We’re heading into the Labor Day weekend with sky-high gas prices. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A one-dollar coin featuring President Trump is now available. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments today on whether dozens of former college athletes, including those who signed pro contracts, should be allowed to return to college sports this season. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As we head into the Labor Day holiday, we’re paying a lot more for gasoline than we were during the Labor Day holiday last year. Triple-A Louisiana says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is about $3.72, which is about a dollar higher than last year. Don Redman with Triple-A says that year-over-year spike in gas prices shouldn’t have much of an impact on Labor Day travel plans.

Cut 4 (08) “…their personal economies.”

Redman says whereas Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are huge travel holidays, that’s not usually the case for Labor Day.

Cut 5 (06) “…back in session.”

Redman says with Labor Day not typically a huge travel weekend, high gas prices may have an effect on what day trips people end up taking during the long weekend.

Cut 6 (07) “…at state parks.”

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A one-dollar coin featuring the likeness of President Trump is now available for purchase and is also entering circulation. U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis of Mandeville says 250-thousand of the coins were released yesterday.

Cut 7 (08) “…an amazing design.”

The coin is part of a series being released this year to commemorate America’s 250th birthday.

The front of the coin features a portrait of President Trump, along with the inscriptions “Liberty,” “In God We Trust” and…

Cut 8 (07) “…of the coin.”

Hollis says Trump is not the first sitting president to appear on an American coin. During the nation’s 150th anniversary celebration, a commemorative coin featuring President Calvin Coolidge was produced. Subsequently, however, the Presidential One-Dollar Coin Act of 2005, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush, explicitly prohibits coins featuring the likeness of a current or a living former president or a president who has been deceased for less than two years.

Rolls and bags of the Trump one-dollar coins are available for purchase through the U.S. Mint.

Cut 9 (11)  “…ten-million examples.”

But Hollis says thousands of the coins have also been placed into circulation, meaning you could eventually come across one in your pocket change.

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If hunting supplies are on your shopping list, you can keep the sales tax by buying them this weekend. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the annual 2nd Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday.

Cut 10 (10) “…local sales tax.”

Henderson says the sales tax holiday only applies to consumer purchases; it does not apply to business or commercial purchases.

Cut 11 (12) “…types of knives.”

Henderson says there are items, however, which are not eligible for the sales tax exemption.

Cut 12 (08) “…such as airboats.”

For more information, including a full list of what’s eligible and ineligible for the sales tax exemption, visit revenue.la.gov/SecondAmendment.

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The blockbuster preliminary injunction hearing that could determine whether LSU and other SEC schools will be allowed to sign players who signed NFL contracts takes place in Baton Rouge this afternoon. Tony Clayton, one of the attorneys representing the 40-plus players seeking a fifth season of eligibility, says he is confident in their case.

Cut 13 (10)  “…and the facts.”

Judge William Jorden granted the athletes a temporary restraining order to return to college sports and enter the transfer portal. John Holden, an associate professor of business law at Indiana University, says the players’ lawsuit is based in antitrust law.

Cut 14 (11) “…from the players.”

The SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey joined the NCAA as defendants in the lawsuit after conference presidents approved a policy prohibiting schools from signing the former pros made eligible by the TRO. Holden says winning a preliminary injunction depends on proving immediate harm is caused without it.

Cut 15 (14) “…over the players.”

An appeal is expected no matter which side Judge Jorden rules in favor of.

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Just two more days before 11th ranked LSU and Clemson face off in Tiger Stadium to kick off the 2026 season. Are the Tigers locked in despite all the court room drama surrounding the fifth-year players that LSU is interested in adding to the roster? Linebacker Whit Weeks says it’s not a big deal at all for the players.

Cut 16 (11) “… day of work.”

Weeks is wearing number seven this season because of his playmaking ability. Tight end Trey’Dez Green is also wearing the number seven jersey as he’s expected to be one of quarterback Sam Leavitt’s favorite targets. Green says he and his Q-B have a great relationship.

Cut 17 (15) “…him my quarterback.”

Green had 33 catches for 433 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He has 11 touchdown grabs in his two seasons in Tiger Town. It’s expected that Head Coach Lane Kiffin and Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s game plan will likely call for more targets for Green, and the six-foot-seven junior is ready to take on the added responsibility.

Cut 18 (12) “…I love ’em.”

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ULM begins its football season Saturday at Mississippi State. The Warhawks are entering their third season under head coach Bryant Vincent. He says this year’s team has had a great offseason and is the most mature one he has coached in Monroe.

Cut 19 (17) “…are real goals.”

The Warhawks finished last season last in the Sun Belt West with a 3-and-9 record and lost their last eight games. Vincent says playing an SEC team in week one is obviously a big challenge, but he welcomes the early test.

Cut 20 (19) “…never been in.”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue sends letters to almost 23-thousand taxpayers letting them know they have until Friday to cash their tax refund checks before the money goes into Unclaimed Property. Department Spokesman Byron Henderson says if that happens, those checks become void, and they can claim that money in one of two ways.

Cut 5 (12) “…to the letter.”

The Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City will host the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball championships for the next three years. Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry says this is a huge milestone for the league, which includes Centenary College in Shreveport.

Cut 8 (06) “…participate in.”

The 2027 event will be held February 26th to the 28th.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin says he asked his players if they were okay with recruiting fifth-year and former NFL players, and they said yes. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Funeral arrangements for former LSU All-American football player Jerry Stovall have been announced. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge Friday at 11:30 a-m, with visitation taking place beforehand. Stovall passed away late last month at the age of 85.

On Friday, the state is slated to move millions of dollars in uncashed tax refunds to the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office. The average uncashed refund is more than 750 dollars, and Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue points out with almost 23-thousand people yet to cash their refund checks, those amounts add up.

Cut 4 (09) “…is 17,145,961 dollars.”

As football season gets underway, the state is reminding you that smoking marijuana on a school campus or within two-thousand feet of school property is now a felony, punishable by up to a year in jail and a thousand-dollar fine. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored the legislation after hearing football fans complaining about smelling pot while tailgating.

Cut 13 (09) “…just that.”

LSU players appear to be cool with former NFL players signing with the team so close to the first game of the season. Notre Dame transfer defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka and former Ole Miss and NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright are now practicing with the Tigers. Senior linebacker Whit Weeks says they have been valuable additions and the team is not distracted by outside noise.

Cut 10 (12) “…their business.” 

The Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City will host the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball championships for the next three years, starting in February of 2027. Bossier City councilman Brian Hammons says they are excited to welcome the SCAC student-athletes, families and fans.

Cut 6 (12) “…to us.”

If you were issued your state tax refund by paper check and have not yet cashed it, you have until Friday to do so before that money gets transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the department sent letters to almost 23-thousand individual and business taxpayers.

Cut 3 (12) “…cash those checks.”

That money totals more than 17-million dollars.

With football season getting underway, Governor Landry is reminding you about a new state law that makes it a felony to smoke marijuana on a school campus or within two-thousand feet of school property. Landry says anyone convicted could face up to one year in prison and a one-thousand-dollar fine.

Cut 12 (09) “…season.” 

LSU coach Lane Kiffin says he asked his players if they were okay with recruiting fifth-year and former NFL players, and they said yes. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

In November, LSU students can get a free lesson on credit education from Shaquille O’Neal. The basketball hall of famer who earned his undergrad degree from LSU and subsequently earned a doctorate will be at Fred’s Bar in Tigerland as part of a national tour across several universities.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue sends letters to almost 23-thousand taxpayers letting them know they have until Friday to cash their tax refund checks before the money goes into Unclaimed Property. Department Spokesman Byron Henderson says if that happens, those checks become void, and they can claim that money in one of two ways.

Cut 5 (12) “…to the letter.”

September is Love Our Waterways month. Those of you with boats are encouraged to pick up a bucket at your local marina and head out onto the water to pick up litter from the surface. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says even if you don’t have a boat, you can still participate in the cleanup effort.

Cut 14 (11) “…lakes and bayous.”

The LSU Alumni Association launches its Tiger Nation Challenge for 2026. Vice President of Development Lauren Griffin says this year, in honor of LSU’s big game against Clemson in the real Death Valley, they’re having a friendly competition with Clemson’s alumni association to see which school can raise more money.

Cut 11 (08) “…can get involved.”

Griffin says since this is a friendly competition, the winning school will merely get the satisfaction of winning.

The Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City will host the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball championships for the next three years. Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry says this is a huge milestone for the league, which includes Centenary College in Shreveport.

Cut 8 (06) “…participate in.”

The 2027 event will be held February 26th to the 28th.

If you were issued your state tax refund by paper check and have not yet cashed it, you have until Friday to do so before that money gets transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the department sent letters to almost 23-thousand individual and business taxpayers.

Cut 3 (12) “…cash those checks.”

That money totals more than 17-million dollars.

The long-anticipated spin-off of Love The Boot is now underway as Love Our Waterways is going on throughout the entire month of September. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says litter in the state’s waterways is just as much an issue as litter on land.

Cut 13 (08)  “…litter you see.”

As another LSU school year gets underway, the LSU Alumni Association is launching its Tiger Nation Challenge for 2026. This year, LSU is holding a friendly competition with Clemson to see which school can raise the most money. Vice President of Development Lauren Griffin says you don’t even need to be an LSU alum to take part.

Cut 12 (10) “…welcome for sure.”

DOTD is launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest for 2026.  Rodney Mallett with DOTD says while the video contest is in its second year in Louisiana, the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Challenge is actually a national initiative that’s been going on for years.

Cut 9 (05)  “…started in Missouri.”

There are prizes for the best videos – five-thousand dollars for first place, 35-hundred dollars for second place and 15-hundred dollars for third place.

Tropical Storm Edouard makes landfall in Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center says Edouard made landfall shortly before 2:30 this afternoon near Johnson Bayou – eight miles from the Texas state line – packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles an hour.

A legal analyst says it’ll be difficult for the parents of a Belle Chasse teenager to win a civil lawsuit against the owners of an abandoned building where their son fell to his death. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

September is Love Our Waterways month in Louisiana. Throughout the month, you’re encouraged to pick up a bucket at your local marina, head out onto the water in your boat and pick up litter. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says even if you don’t have a boat, you can still participate.

Cut 14 (11) “…lakes and bayous.”

Ahead of his team’s much-anticipated season-opener against LSU in the REAL Death Valley, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney calls LSU’s pursuit of former NFL players “embarrassing.” Swinney says there’s no governance in the matter.

Cut 10 (11) “…where we are.” 

LSU is currently the only school to publicly receive any commitments from former pro football players. 

It’s not long now until Tropical Storm Edouard makes landfall. As of one this afternoon, the eye of Edouard moved to within 20 miles of Cameron, with maximum sustained winds holding steady at 50 miles an hour. National Weather Service Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says while the storm surge watch has been discontinued, the tropical storm warning is still in effect, so people should not let their guard down.

Cut 23 (06) “…miles per hour.”

A legal analyst says the family of a teen who was killed when he fell inside the abandoned Plaza Tower in New Orleans has an uphill battle in order to win a planned lawsuit against the building’s owners. Attorneys allege the building’s owners failed to board it up and install adequate fencing. But Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says a jury or judge may ultimately rule that Jacque St. Ann and his friends should have known better.

Cut 8 (06) “…die”

Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts is set to be released from jail this Sunday. This, despite an effort by prosecutors to lengthen her sentence for having sex with a 16-year-old boy while she was the mayor.  Pamela Sleezer is covering the case for the American Press and says Judge Kent Savoie believes the maximum sentence of ten years was a little overboard for a first-time offender.

Cut 12 (08) “…opinion on anything.”

Former LSU All-American football player Jerry Stovall has passed away at the age of 85. Stovall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and told KNOE-TV in an interview the prior year that he never thought such an accomplishment was possible.

Cut 15 (12) “…lot of people.”

We’re keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Edouard as it makes its way to the coast near the Louisiana-Texas line. On its current track, it’s expected to make landfall sometime this afternoon. As of seven this morning, it was located about 40 miles south-southeast of Cameron, packing maximum sustained winds of 40 miles an hour. While it’s forecast to make landfall as a tropical storm, LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says conditions are ripe for the storm to reach hurricane strength.

Cut 23 (08) “…into a hurricane.”

An advocacy group is suing the Louisiana Department of Corrections over keeping people behind bars past their scheduled release dates. Promise of Justice Initiative Attorney Cecelia Kappel says the excess time prisoners are spending behind bars varies.

Cut 8 (11) “…to be released.”

A judge denies a motion by prosecutors to lengthen the sentence of former DeRidder Mayor Misti Roberts, who was found guilty of having sex with an underage boy. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

He was suspected of DWI, when in fact he was experiencing a medical episode. Back in July, Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine became disoriented due to dehydration from the lack of food and water combined with an adverse reaction to a GLP-1 weight loss drug.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coastal areas of Cameron and Vermilion parishes as a likely tropical storm is taking aim. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says had the storm formed further out in the Gulf of Mexico, the area could have been staring down a hurricane.

Cut 4 (16) “…a vicious monster.”

A new survey shows that more people are working past their planned retirement age. LSU New Orleans business professor Mark Rosa says inflation is a big reason, saying it’s gotten so bad that people are raiding their retirement accounts just to meet their monthly obligations.

Cut 10 (12) “…gone up suddenly.” 

The family of the teenager who fell to his death at the dilapidated Plaza Tower in New Orleans plans to sue the building’s owners. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With high school football starting this week, Governor Landry has sent a letter to the LHSAA asking it to remind its member schools about the change in state law regarding marijuana use near school facilities. The new increases penalties for possessing marijuana within two-thousand feet of a school to up to a year in jail and a one-thousand dollar fine.