Ed Orgeron says he’s been away long enough – he wants to return to the sidelines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state legislature could return to the state capitol this fall for a redistricting session. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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He may be living the good life in Miami, but former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says he wants to return to the sidelines. Orgeron told Tiger Rag Radio that now that his sons have started their coaching careers, he’s getting the itch to coach again.

Cut 3 (14) “…and compete again.”

Orgeron was fired in 2021 and received a 17-million-dollar buyout– half of which ultimately went to his ex-wife. He says his focus since his firing has been seeing his sons start their coaching careers; and now that they’ve done that, it’s time for him to get back to work.

Cut 4 (09) “…got it done.”

Orgeron says while he would ultimately like to be a head coach; with this being his fourth year away from the game, he would accept any viable coaching opportunity that comes his way, whether it be as a head coach or as an assistant coach.

Cut 5 (10) “…best for us.”

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Louisiana House Speaker Phillip DeVillier has told legislators to keep their calendars open for a possible redistricting special session in late October or November.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are already constitutional questions about Louisiana’s current Congressional map and there’s also an effort to create more Republican seats.

Cut 6 (12) “…Congressional seats.”

The U-S Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on October 15th over whether Louisiana’s current Congressional boundaries are constitutional. The legislature created a second majority minority district last year, but opponents of the current map say politics, not race shaped the new boundaries.

Alford says if lawmakers seek to decide to redraw the Congressional map this fall, how will they reshape the two majority-minority districts.

Cut 7 (10) “…Troy Carter.”

It’s not a guarantee that we will see a redistricting special session this fall, but Alford says if the Republican led legislature goes through that difficult process again, it would be to redraw a map with one majority minority district, not two.

Cut 8 (06) “…back””

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If you’re casting an absentee ballot, you will notice that the envelopes will look different from now on. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says besides incorporating larger print and easier to read instructions, the new envelopes will incorporate changes in election laws that the legislature passed in the last couple years.

Cut 9 (10)  “…legally allowed to.”

Watson says the new envelopes are much more colorful – for a good reason.

Cut 10 (14) “…the pre-addressed envelope.”

Watson says the ultimate goal of the redesigned envelopes is to make it simpler to cast absentee ballots.

Cut 11 (11) “…these absentee ballots.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is celebrating the news released by the state Insurance Department that 20 auto insurers have filed rate decreases. Landry says this includes some of the biggest companies in the industry.

Cut 12 (13) “…and more.”

Landry says the rate decreases are coming after he pushed the legislature to pass several insurance reform measures that target both the insurance industry and attorneys who seek big settlements. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says insurance companies have told him the rate decreases are in response to a decrease in accidents since 2024.

Landry says it’s good to see Louisiana drivers are starting to see relief from some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country.

Cut 13 (04)  “…on the way.”

The Public Service Commission is meeting at this hour, and it may decide whether to approve a power plant that Entergy is looking to build in northeast Louisiana that would power a massive Meta data center. The Alliance for Affordable Energy is asking the commission to hold off on voting on it until October. Executive Director Logan Burke says the project will benefit one company, while everyone else gets to pay for it.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

But Commissioner Mike Francis says most stakeholders appear to be on board with the plan, so there’s no sense in delaying the inevitable. Francis says Louisianans already benefit from some of the lowest energy costs in the country.

Cut 7 (08) “…in the country.”

Crews are making good progress on the Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish. Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says as of yesterday evening, the 24-hundred-acre fire was just under 60-percent contained.

Cut 11 (11) “…soon be out.”

Caldwell says there are no homes or structures threatened, and no one has been forced to evacuate.

Just like across the rest of the country, smoking continues to be on the decline in Louisiana. In 2023, less than 16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted that they smoke. Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says, however, that other tobacco use is on the rise – especially among younger people.

Cut 9 (11)  “…electronic cigarette use.”

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is taking public input on a proposal that would prohibit the rehabilitation of injured coyotes. Farmers and ranchers support the rule change because they say coyotes will prey on cattle, but Dr. Mark Mitchell, a professor of zoological medicine at the LSU Vet school, says there’s a benefit to taking in injured coyotes, bringing them back to health and releasing them back to the wild.

Cut 9 (10)  “…these animals.”

Bitcoin mining company Hut 8 has broken ground on a massive 2.5-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center in West Feliciana Parish. Parish President Kenny Havard says this will be an economic game-changer – not just for the parish, but for the entire region.

Cut 3 (09) “…the people here.”

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey will face her alma mater in a game that will be played in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Crews are making good progress on the Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish. The U.S. Forest Service says the 24-hundred-acre fire is currently just under 60-percent contained. There are no homes or structures threatened, and no one has been forced to evacuate. The fire is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike earlier this month.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is taking public input on a proposal that would prohibit the rehabilitation of injured coyotes. Farmers and ranchers support the rule change because they say coyotes will prey on cattle, but Dr. Mark Mitchell, a professor of zoological medicine at the LSU Vet school, says there’s a benefit to taking in injured coyotes, bringing them back to health and releasing them back to the wild.

Cut 9 (10)  “…these animals.”

Bitcoin mining company Hut 8 has broken ground on a massive 2.5-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center in West Feliciana Parish. As with all data centers, there is concern about the energy that this one will require to operate. Parish President Kenny Havard says the parish is well-equipped to handle the demand.

Cut 4 (08) “…some of that.”

The LSU women’s and men’s basketball teams will play in a doubleheader at the Smoothie King Center in December. The first game will pit the Lady Tigers against Kim Mulkey’s alma mater, the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters. Rhossi Carron (“Karen”) with United Sports and Entertainment says that will add an extra special dimension to the event.

Cut 7 (10) “…for everybody involved.”

The men will wrap up the day’s festivities by taking on SMU.

Governor Landry is sending about 135 Louisiana National Guard soldiers to Washington, DC. Lieutenant Colonel Noel (no-ELL) Collins says the mission for the National Guard soldiers is to restore safety and peace in the nation’s capital.

Cut 15 (06) “…variety of tasks.”

Louisiana joins a growing list of Republican-led states to send national guard troops to Washington, DC, at President Trump’s request.

Bitcoin mining company Hut 8 has broken ground on a massive 2.5-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center in West Feliciana Parish. It will consist of two, 450-thousand-square-foot buildings, and it will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Parish President Kenny Havard says this will be an economic game-changer – not just for the parish, but for the entire region.

Cut 3 (09) “…the people here.”

It will be a unique doubleheader at the Smoothie King Center in December as the LSU women’s and men’s basketball teams will compete in the Compete 4 Cause Classic on December 13th. Rhossi Carron (“Karen”) with United Sports and Entertainment says what’s unique about this event is that all student athletes will work with kids in the New Orleans community the day before the game.

Cut 6 (09) “…the local community.”

The LSU presidential search committee held its first meeting today; while it’s a nationwide search, there are a few local candidates.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Cables dangling from a construction crane over westbound I-10 caused four crashes early Saturday morning. State Trooper Henry Perez says 37-year-old Matthew Vincent of Vinton decided to hop into the idle crane in the median near Highway 108, about eight miles from the Texas state line, and moved the cables over the westbound lanes.

Cut 7 (12) “…on an Interstate.”

Investigators were led to Vincent after finding the key fob to his disabled pickup truck inside the crane.

Those with seizure disorders now have the option of having an indicator placed on their driver’s licenses. Nick Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) with the Department of Public Safety says eligible residents can now apply to have the designation added to their licenses or ID cards.

Cut 14 (06) “…with seizure disorders.”

Joe Salter, who served as Louisiana’s House Speaker, during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, has died at the age of 82. Jeff Palermo looks back at his life.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Landry is sending about 135 National Guard soldiers to Washington, DC. The Governor says he’s acting on a request from President Trump to restore order in the nation’s capital. Landry says he’s proud to support the mission to return safety to Washington and to cities across the country, including in Louisiana.

Former Louisiana House Speaker Joe Salter has died at the age of 82. Salter was an educator from Sabine Parish and spent 22 years in the House. He served as House Speaker from 2004 to 2008 when Kathleen Blanco was governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat remembers Salter as a friendly man.

Cut 9 (12)  “…consoling.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser hopes that the new Mardi Gras service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, leads to an expansion of passenger rail service throughout Louisiana. He said he’d like to see service from Baton Rouge to New Orleans and then Baton Rouge to Shreveport and a line that crosses north Louisiana along I-20.

Cut 4 (12) “…will be.”

Drivers headed to Texas on I-10 early Saturday morning found themselves having to dodge unexpected obstacles up above. Cables dangling from a construction crane caused four crashes, in which two people suffered minor injuries. State Trooper Henry Perez says 37-year-old Matthew Vincent of Vinton decided to hop into the idle crane in the median near Highway 108, about eight miles from the Texas state line, and moved the cables over the westbound lanes.

Cut 7 (12) “…on an Interstate.”

Perez says investigators were led to Vincent after finding the key fob to his disabled pickup truck inside the crane.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is excited about the possibilities Amtrak’s new passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile will bring to the state. Nungesser says the new passenger rail service is another attraction for international travelers…

Cut 3 (07) “…of New Orleans.”

Drivers headed to Texas on I-10 early Saturday morning found themselves having to dodge cables dangling from a construction crane. State Police Trooper Henry Perez says 37-year-old Matthew Vincent of Vinton, for some unknown reason, decided to hop into the idle crane in the median near Highway 108, about eight miles from the Texas state line, and moved the cables over the westbound lanes.

Cut 6 (07) “…and hijacked it.”

Perez says investigators found Vincent’s key fob inside the crane, making it very easy for them to identify their suspect.

So how strong is the public corruption case against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell? Jeanne Burns spoke with a legal analyst who says it’s very strong.

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Saints Coach Kellen Moore may have a difficult decision ahead of him as to who the starting quarterback will be this season. Tyler Shough started yesterday, but Spencer Rattler rallied the team to a game-tying touchdown in the waning moments of the game.

LaToya Cantrell has made history – albeit dubious history. She has become the first sitting mayor in New Orleans history to be indicted. She and retired NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie (VAH-pee) are accused of covering up a romantic relationship, cheating the city out of 70-thousand dollars for trips they took together under the guise of Vappie providing security. Loyola University New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says he’s surprised the indictment didn’t come sooner.

Cut 9 (11)  “…year ago”

Passenger rail service starts today between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, as Amtrak’s new “Mardi Gras Service” begins twice-daily routes. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says interest is high.

Cut 10 (10) “…by that.”

The service will have morning and evening departures and the train will also make stops along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

Some good news about auto insurance rates. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says auto insurers have filed over 20 rate decreases in the Louisiana market.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

College students are starting to return to campus for the fall semester. In fact, in Baton Rouge, today marks the first day of the fall semester at Southern University. LSU students spent the weekend moving in, with this week being Welcome Week. Fall semester starts one week from today.

In the less than five months she has left in her term, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell finds herself under an 18-count federal indictment for allegedly trying to cover up a romantic relationship with her bodyguard. Prosecutors say Cantrell and retired NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie cheated the city out of 70-thousand dollars for trips they took together. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the evidence will be difficult for Cantrell to defend.

Cut 7 (11) “…70-thousand dollars.”

In a sign that the auto insurance market might be improving, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says auto insurers have filed over 20 rate decreases since the start of the year. Temple says 14 of those decreases were for more than one percent.

Cut 4 (11) “…accident frequency.”

All aboard! Amtrak’s new “Mardi Gras” service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, is now underway, with twice-daily round-trip service. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross expects the train will have passengers taking a day trip or weekend trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast or Mobile…

Cut 11 (11) “…the day.”

They say a tie is like kissing your sister. Whether you believe that or not, that doesn’t change the fact that the Saints and Jaguars played to a 17-to-17 tie. Spencer Rattler played the entire second half, throwing for 199 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Cut 14 (14) “…big time today.”