New Orleans’ chances of hosting the Super Bowl in 2031 are in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state have missed a key deadline to bid on hosting the game that year, which is the earliest that the Super Bowl can return to the city. Greg Bensel with the Saints says the big holdup has been the ongoing negotiations on a lease extension for the state-owned Superdome.

Cut 3 (10) “…is very close.”

A major milestone for the I-20 project in Bossier City, as the project marks two years since reconstruction got underway. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchahan says the project should be completed either by the end of this year or by February of next year. Until then, there are still a few major things left to do.

Cut 11 (10) “…currently being paved.”

We could be just a few short weeks away from being out of hurricane danger for 2025 and we can thank a Bermuda High. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Longtime Lafayette Prosecutor Gary Haynes is convicted on all counts in his federal bribery case. Haynes was found guilty of conspiring to solicit bribes and kickbacks during his time at the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The jury took less than three hours to render its verdict. Haynes faces up to 65 years in federal prison.

New Orleans’ chances of hosting the Super Bowl in 2031 are in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state have missed a key deadline to bid on hosting the game that year, which is the earliest that the Super Bowl can return to the city. Greg Bensel with the Saints says the big holdup has been the ongoing negotiations on a lease extension for the state-owned Superdome.

Cut 3 (10) “…is very close.”

There are several major projects underway at LSU. Interim President Matt Lee says the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building will open next year, and the school is also working to meet the housing demand, given record enrollment.

Cut 12 (13) “…modern academic centerpiece.”

It took nearly a decade, but deputies in Terrebonne Parish have arrested two men in connection with the murder of a woman. On December 1st, 2015, 56-year-old Pamela Johnson was shot to death. Her husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson, was arrested, along with 43-year-old Shannon Robinson. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet (SOIN-yay) says it was only recently when detectives got their big break.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for financial gain.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging caution after a fifth person has died from Vibrio vulnificus. This year, 26 residents have been infected, 24 of whom have an underlying medical condition. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says there are certain medical conditions that increase the risk for severe complications.

Cut 5 (12) “…recent stomach surgery.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging caution after a fifth person has died of Vibrio vulnificus. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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U-S Representative Julia Letlow tells a Baton Rouge radio station she’s running for re-election to the House and will not challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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After nearly a decade, two men are arrested for the murder of a woman in Terrebonne Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is urging caution after a fifth person has died from Vibrio vulnificus. Those five are among 26 Louisiana residents who have been infected by the bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters and are found in higher numbers in the warmer months of May through October. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s a very severe disease.

Cut 4 (07) “…has required hospitalization.”

Of the 26 cases, 24 have had an underlying medical condition. Sokol says there are certain medical conditions that increase the risk for infection and severe complications.

Cut 5 (12) “…recent stomach surgery.”

Sokol says if you have an open wound and it becomes exposed to coastal waters or raw or undercooked seafood, you will want to take action right away, since the bacteria can potentially kill within one to two days.

Cut 6 (07) “…or raw seafood.”

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The speculation can end over whether Republican U-S Representative Julia Letlow will challenge G-O-P Senator Bill Cassidy. Letlow told Talk 107-3 Baton Rouge that she will not run for U-S Senate next year; instead, she’ll seek re-election to continue to represent Louisiana’s 5^th Congressional District. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Cassidy is likely relieved over this news.

Cut 7 (10) “…someone like Trump.”

Cassidy will still likely face three well-known Republican challengers in next April’s primary — state Treasurer John Fleming, State Senator Blake Miguez and PSC member Eric Skrmetta. Hogan says it’s far from a guarantee that Cassidy will be re-elected.

Cut 8 (08) “…going to do.”

Cassidy got on President Trump’s bad side when he voted in 2021 to convict then-former President Trump in his second impeachment trial. Cassidy has worked hard to mend the relationship by supporting his legislation and political appointees, including U-S Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hogan says if President Trump endorses someone other than Cassidy in the primary, it will not be good for Louisiana’s senior senator.

Cut 9 (07)  “…to overcome.”

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LSU’s freshmen class for the flagship campus in Baton Rouge is the largest incoming class in the school’s history. LSU interim president Matt Lee says there are nearly 82-hundred first-time freshmen on campus, and more than five-thousand of them are Louisiana residents — and this class is the most academically accomplished.

Cut 10 (09) “…over last year.”

Lee says LSU Eunice, LSU Alexandria and LSU Shreveport also set enrollment records this year. Lee made the announcement as he was giving a “State of the University” address.

The interim president also announced LSU’s research enterprise has crossed the 500-million mark for the first time in history.

Cut 11 (10) “…and talent development.”

Lee says there are also several major projects underway. He says the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building will open next year, and the school is also working to meet the housing demand.

Cut 12 (13) “…modern academic centerpiece.”

Lee says LSU is also committing more than 100-million dollars to the construction of a new Construction and Advanced Manufacturing Building.

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It took nearly a decade, but deputies in Terrebonne Parish have arrested two men in connection with the murder of a woman. On December 1st, 2015, 56-year-old Pamela Johnson was shot to death. This week, her husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson, was arrested, along with 43-year-old Shannon Robinson. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet (SOIN-yay) says it was only recently when detectives got their big break.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for financial gain.”

District Attorney Joseph Waitz says the Johnsons were going through a divorce at the time.

Cut 14 (08) “…very tragic.”

Waitz says Charles Johnson had hired Robinson to shoot his wife to death.

Cut 15 (06) “…protect his property.”

Johnson and Robinson are both being held without bond. Soignet and Waitz say this is still an active investigation, and more arrests are likely.

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Last season, most of LSU’s Ju’Juan Johnson’s snaps came at running back. Johnson started the offseason as a quarterback but made the switch back to running back after the arrest of J-T Lindsey left a hole in the running back room. Johnson said that going back to running back was not as hard after already being familiar with the offensive structure.

Cut 16 (17) “…way easier.”

Johnson has always been a remarkable athlete, especially in his time at Lafayette Christian Academy, where he set the Louisiana record for total touchdowns with 171 and total yards with 14,451. Johnson initially thought he would be a successful quarterback in Baton Rouge but quickly realized that playing running back felt more natural to him.

Cut 17 (14)  “…and stuff.”

LSU’s offense has struggled to get in the end zone so far this season, scoring only four touchdowns in its first three games. Sophomore running back Ju’Juan Johnson says that the offense has to improve, but the group is still very confident in its ability to score.

Cut 18 (15) “…of confidence.”

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U-L Lafayette is coming off an embarrassing 52-10 loss to Missouri, where the Cajuns offense only managed to pass for four total yards during the entire game. U-L Lafayette ranks dead last in the country in passing offense, averaging just 59 yards a game through the air. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says that the Cajuns have to find a way to open up the pass offense.

Cut 19 (21) “…in rhythm.”

UL-Lafayette finds itself 1-and-2 before conference play begins. The Cajuns will go on the road to face Eastern Michigan this weekend before entering Sun Belt play, and Desormeaux wants to see his team respond to adversity.

Cut 20 (17) “…to play well.”

Deputies in Terrebonne Parish arrest two men in connection with the murder of a woman nearly a decade ago. On December 1st, 2015, 56-year-old Pamela Johnson was shot to death. This week, her husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson, was arrested, along with 43-year-old Shannon Robinson. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet (SOIN-yay) says it was only recently when detectives got their big break.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for financial gain.”

The lack of proper restraint may have been the difference between life and death for one Covington girl. State Police say eight-year-old Jewel Leger was riding in a Toyota Camry that veered off Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish yesterday morning. Trooper Mark Gremillion says the driver was restrained and suffered moderate injuries, but Jewel was not as fortunate.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the scene.”

LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has a torso injury, but he’ll play on Saturday night against Southeastern Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Some tense moments near the State Capitol today as someone wanting to talk to agents at the attorney general’s office was reported to be carrying a firearm. Security protocols were initiated at the Livingston Building as a precaution. Agents found the man near the Capitol, he was very cooperative, and he was interviewed by the A-G’s office. As for the reported firearm, it was legally inside his vehicle.

It took nearly a decade, but detectives in Terrebonne Parish have arrested two men in connection with the murder of a woman. On December 1st, 2015, deputies found 56-year-old Pamela Johnson shot to death. This week, deputies arrested her husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson, and 43-year-old Shannon Robinson. District Attorney Joseph Waitz says the Johnsons were going through a divorce at the time. 

Cut 13 (08)  “…very tragic.”

An eight-year-old Covington girl is killed in a crash, and State Police say the lack of proper restraint may have made the difference between life and death. Jewel Leger was riding unrestrained in the front seat of a Toyota Camry that veered off Highway 40 and hit a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Trooper Mark Gremillion says the front seat of a vehicle is no place for a child.

Cut 8 (08) “…child safety seat.”

Southeastern Louisiana University’s enrollment tops 15-thousand-500 – its strongest enrollment in 13 years. University President Dr. William Wainwright says it’s a testament to the school’s commitment to offer degree programs that will be of good use to students here in Louisiana. He says the university will continue to keep a close eye on the industries in Louisiana where the need for talent is greatest.

Cut 5 (07) “…programs as well.”

Southeastern’s football team travels 48 miles west Saturday, mostly along I-12, to take on LSU in a game that’s not expected to be close. LSU coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier will play despite a torso injury. It’s an injury Nussmeier suffered during preseason camp, and Kelly says Nuss is feeling better.

Cut 9 (08)  “…do that.”

There’s one Republican who will NOT be challenging Bill Cassidy next year. There’s been speculation that Congresswoman Julia Letlow could add her name to the primary ballot. But during an interview with Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Letlow says she’s happy where she is, and she’ll be seeking re-election to her current seat in the House.

Cut 11 (09) “…at hand.”

The lack of proper restraint may have been the difference between life and death for one Covington girl. State Police say eight-year-old Jewel Leger was riding in a Toyota Camry that, for an unknown reason, veered off Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish yesterday morning. Trooper Mark Gremillion says the driver was restrained and suffered moderate injuries, but Jewel was not as fortunate.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the scene.”

Southeastern Louisiana University is the latest school to report strong enrollment numbers. It boosted its enrollment from last year by almost eight-percent to more than 15-thousand-500. President Dr. William Wainwright says one reason for the strong enrollment number is the school’s commitment to offer degree programs that will be of good use to students here in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13) “…of MBA graduate.”

Southeastern’s football team, meanwhile, travels 48 miles west, mostly along I-12, to take on LSU Saturday in a game that’s not expected to be close. LSU coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier will play despite a torso injury. It’s an injury Nussmeier suffered during preseason camp, and Kelly says Nuss is feeling better.

Cut 9 (08)  “…do that.”

An eight-year-old Covington girl is killed in a crash, and State Police say the lack of proper restraint may have made the difference between life and death. Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says it happened as a car was going along Louisiana Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish just before 8:30 yesterday morning.

Cut 6 (04) “…struck a tree.”

Jewell Leger was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was properly restrained and suffered moderate injuries. As far as any potential charges, Gremillion says that’s still under investigation.

Southeastern Louisiana University sees its strongest enrollment in 13 years. Southeastern’s enrollment now stands at more than 15-thousand. University President Dr. William Wainwright says that’s nearly an eight-percent increase over last year.

Cut 3 (12) “…jobs in Louisiana.”

The Washington Post is reporting that the White House is planning to deploy up to a thousand National Guard troops to various cities throughout Louisiana. Governor Landry supports the idea.

Cut 13 (09)  “…already war zones.”

Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, who represents New Orleans, doesn’t see it that way. He says sending in the National Guard is counterproductive.

Cut 14 (13) “…insult to injury.”

The White House may be planning to deploy up to a thousand National Guard troops to various cities throughout Louisiana. This, according to a recent report in the Washington Post. Congressman Troy Carter, whose district includes New Orleans, says Governor Landry and the Louisiana State Police have already implemented an alternative that has proven to lower crime in New Orleans by establishing Troop NOLA.

Cut 15 (11) “…making a difference.”

Landry was asked for his reaction during an economic development news conference. He said reducing crime with the help of the National Guard will ultimately help attract business.

Cut 16 (09) “…face of violence.”

New Orleans and Baton Rouge have been mentioned as cities where the White House may send National Guard troops.

A new Louisiana transportation agency is working on repairing dozens of rural bridges by the end of 2026. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A fifth person has died from Vibrio vulnificus. Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters and are found in higher numbers in the warmer months of May through October. It can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when someone eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.

Several Louisiana legislators from both parties have received postcards containing graphic images of a lynching. The postcard has an image of two people hanging from a noose with the words “Thank You.” Republican Representative Mike Bayham of Chalmette was among those who received one; he says the F-B-I is investigating.

Cut 9 (10)  “…legislators.”

Another Louisiana school is reporting surging enrollment. LSU Alexandria has announced that its enrollment has grown to just under 77-hundred students. Abbey Bain, the vice chancellor for enrollment and student engagement, says LSUA also has more than 45-hundred students who take their classes entirely online.

Cut 6 (11) “…further their career.”

Southeastern football will take a short trip down I-12 to Baton Rouge to face the number three-ranked LSU Tigers this Saturday. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The longtime 21st District Attorney has announced that he is not seeking re-election. Scott Perrilloux’s decision will bring an end to a 30-year run as the chief prosecutor in Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes. Perrilloux will continue to serve until January 10th, 2027.

A new Louisiana transportation agency is working on repairing dozens of rural bridges by the end of 2026. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Washington Post is reporting the White House has plans to send as many as one-thousand National Guard troops to various cities in Louisiana. Reaction to the possibility is mixed. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Southeastern football will take a short trip down I-12 to Baton Rouge to face the number three-ranked LSU Tigers this Saturday. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Another Louisiana school is reporting surging enrollment. LSU Alexandria has announced that its enrollment has grown to just under 77-hundred students. Abbey Bain, the vice chancellor for enrollment and student engagement, says it’s a continuation of a long winning streak for the school.

Cut 4 (05) “…record-breaking enrollment.”

In 2019, enrollment at LSUA was just under 33-hundred. Bain says even though enrollment has more than doubled since then, it hasn’t lost sight of its core mission as a small undergraduate school.

Cut 5 (12) “…and our faculty.”

Bain says in addition, LSUA has more than 45-hundred students who take their classes entirely online.

Cut 6 (11) “…further their career.”

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Several Louisiana legislators have received postcards containing graphic images of a lynching. Republican State Representative Mike Bayham of Chalmette was one of the lawmakers who received the nefarious postcard.

Cut 7 (13) “…disturbing images.”

The postcard has a image of two people hanging from a noose with the words “Thank You.” He says the postcard has the Department of Homeland Security’s mailing address with Secretary Kristi Noem’s name.

Cut 8 (10) “…federal authorities.”

Bayham says the F-B-I is now investigating.

Cut 9 (10)  “…legislators.”

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The Office of Louisiana Highway Construction has set an ambitious goal of fixing 62 small bridges in rural areas of Louisiana by end of next year. The Louisiana Legislature established this new office earlier this year and granted the new agency with emergency procurement powers. The director of this new office, Archie Chaisson, says that allows them to hire contractors faster…

Cut 10 (09) “…quicker”

Chaisson says it typically takes two years for DOTD to repair a bridge, but the state legislature gave the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction the ability to cut through the red tape faster so it can fix 62 bridges in a 15-month span…

Cut 11 (11) “…quicker”

The legislature used 100-million dollars from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to pay for the bridge replacement program. These are relatively small bridges, no more than 150-feet long, but Chaisson says they are in poor condition, and have weight limits or closed to all traffic, which means detours

Cut 12 (07) “…the state.”

Chaisson says in most cases it’s a complete removal of the old bridge and a complete construction of a new bridge.

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The Washington Post is reporting that the White House is planning to deploy up to a thousand National Guard troops to various cities throughout Louisiana. Governor Landry supports the idea.

Cut 13 (09)  “…already war zones.”

Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, who represents New Orleans, doesn’t see it that way. He says sending in the National Guard is counterproductive.

Cut 14 (13) “…insult to injury.”

Carter says Landry and the Louisiana State Police have already implemented an alternative to the National Guard that has proven to lower crime in New Orleans – they established Troop NOLA.

Cut 15 (11) “…making a difference.”

Landry was asked for his reaction during a news conference in which he announced four initiatives aimed at strengthening the business climate in Louisiana. Landry said reducing crime with the help of the National Guard will ultimately help attract business.

Cut 16 (09) “…face of violence.”

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Southeastern will take a short trip down I-12 to Baton Rouge this weekend to face number-three LSU. Head coach Frank Scelfo will see a very familiar face on Saturday as he faces his former player, Bauer Sharp. Scelfo says that Sharp is a player who does whatever it takes to win.

Cut 17 (19)  “…as a player.”

The Lions will have to face a struggling LSU offense that’s looking to bounce back after only scoring one offensive touchdown against Florida. Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo says that his defense will be challenged facing quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and had lots of praise for the veteran quarterback.

Cut 18 (21) “…stabilize it.”

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Tulane has jumped out to a 3-0 start after beating some quality out-of-conference opponents, including Northwestern and Duke. The Green Wave will have their work cut out fore them as they travel to Oxford to take on the 13^th ranked Rebels of Ole Miss. Head coach Jon Sumrall says that his team will have the chance to do something special on Saturday.

Cut 19 (22) “…going against.”

Tulane will have to game plan for two quarterbacks, as Ole Miss played both Trinidad Chambliss and Austin Simmons against Arkansas. Simmons only played one drive due to an ankle sprain, but is expected to play this week. Sumrall says that Simmons possesses rare talent.

Cut 20 (13) “…runner too.”