The Advocate newspaper’s editorial staff has endorsed Stephen Waguespack for governor. The Advocate is owned by John Georges, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2007 as an Independent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Democrat Shawn Wilson failing to get the newspaper’s endorsement is another blow to his campaign…

Cut 8 (12) “…candidacy.”

Waguespack says the endorsement is a sign his solutions-driven campaign is resonating with people.

The statewide burn ban has been extended for another week. More than half of the state is considered under exceptional drought. Basically, everything south of I-20 is either exceptional or extreme drought conditions. And there’s a very low probability of rain in south Louisiana this weekend.

Six Louisiana Tech all-time greats were honored last night with the unveiling of their statues at the school’s new Champions Plaza. 75-year-old Terry Bradshaw was there to see it. The former quarterback played at Tech in the 1960s and went on to win four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bradshaw says he’ll never forget his time in Ruston…

Cut 12 (14) “…fun ever” 

Have you seen more crickets than usual? A cricket infestation has hit the state. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says the drought is why and this is also the prime time of year for field and mole crickets. He says the small, dark, and shiny ones are field crickets, while mole crickets…

Cut 10 (09) “…or legs.”

And in case you didn’t know it the average lifespan of a cricket is 90 days.

The Advocate newspaper’s editorial staff has endorsed Republican Stephen Waguespack for governor. A Louisiana TV stations poll released this week showed Waguespack running in a distant third place for the October 14th primary, behind Landry and the lone main Democrat Shawn Wilson. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the endorsement could provide Waguespack with a bump….

Cut 7 (05) “..,second look” 

Early voting for the October 14^th primary begins September 30^th.

Have you been seeing more crickets than usual? A sudden surge of cricket infestations has hit Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Professor of Entomology Aaron Ashbrook says with stressed and dried plants due to the drought; crickets are now on the hunt for food.

Cut 9 (11) “…by lights.” 

August and September are prime months for both field and mole crickets.

LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been awarded a million-dollar grant to help create a more diverse nursing workforce. Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education Dr. Benita Chatmon says more minority nurses, could result in better health outcomes for Blacks…

Cut 4 (10) “…taken care of.”

According to the U.S. Census, minorities make up 40 percent of the U.S. population but only 20 percent of the nursing workforce. Chatmon says a portion of the funding from the Department of Health and Services will also go towards promoting academic success for minorities seeking a nursing degree.

The Advocate newspaper has endorsed Republican Stephen Waguespack for governor. The paper says Louisiana’s next governor must be laser-focused on Louisiana’s future, not distracted by Washington-style sideshows. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the Advocate’s editorial staff is not a fan of Republican front-runner Jeff Landry.

Cut 6 (10) “…hot button issues”

LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been awarded a million-dollar grant to help create a more diverse nursing workforce. Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education Dr. Benita Chatmon says the grant is for both undergraduate and high school students.

Cut 3 (12) “…for college.”

Louisiana Tech has set a record for its largest first-time freshmen class in school history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And at ULL, for a third year in a row, the university has seen an increase in their freshman class. This fall 3,066 first-time freshmen are enrolled, which is more than a six-percent increase from last fall. This year’s freshman class is the second largest since 2005.

Family members of victims and District Attorneys across the state voiced their opposition to the upcoming death row inmate clemency hearings. Several DAs and Attorney General Jeff Landry have filed lawsuits to block Governor Edwards and the Pardon Board for not following the proper and necessary steps and conducting what Landry says were proceedings outside of the public eye. Edwards disagrees…

Cut 25 petitions. :07

Evelyn Salone was also shot when her husband Troy was killed by death row inmate Donald Leger (Lay-zhay) almost 22 years ago in St. Mary Parish. Salone says Edwards is circumventing the rules and hurting everyone who lost loved ones at the hands of the death row inmates.

Cut 12 (10) “…just me.” 

The first round of clemency hearings is scheduled for October.

Entergy Louisiana is offering bill payment assistance to eligible residential customers to help with high utility costs caused by the historic heat. Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg says funds are available on a first come first serve basis…

Cut 5 (10) “…to distribute.”

Customers can apply through the United Way website starting Friday at noon.

Louisiana Tech welcomes their largest freshman class in school history, 22-hundred strong and a 28-percent increase from last year. Vice President of Student Achievement, Doctor Dickie Crawford, says it took a team effort to attract this freshmen class and it’s not just students from the Boot…

Cut 8 (11) “…great job.” 

Entergy Louisiana is providing bill relief for residential customers through a one-million-dollar bill payment assistance initiative. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

_______________________________________________

Louisiana Tech has set a record for its largest first-time freshmen class in school history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

Loved ones of those killed by inmates on death row gathered to voice their opposition to the upcoming clemency hearing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

Entergy Louisiana is offering one million dollars in bill payment assistance to residential customers to help with high utility costs caused by the historic heat. Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg says qualified approved customers will receive a credit toward their utility bill.

Cut 4 (08) “…high demand.”

Residential customers have to meet certain income eligibility for the one-time $200 dollars credit that will be applied to their bill.  Bourg says funds are available on a first come first served basis.

Cut 5 (10) “…to distribute.”

Applications will be reviewed, approved, and denied by United Way agencies. Bourg says notice of acceptance will be sent by email.

Cut 6 (11) “…or so.”

Customers can apply through the United Way website starting Friday at noon.

_________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech says it has welcomed its largest class of first-time freshmen in school history, 22-hundred strong, which is a 28-percent increase from the previous year. Vice President of Student Achievement, Doctor Dickie Crawford, says students are attracted to Tech because they can get a quality education without having to go to a big school…

Cut 7 (08) “…time here.”

Crawford says it took a team effort to attract this freshmen class to Louisiana Tech and it’s not just students from the Boot…

Cut 8 (11) “…great job.” 

Crawford says Tech’s investment in modern facilities, research opportunities, and student services has contributed to its rising enrollment…

Cut 9 (08)  “…so critical.”

_________________________________________________

Family members of victims and District Attorneys across the state voiced their opposition to the upcoming death row inmate clemency hearings.  Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association Loren Lampert says the governor and pardon board aren’t following the rules…

Cut 10 (12) “… inappropriate.”

Several DAs and Attorney General Jeff Landry have filed lawsuits to block Governor Edwards and the Pardon Board for not following the proper and necessary steps and conducting what Landry says were proceedings outside of the public eye. Edwards says the lawsuit has no merit.

Cut 11 (09) “…is either.”

Evelyn Salone was also shot when her husband Troy was killed by death row inmate Donald Leger (Lay-zhay) almost 22 years ago in St. Mary Parish. Salone says Edwards is circumventing the rules and hurting everyone who lost loved ones at the hands of the death row inmates.

Cut 12 (10) “…just me.” 

The first round of clemency hearings is scheduled for October.

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending individuals who are six months of age and older, to get the newest COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer ahead of the winter respiratory virus season. LDH State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this booster offers protection for everyone especially those who are more vulnerable.

Cut 13 (13) “…updated vaccine.”

Nearly three million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The updated vaccine that targets the XBB 1.5 variant will be available in the coming days. Kanter says the new FDA and CDC guidance has simplified the regimen for winter vaccines.

Cut 14 (11) “…same time.”

Kanter says many insured Louisianans will receive the vaccine at no cost. But for those who do not have adequate insurance…

Cut 15 (11) “…as well.”

To find a location that offers free vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov.

____________________________________________________________

12th ranked LSU prepared for last week’s test against Mississippi State and passed with flying colors, a 41-14 victory over Mississippi State. Center Charles Turner says the Tigers learned a good week of practice can lead to good results on Saturday, so they are having physical practices again this week…

Cut 16 (20) “…the week”

LSU can improve to 2-0 in the SEC West. Alabama and Texas A&M look shaky and there’s no guarantee Ole Miss can beat the Crimson Tide this Saturday. Turner says it appears the SEC West is up for grabs and they want to win the division again…

Cut 17 (21) “…want to be”

Arkansas was upset last Saturday at home against BYU. The Razorbacks committed 14 penalties and their offensive line has struggled. But they’ve been a stingy defense, allowing just 56 rushing yards a game, fourth lowest in the SEC. LSU running back Logan Diggs…

Cut 18 (21) “…the challenge”

____________________________________________________________

A banged up Louisiana Tech football team will visit Nebraska on Saturday afternoon. Starting Quarterback Hank Bachmeier injured his shoulder in last week’s loss to North Texas and did not return and Coach Sonny Cumbie says the team’s leading rusher on the season, Keith Willis, is out with a high ankle sprain. Also Charvis Thornton is questionable…

Cut 19 (18) “…the season”

Cumbie says they know Nebraska wants to play a physical style of football…

Cut 20 (19) “..non conference slate 

Family members of victims and District Attorneys across the state voiced their opposition to the upcoming death row inmate clemency hearings.  Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association Loren Lampert says the governor and pardon board aren’t following the rules…

Cut 10 (12) “… inappropriate.”

Several DAs and Attorney General Jeff Landry have filed lawsuits to block Governor Edwards and the Pardon Board for not following the proper and necessary steps and conducting what Landry says were proceedings outside of the public eye. Edwards says the lawsuit has no merit.

Cut 11 (10) “…is either.”

The first round of clemency hearings is scheduled for October.

Republican Richard Nelson has dropped out of the governor’s race. He made the announcement on social media this morning and endorsed frontrunner and fellow Republican Jeff Landry. La Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Nelson’s decision is a bit of a surprise…

Cut 9 (12) “…that happens.” 

Nelson’s name will however still appear on the October 14^th ballot.

LSU safety Greg Brooks Junior is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a large brain tumor. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says Brooks had episodes of vertigo during preseason camp last week. Kelly knows Brooks still wants to contribute this year…

Cut 8 (10) “…Greg Brooks.”

The family is awaiting biopsy results.

Republican Richard Nelson has dropped out of the governor’s race, so now there are six formidable candidates left in the race, four Republicans, one Democrat, and one Independent. LA Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it remains to be seen how Nelson pulling his name from contention and endorsing the front-runner will play out.

Cut 11 (12) “…wait and see.”

Early voting for the October 14^th primary begins September 30^th.

LSU safety Greg Brooks Junior is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a large brain tumor. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says Brooks had episodes of vertigo during preseason camp and had another episode last Wednesday…

Cut 6 (08) “…was located”

The family is awaiting biopsy results.

LSU’s incoming freshman class is the most academically accomplished in history with a record-high average ACT score of 26.5, a full point higher than last year’s freshman class.  President William Tate says the university is doing a great job in promoting itself…

Cut 3 (07) “…institution”

Louisiana Tech will unveil statues of some of the university’s greats like Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, Fred Dean, and Teresa Weatherspoon tonight at the new Champions Plaza. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…

Cut 13 (10) “…background is.”

The free event is open to the public and begins at 6 o’clock.

Republican Richard Nelson has dropped out of the governor’s race. He made the announcement on social media this morning and endorsed frontrunner and fellow Republican Jeff Landry. La Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Nelson’s decision is a bit of a surprise…

Cut 9 (12) “…that happens.” 

Nelson’s name will however still appear on the October 14^th ballot.

LSU safety Greg Brooks Junior is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a large brain tumor. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says Brooks had episodes of vertigo during preseason camp and last week. Kelly knows Brooks still wants to contribute this year…

Cut 8 (10) “…Greg Brooks.”

LSU is celebrating its most academically gifted freshman class in history with a record-high ACT super score of 26.5. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

And in Ruston, Louisiana Tech is welcoming the school’s largest freshman class of 2,268 students, that’s up almost 28-percent from last year’s incoming class. Overall enrollment is 11,612, that’s a five-percent increase from last year’s highest numbers since the pandemic impacted college enrollment nationwide.

A Gray Media and Mason-Dixon poll shows 40 percent of respondents plan to vote for Republican Jeff Landry for Governor.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is trying to help Mardi Gras krewes in Shreveport and Mayor Tom Arceneaux find a solution after Arceneaux asked one krewe to change their parade date and he wants all parades to end by 7 p.m. Nungesser says he’s worried about international travelers who could be impacted.

Louisiana Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is a co-author of a bill that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to eleven dollars an hour. Democrats in the Senate have filed a bill that would raise the federal minimum wage to 17 dollars an hour by 2028. Cassidy that’s not achievable.

Cut  14 (09) “the good”

The federal minimum wage has not been increased since 2007.

Saints running back Tony Jones Junior scored his first two touchdowns of his NFL career last night as New Orleans defeated Carolina 20-17. Jones was elevated from the practice squad prior to the game…
cut 5 (15) “…blessed man”
The Saints are at Green Bay this Sunday.

A Gray Media and Mason-Dixon poll shows 40 percent of respondents plan to vote for Republican Jeff Landry for Governor.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

A high-speed chase this morning across West and East Baton Rouge Parishes ends with 37-year-old Kendrick Smith in custody. WBRSO says they received a call from a woman who said she was being held against her will.  A chase across the Mississippi River Bridge ended with Smith’s car crashing on Plaza Americana Drive, he faces multiple charges including second-degree kidnapping.

After possible fentanyl exposure in the evidence room of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Monday morning, the department’s evidence supervisor remains hospitalized as a precaution. Public Information Officer Mark Pierce says it was a frightening experience…

Cut 10 (13) “…after that.”

State Police are investigating the incident.

The Saints are 2-0 after beating Carolina 20-17 last night in Charlotte. New Orleans’s offense struggled in the first half but scored two touchdowns in the second half. Quarterback Derek Carr is glad the Saints defense kept Carolina out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter…

Cut 3 (13) “…football game.”

New Orleans is at Green Bay on Sunday.