Wildfires are burning out of control in Beauregard Parish and residents off of Neale Oil Field Road are under mandatory evacuation. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says firefighters are having a hard time getting the fire under control.

Cut 4 (12) “…so important”

The town of Merryville is now under voluntary evacuation and authorities have closed Highway 110 in the Merryville area.

The documentary ‘Cajundome City’ will premiere tonight on LPB at 7 PM. Christopher Allain (ah-lan) Co-Director says the film will show the unity of the Acadiana community.

Cut 6 (12) “…of you.”

If you miss tonight’s premiere, it will air again on Saturday, August 26 at 8:30 PM

The Department of Children and Family Services unveils its online Child Support Estimator. The estimator gives parents a better understanding of what factors are involved in determining payment amounts and DCFS Child Support Director Konitra Jack says their website offers even more insight for parents.

Cut 9 (09)  “…our website.”

For more information go to the Department of Children and Family Services website.

Temperatures remain in the triple digits for the Bayou State and several cities will reach record-breaking high temps today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the highest ever recorded temperature for Shreveport was 110 degrees, in Baton Rouge, it was 105, and in New Orleans 102 degrees. He says the excessive heat is not ending anytime soon.

Cut 12 (07) “…even beyond.”

A large wildfire in Beauregard Parish in southwest Louisiana has led to evacuations. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says the town of Merryville is under a voluntary evacuation and residents on Neale Oil Field Road have been told they must leave as this wildfire has impacted five-thousand acres…

Cut 3 (05) “…they’ve seen”

Authorities have closed Highway 110 in the Merryville area.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will premiere a new documentary – ‘Cajundome City’ tonight at 7 PM. The documentary will show sheltering efforts for 18,500 evacuees in the Cajundome following Hurricane Katrina. Co-Director Christopher Allain (Ah-lan) says the film will follow how key figures at the Cajundome provided basic essentials for the evacuees…

Cut 5 (11) “…medical clinic.”

If you miss the premiere of “Cajundome City,” it will air again on Saturday, August 26 at 8:30 pm.

The first Republican presidential primary debate is tonight in Milwaukee, but the former President will not be there. Donald Trump, who has a large lead in the polls over the other GOP candidates, is skipping the event. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says front-runners do not see the advantage of debating their opponents…

Cut 13 (10) “…these situations”

There will be eight Republicans on the stage, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The Department of Children and Family Services announced its online Child Support Estimator to provide parents with insight into monthly child support payments. DCFS Child Support Director Konitra (Co-knee-tra) Jack says the estimator will also adjust the amount if there are any changes

Cut 8 (10) “…the amount.”

For more information go the Department of Children and Family Services website.

The state heath department says 25 people have died as a result of heat-related illnesses since June. That’s up from the 16 deaths that were reported on August 4th. 22 of the deaths are male, three females and 12 of the individuals who died were 65 and older.

And the heat gets turned up a notch as all-time record high temperatures could be set today and tomorrow…..
cut 3 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

A wildlfire in Beauregard Parish has resulted in voluntary and mandatory evacuations

The Department of Children and Family Services unveils a new online Child Support Estimator. DCFS Child Support Director Konitra (Co-knee-tra) Jack says families can simply enter their income and a few other steps and get an estimated payment. Normally she says attorneys and a judge are involved to set the order…
Cut 7 (10) “…right there.”
You can check out the Child Support Estimator on the Department of Children and Family Services’ website.

Tonight is the first Republican Presidential Primary debate as eight candidates looking to beat President Joe Biden in 2024 will make their case to voters. GOP front-runner Donald Trump is skipping the event. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will likely tee off on Trump….
cut 15 (07) “…with Trump”
The two hour debate begins at 8 PM.

A poll of 800 likely voters in Louisiana finds that 36 percent support Republican Jeff Landry in the governor’s race. Finishing second in the poll, Democrat Shawn Wilson at 26-percent. Independent Hunter Lundy finished a distance third at seven percent. All of the other candidates polled at six percent or lower. Faucheux Strategies conducted the poll for several media outlets.

Tonight is the first Republican Presidential debate. There will be eight Republicans on the stage in Milwaukee, except for the front-runner, former President Donald Trump. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is running second in the polls, but LSU Shreveport political science Professor Jeff Sadow says many GOP voters do not find DeSantis to be a dynamic candidate….
cut 14 (12) “…..very well”
The two-hour debate will start at 8 PM.

A documentary that tells the story of how more than 18,000 evacuees called the Cajundome in Lafayette their temporary home following Hurricane Katrina will air on LPB at 7 tonight.
Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

You’ll need to shelter from the heat as all-time record-highs could fall today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 11 (10) “…oppressive) (2x)

Another statewide poll shows Attorney General Jeff Landry with a big lead in the governor’s race. The Republican from Acadiana received 36-percent of the vote in a survey commissioned by several media outlets. Democrat Shawn Wilson polled at 26-percent, Independent Hunter Lundy seven percent, and everyone else six percent or lower.

A new online tool allows parents to get a better idea of potential child support obligations. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Bayou State continues to bake and several cities could break records today and tomorrow for highest ever recorded temperature. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the highest ever recorded temperature for Shreveport was 110 degrees, in Baton Rouge,105, and in New Orleans 102 degrees. But today…
Cut 10 (10) “…in New Orleans (x2).”

Tonight at 7 PM, Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air the first public broadcast of Cajundome City, a documentary that explores sheltering efforts for 18,500 evacuees in the Cajundome following Hurricane Katrina. Co-Director Christopher Allain (Ah-lan) says the documentary shows how the Lafayette area stepped up…
Cut 4 (10) “…be done.”
The documentary includes interviews with volunteers, hurricane survivors, and Cajundome management.

An audit finds $112 million was spent on Medicaid recipients who live out-of-state from 2016 to February of this year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health releases an update on the total number of heat-related deaths in Louisiana to 25 for the months of June, July, and August. Officials say of the 25 deaths, 22 of the victims were male, and three were female. Louisiana health leaders said they plan to launch a dashboard to display heat-related deaths in the state

The State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to refrain from any action that could cause a roadside fire. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet fears another blaze is merely a spark away…

Cut 13 (07) “…more often.”

The statewide burn ban remains in place and Louisiana is under a State of Emergency due to the heat until September 9^th.

Summer wildfires that started August 14 in Sabine Parish have been contained but crews are still keeping an eye on fire lines. Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Scott Gowen says excessive heat continues to be a threat.

Cut 7 (05) “…out there.” 

One of the Sabine fires near Florien, consumed 14 structures and 19 vehicles, 10 or 11 families were displaced but there were no injuries or fatalities.

The case between the LHSAA and the nine schools from Rapides Parish and Monroe finally has a court ruling. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU basebal has added Nate Yeskie as their new pitching coach and Terry Rooney to the staff for recruiting to help rebuild the team. Coach Jay Johnson says that losing out on staff from their championship season will improve the team’s success moving forward.

Cut 16 (12) “…doing here.”

Four-time MLB All Star Pitcher Ben Sheets and Baton Rouge native will join the likes of some of the Milwaukee Brewers best players as he will be the 22^nd member inducted into the team’s Walk of Fame. He was drafted out of ULM formerly known as Northeast Louisiana in 1999 and pitched eight seasons with the Brewers and started the 2008 MLB all-star game for the National League.

LSU catcher and first baseman, Hayden Travinkski, will dawn the No. 8 jersey for his senior year. The historic jersey number is given out to upperclassman who have high characteristics of leadership and dedication to LSU baseball. The previous wearer of the No. 8 jersey was Golden Spikes winner Gavin Dugas

Former LSU sprinter Sha’carri Richardson won the gold medal in the 100 meter dash world championship in Budapest, Hungary. The 23-year-old has solidified herself as one of the fastest in the world after being disqualified from 2020 Olympic Trials.

The Saints division rival, Tampa Bay Buccaneers have named former number one overall pick Baker Mayfield the starter for the 2023 season. The Saints are scheduled to play the Bucs in week 4 and week 17.

A Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report reveals more than $100 million was paid for Medicaid coverage for individuals who don’t even live in the Bayou State. Data Analytic Manager Chris Magee says the payments were made to the insurance companies that provide managed care for Medicaid recipients.

Cut 3 (12) “out of the state.”

The LHSAA cannot use its current playoff format after losing in court to nine public school from Rapides Parish and the Monroe area. The LHSAA executive committee redefined a select school as any school that ahas a magnet component, is a charter school, or is an open enroll. Representing the schools was attorney Brian Blackwell, and he says he is not sure what this means for the high school football playoffs in November and December.

Firefighters from Baton Rouge, St. George, and Scott are on hand to provide assistance to crews in Sabine. Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Scott Gowensays the parish has also requested help from the governor’s office. While there are three fire departments in the parish, he says the wildfires have been hard to handle with only volunteer firefighters.

Cut 8 (08) “…you know.”

The statewide burn ban remains in place and Louisiana is under a State of Emergency due to the heat until September 9^th. The State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says you should never be littering or throwing a cigarette out the window, to begin with.

Cut 14 (12) “…very dangerous.”

A Legislative Auditor’s report reveals LDH spent $112 million on Medicaid coverage for individuals who did not live in Louisiana. State auditor Chris Magee says during the pandemic the federal government would not allow states to end coverage, however, LDH could have taken more steps to make sure recipients were Louisiana residents…
Cut 4 (12) “…the pandemic.”
The audit covered the time period between 2016 and February of this year.

The State Department of Transportation says motorists can do their part in preventing grass or wildfires. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says cigarette butts or chains being dragged off trailers can throw sparks into hot and dry grassy areas…
Cut 12 (10) “…on the interstate.”

Changes could be coming again to the structure of the high school football playoffs. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former LSU Sprinter Sha’carri Richardson is the fastest woman in the world. The 23-year-old won gold in the 100 meters at the world championships in Budapest, Hungary. Her time was a personal best 10.65 seconds. The Dallas native competed at LSU in 2019. She faced heartbreak two years ago when she was disqualified from Olympic compeition after a positive drug test.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office reports the state department of health spent 112-million dollars on Medicaid coverage for nearly 14-thousand adults who did not live in Louisiana. State Auditor Chris Magee says part of the problem was that LDH was told not to remove people off Medicaid rolls during the COVID pandemic. He says the state health agency also plans to use a driver license’s database to check where a recipient lives. He says unfortunately they can’t get the money back unless it was fraudulently obtained…
cut 5 (07) “….go out the door” (2x(

The state department of transportation is advising motorists not to throw anything out the window that cause a grass or wildfire. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says even a cigarette butt can spark a blaze…
cut 13 (07) “….more often”
There’s no

To bring attention to his state treasurer campaign and raise funds, Republican Scott McKnight is raffling Taylor Swift concert tickets. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 30 (29) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In the Secretary of State’s race, the Louisiana Democratic Party has endorsed Arthur Morrell over the other Democrat in the race, Gwen Collins-Greenup. Collins Greenup has run unsuccessfully in the past for this position. Morrell served 23 years in the Louisiana House and he was the clerk of the Orleans Parish Criminal Court for 15 years.