What will happen with the wildlife near Pecan Island once SpaceX begins construction of the largest spaceport in the world? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The State Library offers on-demand virtual tutoring to Louisiana students of every age and learning level through Homework Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

In the fall of 1988, Dolly Parton gave players on the marching band at Northwestern State an experience they will never forget. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (47) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana is set to receive 180-million dollars over the next nine years as part of a landmark multistate settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict teenagers to social media. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she would like to see a portion of the money used to strengthen enforcement efforts aimed at stopping adults from using social media to prey on children.

Cut 4 (08) “…our kids online.”

Murrill says some of the settlement money should also be used to educate young people about the potential dangers of social media.

Cut 5 (13) “…online every day.”

Multiple states sued Meta in 2023, alleging the technology giant designed platforms like Instagram to expose young users to serious mental harm. Murrill says some of Louisiana’s share could also go toward helping children harmed by excessive social media use.

Cut 6 (12) “…have implemented them.”

As part of the agreement, Meta has agreed to implement additional safety features on Instagram and Facebook, including a combined two-hour daily time limit, mandatory pauses after 15 minutes, nighttime restrictions, stronger age-verification measures and more user-friendly parental controls.

__________________________________________

SpaceX’s 100-billion-dollar rocket launch site in coastal Vermilion Parish could bring thousands of jobs to Acadiana. But some are questioning what the massive development could mean for the area’s wildlife. Starbase Louisiana will be built near Pecan Island, a popular destination for fishing, crabbing and duck hunting. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell says the company will develop only a portion of the 125-thousand acres of marshland it now owns.

Cut 7 (10) “…don’t become infrastructure.”

The surrounding wetlands are home to alligators, deer, and native water birds. Tens of thousands of ducks and snow geese winter in the marshes near Pecan Island, which is also an important stop for migrating birds. Shotwell says rocket launches and wildlife can coexist, based on what SpaceX has seen at its other facilities.

Cut 8 (04) “…they come back.”

But Louisiana Wildlife Federation Executive Director Rebecca Triche has concerns. She says the FAA is proposing rule changes that would waive 13 federal environmental and public health laws for commercial space permits, including projects like Starbase Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of this site?”

Triche says the possibility of eliminating environmental review requirements is particularly troubling.

Cut 10 (09) “…a permit process.”

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says Starbase Louisiana will eventually feature more than a dozen launch towers, supporting more than 30 Starship flights per day and making it the largest launch site in the world.

__________________________________________

The State Library is reminding Louisiana students to access live, vetted tutors through Homework-LA-dot-org. Homework Louisiana provides one-on-one tutoring from over four-thousand qualified teachers in nearly 200 subjects. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLAK-ee) says the service is just as accessible as A-I but more effective.

Cut 11 (10) “…do it themselves.”

Tutoring sessions can be scheduled or available on demand seven days a week from 10 a-m to midnight. Placke says students can learn in class during the day, and Homework Louisiana provides extra help at home.

Cut 12 (10) “…real live person.”

Learning sessions occur in a live online classroom with a virtual chat and whiteboard. In addition to covering a multitude of subjects, the service also provides standardized test prep and writing review and assistance. Placke says there is tutoring available for students from kindergarten through college.

Cut 13 (10)  “…use for help.”

Placke says students do not need a library card to use Homework Louisiana, and Spanish and Vietnamese language options are also offered.

________________________________________________

We’re hearing from the band director at Northwestern State at the time when Dolly Parton joined the band on the field at Turpin Stadium for a performance of her hit song “9 to 5” in the fall of 1988. Dolly was in Natchitoches that summer filming “Steel Magnolias.” Band Director Bill Brent says the band prepared for a long time for the special performance.

Cut 14 (11) “…it to her.”

Brent says given Dolly’s hectic schedule, she was unable to rehearse with the band, but it didn’t matter – at halftime of the Demons’ 24-8 win over the school then known as Southwest Missouri State, Dolly and the band nailed the performance.

Cut 15 (13) “…talent she was.”

Brent says he wanted to show Dolly his appreciation for what he did for his band and the Northwestern State community, but she had beaten him to the punch.

Cut 16 (11) “…perform with us.”

Dolly’s time in Natchitoches was not her first time in Louisiana. She recorded her very first single, “Puppy Love,” in Lake Charles back in 1959 at the tender age of 13.

____________________________________________

Southeastern Louisiana kicks off its football season tonight in a Southland Conference matchup against Houston Christian. The Lions open the season as the 20th-ranked team in the FCS coaches poll as head coach Frank Scelfo reloads his roster. He says he is relying on talented backups from last season to step up in bigger roles, like senior quarterback Kyle Lowe, who saw the field a lot as the number two QB last year.

Cut 17 (19) “…got that now.”

Kickoff in Strawberry Stadium is set for 6 p-m.

____________________________________________

Northwestern State kicks off year three under head coach Blaine McCorkle against Louisiana Christian tonight. The Demons’ lone win in the McCorkle era came in last year’s opener versus Alcorn State. He says the biggest improvement a team makes during the season is between games one and two.

Cut 18 (15) “…road as well.”

Kickoff in Natchitoches is at 7 p-m.

____________________________________________

Nicholls opens its football season tonight against Mississippi Valley State. The Colonels upset top-5-ranked Incarnate Word in their season opener and went 4-and-1 at home in year one under head coach Tommy Rybacki. This year’s team is led by senior quarterback Ean Rodrigue, who Rybacki says has improved this offseason after making five starts last year.

Cut 19 (18) “…his decision-making.”

The game is scheduled for 6 p-m.

SEC presidents unanimously approved a policy to ban former professional football and basketball players from returning to play for a member school. Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne expects more lawsuits now targeting the SEC.

Cut 3 (13) “…we’ve learned that.”

The State Library is reminding Louisiana students to access live, vetted tutors through homework-LA-dot-org. Homework Louisiana provides one-on-one tutoring from over four-thousand qualified teachers in nearly 200 subjects. State librarian Meg Placke (PLAK-ee) says the service is just as accessible as A-I but more effective.

Cut 11 (10) “…do it themselves.”

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette says it is prepared to power Louisiana’s space future with the announcement that SpaceX will build a 100-billion-dollar rocket launching facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. University President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru says UL-Lafayette is positioned to educate the workforce.

Cut 6 (10) “…are project managers.”

A Lake Charles police corporal is recognized for his work in talking a potentially suicidal man down from the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Deputy Chief Larry Moss says on August 13th, they got a call about a man sitting on a bridge truss beyond the safety railing – and that’s when Corporal Dakota Baccigalopi (boss-uh-GAHL-uh-pee) went into action.

Cut 9 (09)  “…very professional.”

Meta agrees to pay 17-billion dollars to Louisiana and 46 other states to settle a lawsuit over teen social media addiction. Meta Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney says Meta has agreed to make a series of changes.

Cut 12 (12) “…our whole industry.” 

With SpaceX building a 100-billion-dollar spaceport in Vermilion Parish, UL Lafayette says it’s prepared to power Louisiana’s space future. President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru says he envisions the University serving as an anchor for an emerging space and innovation corridor connecting Lafayette and the Vermilion coast.

Cut 8 (12) “…and its operation.”

The SEC passed a rule banning former pros from returning to college sports, but Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says it will not end the legal chaos. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

And today, university presidents from the SEC voted unanimously to confirm that new policy – well, sort of. The vote was 15 to nothing – but there are 16 member institutions in the SEC. LSU President Wade Rousse reportedly abstained from the vote.

A Lake Charles police corporal is recognized for his work in talking a potentially suicidal man down from the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. On August 13th, police got a call about a man sitting on a bridge truss beyond the safety railing. Deputy Chief Larry Moss says Corporal Dakota Baccigalopi (boss-uh-GAHL-uh-pee) sat on the bridge and successfully talked the man to safety.

Cut 10 (13) “…get some help.” 

Meta agrees to make sweeping changes as part of its 17-billion dollars settlement with Louisiana and 46 other states in a lawsuit over teen social media addiction. Meta Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney says this framework will only work with the cooperation from all its social media peers.

Cut 13 (11) “…framework right away.”

With SpaceX planning to launch rockets in coastal Vermilion Parish, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette says it can help build the state’s space economy. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU hands out its coveted number seven and number 18 jerseys. This year, two Tigers will don the number seven as the team’s best playmakers – tight end Trey’dez Green and linebacker Whit Weeks. And offensive lineman Braelin Moore will wear number 18 as the team’s natural leader. And much to Jayden Daniels’ chagrin, cornerback D.J. Pickett will still wear number five.

The SEC passed a rule banning former pros from returning to college sports, but Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says it will not end the legal chaos. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The SEC is serious about not letting players who signed contracts with NBA or NFL teams from playing at a member school. The reported potential penalties include the head coach suspended for a half-season, a fine equal to 50-percent of that specific sport’s annual operating budget.

Acadiana is still buzzing today over yesterday’s SpaceX announcement that it will build the largest spaceport in the world that will be capable of launching thousands of rockets annually. U-L Lafayette President Doctor Ramesh Kolluru says researchers at their school can help advance technologies that support space exploration…

Cut 7 (12) “….workforce development needs”

Lake Charles Police Corporal Dakota Baccigalopi (boss-uh-GAHL-up-pee) is being recognized for talking a potentially suicidal man down from the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The crest of the Bridge is 150 feet above the water…

Cut 11 (08) “…at that point.”

That’s Deputy Chief Larry Moss who says Corporal Baccigalopi received the Chief’s Challenge Coin.

The SEC passed a rule banning former pros from returning to college sports, but Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says it will not end the legal chaos. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

With SpaceX planning to launch rockets in coastal Vermilion Parish, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette says it can help build the state’s space economy. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

SEC presidents unanimously approved a policy to ban former professional football and basketball players from returning to play for a member school. This rule blocks LSU from signing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, as well as basketball signee RJ Luis, who all received Baton Rouge court rulings allowing their return. Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne expects more lawsuits now targeting the SEC.

Cut 3 (13) “…we’ve learned that.”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has been given unlimited authority to enforce the rule, and schools face severe consequences. Horne, though, says that power could still be limited.

Cut 4 (11) “…state of Louisiana.”

A hearing in the case that gave Wright and Harris temporary eligibility will be held on Monday. The athletes’ legal representatives have already suggested legal action against the SEC. Horne says, at the end of the day, the SEC is just a conference.

Cut 5 (14) “…N-C-double-A.”

___________________________________________

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette says it is prepared to power Louisiana’s space future with the announcement that SpaceX will build a 100-billion-dollar rocket launching facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. University President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru says UL-Lafayette is positioned to educate the workforce.

Cut 6 (10) “…are project managers.”

SpaceX is expected to hire three thousand permanent employees, and founder Elon Musk believes the number of SpaceX workers could grow to ten thousand at the Louisiana Starbase site. Kolluru says university researchers can also advance technologies that support space exploration.

Cut 7 (12) “…workforce development needs.”

Kolluru says he envisions the University serving as an anchor for an emerging space and innovation corridor connecting Lafayette and the Vermilion coast.

Cut 8 (12) “…and its operation.”

___________________________________________

A Lake Charles police corporal is recognized for his work in talking a potentially suicidal man down from the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Deputy Chief Larry Moss says on August 13th, they got a call about a man sitting on a bridge truss beyond the safety railing – and that’s when Corporal Dakota Baccigalopi (boss-uh-GAHL-uh-pee) went into action.

Cut 9 (09)  “…very professional.”

Deputy Chief Moss says through Baccigalopi’s efforts, the ordeal came to an end without further incident.

Cut 10 (13) “…get some help.”

The crest of the Calcasieu River Bridge is about 150 feet above the water, and Moss says it’s chilling just to look at the footage, let alone actually to be on top of the swaying bridge that high above the water.

Cut 11 (08) “…at that point.”

Police Chief Shawn Caldwell recognized Corporal Baccigalopi’s heroism by presenting him with a certificate of recognition and the Chief’s Challenge Coin.

___________________________________________

Meta agrees to pay 17-billion dollars to Louisiana and 46 other states to settle a lawsuit over teen social media addiction. The states claimed that Meta plays a significant role in the youth mental health crisis by creating features that keep teens addicted while misleading the public about them. Meta Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney says Meta has agreed to make a series of changes.

Cut 12 (12) “…our whole industry.”

Mahoney says that framework will only work with the cooperation from all its peers.

Cut 13 (11) “…framework right away.”

Louisiana will receive more than 180-million dollars over the next nine years in its portion of the settlement.

SEC presidents unanimously approved a policy to ban former professional football and basketball players from returning to play for a member school. This rule blocks LSU from signing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, as well as basketball signee RJ Luis. Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne expects more lawsuits now targeting the SEC.

Cut 3 (13) “…we’ve learned that.”

Meta agrees to pay 17-billion dollars to Louisiana and 46 other states to settle a lawsuit over teen social media addiction. Meta Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney says Meta has agreed to make a series of changes.

Cut 12 (12) “…our whole industry.” 

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette says it is prepared to power Louisiana’s space future with the announcement that SpaceX will build a 100-billion-dollar rocket launching facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. University President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru says UL Lafayette is positioned to educate the workforce.

Cut 6 (09) “…project managers.”

SpaceX is expected to hire three thousand permanent employees, and founder Elon Musk believes that number could grow to ten thousand.

A Lake Charles police corporal is recognized for his work in talking a potentially suicidal man down from the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Deputy Chief Larry Moss says on August 13th, they got a call about a man sitting on a bridge truss beyond the safety railing – and that’s when Corporal Dakota Baccigalopi (boss-uh-GAHL-uh-pee) went into action.

Cut 9 (09)  “…very professional.”

As the world remembers Dolly Parton, we’re hearing from a Natchitoches woman who served as her local stand-in as she was in town filming a major motion picture. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

SEC presidents unanimously approved a policy to ban former professional football and basketball players from returning to play for a member school. This rule blocks LSU from signing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris as well as basketball signee RJ Luis, who all received Baton Rouge court rulings allowing their return. Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne expects more lawsuits now targeting the SEC.

Cut 3 (13) “…we’ve learned that.”

No official word on how LSU will proceed.

SpaceX plans to build the largest rocket launching facility in the world near Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. The 100-billion-dollar spaceport will bring thousands of jobs to Acadiana. But SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell says they also have another mission…

Cut 14 (10) “…and wildlife conservation”