We’re getting reports that the remains of Ja’Derrius Minnieweather have been found in a Baton Rouge-area landfill. The 15-year-old was beaten to death back in June, allegedly by 51-year-old Maurice Parms. Sources say clothing found near the remains matches what Minnieweather was wearing on the night he disappeared. Baton Rouge Police are holding a news conference at the top of the hour.

Governor Landry signs a pair of executive orders that he says will streamline the permitting processes for businesses. Landry says with the Supreme Court ruling that most permitting needed today is at the state level, he signed the Expedited Environmental Permitting executive order.

Cut 10 (11) “…paying jobs.” 

We’re learning new details about a Morgan City man charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 65-year-old woman. Investigators say the victim, Brenda Bernucho, is the aunt of her alleged killer, 49-year-old Whitney Billiot the Fourth.

During these brutally hot conditions, not only do you need to take care of your bodies, but you also need to take care of the things that transport your bodies comfortably from point A to point B. State Police Trooper Eddie Thomas says whereas excessive heat takes a toll on you and me, the same is absolutely true for motor vehicles.

Cut 3 (09) “…on the tires.”

Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is expected to miss about eight weeks with a right hamstring strain. Saints sideline reporter for WWL radio, Jeff Nowak, says that means he could return week five against the Vikings at the earliest, but New Orleans should be careful bringing him back too soon.

Cut 6 (09) “…one-year investment.”

This is Tyson’s fourth hamstring injury and sixth lower-body injury in the last four years.

Governor Landry signs two executive orders that he says will streamline the permitting processes for businesses. Landry says for decades, the federal government bogged down the permitting process for both small and large businesses, but the Supreme Court has ruled on cases that gives states more control of the permitting process.

Cut 9 (05)  “…state level.”

The scorching weather will not only make it dangerous on your body, but it will also put a huge strain on your vehicle. DPS Trooper Eddie Thomas says in these conditions, it’s very important to have your emergency roadside kit in your vehicle in case it breaks down, especially in the middle of nowhere.

Cut 5 (08) “…and a jack.”

And if you need assistance, Louisiana State Police is ready to help – call star-577; star-LSP. 

The Saints’ top draft pick, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, is expected to miss around two months with a hamstring injury. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A public memorial service for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman will take place one week from today. It will be held in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center at seven p-m, with doors opening at six. Bertman died last Friday at the age of 88.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers grants a federal permit for the new Louisiana International Terminal. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A Morgan City man is arrested in connection with the death of a woman. 49-year-old William Billiot is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of 65-year-old Brenda Bernucho inside her home. An investigation into her death showed signs of foul play and connected Billiot to her death.

State Police are cracking down on truckers using the left lane on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, which has been prohibited since 2003. During a recent targeted operation, LSP cited 26 commercial drivers, and they say similar operations will continue. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says those efforts are a positive for all Louisiana drivers.

Cut 12 (13) “…on the highway.”

If your spouse or partner has dementia, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America wants to hear from you. AFA spokesman Chris Schneider says families can learn more or participate in the free online survey by visiting afacaregiversurvey.com.

Cut 14 (10) “…at your convenience.”

It was one year ago today when the Amtrak Mardi Gras line took to the tracks for the first time. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers grants a federal permit for the new Louisiana International Terminal. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana State Police cited 26 commercial truckers along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge last week. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

It was one year ago today when the Amtrak Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, welcomed its first passengers. New Orleans and Company President and CEO Walt Leger says they expected about 75-thousand passengers to board the trains in the first year; instead, ridership was about 150-thousand.

Cut 4 (07) “…for our region.”

Leger says the Mardi Gras line has led to a 20-percent increase in visitors to the city from the Mobile area, giving New Orleans a huge economic boost.

Cut 5 (07) “…extending their stays.”

Leger says the fact that one could easily visit New Orleans without renting a car makes taking a day trip or a weekend trip to New Orleans via the Mardi Gras line very easy.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the Riverfront.”

Leger says plans are still in the works to extend the Mardi Gras line to Baton Rouge.

__________________________________________

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers grants a federal permit for the new Louisiana International Terminal. Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Branch says the current terminal’s location prevents it from being able to accommodate vessels with large container loads.

Cut 7 (11) “…coming into port.”

Branch says the new terminal will be built 18 miles downriver, eliminating the need for any vessels to clear the bridge. That will allow it to accommodate much larger ships.

Cut 8 (13) “…24-thousand containers.”

Branch says the new terminal will be a major game-changer for the Port of New Orleans and will transform the city and the region into a major logistics hub.

Cut 9 (14)  “…six national railroads.”

Construction is expected to take five years.

__________________________________________

Twenty-six commercial truck drivers on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge were cited by Louisiana State Police during a targeted enforcement operation to keep trucks out of the left lane. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transportation Association, says commercial vehicles have been required to stay in the right lane while crossing the bridge since 2003.

Cut 10 (10) “…regional drivers do.”

The operation came after police received several complaints about truckers in the left lane. Amar says the state law is in place to protect drivers and prevent traffic delays.

Cut 11 (09) “…every other day.”

State Police said they plan to continue similar operations along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Amar says those efforts are a positive for all Louisiana drivers.

Cut 12 (13) “…on the highway.”

________________________________________________

If your spouse or partner has dementia, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America wants to hear from you. AFA spokesman Chris Schneider says it’s launched a groundbreaking national research study to examine the impact caring for a spouse or partner with dementia has on physical and mental health.

Cut 13 (07)  “…is all about.”

Schneider says families can learn more or participate in the free online survey visiting afacaregiversurvey.com.

Cut 14 (10) “…at your convenience.”

Schneider says this is a groundbreaking study because most of the research on Alzheimer’s is to benefit the person suffering from this disease. He says there’s very little research to help the more than 11-million Americans who serve as caregivers to a loved one living with dementia.

Cut 15 (13) “…that caregivers face.”

____________________________________________

LSU is number 11 in the preseason AP Top 25. The Tigers held their first scrimmage of fall practice Saturday, and coach Lane Kiffin says the first-team defense started strong with an effective pass rush, but the offense was able to bounce back with quarterback Sam Leavitt’s mobility.

Cut 16 (12) “…came free Saturday.”

One of the Tigers’ top position battles on the offensive side of the ball is in the running back room. Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones has taken a lot of starting reps in practice over returners Caden Durham and Harlem Berry. Kiffin says Berry has looked good in camp, but it’s important to remember he’s only a sophomore.

Cut 17 (17) “…can get to.”

Kiffin says the team ran 170 total plays during the scrimmage, and it gave coaches a great chance to evaluate the physicality and conditioning of the team. Entering the third week of preseason practice with almost three more weeks to go, Kiffin says this is a challenging time for players.

Cut 18 (13) “…we can rotate.”

_________________________________________

Louisiana Tech’s offense will feature a versatile playmaker this season. Senior quarterback Trey Kukuk returns after starting five games last season — but this time in a different role. Coordinator Nathan Young says with Blake Baker back as the full-time starter, Kukuk will do it all for the Bulldogs.

Cut 19 (19) “…a football player.”

Young took over as offensive coordinator following Tony Franklin’s retirement after just one season back in Ruston. Young has spent the last four seasons as offensive line coach and served as co-offensive coordinator in 2024. He says that doesn’t mean this year’s offense will look the same as his first time calling plays.

Cut 20 (17) “…pieces in place.”

New LSU system president Dr. Wade Rousse is working to create a more connected system by better integrating the regional campuses. While many of those campuses have their own athletic departments, only the flagship campus in Baton Rouge has a football team, and Rousse tells Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge he has put in a program to offer those students an opportunity to attend some of their games.

Cut 4 (08) “…at every campus.”

LDWF closed the private recreational Red Snapper season in state and federal waters off the Louisiana coast earlier this month, but there’s a hope there will be another Red Snapper fishing opportunity again this summer. Assistant secretary Ryan Montague says the season had to close because Louisiana is approaching its statewide quota, but LA Creel is still counting what was caught during the first week of August.

Cut 9 (04)  “…Labor Day weekend.”

LSU was ranked number 11 in the preseason AP Poll, but head coach Lane Kiffin is not buying much stock in that ranking. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

For the first time in more than a decade the LHSAA will hold Cheer and Dance team state championships.  Cheer and Dance will remain a non-sanctioned activity, which means they will not operate under the same eligibility requirements and competition guidelines that sanctioned sports must follow. The championships will take place November 30th and December 1st at the Lake Charles Event Center.

New LSU system president Dr. Wade Rousse is working to create a more connected system by better integrating the regional campuses. While many of those campuses have their own athletic departments, only the flagship campus in Baton Rouge has a football team, and Rousse has put in a program to offer those students an opportunity to attend some of their games.

Cut 4 (08) “…at every campus.”

For the first time in more than a decade the LHSAA will hold Cheer and Dance team state championships.  Louisiana High School Coaches Association Director Jessica Barber says they are giving cheer and dance teams a chance to compete on a championship stage.

Cut 6 (09) “…to do.”

The championships will take place November 30th and December 1st at the Lake Charles Event Center.

LSU was ranked number 11 in the preseason AP Poll, but head coach Lane Kiffin says he isn’t buying much stock in that. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s hot outside – and in some parts of the state, it’s also dry. And that’s leading to burn bans. They’re in effect in 13 parishes in north Louisiana, as well as St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington and Jefferson Davis parishes.

LSU is holding a celebration of life for Skip Bertman a week from tomorrow at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. It starts at seven p-m; doors open at six. Dan Canevari, who served on Bertman’s coaching staff at LSU after playing for him at Miami when he was their pitching coach, says Bertman was much more than a coach; he was a mentor.

Cut 7 (10) “…a better worker.”

The public event will be preceded by a private ceremony for family and former players, coaches and staffers.

Louisiana Community and Technical College System President Richard Nelson lays out a plan designed to boost enrollment. Nelson says it includes providing students with strong advising, childcare, transportation and ways to reduce student debt.

Cut 9 (11)  “…all these gaps.”

State Police are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles from over the weekend. State Police say officers from the Lake Charles Police Department responded to a home late Saturday night and negotiated with a man barricaded inside. During negotiations, they say 28-year-old Khylin Stevens showed a gun, and that’s when an officer shot Stevens, who died at a hospital. No officers were hurt during the incident.

Entergy says Meta’s Richland Parish data center will help fund improvements to its power grid statewide.  It’s building 10 new power plants funded by Meta – six near the Richland Parish facility and four in St. Charles and Pointe Coupee parishes. V-P of Business Operations Laura Beauchamp says the project could actually save customers billions of dollars over the next 20 years.

Cut 12 (12) “…because of Meta.”

The man who single-handedly transformed LSU baseball into a national powerhouse has died. Skip Bertman passed away early Friday morning at the age of 88. Former LSU pitcher Ben McDonald says he didn’t appreciate Bertman’s greatness as an 18-year-old, but he does now.

Cut 4 (13) “…he was best at.”

Bertman’s reign as LSU baseball coach began in 1986 and lasted 18 seasons. He holds the highest winning percentage in SEC history and was a six-time national coach of the year. Tiger Rag Editor and the author of Bertman’s biography, Glenn Guilbeau, says it’s been 25 years since Bertman coached a game, but he’s still revered by college baseball fans.

Cut 5 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

This could be the hottest weekend of the summer. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico will drive up temperatures and humidity levels.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the next week.”

And when you add those high temperatures and those humidity levels, those are going to yield some outrageous heat indexes which are going to linger for days with no relief in sight.

Louisiana’s new N-I-L and athlete agents website is live. Attorney General Liz Murrill says it’s the most significant regulation included in Act 895. That’s the new law that extended existing athlete agent oversight to N-I-L agents and gave student-athletes the power to sue agents for damages, attorney fees and other compensation.

Cut 13 (08) …interests at heart.”

Murrill says lawmakers collaborated with the LHSAA and its member schools in crafting the new law.

Legendary LSU baseball coach and Athletic Director Skip Bertman died at the age of 88 early this morning. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Bertman’s impact on the LSU baseball program has lingered even after stepping down as head coach, with the team tacking on three national titles in the years since. A makeshift memorial is growing at the base of his statue outside Alex Box Stadium.

We’re now approaching the peak of hurricane season, although the current El Nino weather pattern will point to a below-average one. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are keeping an eye on a pair of disturbances in the Atlantic, but neither one is expected to impact us here.

Cut 11 (11) “…at this moment.”

Governor Landry is defending the massive Meta data center going up in Richland Parish amid concerns from area residents that their utility bills will skyrocket as a result of it. On WRKF’s Talk Louisiana, Landry says the data center is part of the biggest construction boom the state has ever seen, and he says these jobs are here to stay.

Cut 16 (12) “…coming to Louisiana”

A Louisiana institution has died. Skip Bertman, who single-handedly transformed the LSU baseball program into a national powerhouse, passed away this morning at the age of 88. College Baseball Hall of Famer Todd Walker says Bertman was the ultimate motivator and fondly remembers his pre-game talks in front of the whole team.

Cut 8 (11) “..play like champions.”

This could be the hottest weekend of the summer. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico will lead to high temperatures and high humidity levels, and that’s going to yield some outrageous heat indexes which are going to linger for days with no relief in sight.

Cut 10 (09) “…110 and 115.” 

Louisiana’s new N-I-L and athlete agents website is live. It provides information for athletes, families, schools and agents on the state’s new NIL and athlete agents laws. Attorney General Liz Murrill says Act 895 requires agents to register with the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…integrity and character.” 

The Louisiana Public Service Commission got an earful from several citizens this week concerned their energy bills will go up as a result of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar AI data center in Richland Parish. Governor Landry was a guest on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says Meta is paying for its own power use, and their investment will improve the electric grid’s resiliency.

Cut 15 (11) “…what it is.”