A man wanted for a killing in Ruston last night was arrested in Texas following a police chase that started on I-20 near Bossier City. Dylan Castaneda with Ruston Police says 31-year-old Virgil Mack of Dubach fatally shot 35-year-old Ontario Spivey of Ruston at the USA Travel Plaza convenience store. Castaneda says they were able to identify Mack thanks to the help of a local police officer…

Cut 10 (10) “…guy identified.”

COVID cases are on the rise in Louisiana. Dr. Joseph Bocchini (buh-KEEN-ee), a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Willis-Knighton in Shreveport, says so far, this year’s spike isn’t as severe as those in years past, but time will ultimately tell.

Cut 7 (09) “…up each week.”

This weekend is the annual 2nd Amendment Sales Tax Holiday in Louisiana. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says between now and Sunday, firearms, ammunition, certain types of knives and hunting apparel are tax-free. Other items, though, are ineligible for the tax break.

Cut 4 (09) “…such as airboats.”

LSU and Louisiana Tech will play each other for the 21st time on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Coach Brian Kelly has great respect for the Bulldogs and their head coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 11 (13) “…do the same.”

LSU is expected to win big, as the third ranked Tigers are favored by 37.5 points.

COVID cases are on the rise in Louisiana. Dr. Joseph Bocchini (buh-KEEN-ee), a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Willis-Knighton in Shreveport, says spikes in COVID cases have happened every summer since the virus first appeared five years ago, and this year has proven to be no different.

Cut 6 (13) “…over 15-percent.”

If it’s not COVID, then allergies can really make people’s lives miserable this time of year. Ragweed is the biggest culprit when it comes to fall allergies, and Dr. John Carlson, an allergist and immunologist at Ochsner Health, says mold spores are also a problem.

Cut 14 (08) “…the air.”

Carlson says pollen counts are usually the highest between four A-M and eight A-M, so limit your outdoor activities and shower after spending an extended amount of time outdoors.

Saying imported shrimp will turn people into aliens – I’m not making this up – Senator John Kennedy is pushing for increased inspections of shrimp imports. In a floor speech, Kennedy said on a good day, the U.S. may inspect two-percent of all imported shrimp, which pales in comparison to inspection rates of other countries.

Cut 9 (12)  “…States of America.”

After shutting out Southeastern last week, 24-0, Louisiana Tech has a much more difficult task tomorrow night against LSU. First-year Tech defensive coordinator Luke Olson will have his hands full with shutting down an elite LSU offense. The Bulldogs are known to blitz often, and junior linebacker Mekhi (muh-KYE) Mason says the Bulldogs need to get to quarterback Garrett Nussmeier early and often.

Cut 12 (09) “…applying pressure.”

The Louisiana Secretary of State announces the results of a months-long investigation into non-citizens registering to vote. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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In a way that only he could, Senator John Kennedy issues a stark warning about eating imported shrimp. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Summer is winding down, but fall allergies are ramping up. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office launched an investigation back in May into the number of non-citizens registering to vote; and yesterday, Secretary Nancy Landry announced the results of that investigation.

Cut 4 (15) “…past several years.”

(390 non-citizens were on the voter rolls, with 79 of then having voted in elections over the last several years.) Secretary Landry says investigators were able to determine their citizenship after getting free access to the federal SAVE database – SAVE stands for Systemic Alien Verification for Entitlements. She said in previous presidential administrations, it was $1.75 per name to search, but the Trump administration removed that charge. Landry said she will pursue legal action against those who illegally registered to vote.

Cut 5 (10) “…state laws implicated.”

Landry says especially in local races, every vote counts, and just a small handful of votes can decide the election.

Cut 6 (12) “…in that race.”

Landry says with the signing of Act 500, it will be harder for non-citizens to register to vote, since people will now be required to prove their citizenship when registering to vote.

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In a way that only he could, Senator John Kennedy issued a stark warning about eating imported shrimp, making his point on the Senate floor using a visual aid.

Cut 7 (17) “…by other countries.”

Kennedy said that’s because the imported shrimp was found to be radioactive – at least the shrimp sold in Walmart stores in Louisiana and other states that was recalled.

Cut 8 (14) “…an extra ear.”

Kennedy said on a good day, the U.S. may inspect two-percent of all shrimp that’s imported into the country, and that pales in comparison to the inspection rates of other countries.

Cut 9 (12)  “…States of America.”

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Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie and his team will have its toughest challenge of the season as they travel to Baton Rouge to face LSU in Tiger Stadium for the first time since 2018. Cumbie had lots of praise for LSU senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

Cut 10 (13) “…great challenge.”

Louisiana Tech’s defense was on full display in week one, shutting out Southeastern, 24-0. Louisiana Tech linebackers combined for 39 tackles and three sacks. Junior linebacker Mekhi Mason said his unit is one of the best in the nation.

Cut 11 (10) “…out there.”

First-year Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Luke Olson will have his hands full with shutting down an elite LSU offense. The Bulldogs are known to blitz often and junior linebacker Mekhi Mason says the Bulldogs need to get to quarterback Garrett Nussmeier early and often.

Cut 12 (09) “…applying pressure.”

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Most Louisiana residents can’t wait for some fall weather, but we can do without fall allergies. Dr. John Carlson, an allergist and immunologist at Ochsner Health, says there are some real good options at your local drug store that can prevent a reaction to seasonal allergies…

Cut 13 (04)  “…in it.”

Dr. Carlson says Saline nasal sprays and artificial tears can also help wash pollen out of your eyes.

Ragweed is the biggest culprit when it comes to fall allergies, and Carlson says mold spores are also a problem.

Cut 14 (08) “…the air.”

Carlson says pollen counts are usually the highest between four A-M and eight A-M, so limit your outdoor activities and shower after spending an extended amount of time outdoors. He says if allergies are hindering your lifestyle, there are some options.

Cut 15 (15) “…different allergies.”

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Saints veteran cornerback Alontae Taylor was limited in practice yesterday due to a lingering groin injury that has kept him out all summer. Taylor says that he is doing everything he can to play in the opener, but does not want to rush it if he isn’t 100-percent.

Cut 16 (13) “…if I can.”

The Saints open up their season against a very talented Arizona Cardinals defense. Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will play his first game under the Kellen Moore system. Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier says Rattler needs to just be himself.

Cut 17 (14)  “…your job.”

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LSU senior right guard Josh Thompson was a huge transfer portal addition for the Tigers as he brought in the most playing experience to the entire unit. The Northwestern transfer ultimately made the decision to come down to Baton Rouge to get the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Cut 18 (10) “…is everything.”

LSU senior cornerback Mansoor Delane wanted to play for a team that was going to develop him for the NFL while being able to compete for a national championship. Delane said he knew the Tigers were building something special after seeing its heavy transfer portal haul in the offseason.

Cut 19 (16) “…come here.”

Delane was a key contributor in the opening win against Clemson. He had a critical interception and two pass breakups. Delane admits that the win was a great start for the 2025 season, but the Tigers won’t be satisfied until it brings back some hardware home.

Cut 20 (15) “…be better.”

There continues to be very little tropical activity in the Gulf, but because it’s been so quiet, sea surface water temperatures are two-degrees hotter than normal. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that could spell trouble if a storm threatens Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10)  “…big deal.”

DOTD and Destination Zero Deaths launch the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest. DOTD Spokesman Rodney Mallet says the contest includes a pledge they are asking all Louisianans to sign – agreeing to avoid phone use, wear a seatbelt, and speak up when they feel unsafe in cars with others.

Cut 5 (09) “…these days.”

The pledge and contest rules can be found on DOTD’s website.

After casting what was, for all intents and purposes, the deciding vote that sealed his confirmation as health secretary, Senator Bill Cassidy sparred with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his health policies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing this morning. After Kennedy said he agreed with Cassidy’s assertion that President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for his role in Operation Warp Speed – expeditiously developing COVID-19 vaccines – Cassidy took him to task for something he told Colorado Senator Michael Bennet.

Cut 6 (15) “…question of fact.”

What Kennedy actually told Bennet is that he agreed with one of his CDC nominees that evidence is mounting that mRNA vaccines cause serious harm, including death, among young people.

Five months ago to the day, Senator Bill Cassidy essentially confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. Today, Cassidy took him to task over his policies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Cassidy told Kennedy that his policies are causing great confusion as to who can get COVID-19 vaccines and who can’t get them.

Cut 8 (09) “…you’re wrong.”

DOTD along with Destination Zero Deaths are looking for a commitment to safe driving, and they’ve launched the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says a panel of judges will choose the top three videos, and winners will receive cash prizes.

Cut 3 (06) “…safe driving.”

Submissions will be accepted now through October 31, and they can be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long.

The quiet hurricane season could pose problems if a storm threatens Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

It appears that vendors at the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival got the memo. Organizers told them in no uncertain terms that they were only to sell Louisiana shrimp, and they were true to their word. SeaD Consulting did genetic testing on shrimp from seven vendors – and the shrimp from all seven were indeed found to be from local waters.

Seven months to the day after casting the vote that for all intents and purposes sealed his confirmation as health secretary, Senator Bill Cassidy takes Robert F. Kennedy to task over his vaccine policies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The quiet hurricane season could pose problems if a storm threatens Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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DOTD, along with Destination Zero Deaths, are looking for a commitment to safe driving and they’ve launched “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest. Louisiana high school students are invited to submit videos highlighting the importance of seat belt use and avoiding phone distractions. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says a panel of judges will choose the top three videos and winners will receive cash prizes…

Cut 3 (06) “…safe driving.”

Triple-A is providing the cash prizes. Mallett says videos should highlight seatbelt use and the importance of avoiding phone use distractions. Submissions will be accepted now through October 31st, and they can be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long.

Cut 4 (11) “…of the year.”

Last year, distracted driving contributed to a quarter of crash fatalities in Louisiana, and Mallet says the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” contest includes a pledge they are asking all Louisianans to sign – agreeing to avoid phone use, wear a seatbelt, and speak up when they feel unsafe in cars with others.

Cut 5 (09) “…these days.”

The pledge and contest rules can be found on DOTD’s website.

________________________________________________

After casting what was, for all intents and purposes, the deciding vote that sealed his confirmation as health secretary, Senator Bill Cassidy sparred with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his health policies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing this morning. After Kennedy said he agreed with Cassidy’s assertion that President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for his role in Operation Warp Speed – expeditiously developing COVID-19 vaccines – Cassidy took him to task for something he told Colorado Senator Michael Bennet.

Cut 6 (15) “…question of fact.”

Cassidy then expressed concern that many people Kennedy has nominated for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have received money for serving as expert witnesses for plaintiffs’ attorneys suing vaccine makers.

Cut 7 (17) “…disclosed is okay.”

Cassidy told Kennedy that his policies are causing great confusion as to who can get COVID-19 vaccines and who can’t get them.

Cut 8 (09) “…you’re wrong.”

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There continues to be very little tropical activity in the Gulf; but because it’s been so quiet, sea surface water temperatures are two degrees hotter than normal. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that could spell trouble if a storm threatens Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10)  “…big deal.”

Keim says hot sea surface temperatures can produce rapid intensification…

Cut 10 (11) “…worry about.”

Keim says the average sea surface temperature in the Gulf is 85 degrees, but because of little activity, the Gulf has been able to warm up to 87 degrees…

Cut 11 (05) “…the Gulf.”

A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Mattilyn Batson, the public policy and research director for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says they’re being stretched thin financially.

Cut 4 (14) “…in their community.”

20 years ago, Wheel of Fortune was forced to evacuate New Orleans with Katrina bearing down. They were supposed to tape three shows at the Morial Convention Center, but they only got two weeks worth of shows in. Executive Producer Harry Friedman says the contestants who were slated to appear in that third week eventually did get on the show from the show’s regular studio in Culver City, California.

Cut 12 (09) “…in New Orleans.”

The Senate Finance Committee is questioning Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his health policies this morning. Senator Bill Cassidy’s vote in the committee effectively sealed his confirmation back in February. That fact was not lost on WWL-TV reporter Paul Murphy, who asked him about it yesterday.

Cut 9 (20)  “…have his say.”

State Police now have some information on the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run crash that killed a 53-year-old pedestrian in Jefferson Davis Parish last month. They say the suspect vehicle may be a green or turquoise pickup truck or SUV with damage to the front end or the driver’s side.

Camp J at the Angola Prison has been renovated to house what Governor Landry and federal officials are calling the worst of the worst criminal illegal migrants arrested by ICE. Landry says 51 migrants have already been located there, with more to come.

Cut 14 (14) “…secure America.”

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is defending his health policies in front of the Senate Finance Committee this morning. While Kennedy has long stated his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccines, Senator Bill Cassidy has said President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for his role in getting those vaccines out as quickly as they did. Cassidy said those two viewpoints are not easily reconcilable.

Cut 8 (12) “…figure that out.”

A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

(Paper tearing SFX)

The sound of worthless Powerball tickets everywhere being ripped up, after not a single one matched all five numbers plus the Powerball last night. So that means the jackpot, which has rolled over every drawing since May 31st, will be worth an estimated 1.7 billion dollars Saturday night.

A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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20 years ago, Pat Sajak, Vanna White and the rest of the Wheel of Fortune crew nearly became trapped in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new ICE detention center has been opened at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Mattilyn Batson, the public policy and research director for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says they’re being stretched thin financially.

Cut 4 (14) “…in their community.”

Batson says nearly every expense involved in running a child care center has gone up in recent years.

Cut 5 (14) “…to other sectors.”

Batson says the simplest solution is for child care providers is to raise tuition. However, that’s a lot easier said than done.

Cut 6 (11) “…affording child care.”

Batson says there are programs aimed at helping both child care providers and families afford child care, but those programs are underfunded, which only adds to the problem.

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy is testifying before the Senate Finance Committee this morning as chaos at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to reign supreme. This, after Kennedy fired Susan Monarez, triggering a wave of resignations by top employees. Senator Bill Cassidy, who’s a member of the Finance Committee, says he will have lots of questions for the secretary.

Cut 7 (07) “…make a decision.”

Secretary Kennedy has long stated his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccines. Cassidy, on the other hand, has said President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for his role in Operation Warp Speed, in which Pfizer and Moderna developed vaccines to immunize people from the virus that has killed more than a million people in the U.S. since 2020. Cassidy said those two viewpoints are not easily reconcilable.

Cut 8 (12) “…figure that out.”

In February, Cassidy was the 14th and deciding vote in the Finance Committee to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate, effectively sealing his confirmation. That fact was not lost on WWL-TV reporter Paul Murphy, who asked him a point-blank question.

Cut 9 (20)  “…have his say.”

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20 years ago, Hurricane Katrina nearly trapped Pat Sajak, Vanna White and the rest of the Wheel of Fortune crew in New Orleans. They were in town taping three weeks worth of shows at the Morial Convention Center. Harry Friedman, who was the executive producer at the time, says by the time they made the decision to cancel the taping of the third week of shows and evacuate, they had no way to get out – so they commandeered two tour buses.

Cut 10 (14) “…need their buses.”

So they boarded those buses mid-morning Sunday morning and in the first hour of their journey back to Los Angeles, they had traveled all of two miles on I-10, with the storm clearly visible in the rearview mirror. The two weeks they did manage to tape aired in November, with an introduction from Pat and Vanna stating that they were taped just before the storm. Friedman says staff made sure that all 30 contestants who appeared on the show were accounted for.

Cut 11 (11) “…of the hurricane.”

They did, however, cut out a puzzle that made reference to the Superdome, which was used as the shelter of last resort. Since they cancelled the third day of taping, 15 contestants who were scheduled to appear on the show didn’t. Friedman says they eventually did get to appear on Wheel of Fortune from the show’s studio in Culver City.

Cut 12 (09) “…in New Orleans.”

And because he felt that the show had some unfinished business in New Orleans, Wheel of Fortune returned to the city five years later – this time, without incident.

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Governor Landry and federal officials announce Camp J at the Angola Prison has been renovated to house what they are calling the worst of the worst criminal illegal migrants arrested by ICE. Landry says this facility fulfils the President’s promise to make America safer…

Cut 13 (08)  “…holding facility.”

Camp J was built in 1976 and state prisoners lived in solitary confinement there. It closed in 2018 over concerns it was no longer a secure facility. Landry says it’s been renovated, and 51 migrants have already been located there, with more to come…

Cut 14 (14) “…secure America.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill as the Trump administration calls it, paid for the renovations to Camp J, which is now called Camp 57 in honor of Landry, Louisiana’s 57^th governor. ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan says it’s a model facility…

Cut 15 (14) “…law library.”

Landry says they expect to house about 200 detainees by mid-September and over 400 at the ICE detention center when all of the repairs to the facility are complete.

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LSU-Louisiana Tech is not the only intrastate matchup. The Ragin Cajuns host McNeese at 7 PM. Cowboyshead coach Matt Viator returns to Lafayette after serving as an offensive analyst for the Cajuns the last four seasons. Viator and UL-Lafayette coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) worked together, and Viator likes the in-state matchups.

Cut 16 (17) “…lot of fun.”

The Cajuns started the season with a very disappointing 14-12 loss against Rice. Desormeaux says that he knows the Cajuns will turn things around.

Cut 17 (16)  “…believe that.”

Cajuns quarterback Walker Howard has been ruled out for Saturday night’s game because of an undisclosed injury. Desormeaux says former Catholic High of Baton Rouge star Daniel Beale will start..

Cut 18 (09) “…believes in him.”

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The  Saints kick off their season on Sunday at noon against the Arizona Cardinals. Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will start under center for the Black and Gold. Head coach Kellen Moore says he is seeing lots of confidence from Rattler going into game week.

Cut 19 (15) “…lead us.”

The Saints will face a talented Arizona Cardinals defense led by safety Budda Baker and linebacker Josh Sweat. Spencer Rattler says avoiding negative plays will be the key….

Cut 20 (15) “…the chains.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana says the state’s overall wellbeing is improving. It says the state is especially making progress in education and economic issues, but it’s regressing in health factors like poverty and food insecurity. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the biggest solution to the state’s problems is a strong education system. 

Cut 11 (15) “…they improve.”

A children’s advocacy group says child care providers are finding it more difficult to remain in business. Mattilyn Batson, the public policy and research director for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says they’re being stretched thin financially.

Cut 4 (14) “…in their community.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she will not be the next president of the LSU System. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

President Trump sent the National Guard to fight crime in Washington, DC, and could be sending troops to Chicago. Could a city in Louisiana soon follow?

Cut 12 (12) “…of this country.”