The average homeowners insurance premium runs nearly six-thousand dollars a year in the Bayou State. While that’s almost two and a half times the national average, the rate of premium increases has actually slowed considerably. Leaders for a Better Louisiana CEO Adam Kanpp says the fact that it’s been years since the last major hurricane in Louisiana has something to do with that.

Cut 14 (08) “…better pricing.”

The Department of Revenue sends out almost 23-thousand letters to taxpayers who have refunds owed to them. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says if you receive one of them, you can claim your refund in one of two ways.

Cut 11 (13) “…unclaimed property letter.”

Any refunds not claimed by September 4th will go into unclaimed property.

The Louisiana Department of Education has recognized the state’s teacher and principal of the year. Jeff Palermo tells us who won.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Here we go again with the huge lottery jackpots. Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is up to 633-million dollars. And if you don’t win tonight – and trust me, you won’t – you can try Mega MillionS tomorrow night. That jackpot is up to 800-million dollars. The odds against you winning either jackpot are less than one in 292-million. Good luck, you’re going to need it.

For the first half of this week, the heat will be pure torture. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the culprit is an area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico that serves as a pump.

Cut 3 (12) “…clouds from forming.”

The lack of cloud cover allows the sun to bake on the landscape, preventing rainfall and anything else that could cool us off. 

The Department of Revenue sends out almost 23-thousand letters to taxpayers who have refunds owed to them. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says if you receive one of them, you can claim your refund in one of two ways.

Cut 11 (13) “…unclaimed property letter.”

Any refunds not claimed by September 4th will go into unclaimed property.

The Louisiana Department of Education has recognized the state’s teacher and principal of the year. Jeff Palermo tells us who won.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The search for the remains of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather enters its third week. Searchers are combing through the North Landfill in Zachary, near Baton Rouge, sifting through thousands of cubic yards of material, including glass, needles and other hazardous items. Investigators say 51-year-old Maurice Parms killed the teen and put his body in a dumpster.

The heat for the first half of this week will be downright brutal. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of high pressure is pumping warm, moist air in from the Gulf of Mexico, preventing clouds from forming. Combine that with above-normal humidity levels, that’s going to make it that much more unbearable. 

Cut 5 (09) “…week moves on.”

If you have a state tax refund due to you, time is running out to claim it from the Department of Revenue. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says it sent nearly 23-thousand unclaimed property letters to individual and business taxpayers.

Cut 10 (12) “…state treasurer’s office.” 

Any money not claimed by September 4th will be transferred to the unclaimed property division.

Your 2026 teacher of the year is Alisha Butler. She teaches dual enrollment English and intermediate Braille at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired in Baton Rouge. Butler says she’s proud to be a teacher in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (06) “…humbling.”

By winning the award, Butler gets to drive a new Mercedes Benz for a year.

A new at-home treatment for Alzheimer’s disease could soon be available. The Spectris headset uses brain stimulation to help slow the disease. It’s still in clinical trials, but Ochsner regional medical director Dr. Richard Zweifler says early results show the therapy may help remove the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s.

Cut 14 (11) “…high quality of life.”

Ochsner says FDA approval could come by next June.

“We’re going to have heat on steroids this week.” Those are the words of LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim as he describes the heat and humidity that’s blanketing Louisiana this week. Keim says the culprit is an area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico that serves as a pump.

Cut 3 (12) “…clouds from forming.”

The lack of cloud cover allows the sun to bake on the landscape, preventing rainfall and anything else that could cool us off. 

LDWF reported the state’s whooping crane recovery effort saw 10 fledged chicks, bringing the state’s total population to 84. Biologist Sara Zimorski says it was a historic nesting season.

Cut 7 (14) “…had this year.”

In announcing that he will not seek a second term in his second stint in Congress, Cleo Fields says a lot has changed in the 28 years between his two stints on Capitol Hill, and not for the better. The Baton Rouge Democrat says before, Democrats and Republicans were actually civil towards one another. Today, however, not so much – and that lack of cordialness has spread well beyond the halls of Congress.

Cut 12 (08) “…talking at all.”

The new president of McNeese also happens to be a sitting state senator. Mike Reese, a Republican from Leesville, says he will serve in one more legislative session and will not run for re-election. But between now and the end of his term, given the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day, Senator Reese – make that President Reese – will be juggling his time between his two jobs.

Cut 6 (11) “…as state senator.”

Cleo Fields announces he will not seek a second term in his second stint in Congress. Instead, he will turn to the 14th State Senate district – a seat he held three times previously, including earlier in the current term. He announced that he’ll run to fill the seat left vacant by the untimely death of Larry Selders. Fields says if he wins, it would be bittersweet.

Cut 8 (08) “…what he started.”

Louisiana farmers suffered an estimated 112-million-dollar loss as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur last month. Avoyelles, St. Landry and Rapides Parishes accounted for 90-percent of total losses. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Avoyelles received 29 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.

Cut 9 (09)  “…excessive moisture.”

LSU was picked to finish fifth in the SEC in the conference preseason media poll. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Tropical Storm Bertha did nothing to cool off temperatures – and that’s going to be the case through much of the week next week. High temperatures for much of the state will be in the mid to upper nineties, with heat indexes approaching or even exceeding 110 degrees. Health officials urge you to limit your time outdoors in these conditions.

We’ve known it for days, but Cleo Fields made it official this morning – he’s not running for a second term in his second stint in Congress. Fields said the way his district was redrawn made it impossible to win re-election. In making his announcement, Fields said except for challenging Troy Carter, he considered all other options to remain in Congress, but he saw no viable path forward.

Cut 7 (07) “…decided not to.”

Louisiana farmers suffered an estimated 112-million-dollar loss as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur last month. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says crop-specific losses were estimated at about 88-million-dollars.

Cut 10 (09) “…fourteen-point-seven-million.” 

Several crops, including soybeans, rice, grain sorghum and corn, saw yield losses of more than 50-percent. 

LSU is picked to finish fifth in the SEC in the Preseason Media Poll behind Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss and Texas A-and-M. Many national media members have said it’s national championship or bust for LSU and first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin says those types of expectations are why he came to LSU.

Cut 12 (13) “…that does it.” 

New Orleans plays host to the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off tomorrow. Louisiana Seafood King Kris Allen will try to fend off 13 challengers from across the country to take home the title of King of American Seafood. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Allen, who’s the executive chef of Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Lafayette, will try to end Louisiana’s title drought.

Cut 3 (10) “…back to Louisiana.”

The world’s best skateboarders, BMX and Moto X athletes are in New Orleans this weekend for the first ever X Games Championship event. Joe Gallinaro talked with Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The general election candidates for U.S. Senate release their latest campaign finance numbers. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lane Kiffin broke down how he rebuilt the LSU football roster in one offseason. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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New Orleans has been a destination for major sporting events, but this weekend it’s trying something new as the  Caesars Superdome is hosting an X Games Championship event. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says huge ramps have been built for skateboarding and bike races.

Cut 4 (06) “…of the Superdome.”

The X Games Championship features action sports including skateboard, BMX and Moto X. This event is the final competition of the inaugural MoonPay X Games Summer season. More than 100 competitors will participate, including two from Louisiana — Moto X rider Wyatt Fontenot of Opelousas and BMX rider Broc Raiford of Destrehan. Cicero says ESPN and ABC will provide national television coverage.

Cut 5 (09) “…period of time.”

Tickets can be purchases at x-games-dot-com. Cicero says having the X games championship is significant for Louisiana, bringing international visibility, economic impact and opportunities for regional businesses.

Cut 6 (08) “…against each other.”

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The general election candidates for U.S. Senate release their latest campaign finance reports. To no one’s surprise, Julia Letlow is far outraising Jamie Davis, having raised about three times as much money since both launched their campaigns. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan notes that more than three-fourths of Letlow’s 6.2-million dollars in donations have come from the GOP and political action committees.

Cut 7 (14) “…those traditional sources.”

In direct contrast, all of Jamie Davis’ nearly two-million dollars in donations have come from individuals – his report indicates that he has not received a dime from any political action committee. Hogan notes that Davis’ contributions have come from far and wide, which might not necessarily work to his advantage.

Cut 8 (08) “…their home state.”

Furthermore, Davis’ campaign says it raised 1.6-million dollars since he won the runoff last month to become the Democratic nomination. In fact, Davis’ donations from individuals are outpacing Letlow’s, whose campaign has raised just under 1.4-million dollars from individuals. Hogan says despite all that, that likely will not be enough for Davis to spring the monumental upset at the ballot box in November.

Cut 9 (14)  “…last few decades.”

Currently, Letlow has more than 1.4-million dollars in cash on hand, compared to less than 480-thousand dollars for Davis.

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Incarcerated people approaching the end of their prison sentences have a new program to get job training, thanks to a new federal grant. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SHAU-in) says the Department of Labor awarded the commission a RESTART Grant of more than five-million dollars, and the money will be put to good use.

Cut 10 (12) “…the first place.”

Schowen says Louisiana Works will provide job training in skills essential to Louisiana’s economy, including advanced manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding.

Cut 11 (13) “…and targeted support.”

Schowen says by focusing on skilled labor, Louisiana Works can get inmates the training they need in as short amount of time as possible so that when they are released, they can immediately re-enter the workforce and become productive members of society once again.

Cut 12 (14) “…job generally requires.”

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LSU helped wrap up SEC Media Days in Tampa yesterday. Senior linebacker Whit Weeks could have gone to the NFL Draft after an injury-riddled 2025. Instead, he decided to come back to lead coordinator Blake Baker’s defense back to dominance.

Cut 13 (08)  “…to Baton Rouge.”

Weeks will have a new partner in the middle of the defense. Linebacker T.J. Dottery followed Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss to LSU this offseason. Dottery explained why he came to LSU.

Cut 14 (13) “…a part of.”

Dottery began his college career at Clemson. He led the SEC with 98 tackles last year.

Weeks was named first-team All-SEC in 2024 when he totaled 125 tackles. He said he loves playing alongside Dottery.

Cut 15 (12) “…to play with.”

Tight end Trey’Dez Green is LSU’s only returning contributor in the passing game after Kiffin’s roster reset. Green said he was worried about an offense with nine transfer wide receivers.

Cut 16 (14) “…just connect us.”

Green has a chance to be one of the Tigers’ top receivers this fall in coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s tight end-friendly offense.

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LSU hosts Texas November 14th. It will be the first meeting between the schools since the Tigers’ 45-38 win in Austin in 2019. The Longhorns were supposed to make a return trip as part of that series, but it was postponed by COVID and their move to the SEC. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning says he’s looking forward to playing in to Death Valley.

Cut 17 (07) “…so we’re excited.”

The New Orleans native led the Longhorns to a 10-and-3 record with a Citrus Bowl victory in his first full season as a starter last year. Manning got off to a rocky start in a major week one matchup with Ohio State, but says he’s grown a lot since that 14-7 loss.

Cut 18 (09) “…repeat that game.”

Manning went 17 for 30 for 170 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Texas hosts the Buckeyes in week two this year.

The indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill may be over, but the investigations into it are just beginning. Congressman Clay Higgins recently asked FBI Director Kash Patel to look into whether the grand jury was properly convened or was used for political retaliation. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says federal investigators would be wasting their time.

Cut 12 (11) “…into than this.” 

Through a partnership with Starlink, Louisiana is helping those in areas so rural that it’s impossible to get fiber internet installed to get online with broadband. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says the customers will get the equipment for free, and the service will be about 55 dollars a month for good, reliable high-speed internet.

Cut 4 (11) “…of those speeds.”

Lane Kiffin took the stage at SEC Media Days as an LSU Tiger for the first time. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Something else that Kiffin weighed in on was a proposed rule that informally bears his name. The so-called “Lane Kiffin Rule” as part of the Protect College Sports Act would prevent coaches from jumping from school to school mid-season. Kiffin said he actually supports it, saying he hopes future coaches aren’t put in the same predicament he was put in last year.

Even though the 16-count indictment against her has been dismissed, Attorney General Liz Murrill wants to get to the bottom of how it all happened. State Police have launched a criminal investigation into the grand jury which indicted her. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says one thing that’s notable is that Murrill’s office generally does not have criminal jurisdiction over matters in Orleans Parish.

Cut 10 (10) “…office’s independent investigation.” 

Louisiana takes a huge step towards connecting the entire state to broadband internet through a partnership with Starlink. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says Starlink will deliver high-speed internet access to more than ten-thousand rural locations in more than 50 parishes by the end of the summer.

Cut 3 (12) “…folks with Starlink.”

LSU took center stage at SEC Media Days today. Senior linebacker Whit Weeks could have gone to the NFL Draft after an injury-riddled 2025, which followed a first-team All-SEC selection in 2024 when he registered 125 tackles. Instead, Weeks decided to come back to lead coordinator Blake Baker’s defense back to dominance.

Cut 13 (08)  “…Baton Rouge.”

Of course, another potential reason Weeks came back is so that he could play for his girlfriend’s father. Speaking of whom, Lane Kiffin was asked about his comment in a Vanity Fair story that Oxford’s lack of diversity hurt his talent acquisition at Ole Miss.

Cut 8 (14) “…of the words.”

It was the moment the college football world was waiting for – Lane Kiffin made his first SEC Media Days appearance with LSU today. He reflected on his growth as a person since arriving in Baton Rouge. He said one of the ways he’s grown is his social media use. His son Knox challenged him not to use the apps. Kiffin said he has since deleted them and realized how many others are addicted.

Cut 6 (09) “…try this sometime.”

The criminal indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill may be over, but the investigation into it is just beginning. State Police have launched a criminal investigation into the grand jury which indicted Murrill. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says there could be an issue of a conflict of interest.

Cut 11 (09) “…under those circumstances.”

The state takes a huge step towards its goal of making high-speed internet access available to everyone through a new partnership with Starlink. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The road to the 2028 Olympics could be going through Baton Rouge – at least in one sport. The Baton Rouge Metro Council approves a request to amend the Raising Cane’s River Center Rental Waiver Agreement to allow it to host the Olympic boxing trials next year. Holding the event in Baton Rouge would generate nearly seven-million dollars in business sales.