For the fourth year in a row Louisiana will once again have a float in January’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the float’s theme is “Louisiana Saturday Night,” and it will once again feature a local artist.
Cut 8 (9) “…and coming performer.”
Timothy Wayne signed with UMG Nashville earlier this year and is working on his first studio album.

Louisiana’s Fortified Roof Grant Program is facing scrutiny as it carries over millions in unspent funds due to homeowners withdrawing due to cost. Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner, Tim Temple, says possible reasons for this could lack of awareness about the program, the complexities involved in applying for the grants, and out-of-pocket costs that the grant doesn’t cover
Cut 13 (12) “…not enough.”
The carryover of these funds could mean missed opportunities for homeowners to secure their properties against future storms.

The run of dry weather will allow for Louisiana corn producers to complete their harvest this week and yields are way up over last year when the state suffered through a historic drought. LSU AgCenter Corn and Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says while the dry weather has helped corn producers compete their harvest, cotton producers could use some rain…
Cut 5 (11) “…fruit shed.”
South Louisiana will start to see higher rain chances tomorrow.

A Beauregard Parish student is learning the hard way that making threatening posts on social media has serious consequences. DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard says the student posted something about an active shooter at DeRidder High School. Richard says there was no active shooter, no shots were fired, and no gun was found. The student is in custody; no word on the charges that student may be facing.

Louisiana’s Fortified Roof Grant Program, aimed at helping homeowners strengthen their roofs against hurricanes, is facing scrutiny as it carries over millions in unspent funds due to homeowners withdrawing due to cost. Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner, Tim Temple, tells homeowners the program is worth the investment.
Cut 12 (12) “…came into the system.”
Temple says possible reasons for this could lack of awareness about the program, the complexities involved in applying for the grants, and out-of-pocket cost that the grant doesn’t cover.

Some frustrating times for people headed towards Lafayette on westbound I-10 this morning. Traffic ground to a complete halt on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge in St. Martin Parish due to multiple crashes involving four 18-wheelers. The standstill lasted several hours before traffic started moving again.

Since 2021, when the NCAA launched its Name, Image and Likeness policy, power programs have clamored for innovative solutions to recruit the country’s top prospects. Oklahoma State made headlines this offseason after unveiling QR codes linked to the team’s NIL collective displayed on the back of their helmets.
Cut 10 (06) “…collegiate to me.”
Kelly says the collegiate feeling- the bands, students, and traditions- is what makes the game special.

LSU isn’t just Baton Rouge’s team, it’s the entire state’s team. That’s evident, as Allegiant Air has added additional flights from Shreveport to Las Vegas and back for the Tigers’ season opener against USC. Shreveport Regional Airport says Allegiant’s regularly scheduled flights between the two cities quickly sold out.

The run of dry weather will allow for Louisiana corn producers to complete their harvest this week, and yields are way up over last year when the state suffered through a historic drought. LSU AgCenter Corn and Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says unfortunately, an increase in yields, plus slightly lower input costs, will not not result in more money for farmers…
Cut 4 (10) “…this year.”
South Louisiana will start to see higher rain chances tomorrow.

For the fourth year in a row Louisiana will have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The parade’s theme is “Best Day Ever,” and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says they picked the theme “Louisiana Saturday Night” for the float because that’s the best day ever.
Cut 7 (09) “…all over Louisiana.”
Local country artist Timothy Wayne will be performing onboard.

In 2021, the NCAA’s Name Image and Likeness policy began allowing collegiate athletes to profit from their identities. Since then, power programs have clamored for innovative NIL solutions to recruit the nation’s top prospects, but LSU football coach Brian Kelly says there’s a line he won’t let NIL fundraising cross.
Cut 9 (13) “…gameday atmosphere .”
The Tigers have helped lead the charge in NIL innovations, unveiling a first of its kind collaboration between the Tiger Athletic Foundation and the team’s Bayou Collective earlier this summer.

The run of dry weather will allow for Louisiana corn producers to complete their harvest this week and yields are way up over last year when the state suffered through a historic drought. Last year farmers averaged 175 bushels per acre. LSU AgCenter Corn and Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says production is higher this year…
Cut 3 (10) “…I’ve heard.”
But according to Trading Economics, corn prices have decreased 23-percent since the start of this year.

For the fourth year in a row, Louisiana will feature a float in January’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
Cut 6 (6) “…Louisiana Saturday Night.”
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the float will spotlight all the great things to do on a Saturday night. It will feature a Louisiana alligator adorned with beads, carrying on its back a Cajun dance hall and pots of boiled seafood. Local country artist Timothy Wayne will be performing onboard.

Some frustrating times for people headed towards Lafayette on westbound I-10. Louisiana State Police worked multiple on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge in St. Martin Parish involving four 18-wheelers. That brought traffic to a complete standstill that lasted several hours.

The latest Secretary of State voter registration numbers it shows 64-percent more new women voters registered than men in July when Kamala Harris became Democratic presidential nominee. Colleen Crain has more.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana is going all out in rolling out the welcome mat to visitors from across the country and around the world. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Louisiana tourism is almost all the way back to pre-pandemic levels.
Cut 9 (09) “…43-million visitors.”
Nungesser delivers the keynote address, updating the future of Louisiana’s tourism industry at today’s Louisiana Travel Summit in Shreveport.

Many more women registered to vote than men in the state last month — nearly 53-hundred women, compared to just over 33-hundred men. UL Monroe Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the reasons behind this disparity could be partisan, with women likely casting their vote for Harris and men for Trump…
Cut 11 (05) “…historic levels.”
That said, Louisiana is not expected to be in play in this election, with polls indicating Trump likely to win the state.

Baton Rouge restaurants can participate in The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana oyster recycling program that aims to combat coastal erosion by using recycled oyster shells. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

An appeals court revives a court challenge by Tesla to a state law that prohibits automakers from selling directly to consumers. The 2-1 decision by the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses a lower court ruling that dismissed Tesla’s claim that it was being denied due process.

Governor Landry signed an executive order banning Critical Race Theory in K-through-12 public schools. It’s something that Denham Springs Republican Senator Valarie Hodges has been pushing for.
Cut 13 (08) “…the teaching manuals.”
But New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis doubts that critical race theory is being taught in K-through-12.
Cut 14 (10) “…in law school.”

The Louisiana Secretary of State says many more women registered to vote than men in July. UL Monroe Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says while women are more likely to vote for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump, Republicans are still widely expected to carry the state.
Cut 12 (05) “…change that slightly.”
Almost 53-hundred women registered to vote in the state last month, compared to just over 33-hundred men.

Louisiana is pulling out all the stops in boosting tourism and entering the global spotlight. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says 2025 will be the year of food.
Cut 8 (14) “…around the country.”
Nungesser delivers the keynote address, updating the future of Louisiana’s tourism industry, at today’s Louisiana Travel Summit in Shreveport.

Sunday’s LSU-USC game features two quarterback trying to replace Heisman winners, Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams, respectively. The Trojans’ Miller Moss and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier have both waited three years for their chance to be the starter.

The Saints cut their roster down to 53. One of the biggest cuts was last year’s punter Lou Hedley, who lost out to undrafted free agent Matthew Hayball, who is from Australia and punted at Vanderbilt.

Louisiana homeowners could see significant savings on property insurance through wind mitigation inspections, especially in the wake of increased premiums caused by recent hurricanes. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says these inspections assess a home’s resilience against wind damage.
Cut 7 (08) “…more resilient.”
Visit ldi.la.gov for more information.

A Sabine Parish man is behind bars for allegedly sexually abusing underage girls over the course of 25 years. Sheriff’s Detective Wade Seegers says 60-year-old Jerry Bryant Vines Junior is facing several charges, with more likely to follow.
Cut 10 (14) “…under age 13.”
And investigators believe there could be additional victims.

The Secretary of States Office released new voter registration numbers, and it shows 64-percent more new women voters registered than men from July to August. Colleen Crain has more.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

It’s the first inpatient mental health unit for pregnant and postpartum women in the state, and it will start accepting patients from across Louisiana one week from today. Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge took the wraps off its new Perinatal Mental Health Unit today. Not only will this unit be the first in Louisiana, but it will also be among a very small handful of its kind in the country.

The first inpatient mental health unit for pregnant and postpartum women in the state will start accepting patients from across Louisiana one week from today. Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge unveiled its new Perinatal Mental Health Unit today. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri Johnson says mental health is a significant concern among pregnant and postpartum women.
Cut 4 (08) “…along with depression.”
…and of those, 75-percent go untreated.

The lottery for licensed hunters to secure a permit for Louisiana’s first black bear hunt in 37 years opens Thursday. Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan notes that black bears were removed from the endangered species list in 2016.
Cut 10 (12) “…a hunting season.”
A total of ten permits will be awarded.

Louisiana homeowners could see significant savings on property insurance through wind mitigation inspections, especially in the wake of increased premiums caused by recent hurricanes. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says homes with strong wind mitigation measures, such as having a Fortified Roof, can qualify for discounts on their insurance premiums, as they are less likely to suffer extensive damage during storms.
Cut 6 (10) “…for that expense.”
Some insurance companies have been withdrawing from the Louisiana market altogether due to the high risk of hurricane damage.

Governor Landry issues an executive order banning the use of critical race theory in K-through-12 public schools. In his executive order, Landry says, in his words, teaching children that they are currently or destined to be oppressed or to be an oppressor based on their race or origin has no place in the state’s classrooms.

Today marks the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura’s devastating landfall in southwest Louisiana.  Sean Richardson reports four years later we are looking at a quiet tropics…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It’s the first black bear hunt in Louisiana since 1987, and you’ll have your chance to secure a permit starting Thursday. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.” 

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While the national spotlight will be on Louisiana Sunday night, Louisiana Economic Development will be working to attract talent to the Bayou State. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Today marks the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana has experienced some of its most destructive hurricanes during the last week of August

Cut 4 (07) “…up and coming.”

Keim says the other major Hurricanes to hit Louisiana between now and September first are Katrina, Gustav, and Ida.

Cut 5 (07) “…ravaged the state.”

So far it’s been a quiet hurricane season for Louisiana, but Keim says expect a busy September.  But for now, nothing is in the forecast.

Cut 6 (08) “…immediate future.”

Keim is keeping a close eye on weather patterns during this critical week, urging residents to stay alert and prepared.

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New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez is challenging UL Lafayette over its recent decision to establish a one-thousand-foot gun-free zone around off-campus locations. Miguez has asked Attorney General Liz Murrell to issue a legal opinion regarding the university’s position that the three sites be kept gun-free. Miguez says UL Lafayette…

Cut 7 (12) “…gun-free zone.”

Miguez, a strong advocate for gun rights, argues that the university’s move infringes on Second Amendment rights and state laws that permit the carrying of firearms in public spaces.

The controversy centers on the university’s authority to impose these restrictions outside its main campus. Miguez argues that the gun-free zones could leave students and the public more vulnerable by disarming law-abiding citizens in areas that are not technically on university property.

Cut 8 (11) “…self-defense.”

UL Lafayette officials maintain that gun-free zones are necessary to ensure safety, particularly in densely populated areas where students and faculty frequently gather.  Miguez says to be considered school property, they would have to own the property.

Cut 9 (11)  “…of their campus.”

Attorney General Liz Murrell has previously said that she does not believe the museum to qualify as a gun-free zone, but she has not commented on the two hotels.

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If you want to participate in Louisiana’s first black bear hunt in 37 years, you’ll have your chance starting Thursday. That’s when the lottery will open to all licensed hunters. The state banned black bear hunting in 1988; and four years later, black bears were added to the endangered species list. Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan notes that black bears were removed from the list in 2016.

Cut 10 (12) “…a hunting season.”

Sheahan says there will only be ten permits issued through this lottery, and they will consist of three types.

Cut 11 (12) “…general public tags.”

Sheahan says the application fee is 50 dollars, which will go back into the Louisiana black bear account.

Cut 12 (10) “…black bear account.”

Those selected in the lottery will be required to attend a training course on November 2nd or November 14th. The season will run 16 days, from December 7th through the 22nd.

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Louisiana Economic Development is taking advantage of the National Spotlight to attract an experienced mid-level workforce back to Louisiana. LED Secretary, Susan Bourgeois says, During Sunday night’s LSU-USC football game on ABC…

Cut 13 (10)  “…coming home.”

Bourgeois says, many people leave Louisiana for opportunities in other states after they graduate from college and never return because they don’t realize there are opportunities here…

Cut 14 (08)  “…opportunity is here.”

Bourgeois says Louisiana businesses need a qualified mid-level workforce and LED is working to put the businesses and workforce together…

Cut 15 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

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Ben Wooldridge is named the starting quarterback for the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns to begin the 2024 campaign. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says it was a tough competition between the redshirt senior and Chandler Fields.

Cut 16 (11) “…for each other.” 

Coach Desormeaux says in the end, Wooldridge had the upper hand.

Cut 17 (09) “…and day out.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns get their season underway Saturday night at home against Grambling. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

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The third season of the Brian Kelly era will begin Sunday when the 13th ranked Tigers host 23rd ranked USC. LSU lost some big-time players off of last year’s team, like Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Junior and three of team’s top defensive tackles. But Kelly likes the experience that’s returning…

Cut 18 (16)  “…darn close.”

LSU has lost four straight season openers. The Tigers traditionally play another ranked opponent to begin the season, but with an expanded college football playoff now in place, these tough season openers might not happen every year…

Cut 19 (20) “….like this”

LSU is scheduled to open the 2025 and 2026 seasons against Clemson.

The Tigers defense is the big question mark heading into 2024 after a rough 2023 campaign. Kelly has confidence his front seven can get the job done…

Cut 20 (16) “…going to be fine.”