The first televised Gubernatorial Debate in the October 14th elections will take place tonight. Brooke Thorington offers a preview…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Baton Rouge Police Department says an argument over a basketball game at a local park led to a shooting that left a teenager injured. They say a fight unfolded outside of the gym when the accused gunman went to his vehicle to retrieve a weapon then began shooting the victim’s car has they tried to leave. Three people were inside the vehicle and a 17-year-old male was injured when a bullet grazed his head and leg.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Wednesday the statewide burn ban remains in effect, but outdoor cooking can resume with safety measures in place. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says though we’ve seen some rain, it wasn’t enough to reduce the risk of fire due to the prolonged drought:
Cut 13 (11) “…fire service (x2).”
The burn ban will be reconsidered on a weekly basis.

The state Department of Transportation announces a 117-million-dollar construction project will begin on I-20 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes on September 18th. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says workers will spend the next two and a half years on the project…:
Cut 4 (08) “the top”
The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

The first televised debate in the 2023 Governor’s race is tonight, and five of the seven major candidates will participate. Republican Jeff Landry refuses to take part saying the organizer, the Urban League, is biased towards Democrats. But UNO Political Science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says the other candidates will still go after Landry…:
Cut 8 (11) “Republicans”
Election Day is October 14th.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Wednesday the statewide burn ban remains in effect due to continuing dry conditions, but added Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says, if you do grill, have safety measures in place..:
Cut 15 (09) “cooking there”

The program offering grants to insurance companies who write new policies in Louisiana is accepting applications over a 30-day period now for a second time. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says nearly $42 million of the available $45 million was awarded to eight insurers following the first round of applications…:
Cut 10 (04) “since April”
If you’ve got coverage through Citizens, the state-run insurer of last resort, Donelon urges you to continue to research other options.

Less than a week after a student was shot and killed at the Brusly/Port Allen game last Friday, the Iberville Parish School Board says metal detectors will now be at the entrances of stadiums, and a clear bag policy is in place. Groups will also no longer be allowed to gather under the stadium or parking lot.

The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow. Five of the candidates will discuss the issues facing Louisiana at 7 PM at WWL-TV’s studio in New Orleans. But the front-runner, Republican Attorney Jeff Landry, will not be there, because the Urban League is an organizer, and he says they have a bias towards Democrats.

Cut 9 (09) “…Donald Trump.” 

The Urban League denies any bias.

The U.S. Capitol attending physician’s report says Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has not suffered a stroke or seizure. Fellow Kentucky lawmaker Rand Paul believes the 81-year-old Republican had a seizure. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who’s also a physician, says he’s going to go with the report of the healthcare provider who actually examined McConnell.

Cut 8 (11) “…most significant.”

Singer Jimmy Buffett died Friday from a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. Teiko Foxx spoke with an LSU Oncologist expert about the aggressive disease.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Tailgaters at Tiger Stadium are asked not to light up for LSU’s home opener against Grambling. Due to the on-going drought LSU Athletics is encouraging fans not to grill-out due to the statewide burn ban and greatly reduce the chance of any blaze getting out of control on campus.

Jimmy Buffett, the legendary ‘Margaritaville’ singer, died Friday as a result of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare form of skin cancer. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay says the disease develops after long periods of exposure to natural or artificial light. He says if you see a flesh or colored mole, freckle, or bump on the skin, you should contact your physician 

Cut 4 (11) “…be biopsied.”

Men are twice as likely to develop this cancer than women. And about 80 percent are 70 and older.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who’s a physician, believes Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is fit to continue to serve despite two recent episodes in which McConnel froze and was unable to speak. Despite concerns about the 81-year-old’s health, Cassidy is satisfied with McConnell’s role in the Senate.

Cut 7 (11) “…minority leader.” 

The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow night, but the front-runner will not be there. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A Simmesport man was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Avoyelles Parish on Sunday. 40-year-old James Dibble Jr. of Simmesport was struck by a Mazda 6 driven by 40-year-old Mary Cazelot on Old Highway 1. Cazelot was arrested for felony hit and run, obstruction of justice, and driving under suspension. The investigation is ongoing.

Singer Jimmy Buffett died Friday from the most aggressive form of skin cancer, merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), detected in less than three thousand people in the U-S every year. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay says people are at greater risk after being exposed to natural or artificial sources of light for long periods of time.

Cut 3 (12) “…any kind.”

Tumors show up on the forearm, neck, face, and lower legs and can spread to the lymph nodes, liver, bones, lungs, and brain.

The top five candidates in the Louisiana 2023 governor’s race will face off in the first televised debate tomorrow. But Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, will not participate. Landry says he’s concerned that one of the sponsors won’t treat Republican candidates fairly.

Cut 9 (09) “…anti-Donald Trump.” 

The candidates will discuss the issues facing Louisiana at 7 PM at WWL-TV’s studio in New Orleans.

We asked Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy his thoughts on Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s health after the Kentucky lawmaker appeared to freeze in front of the public after a second recent episode. Cassidy says he’s pleased with the attending physician to Congress report.

Cut 6 (08) “…caucus.”

The report says there is no evidence that McConnel suffered a seizure disorder, experienced a stroke, or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry says the Tiger Island Fire, the state’s largest in history, is now 65 percent contained. Rainfall over the Labor Day weekend has helped but has also created muddy conditions that are slowing the use of heavy equipment.

The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow night, but the front-runner will not be there. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Tiger Island wildfire that’s been burning since August 22, is now 65% contained, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Recent rains have helped fire crews. But the precipitation is also responsible for muddy conditions that’s hindering access for heavy equipment.

Beloved Margaritaville Singer Jimmy Buffett died from Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay says 90 percent of those diagnosed are white and early detection is key. But he says you can protect yourself.

Cut 5 (11) “ … for cancer.” 

The U.S. Capitol attending physician’s report says Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has not suffered a stroke or seizure. Fellow Kentucky lawmaker Rand Paul believes the 81-year-old Republican had a seizure. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s going to go with the report of the healthcare provider who actually examined McConnell.

Cut 8 (11) “…most significant.”

McConnell froze while speaking in public at least twice over the last few months.

The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow. Five of the candidates will appear, but the front-runner, Republican Jeff Landry, will not, because he says the Urban League, who’s the organizer, is bias towards Democrats. Rep Richard Nelson was not invited. Landry says one of his criteria to attend a debate is that all seven major candidates appear on stage…

Cut 10 (05) “…a whole”

That debate will air on WWL-TV in New Orleans.

First year West Monroe Football Coach Todd Garvin has been placed on administrative leave. KNOE TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says four players have been sent to the hospital suffering from heat exhaustion since Garvin took over in May…

Cut 14 (11) “…after practice”

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy was asked his thoughts on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s health after the Kentucky lawmaker appeared to freeze in front of the public on at least two occasions. The U.S. Capitol attending physician’s report says McConnell has not suffered a stroke or a seizure disorder. Cassidy is satisfied with the report.

Cut 7 (11) “…minority leader.” 

Margaritaville Singer Jimmy Buffett died as a result of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay suggests contacting your physician if you see a mole, freckle, or bump that is changing in size, shape, or color.

Cut 4 (11) “…be biopsied.”

The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow. Five of the candidates will discuss the issues facing Louisiana at 7 PM at WWL-TV’s studio in New Orleans. But the front-runner, Republican Attorney Jeff Landry, will not be there, because the Urban League is an organizer, and he says they have a bias towards Democrats.

Cut 9 (09) “…Donald Trump.” 

The Urban League says they do not have any bias towards a particular candidate. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson will also not participate tomorrow, because his polling numbers were not high enough.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s satisfied the U.S. Capitol attending physician’s report about the health of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Kentucky lawmaker appeared to freeze in front of the public on at least two occasions.

Cut 6 (08) “…caucus.”

Margaritaville Singer Jimmy Buffett died as a result of merkel cell carcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer, diagnosed in less than three thousand people in the U-S every year. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay says the disease develops on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to natural or artificial sources of light.

Cut 3 (12) “…any kind.”

The disease is most common on the forearm, neck, face, and lower legs. It spreads to the lymph nodes first and then to the liver, bones, lungs, and brain.

18-year-old Jailyn Smith and two other teenagers have been arrested in connection to a shooting that fatally wounded 15-year-old Ja’Kobe Queen and injured a female at the 52^nd Sugar Cane Classic, an annual match-up between Port Allen and Brusly high schools. West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Mike Cazes says even with law enforcement on-site the suspect ended Queen’s life Friday.

Cut 6 (10) “…behind you”

The suspect, 18-year-old Jarrettin Ranaud Jackson II, was arrested Monday in Baton Rouge.

Despite some rain over Labor Day weekend, the Tiger Island wildfire, the state’s largest in history, is still active. The fire has burned over 31 thousand acres. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford says there are still a few active spots but the fire remains within the current footprint.

Cut 8 (10) “…this fire.”

The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering up to two thousand dollars to anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction. If you have information, call LDAF, Beauregard Parish Sheriff, or local law enforcement.

Louisiana has received a 73-million dollar federal grant to build electronic vehicle charging stations and the state is looking for businesses that want to operate and maintain the stations. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (32) …I’m Brooke Thorington”

Republican Jeff Landry says he has $ 8 million in cash on hand and has raised $3 million since July in his bid to be governor. Campaign finance reports for all of the candidates are due September 14th. And there is a statewide televised debate tomorrow, but Landry is not participating.

The Tiger Island wildfire, the largest wildfire in the state’s history, is now 57 percent contained. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford says more than 330 people are working to assist with the Tiger Island fire. He says this is an unprecedented situation and the statewide burn ban is still active.

Cut 9 (12)  “…dangerous situation.”

Authorities say the Tiger Island fire is arson-related.  If you have information, call LDAF, Beauregard Parish Sheriff, or local law enforcement.

West Monroe Head Football Coach Todd Garvin was placed on administrative leave Tuesday. KNOE TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says Principal Dan Lane made the decision after a player was hospitalized due to heat ex as he apparently worked too hard during Monday’s practice…

Cut 13 (07) “…all the details.”

The Ouachita Citizen reports the player that went the hospital on Monday was doing extra work because he missed practice the week before because of COVID.

West Baton Rouge Parish authorities announce three more people have been arrested for their role in a fatal shooting at a high school football game that left 15-year-old Ja’Kobe Queen dead. West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Mike Cazes…

Cut 4 (07) “… his life.”

The suspect, 18-year-old Jarrettin Ranaud Jackson II, was arrested Monday in Baton Rouge. Jackson is charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder, carrying a firearm on school property, and possession of a machine gun.

State Transportation is looking to partner with businesses to build and maintain electric vehicle charging stations. DOTD Chief Maintenance Engineer Kevin Reed says the potential businesses will fund the remaining 20 percent.

Cut 10 (11) “…sites up.”

80 percent of the costs of the charging stations will be funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Reed says he expects to see more charging stations as a result of the grant program in Louisiana around this time next year.