Two 16-year-olds were killed in a two-vehicle crash on I-49 in Lafayette Parish early Sunday morning. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Jose Alvarez of Opelousas and Marlin Garcia of Church Point were killed when they were hit from behind by a box truck. The driver of the box truck was not injured and Gossen says they believe the teenagers’ vehicle was stopped on the interstate. He says at their age, they should not have been driving around in the middle of the night…
cut 5 (09) “….at 3:30 in the morning

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin unveiled the “I voted” sticker for the 2023 fall elections. Everyone who votes in October and November will get one. It’s an oil painting of the state’s seal, which features the state bird, a pelican. New Orleans artist Becky Fos is honored that her artwork has been chosen again to represent her home state…
cut 11 (04) “… difference’
Early voting for the October 14th election will begin on September 30th.

The LSU football team is ranked fifth in the preseason Coaches Poll. The Tigers went into last season unranked, but won the SEC West and ten games. Sophomore tight end Mason Taylor on the lofty preseason ranking…
cut 12 (05) “…humble about it”
LSU opens the season September 3rd in Orlando against eighth ranked Florida State.

Lee Hedges Stadium in Shreveport will not be available for high school football games this year, because of a delay in renovation work. Tony Taglavore with the Shreveport-Bossier Journal on what has caused the delay…
cut 8 (08) “…in the stadium”
Captain Shreve and Byrd High Schools will play most of their home games at Independence Stadium instead.

Tomorrow night’s Mega Millions jackpot is up to 1.55 billion dollars.

An early Sunday morning two vehicle crash in Lafayette Parish claims the lives of 16-year-olds Jose Alvarez of Opelousas and passenger Marlin Garcia of Church Point. Trooper Thomas Gossen says witnesses tell them the GMC truck the two were in was stopped near the I-49 Carencro exit and the driver of a box truck struck them from behind which caused them to turn over.

Cut 4 (09) “either way.”

The 2023 “I Voted” sticker was unveiled this morning, featuring a pelican, and her three chicks. New Orleans artist Becky Fos won an award for last year’s I Voted sticker that featured a colorful version of the state capitol.  Fos says she’s extremely honored her artwork has been chosen again to represent her home state.

Cut 11 (04)  “…a difference.”

You can see a photo of the sticker on our website at Louisiana-Radio-Network-dot-com.

It’s back-to-school week as most students return to the classroom in Louisiana. Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Gregory Fischer wants to remind motorists to pay attention…

Cut 12 (10) “…on the road.”

Shreveport’s Lee Hedges Stadium is likely to be closed for the rest of the year for renovations. Tony Taglavore from the Shreveport Bosier Journal says the stadium had ongoing renovations that were supposed to be done ahead of football season, but things quickly changed.

Cut 6 (14) “…football season.” 

Captain Shreve and Byrd at the two schools impact and they will play at Independence Stadium instead.

Two teens were fatally injured in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 49 near the Carencro exit in Lafayette Parish yesterday. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the accident that killed 16-year-old Jose Alvarez and his passenger 16-year-old Marlin Garcia happened shortly before 3:30 AM…

Cut 3 (09) “…same lane.”

Gossen says the box truck struck Alvarez GMC Sierra from behind causing it to overturn in the median. The driver of the box truck was properly restrained and was not injured.

The design for the 2023 “I Voted” sticker was unveiled this morning. The artwork created by Becky Fos titled “Confidence” features the state bird, a pelican, and her three chicks. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says with the primary eight weeks away, everyone has something to vote for on their ballot this election.

Cut 10 (11)  “…we have.”

A change of venues is coming for the 2023 football season. Pierson Luscy spoke with Shreveport Bossier Journal reporter Tony Taglavore about the issue.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Pierson Luscy” 

The New Orleans Saints are working out two former pro bowl free agents, linebacker Anthony Barr and running back Kareem Hunt.

Barr spent eight seasons with the Vikings before playing with the Cowboys last year and would add to the Saint’s depth chart after the departure of linebacker Kaden Ellis in free agency. Barr had 1 sack, two tackles for loss, and 58 total tackles last season in his 14 games played.

Hunt rushed for three touchdowns, 468 yards on 123 carries last year and caught one touchdown on 25 receptions for 210 yards. He would fill the immediate need in the Saints backfield after the season ending injury of Eno Benjamin and Alvin Kamara being unavailable for the first three games of the season due to an arrest in Las Vegas in 2022.

Before Kamara’s suspension was announced, he owned up to his actions.

Cut 19 (08) “…going forward.”

The Saints drafted TCU running back Kendre Miller and signed last year’s leader in rushing touchdowns, Jamaal Williams, to a three year deal but want to make sure that they have plenty of depth to help out new quarterback Derek Carr.

Former Lutcher high school and LSU wide receiver Jontre Kirklin is getting a tryout with the Saints after playing with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks. He caught 15 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns in his five games played.

Four star wide receiver, Jelani Watkins, announced his commitment to LSU as a part of the 2024 recruiting class. The Houston native plans on being a two sport athlete at his new school as a track athlete as well.

Two LSU baseball national champions picked up where they left off after joining the big leagues. Dylan Crews and Gavin Dugas both hit home runs for the Nationals Single-A minor league team over the weekend.

The United States Women’s National Soccer Team was eliminated from the World Cup by Sweden in the Round of 16 Sunday morning. After taking a 0-0 draw to penalty kicks the United States lost 5-4 and failed to advance. The team was looking to bring home their third World Cup, but suffered their earliest exit from the tournament in their history.

The fall election season will ramp up this week as a three-day qualifying period begins tomorrow for candidates to sign up for the elected position they would like to serve. There are seven major candidates in the governor’s race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says we’ll know by the end of the business day on Thursday if all seven will actually have their name on the ballot…
Cut 14 (07) “…have the names.”
Pinsonat says there’s a chance one of two will decide not to qualify.

The 2023 “I Voted” sticker was unveiled this morning, featuring the state bird, a pelican, and her three chicks. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he along with New Orleans artist Becky Fos chose the title “Confidence” for this year’s sticker.
Cut 9 (11) “…State’s Office.”
Fos’s colorful artwork for last year’s sticker, which featured the state capitol, won the Elections Assistance Commissions sticker contest last year.

If you’ve never attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Operation Smoke Sheaux, tonight’s your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look on the Food Network’s BBQ USA. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Chef Brody Olive of Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama won the Great American Seafood Cookoff Contest in New Orleans over the weekend. Olive prepared Gafftop catfish smoked over scrub oak, flash-fried mole crabs with Gulf shrimp horseradish cream.

Qualifying for the statewide races for statewide seats, attorney general, state treasurer, and secretary of state begins tomorrow. Six Republicans and only one Democrat are in the race for governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says although there have been only seven candidates actively campaigning for governor, there’s a chance someone will change their mind and decide not to qualify.

Cut 15 (10)  “…to win.”

Qualifying is set for August 8th through the tenth.

It’s back-to-school time as most students return to class this week. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Gregory Fischer says that means the return of school zone speed limits.

Cut 11 (07) “…in the afternoon.”

In Louisiana, safe drivers with bad credit pay an average of $905 more than drivers with a DWI and excellent credit according to a recent report by the Consumer Federation of America. Director of Real Reform Louisiana Ben Riggs says the use of credit history for insurance is unfair to Louisiana drivers

Cut 4 (10)  “…excellent credit.”

According to CFA, State Farm charges people in Louisiana with fair credit a 78 percent surcharge for excellent credit drivers and a 224 percent surcharge for people with poor credit.

Riggs says three states have passed laws to prohibit using credit scores in setting insurance prices, California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. He points out all three states have cheaper auto insurance than Louisiana. But Donelon says insurance companies have seen people with poor credit try to use minor accidents to improve their financial situation…

Cut 7 (10) “…pay more.”

This week, campaign season for the fall elections officially gets underway as qualifying begins on Tuesday. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two Lafayette police officers are recovering after they were shot responding to a domestic disturbance call. An adult female and two children were also shot in the incident early Saturday morning, one of the children died at the hospital. Lafayette P-D says one of its wounded officers was treated and released, while the other remains hospitalized.

UL Lafayette’s Operation Smoke Sheaux annual fundraiser that supports members of the military, veterans, and their dependents will be featured on tonight’s episode of “BBQ USA” on The Food Network. Ryan Gonzales, assistant director of Veteran and Military Students at the university says he’s excited they are getting the national exposure to help in their efforts.

Cut 8 (08) “…first one.”

The episode airs tonight at 9 PM on the Food Network.

With most K through 12 schools set to begin school next week, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds drivers to be aware of school zones.  LHSC Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says drivers must be cautious and attentive in areas where children are present…

Cut 13 (06) “..little world.”

Real Reform Louisiana, a consumer advocacy group, says a new study from the Consumer Federation of America shows drivers with bad credit are being penalized with much higher auto insurance premiums than those with good credit, even when both have a safe driving record. Real Reform Director Ben Riggs says this practice allows insurance providers to pad their profits…
cut 6 (11) “…good drivers”
Riggs says three states have passed laws to prohibit using credit scores in setting insurance prices. He points out all three states have cheaper auto insurance than Louisiana. But Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says insurance companies have seen people with poor credit try to use minor accidents to improve their financial situation…
Cut 7 (08) “…pay more.”

Qualifying to have your name on the fall ballot begins tomorrow. Most of the attention is on the governor’s race, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects the race for Attorney General, State Treasurer and Secretary of State will be hotly contested…
Cut 16 (10) “…election system safe.”
Four people are running for Secretary of State. Three Republicans, Nancy Landry, Clay Schexnayder and Brandon Trosclair. Gwen Collins-Greenup is the Democrat.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Office of Veteran and Military Student Services’ signature fundraising event will be featured on the Food Network TV show BBQ USA tonight. Operation Smoke Show brings in 60 of the most competitive barbecuers in the region and Ryan Gonzales hopes tonight’s publicity will lead to more competitors next year…
cut 10 (09) “…in April”

A new report from the Consumer Federation of America finds on average a motorist with poor credit has to pay twice as much for auto insurance as a driver with excellent credit, even if their driving safety history is the same.
Cut 1 (31) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Two 16-year-olds were killed in a two-vehicle crash on I-49 in Lafayette Parish early Sunday morning. The victims have been identified as Jose Alvarez of Opelousas and Marlin Garcia of Church Point. State Police say they were on the side of the interstate when their vehicle was struck from behind by a box truck. The teens were pronounced dead at the scene. L-S-P says the driver of the box truck was uninjured and displayed no signs of impairment.

The fall election season will ramp up this week as a three-day qualifying period begins tomorrow for candidates to sign up for the elected position they would like to serve. There are seven major candidates in the governor’s race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says we’ll know by the end of the business day on Thursday if all seven will actually have their name on the ballot…
Cut 14 (07) “…have the names.”
Pinsonat says there’s a chance one of two will decide not to qualify.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says students are back in class this week so be prepared for school buses that are making multiple stops along neighborhood streets…
cut 12 (10) “….on the road”
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Gregory Fischer says drivers in all directions must come to a stop when the stop sign attached to the bus comes out.