The state will be dealing with record-breaking heat this weekend, and even more record-breaking heat in the first half of next week. The high temperatures early next week will get up into the mid to upper 90s. And if that’s not bad enough, LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the Gulf high pressure system will also push humidity even higher.

Cut 15 (08) “…very much rain”

The North Louisiana Crime Lab is warning you of a new synthetic opioid that it says is ten times as powerful as fentanyl. Deputy Director for Toxicology Kenton Leigh says the crime lab first detected cychlorphine from casework back in February; and since then, they’ve detected seven different pill types with cychlorphine.

Cut 8 (09) “…cychlorphine in them.”

A 16-year-old Deville boy is killed in a crash, and investigators say impairment was a factor. State Police say Kent Sanson was riding in a pickup truck being driven by 18-year-old Reese McKenzie, also of Deville, when McKenzie lost control, causing it to overturn. None of the seven people in the truck were restrained. McKenzie is facing charges.

LA Tech and ULM are renewing the I-20 rivalry for the first time in 26 years. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Funeral services for fallen Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson are today in Alexandria. Hanson was fatally shot Monday while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Visitation begins at noon at the Pentecostals of Alexandria, with the funeral at two.

The North Louisiana Crime Lab is warning of a new synthetic opioid that it says is ten times more potent than fentanyl. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

It’s going to be a hot weekend, and it’s going to be an even hotter start to the work week next week, with highs expected to be in the mid to upper 90s. The dangerous heat has already turned deadly; state health officials say four people died from heat-related causes last month. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says be sure to limit your outdoor activities.

Cut 14 (08) “…hydrate yourself.”

Hammond Police, Louisiana State Police and the FBI are teaming up to step up enforcement along the I-55 corridor amid an increase in gang activity. Jonathan Tapp, the special agent in charge of the FBI New Orleans field office, says violent gang members who are caught could face not only state charges, but also federal prosecution.

Cut 12 (11) “…rest of your lives.”

An increase in gang activity has Hammond police stepping up enforcement and warning those responsible they’ll face tougher consequences. This comes after an early morning shooting in downtown Hammond last weekend that left a 17-year-old wounded. Police chief Edwin Bergeron blames the violence on gang activity.

Cut 10 (09) “…into the city.” 

The North Louisiana Crime Lab is warning you of a new synthetic opioid that’s appearing in street drugs with increasing frequency. Deputy Director for Toxicology Kenton Leigh (“lee”) says it’s called cychlorphine (sigh-KLOR-feen), and it’s extremely dangerous.

Cut 7 (07) “…of right now.”

Cychlorphine is being mixed into pills that look nearly identical to common prescription medications. So far, they’ve detected seven different pill types with cychlorphine.  

It’ll be a scorcher this weekend, and it’s going to get even hotter early next week with highs in the mid and upper 90s. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says blame it on a high-pressure system in the Gulf.

Cut 13 (12) “…record high temperatures.”

Now that Louisiana Tech and ULM are in the same conference, the two teams will face one another in football for the first time in 26 years. Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent says the I-20 rivalry is a can’t-miss game.

Cut 4 (10) “…in that game.” 

Tech coach Sonny Cumbie says fans on both sides can start creating their own memories and traditions.

Cut 6 (09) “…conference play.”

Summer heat is about to ramp up. It’ll be a hot weekend, with even hotter weather early next week as highs climb into the mid- and upper 90s. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a high-pressure system in the Gulf is to blame.

Cut 13 (12) “…record high temperatures.”

Hammond Police, Louisiana State Police and the FBI are teaming up to step up enforcement along the I-55 corridor amid an increase in gang activity. Jonathan Tapp is the special agent in charge of the FBI New Orleans field office.

Cut 11 (13) “…everywhere.”

Tapp says gang members who are caught could face not only state charges, but federal prosecution as well.

The North Louisiana Crime Lab is warning of a new synthetic opioid that it says is ten times more potent than fentanyl. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The State Supreme Court agrees to fast-track a review of the new state law which eliminates three judgeships in Orleans Parish. Judge John Fuller argues that the legislature did not get a two-thirds majority needed to enact the law; the state says only a simple majority is needed. The high court says it will rule before qualifying begins August 5th.

Ten years ago today, one of the darkest days in Louisiana history occurred as six police officers were shot in an ambush, four of them fatally. Jeff Palermo takes a look back at that terrible day.

Cut 2 (44) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The state launches a new initiative to provide Pell Grants for short-term workforce training programs. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SHAU-in) says this is a magic moment in the Louisiana economy.

Cut 25 (11) “…these great jobs.”

New Orleans Police are putting out an urgent warning to those who ride e-bikes to use extra care when riding them. This, as four people have been killed in crashes involving e-bikes in the city so far this year. Buddy Micheu (MEE-shoo), the captain of the NOPD’s traffic unit, says riding an e-bike requires a lot more skill than riding a regular bike. 

Cut 13 (14)  “…even more substantial.”

The state is launching a new Workforce Pell initiative to provide Pell Grants for short-term workforce training programs. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SHAU-in) says the grants can help people struggling to keep their heads above water.

Cut 6 (11) “…place to look.”

Most grants will be for 22-hundred dollars per program, but up to 43-hundred dollars may be awarded depending on program duration.

With four people being killed in e-bike-related crashes in New Orleans so far this year, New Orleans police and cycling advocates are putting out an urgent warning to e-cyclists to use extra care when riding. Adam Watts with Bicycle World of New Orleans says he sees riders violating two basic rules of the road all the time – riding on the sidewalk and riding against traffic.

Cut 15 (07) “…are super dangerous.”

Ten years ago today, Louisiana experienced one of its darkest days when a lone gunman ambushed law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge. Six officers were shot. Four later died from their injuries: Baton Rouge Police officers Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson, and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies Brad Garafola and Nicholas Tullier. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says officers continue to honor their sacrifice.

Cut 7 (07) “…stand behind them.”

After weeks of declines, gasoline prices are on their way back up. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now back over $3.50 a gallon. 

Cut 11 (12) “…the gas pump.”

Louisiana’s new Workforce Pell program will make workforce training more accessible for Louisianians. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Keischnick.”

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Ten years ago today, one of the darkest days in Louisiana history occurred as six police officers were shot in an ambush, four of them fatally. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (44) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The City of New Orleans is issuing an urgent warning to e-bike riders after four people have been killed in e-bike-related crashes in the city this year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state is launching a new Workforce Pell initiative to provide Pell Grants to short-term workforce training programs. Most grants will be for 22-hundred dollars per program, but up to 43-hundred dollars may be awarded depending on program duration. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SHAU-in) says the Workforce Pell Grants work the same as traditional ones, but not every short-term program is eligible.

Cut 4 (09) “…primarily skilled trades.”

For the full list of eligible programs, visit the Louisiana Works website or search Louisiana Workforce Pell.

Many of the eligible programs deal with skilled A-I and energy infrastructure job training, which Schowen says have been a major driver in Louisiana job growth. She says this is a magic moment in the Louisiana economy.

Cut 5 (11) “…these great jobs.”

She says even if you are not planning on seeking a Workforce Pell Grant, the list of eligible programs is a fantastic resource to find training for a skilled, high-quality job. Many of the available programs are offered at Louisiana community and technical colleges. Schowen says Workforce Pell can help people struggling to keep their heads above water.

Cut 6 (11) “…place to look.”

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Ten years ago today, Louisiana experienced one of its darkest days when a lone gunman ambushed law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge. Six officers were shot. Four later died from their injuries: Baton Rouge Police officers Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson, and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies Brad Garafola and Nicholas Tullier. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says officers continue to honor their sacrifice.

Cut 7 (07) “…stand behind them.”

Gautreaux was attending a Sheriff’s Association conference in Lake Charles when Gavin Long opened fire outside the Benny’s B-Quick convenience store and car wash on Airline Highway. Gautreaux and then-State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson flew back to Baton Rouge by helicopter and met with the victims’ families at a local hospital. Edmonson says it was heartbreaking.

Cut 8 (08) “…to see that.”

State Police determined Long traveled from Kansas City to Baton Rouge with the intent of targeting law enforcement. Investigators say he was motivated by anger over recent police shootings of Black men, including the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge 12 days earlier.

Gerald, Jackson and Garafola died the day of the attack. Tullier survived for nearly six years before dying in 2022 from complications related to his injuries. Gautreaux says Tullier’s determination inspired everyone around him.

Cut 9 (08)  “…his grit.”

The attack began just after 8:40 on the morning of July 17th, 2016, and lasted less than 10 minutes. Investigators say Long fired 43 rounds before a Baton Rouge SWAT officer shot and killed him. Edmonson says ending the attack required extraordinary courage.

Cut 10 (10) “…lot more harm.”

The site of the ambush is just down the street from Baton Rouge Police headquarters. Gautreaux says law enforcement agencies are better prepared for similar threats today, thanks in part to intelligence shared through Louisiana’s fusion center.

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After weeks of declines, gasoline prices are on their way back up. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now back over $3.50 a gallon.

Cut 11 (12) “…the gas pump.”

Redman says it’s not typical for gas prices to be on the rise this time of year.

Cut 12 (15) “…type of gasoline.”

One year ago at this time, regular unleaded was averaging just under $2.80 a gallon.

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New Orleans Police and cycling enthusiasts and advocates are putting out an urgent warning to those who ride e-bikes to use extra care when riding them. It comes as four people have been killed in crashes involving e-bikes in the city so far this year. Buddy Micheu (MEE-shoo), the captain of the NOPD’s traffic unit, says riding an e-bike requires a lot more skill than riding a regular bike.

Cut 13 (14)  “…even more substantial.”

Captain Micheu says when e-bikes aren’t ridden properly, it can lead to disastrous results.

Cut 14 (13) “…his injuries later.”

All e-bikes sold in the U.S. are pedal-assist bikes, and those whose motors work up to 20 miles an hour before cutting out can also come with a throttle. Under federal law, pedal assistance with e-bikes may only work up to 28 miles an hour before cutting out. Any assistance beyond 28 miles an hour would make them e-motorcycles, requiring them to be insured and registered as such with the OMV.

Adam Watts with Bicycle World of New Orleans says all bicyclists, whether they’re riding e-bikes or not, need to follow the rules of the road, and there are two in particular that he sees violated regularly are riding on the sidewalk and riding against traffic – that is, on the left side of the road.

Cut 15 (07) “…are super dangerous.”

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UL Lafayette is coming off a 6-and-7 season last year. Head coach Michael Desormeaux returns a lot of production from last year but will depend on some young talents who flashed at times last year to continue developing. He likes what he has in Lafayette.

Cut 16 (16) “…fast as possible.”

Redshirt junior quarterback Lunch Winfield took over as the starter last year and helped lead a four-game win streak to salvage bowl eligibility. His top target, wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr., is also back. He says he and his receivers have put in work this offseason.

Cut 17 (15) “…best we could.”

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Louisiana Tech enjoyed its first winning season under coach Sonny Cumbie in its final season in Conference USA. The Bulldogs have the most returning production of any Sun Belt school. Cumbie was able to retain defensive coordinator Luke Olsen and a lot of his dominant group.

Cut 18 (17) “…ready to emerge.”

LA Tech fielded C-USA’s best scoring and total defense last year and led the nation in interceptions and defensive touchdowns.

Tech offensive coordinator Tony Franklin retired, so it’s up to offensive line coach and former co-coordinator Nathan Young. Young inherits redshirt junior starting quarterback Blake Baker, who led the Dogs to a 4-and-1 record in games he stayed healthy in. Baker was sidelined with a torn ACL last season, but Cumbie expects him to be back like he never left.

Cut 19 (13) “…before the injury.”

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ULM lost eight straight games to close out the 2025 season. The Warhawks retained starting quarterback Aidan Armenta and four starting offensive linemen. Head coach Bryant Vincent says he has great talent in the trenches.

Cut 20 (18) “…just become infectious.”

The most sweeping federal housing legislation in a generation is now law, despite President Trump refusing to take action on it. Norman Morris, the CEO of Louisiana Realtors, says one component that will help many prospective homeowners in Louisiana is a modernization of manufactured and modular housing requirements.

Cut 9 (11)  “…in our state.”

U.S. Senator John Kennedy says the “One Big Beautiful Bill” has reduced the number of Americans receiving SNAP benefits by four-million. Kennedy says it’s not targeting people who are not able to work for a variety of reasons.

Cut 12 (14) “…it’s working.” 

Attorney General Liz Murrill has been ordered to pay 245-thousand dollars in legal fees for her lawsuit that accused the Caddo Parish Commission of violating the state’s Open Meeting Law. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The number of cyclosporiasis cases in Louisiana has nearly doubled in just the span of a week. The Louisiana Department of Health says as of today, there have now been 55 confirmed cases of the parasitic infection that causes explosive diarrhea.

Supporters of year-round Daylight Saving Time are calling on the U.S. Senate to approve the Sunshine Protection Act. President Trump has said he’ll sign the bill if it reaches his desk. Louisiana is prepared to immediately adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time thanks to legislation sponsored by Haughton Representative Dodie Horton that was approved in 2020.

Cut 3 (11) “…clock.”

A self-proclaimed pastor from Houma is arrested on allegations of physically and sexually abusing children. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Tabor says 57-year-old Thomas Tucker the Third is facing a slew of charges.

Cut 13 (09)  “…two counts.”

Tabor says Tucker calls himself the pastor of the “Outcast of Society Ministries.”

Concerns are growing about whether ratepayers in northwest Louisiana will be stuck with the bill from the growing Meta data center. Alaina DiLaura with the group Alliance for Affordable Energy notes that the contract between Meta and Entergy does not cover the lifespan of the gas plants they’re building.

Cut 8 (11) “…beyond 20 years.”

And DiLaura says because of that, costs beyond 20 years are not covered by Meta.

Governor Landry said this week that New Orleans is no longer important to Louisiana as it once was. But Stephen Barnes, the director of the Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center at UL Lafayette, says the New Orleans region has more influence on the state’s economy than any other metro area in the state.

Cut 27 (12) “…state tax revenues.”

Governor Landry said this week that New Orleans is no longer as important to Louisiana as it once was. Economist Stephen Barnes says while New Orleans doesn’t have the population or the jobs it had pre-Katrina, it’s still a huge economic driver and has the largest concentration of economic activity in the state. He says that’s why it’s still important that the state makes sure that New Orleans succeeds.

Cut 5 (05) “…our state grow.” 

A man and woman from Houma are behind bars on child sex abuse charges. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says 57-year-old Thomas Tucker the Third calls himself the pastor of the “Outcast of Society Ministries,” and he’s responsible for abusing at least two children. It says 47-year-old Sharotta Lewis witnessed the abuse and did not report it. Deputy Blake Tabor says this remains an active investigation. 

Cut 15 (09) “…to come forward.” 

Veteran running back Alvin Kamara will indeed be a Saint this season. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

You can add LSU to the SEC and other member schools opposing the Protect College Sports Act. LSU President Wade Rousse co-signed a letter saying while they appreciate the efforts surrounding the bill, key issues remain, specifically when it comes to pooling media rights, which the conference is adamantly opposed to. The Big Ten has also come out in opposition of the bill as currently written.