There are still about three thousand seven hundred people in the dark in the Shreveport-Bossier City region after a bad storm Wednesday knocked out several trees and downed power lines. SWEPCO says the damage was so bad in some areas that the outages could go into the weekend but they’ve called in out of state crews to help.

LSU AgCenter researchers continue to look at ways to combat feral hog populations throughout the state. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 3 (35) “reporting”

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has rolled out the red carpet for the New Orleans Saints who begin training camp there today. The Black and Gold will spend the next three weeks getting ready for the upcoming season at the Greenbrier resort. Kara Dense, with the Greenbrier Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, says  this is a great chance for some out of town Saints fans to watch the team play…:
CUT 8 (11) “watch them practice”
She says the locals aren’t used to seeing big name stars like Quarterback Drew Brees aren’t town and everyone is eating it up.

The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected descend on coastal town to enjoy the festivities. The event, which runs through Saturday, is billed as “the oldest fishing tournament in the United States.” Town spokeswoman Bonnie Pizani (piz-annie) says businesses across the island look forward to the economic boost the thousands of people who attend the event bring every year…:
CUT 5 (08) “of the year”
In addition to the fishing, she says the event will also feature family events, craft vendors, crab races, live music, and more.

Governor Bobby Jindal announces specialty chemicals maker Stepan Co. will complete front-end and design work for a potential $60 million to $70 million chemical production facility in Ascension Parish. The Chicago based company authorized the feasibility work and will make a final investment decision next year.