DOTD is once again launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest, which runs through October 31st. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With a new academic year underway at LSU, the school is launching its Tiger Nation Challenge for 2026. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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On the heels of the success of the Love The Boot initiative comes Love Our Waterways. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The Louisiana Democratic Party is opposing constitutional amendment four on the November third ballot. The proposed amendment would prevent a governor from serving another term after already serving two terms and sitting out at least four years. Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines says if a former two-term governor wants to run again, voters should decide whether that person deserves a third term.

Cut 4 (04) “…for whatever reason.”

Chalmette Republican Mike Bayham authored the proposed amendment. He says the change would bring new ideas to the governor’s office and prevent former governors from using their fundraising advantages against first-time candidates.

But Gaines says the amendment would take away a choice from Louisiana voters.

Cut 5 (05) “…lead the state.”

If a simple majority approves the amendment on November third, former Republican Governor Bobby Jindal and former Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards would be barred from running for governor again.

Democrats believe the proposal is designed specifically to prevent Edwards from making another run for governor. Gaines says he believes that argument has merit.

Cut 6 (04) “…intent is obvious.”

Bayham told the Louisiana Illuminator that the amendment is nonpartisan and is not aimed at Edwards.

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DOTD is launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest for 2026. High school students are invited to create videos highlighting the importance of wearing seatbelts and avoiding distractions like cell phones when behind the wheel. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says last year, distracted driving was blamed for nearly 22-percent of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…of those crashes.”

Mallett says the lack of seatbelt use is an even bigger factor in traffic fatalities.

Cut 8 (07) “…who are unrestrained.”

Mallett says while the video contest is in its second year in Louisiana, the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Challenge is actually a national initiative that’s been going on for years.

Cut 9 (05)  “…started in Missouri.”

There are prizes for the best videos – five-thousand dollars for first place, 35-hundred dollars for second place and 15-hundred dollars for third place. The contest runs through October 31st.

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As another LSU school year gets underway, the LSU Alumni Association is launching its Tiger Nation Challenge for 2026. Vice President of Development Lauren Griffin says the annual fundraising drive plays a crucial role.

Cut 10 (12) “…to the university.”

Griffin says this year, in honor of LSU’s big game against Clemson in Death Valley, they’re having a friendly competition with Clemson’s alumni association to see which one can raise more money.

Cut 11 (08) “…can get involved.”

Griffin says the best part is, you don’t even need to be an LSU alum to give to the alumni association and to take part in this contest.

Cut 12 (10) “…welcome for sure.”

You can donate by going to lsualumni.org/tigernationchallenge. There are prizes available, including two tickets to every LSU home game for the 2026 season. As for which school wins the challenge, whether it be LSU or Clemson, Griffin says since it’s a friendly competition, that school will merely get the satisfaction of winning.

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The long-anticipated spin-off of Love The Boot is now underway as Love Our Waterways is going on throughout the entire month of September. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says while Love The Boot focuses on cleaning up litter on land, Love Our Waterways focuses on cleaning up litter in the state’s waterways, which is just as much an issue.

Cut 13 (08)  “…litter you see.”

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says even if you don’t have a boat, you can still participate in the cleanup effort through Love Our Waterways.

Cut 14 (11) “…lakes and bayous.”

Two-hundred events are already registered; and Nungesser says if you’d like to participate, you can get information at LoveLAWaterways.org.

Cut 15 (09) “…get involved in.”

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Louisiana Tech opens the season at home against Northwestern State on Saturday. Tight end Eli Finley is back for his senior season with the Bulldogs after leading the team with 38 catches for 444 yards last year. He says he expects their offense to be exciting this year.

Cut 16 (20) “…no matter what.”

Tech also welcomes back graduate linebacker Kolbe Fields. Fields was the preseason CUSA Defensive Player of the Year last season and dominated through the first five games before a season-ending ACL injury. He says he’s had opportunities to go to other schools, but he isn’t interested in a one-year deal, and nothing can replace the relationships he’s built in three years in Ruston.

Cut 17 (15) “…get older.”

Kickoff is at 6:30.

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There’s been so much talk about new LSU starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, we finally get to see him play on Saturday night when the 13th ranked Tigers host 23rd ranked Clemson. When Leavitt played at Arizona State last season, the Sun Devils averaged 54-thousand fans for their home games. The crowd for Saturday night’s game will be nearly twice that and he’s fired up for it…

Cut 18 (18) “…focus up.”

Leavitt led Arizona State to an unexpected Big 12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2024. That season he totaled 33-hundred yards and 28 touchdowns. His 2025 season was cut short by a foot injury and entered the transfer portal in January and signed with LSU after visiting Kentucky, Tennessee and Miami as well. Leavitt is excited about his new home…

Cut 19 (17) “…growing and growing.”

Leavitt was limited during spring practice because of a Lisfranc injury and it was not until the summer offseason workouts until he was a full-go.

Cut 20 (16) “…our whole offense.”

Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall this afternoon in Johnson Bayou in Cameron Parish. Eduard’s maximum sustained winds were at 60-miles per hour, so it’s been a windy day in Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes, but the heavier rain bands have stayed in Texas and flash flooding is a concern in southeast Texas.

On the heels of the success of the Love The Boot initiative comes Love Our Waterways. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney calls it embarrassing that schools like LSU are recruiting players that were on NFL rosters during minicamp or training camp. Swinney says he’s not trying to get to wrapped up in it, with Clemson set to face LSU in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night…

Cut 11 (13) “…in our Lane”

Kick-off on Saturday night is at 6:49.

A legal analyst says the family of a teen who was killed when he fell inside the abandoned Plaza Tower in New Orleans has an uphill battle in order to win a planned lawsuit against the building’s owners. Attorneys allege the building’s owners failed to board it up and install adequate fencing. But Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says a jury or judge may ultimately rule that Jacque St. Ann and his friends should have known better.

Cut 8 (06) “…die”

Tropical Storm Edouard makes landfall in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Texas is getting the brunt of the gusty winds and heavy rain bands. Beaumont is experiencing very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile Lake Charles is mainly dry. Just scattered thunderstorms in south Louisiana and once Edouard dissipates, there are no other tropical threats to the Gulf.

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney weighed in on the legal battle between the NCAA, the SEC and football players who were in NFL training camps that are now looking to play at LSU. Former NFL and Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright began practicing with LSU yesterday as he and several other athletes await a preliminary injunction hearing in Baton Rouge on Thursday. Swinney is troubled by the state of college football.

Cut 9 (07)  “…college football.”

LSU and Clemson face off on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.

The Louisiana Democratic Party is opposing Constitutional Amendment Four on the November third ballot. The proposed amendment would prevent a governor from serving another term after already serving two terms. Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines says if a former two-term governor wants to run again, voters should decide whether that person deserves a third term

Cut 4 (04) “…whatever reason.”

Chalmette Republican Mike Bayham authored the proposed amendment. He says the change would bring new ideas to the governor’s office.

Tropical Storm Edouard makes landfall in Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center says Edouard made landfall shortly before 2:30 this afternoon near Johnson Bayou – eight miles from the Texas state line – packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles an hour.

A legal analyst says it’ll be difficult for the parents of a Belle Chasse teenager to win a civil lawsuit against the owners of an abandoned building where their son fell to his death. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

September is Love Our Waterways month in Louisiana. Throughout the month, you’re encouraged to pick up a bucket at your local marina, head out onto the water in your boat and pick up litter. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says even if you don’t have a boat, you can still participate.

Cut 14 (11) “…lakes and bayous.”

Ahead of his team’s much-anticipated season-opener against LSU in the REAL Death Valley, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney calls LSU’s pursuit of former NFL players “embarrassing.” Swinney says there’s no governance in the matter.

Cut 10 (11) “…where we are.” 

LSU is currently the only school to publicly receive any commitments from former pro football players. 

Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall this afternoon in southwest Louisiana in Johnson Bayou in Cameron Parish with s maximum sustained winds at 60 miles per hour. National Weather Service Meteorologist Nick Slaughter on what residents in southwest and central Louisiana can expect

Cut 5 (12) “…in Texas”

The owners of the dilapidated Plaza Tower in New Orleans could be sued, accused of negligence for not doing enough to prevent a 17-year-old from entering the abandoned high rise and falling to his death on August 15^th. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs might not be awarded any damages, because of a new state law that says if a person is 51-percent or more responsible for their injuries, they can’t recover damages…

Cut 7 (11) “…dilapidated buildings.”

New Orleans officials would like to see the Plaza Tower taken down, but cost has been a significant factor on why it remains a part of the city’s skyline.

Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney calls it embarrassing that schools like LSU are recruiting players that were on NFL rosters during minicamp or training camp. Swinney says he’s not trying to get to wrapped up in it, with Clemson set to face LSU in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night…

Cut 11 (13) “…in our Lane”

Kick-off on Saturday night is at 6:49.

The long-anticipated spin-off of Love The Boot is now underway as Love Our Waterways is going on throughout the entire month of September. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says while Love The Boot focuses on cleaning up litter on land, Love Our Waterways focuses on cleaning up litter in the state’s waterways, which is just as much an issue.

Cut 13 (08)  “…litter you see.”

You can get information at LoveLAWaterways.org.

It’s not long now until Tropical Storm Edouard makes landfall. As of one this afternoon, the eye of Edouard moved to within 20 miles of Cameron, with maximum sustained winds holding steady at 50 miles an hour. National Weather Service Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says while the storm surge watch has been discontinued, the tropical storm warning is still in effect, so people should not let their guard down.

Cut 23 (06) “…miles per hour.”

A legal analyst says the family of a teen who was killed when he fell inside the abandoned Plaza Tower in New Orleans has an uphill battle in order to win a planned lawsuit against the building’s owners. Attorneys allege the building’s owners failed to board it up and install adequate fencing. But Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says a jury or judge may ultimately rule that Jacque St. Ann and his friends should have known better.

Cut 8 (06) “…die”

Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts is set to be released from jail this Sunday. This, despite an effort by prosecutors to lengthen her sentence for having sex with a 16-year-old boy while she was the mayor.  Pamela Sleezer is covering the case for the American Press and says Judge Kent Savoie believes the maximum sentence of ten years was a little overboard for a first-time offender.

Cut 12 (08) “…opinion on anything.”

Former LSU All-American football player Jerry Stovall has passed away at the age of 85. Stovall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and told KNOE-TV in an interview the prior year that he never thought such an accomplishment was possible.

Cut 15 (12) “…lot of people.”

Tropical Storm Edouard is gaining strength as it nears landfall near the Texas-Louisiana line. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tropical storm conditions are spreading across southwestern Louisiana. The center of the storm is located about 20 miles southwest of Cameron, Louisiana. Wind speeds of 50-plus miles per hour have been measured at Calcasieu Pass. The possibility of an isolated tornado can not be ruled out for southwest Louisiana.

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney weighed in on the dramatic legal battle between the NCAA, the SEC and football players who were in NFL training camps that are now looking to play at LSU. Former NFL and Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright began practicing with LSU yesterday as he and several other athletes await a preliminary injunction hearing in Baton Rouge on Thursday. Swinney says the situation reflects the state of college football.

Cut 9 (07)  “…college football.”

Former LSU football player and coach Jerry Stovall has passed away at the age of 85. Stovall was a two-time All-SEC selection as he played four different positions. In a 2009 interview with KNOE-TV, Stovall credited his parents for his success…

Cut 14 (08) “…hard work.”

Stovall returned to LSU to serve as the Tigers head coach from 1980 to 1983 following the death of Bo Rein. His best season was in 1982 when the Tigers went 8-3-and-1 and made the Orange Bowl.

Tropical Storm Edouard is gaining strength as it approaches the coast near the Louisiana-Texas line. As of ten this morning, its maximum sustained winds increased to 50 miles an hour, and the National Hurricane Center says additional strengthening is expected by the time it makes landfall this afternoon. National Weather Service Meteorologist Nick Slaughter…

Cut 3 (08) “…miles per hour.”

Even though we are looking at landfall near the Louisiana-Texas line, radar is indicating strong thunderstorms in the Lafayette area at this hour.

The family of a Belle Chasse teenager who lost his life when he fell inside the dilapidated Plaza Tower in New Orleans plans to file a lawsuit, but a legal analyst says it will not be an easy case for the plaintiffs to win. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino…

Cut 6 (09) “…tough to do”

Attorneys for the family of Jacque St. Ann say there was inadequate fencing around the abandoned skyscraper located in the Central Business District of New Orleans.

Judge Kent Savoie is holding firm on the 90-day sentence he handed down to former DeRidder Mayor Misti Roberts, who was convicted of having sex with an underage boy. The Beauregard Parish District Attorney was seeking the maximum sentence, which is ten years. American Press reporter Pamela Sleezer says Judge Savoie said that was too harsh for a first-time offender.

Cut 12 (08) “…opinion on anything.”

Roberts will have to register as a sex offender for the next 15 years.

A legendary LSU football player from West Monroe has passed away. Former All-American Jerry Stovall, who finished second in the 1962 Heisman Trophy balloting, has died at the age of 85. In an interview with KNOE-TV in 2009, Stovall said he was able to excel on the football field even though he was not the best athlete.

Cut 13 (09)  “…one of those.”

Stovall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.