Governor Landry will be in Abbeville this morning, where he’s expected to announce that SpaceX will be building a spaceport in Vermilion Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A celebration of life ceremony for legendary LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman will be held in the PMAC tonight. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is pleased to see the number of officials who are working multiple sports is growing. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Landry will be in Abbeville this morning, where he’s expected to announce that SpaceX will be building a spaceport in coastal Vermilion Parish. Parish President Chad Vallo this is a monumental day for his parish.

Cut 4 (14) “…very good jobs.”

The Pecan Island area is a haven for hunting and fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts are concerned about what the spaceport will mean for them. But Vallo says he’s confident that the net for Vermilion Parish will be overwhelmingly positive, just as a similar project in Brownsville, Texas, has been.

Cut 5 (07) “…community as well.”

Vermilion Parish was hit hard by Hurricane Rita in 2005, and Vallo says SpaceX’s arrival should lead to better protections to avoid a repeat occurrence.

Cut 6 (13) “…us as well.”

The news conference is scheduled to start at 11 a-m. No word on whether SpaceX CEO Elon Musk will be in attendance.

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LSU’s celebration of Skip Bertman’s life will be held in the PMAC tonight at 7 p-m. The event honoring the Louisiana legend who passed away at the age of 88 earlier this month is open to the public. Doors open at 6 p-m, with general admission seating around the upper bowl available. Doug Thompson, one of Bertman’s national champion pitchers, says it is a great opportunity to celebrate an icon.

Cut 7 (11) “…to do it.”

The ceremony will also be broadcast on ESPN-plus and the SEC Network. Thompson says LSU fans are known for showing up for their teams, and he hopes that the PMAC is bursting at the seams with Tiger fans honoring Bertman.

Cut 8 (08) “…we’re so unique.”

A private ceremony will be held with former players, staff and family members. Thompson says grieving Bertman’s passing has been hard, but it is important to come together to celebrate him because the relationships he formed and lives he touched were what he was most proud of.

Cut 9 (09)  “…with his boys.”

Governor Jeff Landry ordered flags around the state to be flown at half-mast in Bertman’s honor.

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is seeing more multi-sport officials. Director of Officials Lee Sanders says there are about four-thousand officials, and 926 of them work multiple sports, which is a 10-percent increase from last year and a 22-percent increase from 2024.

Cut 10 (07) “…and member schools.”

Each multi-sport official will receive a commemorative flipping coin as a token of appreciation. This year’s design celebrates Louisiana’s unique cultural heritage.

Sanders says they are also working to recruit and train the next generation of multi-sport officials, and a lot of skills needed to officiate a particular sport can work for another sport as well.

Cut 11 (09) “…sport to another.”

Sanders says officials who work multiple sports have to dedicate the time, but it’s worth it.

Cut 12 (12) “…that you love.”

The start of the fall sports season is right around the corner. Sanders says they’ve increased the volleyball officials by four percent, there’s a two-percent increase in football refs, and they’re always looking to add more.

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Willis Knighton Health in Bossier City is the first facility in the region to offer a new treatment for thumb arthritis. It’s called the TOUCH CMC 1 Prosthesis, and it’s being performed by hand and wrist surgery specialist Dr. Diego Miranda. He says whereas traditional treatments require complete removal of the trapezium (tra-PEE-zee-um) bone, this new procedure keeps it intact.

Cut 13 (05)  “…the joint surfaces.”

The joint surfaces are replaced with a dual-mobility ball-and-socket implant. Dr. Miranda says like the traditional procedure, this is an outpatient procedure, and the recovery time is three weeks.

Cut 14 (09) “…from then on.”

Miranda says he started offering this new procedure earlier this summer, and the demand for it among patients suffering from thumb arthritis is growing.

Cut 15 (08) “…for this procedure.”

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The Saints will close out the preseason against the Cowboys on Friday. New Orleans will carry three kickers on the roster after signing two-time All-Pro Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. Head coach Kellen Moore says the veteran will join the competition between Charlie Smyth and Tannar Hudson.

Cut 16 (09) “…go from there.”

New Orleans traded former LSU linebacker Deion Jones to the 49ers for running back Zamir White. Jones just signed with the Saints earlier this month, but New Orleans needs depth in the running back room as injuries pile up. Alvin Kamara will be sidelined for a month, Devin Neal reinjured his hamstring and Ty Chandler could be facing a severe knee injury. Moore says White is an experienced back who fits into the scheme well.

Cut 17 (11) “…it’ll be good.”

LSU earned a commitment from former Saints undrafted free agent Zxavian Harris as he returns to college football for a fifth season. Moore’s brother, Kirby, is the head coach at Washington State, and he says the slew of lawsuits giving players new eligibility puts coaches in a bind.

Cut 18 (17) “…developed here shortly.”

Governor Landry will be in Abbeville tomorrow morning, where he’s expected to announce that SpaceX will be building a spaceport in coastal Vermilion Parish. Parish President Chad Vallo this is a monumental day for his parish.

Cut 4 (14) “…very good jobs.”

It’s the new NFL-to-college pipeline, and LSU is poised to be the first beneficiary. After being waived by the Browns, tight end Dae’Quan Wright is set to return to college football, committing to LSU. This is due to a ruling by a Baton Rouge judge granting him a fifth season of eligibility. LSU Coach Lane Kiffin says this is unprecedented.

Cut 9 (11)  “…unique circumstance.”

Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Roseland and contamination concerns remain. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

For the second time in the span of four days, an earthquake rocks north Louisiana. The latest one was a magnitude 2.6 that struck this morning near Pleasant Hill. It comes on the heels of a magnitude 3.4 earthquake that struck Coushatta Friday. No reports of any damage from either quake.

Amazon Web Services holds an open house tomorrow at the Shreveport Convention Center to discuss the three data centers it’s building in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The data centers are expected to create more than 700 permanent jobs, and AWS Vice President of Economic Development Roger Wehner says Amazon will focus on hiring workers from the local community.

Cut 15 (08) “…workforce development.”

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is defending his decision to sign former NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright. The undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss was released by the Browns after not playing a single down in either of the team’s first two preseason games. Kiffin says he and his staff will continue to do whatever it takes to make LSU better.

Cut 11 (10) “…no matter what.”

This past weekend marked the one-year anniversary of the Smitty’s Supply plant explosion in Roseland. The blast released stored motor oils, lubricants and fuel additives into the local environment and the Tangipahoa River. Pat Mashburn lives 35 miles south of the explosion site and told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that wildlife still has not come back…

Cut 3 (08) “…not one.”

A new mRNA vaccine to reduce the risk of melanoma returning is showing great promise when combined with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. Dr. Katherine Chang, an assistant professor of ear, nose and throat surgery at LSU Health Shreveport, says this vaccine could be a game-changer, especially in states like Louisiana.

Cut 12 (10) “…a death sentence.”

It’s the new NFL-to-college pipeline, and LSU is poised to be the first beneficiary. After being waived by the Browns, tight end Dae’Quan Wright is set to return to college football, committing to LSU. This is due to a ruling by a Baton Rouge judge granting him a fifth season of eligibility. LSU Coach Lane Kiffin says this is unprecedented.

Cut 9 (11)  “…unique circumstance.”

It’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” time once again in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says go out and have a good time this Labor Day weekend, but don’t ruin it by driving home when you’re in no condition to do so.

Cut 7 (13) “…all ideal options.”

18 people were killed and 271 people were injured in crashes during Labor Day weekends from 2020 through 2024.

Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Roseland, and contamination concerns remain. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Colleges throughout the state are divvying up one-million dollars to help minimize food insecurity among students. 34 schools are participating in the program. A recent study has shown that some 3.8-million college students across the country – almost one out of every four – experience food insecurity.

August has been extraordinarily dry in Louisiana, with the state getting less than an inch of rainfall. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says whereas May and June reversed drought conditions throughout much of the state, August could be bringing them right back.

Cut 5 (13) “…on the surface.”

Louisiana lawmakers heard from frustrated foster parents upset they’re receiving less money from the state to provide care for kids in state custody. Starting July first, DCFS raised the foster care board rate payments from 600 to 900 dollars a month but stopped reimbursing families for incidental expenses. Danielle Eley from Franklin Parish says it was packaged as a raise for foster parents, but in reality that’s not the case.

Cut 9 (06)  “…go up.”

ULM is expanding its health science offerings, thanks to a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through the Rural Transformation Project. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says one of the three initiatives of the grant is to increase nursing school enrollment.

Cut 7 (08) “…students per year.”

After four years riding the bench, LSU fifth-year senior offensive guard Bo Bordelon has finally cracked the starting lineup. Despite his time on the bench, the former four-star prospect out of Isidore Newman High School says he never considered transferring. When Lane Kiffin and his staff came to Baton Rouge, the Raceland native asked them to give him a chance.

Cut 13 (08) “…what I can do.”

Bordelon and the rest of the LSU Tigers take on Clemson in Baton Rouge September 5th.

The Senate Select Committee on Women and Children heard from frustrated foster parents upset they’re getting less money from the state to provide care for kids in state custody. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says based on the testimony he heard, it’s harder to be a foster parent in Louisiana and urged DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris to bring back the reimbursement policy.

Cut 11 (09) “…this fiscal year.”

ULM receives a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through its Rural Transformation Project, allowing it to expand its health science offerings. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says the grant will allow the college to admit more students.

Cut 8 (12) “…win for everyone.”

May and June were very wet months in Louisiana. August – not so much. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Up north, it’s not only the hot, dry air that’s shaking people up, it’s a magnitude 3.4 earthquake. That’s what people in Red River Parish felt Friday afternoon. It was about five miles deep, with the epicenter just over four miles north-northwest of Edgefield. Some people reported their furniture shaking and their photos falling off the walls.

May and June were very wet months in Louisiana. August – not so much. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Foster parents went before state lawmakers to say a recent policy change has made it more difficult to care for children in state custody. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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What a difference a couple months make in Louisiana. Whereas May and June were marked by torrential rains throughout the state, August is a completely different story. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this month has been almost completely devoid of rain throughout the state.

Cut 3 (09) “…way, way behind.”

Keim says two things are contributing to this unusually dry August here in Louisiana. One is El Nino, which is being largely credited for the forecast of a below-normal hurricane season. The other, Keim says, is a lot of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico which is serving as a pump of hot air into Louisiana.

Cut 4 (12) “…Gulf into Louisiana.”

Keim says whereas May and June reversed drought conditions throughout much of the state, August could be bringing them right back.

Cut 5 (13) “…on the surface.”

Keim says the lack of clouds and water on the surface to cool things off has led to the heatwave that’s been baking much of the state.

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ULM is expanding its health science offerings, thanks to a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through the Rural Transformation Project. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says the grant will allow the school to provide well-educated medical professionals to rural hospitals.

Cut 6 (09) “…becomes very expensive.”

Dr. Bailes says one of the three initiatives of the grant is to increase nursing school enrollment.

Cut 7 (08) “…students per year.”

Bailes says the grant will allow ULM to expand its capacity in its health science college.

Cut 8 (12) “…win for everyone.”

The other two initiatives are adding a Diagnostic Medical Sonography concentration to the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Technology program, and establishing a Nurse Residency Hub serving rural hospitals in northeast Louisiana.

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Louisiana lawmakers heard from frustrated foster parents upset they are receiving less money from the state to provide care for kids in state custody.  Starting July first, DCFS raised the foster care board rate payments from 600 to 900 dollars a month but stopped reimbursing families for incidental expenses. Danielle Eley from Franklin Parish says it was packaged as a raise for foster parents, but in reality that’s not the case.

Cut 9 (06)  “…go up.”

Eley cares for three children and she says the reimbursements help pay for a lot of incidental expenses.

Cut 10 (11) “…theater.”

Eley testified before the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. Covington Senator Patrick McMath is a member of that panel and says based on the testimony, it’s harder to be a foster parent in Louisiana and urged DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris to bring back the reimbursement policy.

Cut 11 (09) “…this fiscal year.”

Harris agreed and reimbursements will return for the remainder of this fiscal year, which will end on June 30th, 2027.

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LSU fifth-year senior offensive guard Bo Bordelon has earned his starting spot the old-fashioned way. The Raceland native spent four years as a backup but has stood out as the likely week one starter during spring and fall practices. He says he just put his head down and worked.

Cut 12 (14) “…100-percent.”

Bordelon was rated as high as a four-star prospect out of Isidore Newman High School. Despite his time on the bench, he says he never considered transferring. When Lane Kiffin and his staff came to Baton Rouge, he asked them to give him a chance.

Cut 13 (08) “…what I can do.”

The son of former standout Tigers lineman Ben Bordelon, Bo says he had to earn his starting job. He made a switch from right tackle to left guard and put on extra weight this offseason. He says his new O-line coaches have made a big difference.

Cut 14 (13) “…what I want.”

Louisiana lawmakers heard from frustrated foster parents upset they’re receiving less money from the state to provide care for kids in state custody.  Starting July first, DCFS raised the foster care board rate payments from 600 to 900 dollars a month but stopped reimbursing families for incidental expenses. Danielle Eley from Franklin Parish says it was packaged as a raise for foster parents, but in reality that’s not the case.

Cut 9 (06)  “…go up.”

ULM receives a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through its Rural Transformation Project, allowing it to expand its health science offerings. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says the grant will allow the college to admit more students.

Cut 8 (12) “…win for everyone.”

We’re in the midst of a weeks-long heat wave; and during periods like this, the 988 Helpline typically sees an increase in volume of calls and texts. That’s because people tend to sleep less in hot weather, making them more agitated. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says the people at the 988 helpline are compassionate people who are there to help.

Cut 15 (07) “…carry anything alone.”

LSU fifth-year senior offensive guard Bo Bordelon has earned his starting spot the old-fashioned way. The Raceland native spent four years as a backup, but he has stood out as the likely week one starter during spring and fall practices. He says he just put his head down and worked.

Cut 12 (08) “…what I can do.” 

Bordelon the rest of the LSU Tigers take on Clemson in Baton Rouge September 5th.

ULM is expanding its health science offerings, thanks to a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through the Rural Transformation Project. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says the grant will allow the school to provide well-educated medical professionals to rural hospitals.

Cut 6 (09) “…becomes very expensive.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism unveil their marketing campaign for out-of-state tourism. Nungesser says the campaign, which was unveiled during the Louisiana Travel Summit in New Orleans, is entitled “Every Moment Feeds Your Soul.”

Cut 10 (11) “…world to Louisiana.”

May and June were very wet months in Louisiana. August – not so much. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

An ICE officer is arrested for allegedly entering his ex-girlfriend’s Covington-area home without her permission. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says they arrested 58-year-old Thomas Bailey this morning on one count of unauthorized entry. Sheriff Bret Ibert says regardless of where you work, the law applies to everyone.

August has been a very dry month throughout Louisiana. Whereas the state averages five inches of rainfall in August; this year, the state has averaged only seven-tenths of an inch. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says two things are at play – El Nino and a lot of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 4 (12) “…Gulf into Louisiana.”

Volunteers at Louisiana’s 988 Helpline get an increase in the volume of calls and texts coming in during periods of brutally hot weather conditions. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says the fact that people normally get less sleep in hot conditions has a lot to do with it.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the crisis line.”

The Louisiana Department of Education announces that physical education classes will be designed to get students moving. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

September 5th won’t be the only time a game featuring LSU will be the featured matchup on ESPN’s College Gameday. Two weeks later, Rece Davis and the crew will be in Oxford, Mississippi, for the highly-anticipated matchup between LSU and Ole Miss. It will be Lane Kiffin’s first game in Oxford since leaving Ole Miss for LSU.