A human skull found in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in St. Tammany Parish seven years ago is identified as that of Gary Maggio of Slidell.
Cut 5 (12) “…at this point.”
Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says Maggio was being treated for severe mental health issues and didn’t tell anyone he was going camping.

Tragedy in Acadia Parish as three people, including a Rayne police detective, are killed in a crash Friday afternoon. 27-year-old Javonta Flugence, his fiancee, Amber Davy; and their two-year-old daughter, Caroline, were killed in the single-family crash. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says it appears none was restrained…
Cut 15 (08) “…do that.”
Since joining the department in 2019, Flugence was pivotal in Rayne’s fight against drug activity.

The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is resigning. Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says health issues are forcing him to step down. Former state lawmaker and House Criminal Chairman Joe Marino says Leblanc’s expertise will be difficult to replace…
Cut 11 (08) “…experience.”
Leblanc served for three governors: Republican Bobby Jindal, Democrat John Bel Edwards and now Republican Jeff Landry.

LSU fans head to Las Vegas this week for the Tigers season opener Sunday against USC. Jason Ramezan, the owner of Mr. Fun’s Travel, says LSU fans are eager to witness the Tigers’ debut under Vegas’ bright lights.
Cut 8 (07) “…represented in Vegas.”
The game is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium and has generated considerable excitement as it marks the start of the college football season.

In Acadia Parish Many are mourning the death of 27-year-old Rayne Police Detective Javonta Flugence, killed in a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon, along with fiancée Amber Davy, and their two-year-old child, Caroline.  State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says the wreck occurred on Louisiana Highway 13 near Bluefish Road…

Cut 14 (12)  “…the scene.”

A human skull found in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in St. Tammany Parish seven years ago has finally been identified. Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says his office worked with a genetic genealogy company to identify a living niece in California who confirmed the skull as Gary Maggio of Slidell and finally give his family some closure

Cut 6 (09) “…heartbreaking.”
———————————-

Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc is stepping down after holding that job for nearly 17 years. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

Gov. Jeff Landry, Secretary of State Nancy Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill will be discussing election integrity today, ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The news conference will be held at the Louisiana Capitol, where Governor Landay will also sign an executive order to maintain integrity in the electoral process and protect the accuracy of voter rolls.

A human skull found in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in St. Tammany Parish seven years ago has finally been identified. Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says his office worked with a genetic genealogy company to identify a living niece in California who confirmed the skull as Gary Maggio of Slidell…

Cut 4 (11) “…unfortunately.”

The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is is stepping down due to health reasons.  Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc made the announcement on Friday. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says Leblanc worked hard to reduce the state’s recidivism rate…

Cut 12 (10) “…stop that.”

____________________________

LSU football fans are getting ready for a trip to Vegas later this week where the Tigers are set to take on the Trojans of USC.  Owner of Mr. Fun’s Travel Jason Ramezan says the purple and gold faithful are not just attending the game, they’re bringing their unique energy and traditions to the city.

Cut 9 (06)  “…Las Vegas this weekend.”

Kick off at Allegiant Stadium is set for 6:30 central time on Sunday.

State Fire marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is reminding all of us about the importance of smoke alarms following a fatal fire in Oak Grove last week that left a woman dead. Chief Adams says Louisiana’s Operation Save A Life program can help families in need get free smoke alarms FREE of charge.  Just head to lasfm.org for details. 

A human skull found at a wildlife refuge in St. Tammany Parish in 2017 has finally been identified. Mel Bridges has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc is stepping down due to health reasons after sixteen years at the helm. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the key to Leblanc’s success was that he was level headed…

Cut 13 (05)  “…made it easy.”

——————————-
LSU Tiger fans will head to Las Vegas later this week for the purple and gold’s  season opener against the USC Trojans this Sunday at llegiant Stadium. Owner of Mr. Fun’s Travel Jason Ramezan says LSU is expected to have a strong presence in the city, with fans eager to witness the Tigers’ debut under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Cut 8 (07) “…represented in Vegas.”

Many are mourning in Acadia Parish as 27-year-old Rayne Police Detective Javonta Flugence was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon. Flugence’s fiancee, Amber Davy, and their two-year-old child, Caroline, were also killed. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says Bourque says it appears none of the occupants were restrained…

Cut 15 (08)  “…do that.”

Flugence started as a detective for the Rayne Police Department in 2019. He was considered a pivotal person in Rayne’s fight against drug activity.

The Saints dropped their preseason finale 30 to 27 to the Tennessee Titans yesterday It was one final chance for Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler to claim the second-string quarterback spot behind starter Derek Carr. Rattler had the better day as he threw for 105 yards and a touchdown and led the offense to scores on all four of his possessions. Coach Dennis Allen….
Cut 16 (16) “…quarterback room.”
Rattler acknowledges that the decision is out of his hands…
Cut 17 (09) “…my best foot forward.”
The Saints will have to get their roster down to 53 by 3 PM Tuesday.

One of the state’s top cornerbacks has committed to LSU. Ruston High School’s Aidan Anding becomes the third cornerback in LSU’s 2025 recruting class. He’s a three-star prospect, but has only played one season of football. Anding is a three-sport star at Ruston and was instrumental in the Bearcats winning their first state championship since 1990 last season.

No surprise here…but ULM head football coach Bryant Vincent has named Oklahoma transfer General Booty as the Warhawks starting quarterback when they host Jackson State in the regular season opener. This will be Booty’s first extensive playing time since he was the signal caller for Tyler Junior College in 2021.

Tough loss for McNeese to begin the season as they were one of a handful of teams to play in Week Zero. The Cowboys nearly ralled back from a 26-7 halftime deficit to beat 21st ranked Tarleton State, but came up short and lost 26-23.

Former LSU baseball star Dylan Crews is expected to make his Major League Baseball Debut tonight for the Washington Nationals as they take on the Yankees.

The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is resigning. Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says health reasons are forcing him to step down. Former state lawmaker and House Criminal Chairman Joe Marino says Leblanc did an excellent job despite limited resources…

Cut 10 (10) “…long time.”

Many are mourning in Acadia Parish as 27-year-old Rayne Police Detective Javonta Flugence was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon. Flugence’s fiancee, Amber Davy, and their two-year-old child, Caroline, were also killed. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says the wreck occurred on Louisiana Highway 13 near Bluefish Road…

Cut 14 (12)  “…the scene.”

______________________________________

LSU Tigers fans are heading to Las Vegas to support their Tigers in the season opener against the USC Trojans this Sunday. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

The Saints dropped their preseason finale 30 to 27 to the Tennessee Titans. It was one final chance for Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler to claim the second-string quarterback spot behind starter Derek Carr. Rattler had the better day as he threw for 105 yards and a touchdown but knows this decision is out of his hands.

Cut 17 (09) “…my best foot forward.”

A human skull found at a wildlife refuge in St. Tammany Parish in 2017 has finally been identified. Mel Bridges has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

_______________________________________________

LSU Tigers fans are heading to Las Vegas to support their Tigers in the season opener against the USC Trojans this Sunday. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc is stepping down after holding that job for nearly 17 years. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

______________________________________________

A human skull found in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in St. Tammany Parish seven years ago has finally been identified. Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says his office worked with a genetic genealogy company to identify a living niece in California who confirmed the skull as Gary Maggio of Slidell…

Cut 4 (11) “…unfortunately.”

Maggio had never been reported missing. Officials learned Maggio was an outdoorsman, so him being in the wildlife refuge isn’t immediately suspicious. However, Tape says Maggio was being treated for severe mental health issues and didn’t tell anyone he was going camping. Tape says they can’t rule out foul play or suicide…

Cut 5 (12) “…at this point.”

Maggio’s niece, who lives in California, told officials her uncle hadn’t been heard from since 2016, and Maggio’s skull was recovered in 2017. Maggio is believed to have been 67 when he died. Tape says they’re glad to finally identify the skull and to bring Maggio’s family some answers after seven years.

Cut 6 (09) “…heartbreaking.”

Anyone who knew Maggio or has information about his last days is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office.

_________________________________________________________

LSU fans will head to Las Vegas later this week for the Tigers season opener against the USC Trojans this Sunday. The game, set to take place at Allegiant Stadium, has generated considerable excitement as it marks the start of the college football season. Owner of Mr. Fun’s Travel Jason Ramezan says this trip rivals any he has been a part of including the 2016 trip to Lambeau Field and the Rose Bowl in 2021…

Cut 7 (08) “…bucket list.”

Ramezan says LSU is expected to have a strong presence in the city, with fans eager to witness the Tigers’ debut under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Cut 8 (07) “…represented in Vegas.”

Ramezan says LSU fans are not just attending the game, they’re bringing their unique energy and traditions to the city, transforming Las Vegas into a temporary home for the Tiger faithful.

Cut 9 (06)  “…Las Vegas this weekend.”

Ramezan estimates there will be 30,000 LSU fans in Las Vegas for the game.

_____________________________________________________________________

The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is resigning. Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says health reasons are forcing him to step down. Former state lawmaker and House Criminal Chairman Joe Marino says Leblanc did an excellent job despite limited resources…

Cut 10 (10) “…long time.”

Leblanc served for three governors, Republican Bobby Jindal, Democrat John Bel Edwards and now Republican Jeff Landry. Marino says his expertise will be difficult to replace…

Cut 11 (08) “…experience.”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says Leblanc worked hard to reduce the state’s recidivism rate…

Cut 12 (10) “…stop that.”

Landry says Leblanc’s dedication has been unmatched. Moore says the key to Leblanc’s success was that he was level headed…

Cut 13 (05)  “…made it easy.”

Landry says appointing a new secretary to this position will be a top priority.

___________________________________________________

Many are mourning in Acadia Parish as 27-year-old Rayne Police Detective Javonta Flugence was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon. Flugence’s fiancee, Amber Davy, and their two-year-old child, Caroline, were also killed. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says the wreck occurred on Louisiana Highway 13 near Bluefish Road…

Cut 14 (12)  “…the scene.”

Bourque says it appears none of the occupants were restrained…

Cut 15 (08)  “…do that.”

Flugence started as a detective for the Rayne Police Department in 2019. He was considered a pivotal person in Rayne’s fight against drug activity.

____________________________________________________

The Saints dropped their preseason finale 30 to 27 to the Tennessee Titans. It was one final chance for Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler to claim the second-string quarterback spot behind starter Derek Carr. Rattler had the better day as he threw for 105 yards and a touchdown and led the offense to scores on all four of his possessions. Coach Dennis Allen….

Cut 16 (16) “…quarterback room.” 

Rattler acknowledges that the decision is out of his hands…

Cut 17 (09) “…my best foot forward.”

The star of the second half of was Jacob Kibodi. The rookie running back who grew up in Baton Rouge and attended U-L Lafayette scored two roushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Cut 18 (08)  “…good showing.”

Allen says the defense as a whole did not not have a good day, but backup linebacker Anfrernee Orji of Rockwall, Texas had a nice game as he led the team with nine total tackles. Orji on his chances of making the team..

Cut 19 (08) “…hope for the best.”

The deadline for NFL teams to reduce their rosts to 53 is 3 PM on Tuesday.

The Democratic National Convention has wrapped up with national polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. Both campaigns have used emotion, especially fear of what could happen if the other was elected, to appeal to voters. . LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says says this type of appeal is normal…

Cut 5 (11)  “…this sort of rhetoric”

A tragic story out of Terrebonne Parish , as State Police are investigating a school bus crash that led to the death of 7-year-old Jeremiah Falgout (Fal-goo). Trooper Tiah Larvadain says the bus hit the child Thursday afternoon after dropping him on off on LA Highway 665 in Montegut but he says the bus driver was not under the influence…

Cut 13 (07) “…detected.” 

The crash is still under investigation.
——————————

Just in time for the Saints to host the Titans tomorrow in the final pre-season game of the year, nearly 550-million dollars in renovations have been completed on the Superdome. Superdome spokesperson Mike Hoss says says the four-phase renovation project removed hundreds of thousands of square feet of concrete ramps and replaced them with escalators, resulting in more open space and natural light.

Cut 10 (09) “…different areas.”

LSU football will have two players wearing number 18 this year. Running back Josh Williams and linebacker Greg Penn will each wear 18, which goes to the player who is a great representative of LSU football on and off the field. West says Williams arrived on LSU’s campus as a walk-on in 2019 and now he is a starter…

Cut 15 (10) “…of the ball.”

34-year-old Jason Chiasson Jr. of Holden in connection with a boating accident that caused two deaths and several injuries. Chiasson Jr. was booked into the Livingston Parish jail on multiple counts, including vehicular manslaughter, first-degree vehicular negligent injury, and DWI. Though LDWF Sergeant Randy Lanoux doesn’t expect any more arrests, he says everybody in that situation came out a loser.

Cut 8 (09)  “…winners here.”

A body found floating Wednesday night in the Red River has been identified. Bossier City spokesman Louis Johnson says 38 year old Dominique Washington was discovered Wednesday around 6:22 by people who were on jet skiers and saw his body. Authorities say foul play is not suspected at this time and this incident is still under investigation.

——————————

More than 500-million dollars in renovations have been completed on the Caesars Superdome. Jeff Palermo reports Dome officials believe it will lead to a better fan experience….

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The Democratic National Convention has ended and polls now show Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. Democrats had been lagging in the polls before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, but have since caught up. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan Hogan

Cut 4 (12) “…going to win.”

 

The Democratic National Convention has wrapped up with national polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says the D-N-C went smoothly and reflects well on Democrats…

Cut 3 (12) “…two parties.”

Officials have arrested 34-year-old Jason Chiasson Jr. of Holden in connection with a boating accident that caused two deaths and several injuries. LDWF Sgt. Randy Lanoux says not only was Chiasson was impaired at the time of the crash and not following basic boating safety rules…

Cut 7 (12) “…basically.”

————————–

Just in time for the Saints to host the Titans tomorrow in the final pre-season game of the year, nearly 550-million dollars in renovations have been completed on the Superdome. Superdome spokesperson Mike Hoss says says the four-phase renovation project removed hundreds of thousands of square feet of concrete ramps and replaced them with escalators, resulting in more open space and natural light.

Cut 10 (09) “…different areas.”

LSU football will have two players wearing number 7 this year. The number seven jersey goes to LSU’s top playmaker. Offensive tackle Will Campbell will once again wear a number seven patch and linebacker Harold Perkins is changing his jersey number to seven. 2-4-7 sports LSU reporter Glen West says Perkins had a strong preseason camp

Cut  14 (10) “…tackles for loss.”