A possible saltwater intrusion into the water supply of Louisianans in Orleans and Plaquemines Parishes has residents panic buying bottled water. Lieutenant General Russell Honore…

Cut 6 (08) “…south Louisiana.”

In addition to local water systems, Honore is worried the saltwater could corrode pipes at oil refineries along the Mississippi River.  The City of New Orleans has already declared a state of emergency.

The Powerball Jackpot for tonight’s drawing is worth $785 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says sales last week were up to $2 million across the state.

Cut 5 (10) “ …our time.”  

Annison says to be sure to check your ticket because even if you don’t win the jackpot there are multiple ways to win a cash prize.

it has a cash value of $367 million and it’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history…

Louisiana motorists are currently paying an average of about $3.36 a gallon for regular gasoline compared to $3.39 last month. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is down four cents from a week ago but higher than around this time last year.

Cut 9 (07) “…right now.” 

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a year ago was $3.12 a gallon. The average cost for regular gas in the nation today is $3.85.

State Police have arrested a man in the investigation of a fatal crash that happened Saturday on the Highway 11 Bridge in St. Tammany Parish. They say 54-year-old Hector Garcia of Slidell left a pickup truck and box trailer in the middle of the road and another car crashed into it killing that driver. Garcia is booked on negligent homicide charges.

With the saltwater intrusion expected to move up the Mississippi Rover residents are panic buying bottled water. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A juvenile was arrested after authorities linked him to making a bomb threat to Denham Springs Freshman High School on Friday. Authorities say the juvenile is charged with terrorizing, communicating false information of a planned bombing of school property, and intimidation and interference in the operation of schools. The juvenile was booked into the Florida Parish Juvenile Detention Center.

The current jackpot has been rolling over since July 22^nd making tonight’s Powerball Jackpot worth $785 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says it’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history…

Cut 3 (08) “…the drawing.”

The cash value of tonight’s drawing is $357 million and sales for this Powerball Jackpot in Louisiana through Sunday were close to $14 million.

The statewide average for regular gas in the Bayou State dropped below $3.40 to $3.36 a gallon. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman

Cut 11 (11) “…little further.”

Residents in Plaquemines and Orleans Parishes are beginning to panic buy bottled water since the announcement of an anticipated saltwater intrusion into the Mississippi River was announced.  Lieutenant General Russell Honore says this could severely impact local water systems in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (09) “…south Louisiana.”

The City of New Orleans has already declared a state of emergency.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is worth $785 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says it has a cash value of $367 million and it’s the fourth largest jackpot in the game’s history…

Cut 3 (08) “…the drawing.”

Tickets must be purchased by 9 o’clock to be eligible for tonight’s drawing.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in the Bayou State dropped below $3.40 to $3.36 a gallon. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is down four cents from a week ago but higher than around this time last year.

Cut 9 (09) “…right now.” 

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a month ago was $3.39 and a year ago $3.12 a gallon in Louisiana. The national average for regular gas in the nation today is $3.85.

Greg Lawson of Ringgold, now 63, has been captured in Mexico after being on the run for nearly three decades -after being convicted of attempted murder in 1991. Bienville Sheriff John Ballance says authorities received information on Lawson’s whereabouts which led to his capture.

Cut 13 (11) “…capture ultimately.”

Lawson shot Seth Garlington after a dispute in a gas station parking.

For the third year in a row, UL Lafayette has seen an increase in the number of first-time freshmen. A total of 3,066 first-time freshman students enrolled for the fall semester. Vice President of Enrollment DeWayne Bowie says the university’s retention rate is nearly 80 percent for students.

Cut 5 (12) “ …as well”  

With less than one month before the primary election, the last day for Louisianans to register to vote or make changes to voter registration information is tomorrow. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s has arrested a substitute teacher for committing sexual crimes against juvenile students. 24-year-old Blaze Clark has been charged with three counts of molestation of a juvenile, two counts of third-degree rape, and other offenses. The incidents occurred off campus.

Starting today, we will profile each of the six major candidates running for governor. Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt is the first of six. The former engineering executive for Shell says she’s the best candidate for the state to remain attractive to the oil and gas industry and not pursue lawsuits against them like opponent Jeff Landry.

Cut 5 (11) “…our state.”

Fall starts tomorrow and the climate prediction center predicts a warmer than normal winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the summer months were the hottest months in the state’s history.

Cut 10 (11) “…nine degrees.”

Louisiana had its third driest summer on record which put 95 percent of the state in drought.

The October primary is expected to be in the 40 to 45 percent range. Brooke Thorington has more from a pollster on the anticipated lack of excitement.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry says arson is to blame for the wildfires burning across the state and is offering 15 thousand dollars for information on those who set them. Officials urge the public to call law enforcement with information.

The Times-Picayune and NOLA-dot-com have endorsed Republican Stephen Waguespack in the governor’s race. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Entergy Louisiana customers can apply for a one-time 200-dollar credit to be applied to their utility bill starting tomorrow at noon. There are income eligibility requirements. Customers should apply online through their local United Way website. Entergy says once the funds have been exhausted the application process will be closed.

The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing a one million dollar grant to help create more diversity in the nursing field. Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education Dr. Benita Chatmon says the grant is for undergraduate students and focuses on high school students interested in the field of nursing.

Cut 3 (07) “…for college”

According to the U-S Census Bureau, only make up 20-percent of the nursing workforce.

Six of Louisiana Tech’s all-time great student athletes were honored last night with the unveiling of life-like statues at the new Champions Plaza. Former quarterback, Terry Bradshaw played at Tech in the 1960s. Bradshaw says Ruston holds memorable moments in his life…

Cut 12 (14) “…fun ever” 

Also getting statues, Teresa Weatherspoon, Willie Roaf,  Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, and the late Fred Dean.

Republican Steven Waguespack has been officially endorsed by the Times-Picayune and NOLA-dot-com for governor. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this endorsement could give Waguespack an edge….

Cut 7 (05) “..second look” 

A survey released this week paid for by Louisiana TV stations showed Waguespack in third behind gubernatorial opponent Democrat Shawn Wilson who is in second place.

A one million dollar grant has been awarded to LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing to help create diversity in the field of nursing. Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education Dr. Benita Chatmon says a portion of the funding will also go towards promoting academic success for minorities seeking a degree in nursing……

Cut 5 (09) “ …nursing program”  

A surge of cricket infestations has hit Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says the average lifespan of a cricket is 90 days. But if they are more of a pest, he suggests…

Cut 11 (09) “…your home.”

Louisiana Tech unveiled statues of six of the university’s greatest student-athletes last night in a special ceremony at the school’s new Champions Plaza. Former Techsters point guard, Kim Mulkey, who led the team to a 1982 national title has a statue in her honor…

Cut  14 (11) “remarkable teams”

Terry Bradshaw, Teresa Weatherspoon, Willie Roaf, and the late Fred Dean also have statues.

Attorney Jeff Landry and several District Attorneys have filed a lawsuit with the courts to stop the state Pardon Board from holding death row inmate clemency hearings. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association Loren Lampert…

Cut 10 (12) “… inappropriate.”

The legal action has the support of victims’ family members. Governor Edwards says the Pardon Board is not violating any rules and the lawsuit has no merit.

Cut 11 (09) “…is either.”

The first round of clemency hearings is scheduled for October and a Baton Rouge judge will hold a hearing on the legality of the hearings on September 29^th.

The newest COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer will be available in the coming days. State officials are recommending individuals who are six months of age and older to get the vaccine ahead of the winter virus season. LDH State Health Officer Dr. Joe 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.

Louisiana Tech freshman class is 22 hundred students strong. The largest class in school history which is a 28-percent increase from the previous year. Vice President of Student Achievement, Doctor Dickie Crawford…

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…

Republican Richard Nelson has dropped out of the governor’s race. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

Entergy Louisiana announces one million dollars in bill payment assistance to residential customers to address higher-than-expected bills caused by this summer’s historic heat. Customers can apply for the one-time $200 dollars credit towards their utility bill through their local United Way starting Friday at noon.

LSU fall freshman class is the most academically gifted in history with a record-high average ACT score of 26.5. President William Tate says the class also has the highest-ever GPA of 3.82. He says this fall’s first-to-second-year retention rate is up nearly a point from last year.

Cut 4 (09) “…really well.”

LSU‘s overall enrollment is a record 39,419.

LSU Tigers safety Greg Brooks Junior is on the mend after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor.  Brooks is a co-captain for the Tigers. Coach Brian Kelly says it’s uncertain if Brooks will be able to play again…

Cut 7 (11) “…to that.” 

Biopsy results are pending.

Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy Louisiana will be partnering with local agencies to offer $1 million bill payment assistance to customers across Entergy service areas to address the increase in bills due to the state’s historic heat. Customers can apply for a one-time $200 credit through their local United Way website starting Friday.

50 years ago today, folk singer Jim Croce and five other people were killed in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Not long after takeoff, Croce’s plane crashed into a pecan tree at the end of the runway. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter, recalls arriving to the scene of the crash…

Cut 9 (13)  “…my mind.”

An event was held at the university on Monday to commemorate Croce’s death.

Six of Louisiana Tech’s most decorated student-athletes will have a statue unveiled in their honor tonight at Champions Plaza. Life-like images of Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Fred Dean will be on display. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…

Cut 14 (11) “…the pros.”

After the statues are unveiled and the living recipients take part in a Q&A session, the public will be allowed to walk through Championship Plaza.