates Sharon Hewitt and Hunter Lundy. Today’s feature is Stephen Waguespack. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Corps of Engineers continues to work to mitigate saltwater intrusion into the Mississippi River that’s expected to impact water systems in southeast Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

Residents across the Bayou State who normally don’t have a rat problem are now seeing rats in their homes due to drought conditions. Teiko Foxx explains.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________________

In the governor’s race, Republican Stephen Waguespack received the nod from the editorial board of the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. Waguespack says he’s the best choice because he can turn the tide for Louisiana.

Cut 4 (10) “…to live here.”

He says the state also needs an education reform advocate who puts families and parents first. The former Chief of Staff for Governor Bobby Jindal says he’s spent his career doing such and that he knows how to change the system to make sure students are adequately prepared for jobs.

Cut 5 (08) “…existing industries.”

Among his priorities, if elected, Waguespack says he’ll immediately call for a special legislative session to address the state’s insurance crisis. And the former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President says he wants to do an outside audit of every state agency…

Cut 6 (07) “…the taxpayer.”

Waguespack says he also plans to hire innovative, fresh, and cutting-edge minds from all over the country to run state agencies so Louisiana can compete with other states.

_________________________________________________

To date, the Corps of Engineers says Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted by the increased salinity in the Mississippi River. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle…

Cut 7 (08) “…this issue.”

Tingle says plans are being implemented to curtail the issue and at this time there’s no reason to panic. He says unfortunately because of the low water conditions projected to remain on the Mississippi River, it’s expected to move upriver and impact the larger populations in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Cut 8 (12) “…those impacts.” 

Tingle says GOHSEP is working with all parties to rectify the issue and implement emergency plans should they be needed. For residents in the four parishes expected to be impacted, he encourages them to know who their local water supplier is and to visit emergency.la.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Cut 9 (08)  “…statewide information.”

GOHSEP recommends having one gallon per person for at least days, for drinking and sanitation. At this time only Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes are expected to be impacted by the saltwater intrusion.

_________________________________________________

49-year-old Laura McLaughlin of Pitkin has been arrested in connection with the Rapides Parish wildfire on Highway 113 that spread into Vernon Parish. The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those who intentionally set wildfires. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says the cost has been tremendous.

Cut 10 (09) “…these wildfires.”

Highway 113 Fire, which McLaughlin is accused of setting is 95 percent under containment. Vandersteen says and Lions Camp Road Fire is 100 percent contained and the Tiger Island Fire is 84 percent contained.

Cut 11 (09) “…thousand acres.”

Anyone with information about the Tiger Island fire or any other arson-related wildfires is encouraged to call the Department of Ag, the State Fire Marshal, or local law enforcement. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says these wildfires placed many lives at risk and someone will be held liable.

Cut 12 (12) “…also lives.” 

To report an arsonist or any information concerning the Tiger Island Fire, Highway 113 Fire, and the Lions Camp Road Fire call 1-855-452-5323.

_________________________________________________

The historic drought has many Louisianans smelling a rat. Dry conditions are forcing rats and mice into homes in search of food and water. LSU Ag Center Professor emeritus Dr. Claudette Reichel (Rye-cul) says the rodents have less access to food sources due to the drought.

Cut 13 (09) “…in buildings.”

More than 60 different diseases are transmitted by the furry rodents. Reichel says exposure to rat droppings can cause allergic reactions in people who are hypersensitive.

Cut 14 (09) “…and bookcases”

Reichel says traps, rodenticides, repellents, and predators are a few ways to remedy the rodent issue. She also suggests eliminating access to your home.

Cut 15 (09) “…small gap.”

____________________________________________________________

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder and it’s possible he could play this Sunday against Tampa Bay. Coach Dennis Allen says the injury could have been much worse…

Cut 16 (16) “…goes on.”

Quarterback Jameis Winston would start against the Buccaneers if Carr can’t play, but Allen says they are not ruling Carr out yet…

Cut 17 (21) “…wait and see.”

The Saints are coming off a tough loss in Green Bay, blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. Coach Dennis Allen says it’s a difficult defeat but they have to respond in a positive fashion…

Cut 18 (21) “…of practice.”

_________________________________________________________________

LSU ranks towards the bottom in several SEC defensive categories after four games. They are allowing 25 points a contest and 360 yards a game, which ranks 11th out of 14 teams. But Coach Brian Kelly believes once his players start doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, the defense will improve…

Cut 19 (19) “…do that.” 

Kelly is also calling on his players to do their job and not try to do their job, plus someone else’s.

Cut 20 (20) “…good defense.” 

A possible saltwater intrusion into the water supply of Louisianans in Orleans and Plaquemines Parishes has residents panic buying bottled water. Lieutenant General Russell Honore…

Cut 6 (08) “…south Louisiana.”

In addition to local water systems, Honore is worried the saltwater could corrode pipes at oil refineries along the Mississippi River.  The City of New Orleans has already declared a state of emergency.

The Powerball Jackpot for tonight’s drawing is worth $785 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says sales last week were up to $2 million across the state.

Cut 5 (10) “ …our time.”  

Annison says to be sure to check your ticket because even if you don’t win the jackpot there are multiple ways to win a cash prize.

it has a cash value of $367 million and it’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history…

Louisiana motorists are currently paying an average of about $3.36 a gallon for regular gasoline compared to $3.39 last month. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is down four cents from a week ago but higher than around this time last year.

Cut 9 (07) “…right now.” 

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a year ago was $3.12 a gallon. The average cost for regular gas in the nation today is $3.85.

State Police have arrested a man in the investigation of a fatal crash that happened Saturday on the Highway 11 Bridge in St. Tammany Parish. They say 54-year-old Hector Garcia of Slidell left a pickup truck and box trailer in the middle of the road and another car crashed into it killing that driver. Garcia is booked on negligent homicide charges.

People are beginning to panic buy water upon the news that drinking water in southeast Louisiana could be in peril due to saltwater intrusion of the Mississippi River. Lieutenant General Russell Honore is also worried the saltwater could corrode pipes at oil refineries along the river. He says you can bring in bottled water and you can bring in desalination units…

Cut 8 (11) “…conserve water.”

Saint quarterback Derek Carr sprained his AC joint in Sunday’s game in Green Bay and head coach Dennis Allen says the team dodged a bullet in terms of how significant the shoulder injury could have been. Carr will continue to be evaluated daily before a decision is made on his return. The Saints lost to the Packers 18-17. The Saints play Tampa Bay at home on Sunday.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is worth $785 million, with a cash value of $367 million. It’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. We asked Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery why we’ve had so many large jackpots recently. He says it’s all chance and they tend to come in cycles.

Cut 4 (11) “…the players.”

Tickets for tonight’s drawing must be purchased by 9 o’clock.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in the Bayou State dropped below $3.40 to $3.36 a gallon. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is down four cents from a week ago but higher than around this time last year.

Cut 9 (07) “…right now.” 

The average cost for regular gas in the nation today is $3.85.