A 17-year-old mother is on life support after she was shot in what authorities call a road rage incident. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A sad end to the search for a 12-year-old New Orleans boy. The United Cajun Navy found the body of Bryan Vasquez in a lagoon near his home. Bryan was a nonverbal autistic boy who disappeared from his home August 14th when he climbed out of a bedroom window.

As cleanup efforts continue in Tangipahoa Parish from the chemical plant explosion in Roseland, there are concerns over the environmental impact of the incident. Dr. Rustin Reed, an environmental expert at Tulane University, says even though the current estimated concentration level of pollutants is low, those in vulnerable groups should take extra precautions for the time being.

Cut 13 (12)  “…someone may have.”

Reed says when driving, the filter inside of your vehicle will only go so far in protecting you from harmful emissions from an explosion like the one from Friday afternoon.

Cut 14 (08) “…gases or vapors.”

The fire, meanwhile, is nearly fully contained, and Smitty’s Supply says it will rebuild.

A sad end to a search for a 12-year-old New Orleans boy. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says searchers found Bryan Vasquez dead in a lagoon near his home. 

Cut 6 (09) “…into the marsh.”

Vasquez was a nonverbal autistic boy who disappeared from his home August 14th when he climbed out of a bedroom window.

A 17-year-old pregnant woman is fighting for her life after being shot in what police are calling a road rage incident. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker says there were two drivers tailgating and brake-checking one another, and it culminated with 54-year-old Barry West shooting into a vehicle and hitting the teen in the head. Sheriff Sticker says the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 5 (05) “…tailgaiting who.” (2x) 

West is charged with four counts of attempted second degree murder. The teen gave birth to her child in the hospital.

As cleanup efforts continue in Tangipahoa Parish from the chemical plant explosion in Roseland, there are concerns over the environmental impact of the incident. Dr. Rustin Reed, an environmental expert at Tulane University, says whenever there’s an explosion at a plant that manufactures oil and lubricants like Smitty’s Supply, there will be emissions of certain kinds.

Cut 12 (10) “…types of things.”

A game changer in healthcare in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, as Willis Knighton Health has joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Dr. Lane Rosen, the medical director of radiation-oncology at Willis Knighton, says the partnership with The Mayo Clinic will allow Willis Knighton to take its services to the next level.

Cut 10 (10) “…is just huge.”

A 17-year-old mother is on life support after she was shot in what authorities call a road rage incident. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

What health impacts are coming out of the chemical plant explosion in Tangipahoa Parish? Andrew Greenstein talked with an environmental expert for some insight.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A 17-year-old, who was seven months pregnant, is on life support after she was shot in what authorities call a road rage incident. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker says the victim was in a vehicle with three other passengers in the Ponchatoula area and that vehicle was tailgating and brake-checking with another vehicle driven by 54-year-old Barry West. Sticker says West got upset and shot at the other vehicle, striking the 17-year-old in the head…

Cut 3 (09) “…human life.”

Sticker says the victim was rushed to the hospital, where she gave birth to her child…

Cut 4 (09) “…we speak.”

But the mother is on life support, while West is in the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on four counts of attempted second degree murder and those charges could be upgraded if the victim passes away. She’s currently on life support. Sticker says the investigation is ongoing

Cut 5 (05) “…tailgaiting who.” (2x) 

Sticker calls it a senseless tragedy.

________________________________________________

A sad end to a search for a 12-year-old New Orleans boy. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says searchers found Bryan Vasquez dead in a lagoon near his home.

Cut 6 (09) “…into the marsh.”

Vasquez was a nonverbal autistic boy who disappeared from his home August 14th when he climbed out of a bedroom window. Kirkpatrick says the investigation is now a death investigation, and it is in the early stages. She says foul play has not been ruled out.

Cut 7 (12) “…includes foul play.”

There was a five-hour delay from the time Vasquez was reported missing to the time New Orleans Police first responded. Kirkpatrick says that’s also being thoroughly investigated.

Cut 8 (10) “…that time delay.”

________________________________________________

A game changer in healthcare in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, as Willis Knighton Health has joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Dr. Lane Rosen, the medical director of radiation-oncology at Willis Knighton, says The Mayo Clinic has very strict standards in choosing the medical facilities it chooses to partner with.

Cut 9 (08)  “…selected Willis Knighton.”

Dr. Rosen says the partnership with The Mayo Clinic will allow Willis Knighton to take its services to the next level.

Cut 10 (10) “…is just huge.”

Rosen says the partnership gives Willis Knighton’s patients the nationwide resources of The Mayo Clinic at no additional charge.

Cut 11 (13) “…to seven days.”

____________________________________________________

As cleanup efforts continue in Tangipahoa Parish from the chemical plant explosion in Roseland, there are concerns over the environmental impact of the incident. Dr. Rustin Reed, an environmental expert at Tulane University, says whenever there’s an explosion at a plant that manufactures oil and lubricants like Smitty’s Supply, there will be emissions of certain kinds.

Cut 12 (10) “…types of things.”

Dr. Reed says as such, even though the current estimated concentration level of pollutants is low, those in vulnerable groups should take extra precautions for the time being.

Cut 13 (12)  “…someone may have.”

Reed says when driving, the filter inside of your vehicle will only go so far in protecting you from harmful emissions from an explosion like the one from Friday afternoon.

Cut 14 (08) “…gases or vapors.”

The fire that resulted from the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland is now 98-percent contained. The Department of Environmental Quality has been continuously monitoring air quality from the beginning. Governor Landry says had it not been for Mother Nature, the surrounding area would never have been covered in soot.

Cut 13 (14)  “…was utterly toxic.”

Starting today, the Secretary of State’s Office will be demonstrating several new potential voting systems as it prepares to replace its current outdated voting machines. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says all six systems it’s testing have a paper element to them.

Cut 4 (11) “…auditability of paper”

One of the toughest lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina was the need for an improved flood protection system. Jeff Palermo reports the federal government reacted by spending 14.5 billion dollars…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Just hours to go until NFL teams, including the Saints, need to get their rosters down to 53. The Saints started paring their roster down by cutting veteran running back Cam Akers.

The Secretary of State’s Office will be demonstrating new voting machines, starting today. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

One of the toughest lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina was the need for an improved flood protection system. Jeff Palermo reports the federal government reacted by spending 14.5-billion dollars.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging President Trump and Louisiana’s congressional delegation to impose a ten-cent-per-pound inspection fee on all imported seafood. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Starting today, the Secretary of State’s Office will be demonstrating several new potential voting systems as it prepares to select one to replace the outdated system that it’s used for the past 35 years. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says there are six systems the state will be testing, and all of them have a paper element to them.

Cut 4 (10) “…auditability of paper”

Watson says all voting systems being tested and demonstrated are currently being used elsewhere.

Cut 5 (08) “…across the country.”

Watson says in all, there are six voting systems being tested between now and September 18th, and all of them will represent a significant improvement over the state’s current voting system.

Cut 6 (10) “…our elections safe.”

All demonstrations will take place in the old governor’s mansion, and all are open to the public.

____________________________________________

We continue to look back 20 years ago this week when Hurricane Katrina ravaged southeast Louisiana. Katrina’s fierce winds caused extensive damage, but the storm surge that led to breaks in the levee system produced catastrophic flooding. U-S Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Rene Poche says a much better flood protection system in place now.

Cut 7 (12) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”

Two different administrations from two different parties directed Congress to appropriate 14.5-billion dollars to rebuild the levees in metro New Orleans. Poche says the design started in 2007 and construction was finally completed in 2018 on all of the storm barriers, flood walls, levees and pumps.

Cut 8 (08) “…see today.”

Poche says it’s still possible for a strong hurricane to overtop the system, but flooding can still be minimized.

Cut 9 (10)  “…water out”

Poche says work continues on providing even more flood protection as construction is ongoing on a one-billion dollar project to protect the River Parishes.

____________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is renewing his call for President Trump and Louisiana’s Congressional delegation to impose a ten-cent-per-pound seafood inspection fee.

Cut 10 (09) “…imported seafood.”

This is in response to the massive recall of potentially radioactive shrimp imported from Indonesia that was being sold in Walmart stores in 13 states, including Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says shrimp is coming in from overseas infected with antibiotics all the time, and it’s ending up on American’s dinner plates far too often.

Cut 11 (13) “…this seafood.”

Nungesser says this is why Louisiana passed a law that requires restaurants and suppliers to clearly indicate whether their seafood is imported or not.

Cut 12 (10) “…eating Louisiana.”

____________________________________________

The EPA says the fire that resulted from the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland is now 98-percent contained. The Department of Environmental Quality has been continuously monitoring air quality ever since the explosion happened Friday afternoon. Governor Landry told a news conference yesterday afternoon that had it not been for Mother Nature, the surrounding area would never have been covered in soot.

Cut 13 (14)  “…was udderly toxic.”

Governor Landry says people in the affected area should have nothing to worry about at this time.

Cut 14 (12) “…a big mess.”

Smitty’s Supply employed about 450 people at the time of Friday’s explosion; and with their plant now destroyed, they’re now out of work. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says the state is making resources available to them.

Cut 15 (09) “…available to them.”

________________________________________________

LSU was not very successful last season when its defense was tasked with containing mobile quarterbacks. LSU will have to face Cade Klubnick, another dual threat quarterback on Saturday, who can hurt defenses with his legs. Head coach Brian Kelly says that the Tigers have to make sure they limit what Klubnick does.

Cut 16 (17) “…the pocket.”

The LSU offensive line battle has been one of the most important stories leading into the opener versus Clemson. LSU has narrowed down its remaining starting jobs on the offensive line to left guard and right tackle. Kelly says he could see the Tigers playing several guys on the offensive line against Clemson.

Cut 17 (19)  “…for us.”

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker got several experienced players to fit his scheme this season. Head coach Brian Kelly says that he sees a big difference in the defense this season. Kelly says that the confidence is standing out from a unit that has lots of experience.

Cut 18 (14) “…at football.”

_______________________

The Saints started to make cuts to its squad to get down to the 53-man roster before the season begins. Veteran running back Cam Akers was part of the first cuts after showing promise in preseason camp. Head coach Kellen Moore says it was a tough move, but he likes the depth the Saints have at running back.

Cut 19 (19) “…group there.”

The New Orleans offensive line injury bug continues to spread after tackle Landon Young injured his ankle in Saturday’s preseason game versus the Broncos. The Saints currently have six offensive linemen that are injured to some capacity. Moore says the Saints will have to overcome the injuries and plan accordingly as the regular season approaches.

Cut 20 (18) “…our team.”

Cleanup continues from Friday’s explosion at the chemical plant in Roseland that forced nearly one-thousand people to evacuate from the area. The stench of oil and grease penetrated the air throughout the weekend. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says they’re constantly testing the air quality.

Cut 5 (12) “…has been safe.” (2x) 

Radiance Technologies announced that it’s investing more than 370-million dollars to put up a new microchip packaging facility in Ruston. It’s expected to create 150 new jobs with an average salary of 85-thousand dollars a year. Radiance CEO Bill Bailey says the massive investment is further proof of Louisiana’s commitment to the high-tech industry.

Cut 13 (10)  “…recruitment than Louisiana.”

The Saints are still not ready to name a starting quarterback for the regular season opener against Arizona on September 7th. Andre Champagne has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Speaking of Louisiana quarterbacks, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier will be sporting a new look this year – changing from number 13 to number 18. Number 18 is issued annually to a team leader that exemplifies great character. Nussmeier returned for his fifth season at LSU, because he said he wanted to win a championship.

A portion of the Tangipahoa River is closed as a result of chemicals and oil that have made it into the waterway from Friday afternoon’s chemical plant explosion. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says the cleanup effort is underway.

Cut 4 (12) “…down the river.”

Radiance Technologies announced that it’s investing more than 370-million dollars to put up a new microchip packaging facility in Ruston. Governor Landry said the investment will help bolster national security, fuel innovation and drive local economic growth. And he said it will restore America’s place in the world as a true innovator.

Cut 12 (12) “…of our time.”

The temperature may still be on the high side, but it’s noticeably more comfortable to be outside, thanks to a drop in humidity. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this welcome break will last a few days.

Cut 10 (10) “…while you can.”

This welcome break is due to a cold front that’s moved through the area that’s dropped the dew point ten degrees.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will have a new look this season. Instead of number 13, Nussmeier will now wear number 18. The coveted number goes to a team leader who exemplifies great character. Defensive end Jack Plyburn says Nussmeier is the ultimate competitor…

Cut 7 (12) “…he is a gamer.”

This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns reports the storm changed some aspects of the state forever.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Ruston will soon be home to a new state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility. Radiance Technologies announced that it is investing more than 370-million dollars to expand its footprint in Louisiana with the new facility, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

Crews are busy cleaning out the Tangipahoa River following Friday’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply, as significant amounts of material have been found in that waterway. Area residents have reported oil and ash residue on their homes and vehicles.

It’s still hot, but it feels better outside as LSU public health climatologist Barry Keim says the humidity levels are down and the dew point is ten degrees lower thanks to a cold front that’s moved through.

Cut 9 (10)  “…four to five percent.”

Keim says the break from the hot, oppressive summer will last a few days.

This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns reports the storm changed some aspects of the state forever.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

____________________________________________

Secretary of State Nancy Landry is joining registrars of voters across the state this week to promote Voter Registration Week. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

Firefighters in Tangipahoa Parish were busy all weekend long fighting the fire that resulted from an explosion at a lubricant manufacturing facility. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. And while that storm certainly changed many facets of the state forever, the state is largely the same as it once was. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says one effect of Katrina’s aftermath was the rise of charter schools throughout the state. Erwin says it all started in New Orleans, and the charter schools have produced tremendous results.

Cut 4 (11) “…’B’ school district”

Erwin says Katrina also led to a consolidation of the levee boards in that part of the state.

Cut 5 (11) “…the levee board.”

Erwin says New Orleans used the occasion of the recovery from Katrina to try to reinvent itself economically, with limited success.

Cut 6 (13) “…didn’t really stick.”

Today, much as it was before Katrina, New Orleans’ biggest economy is in travel and tourism.

____________________________________________

Starting today, residents living in the 3-1-8 area code will have to dial 3-1-8, plus the seven other numbers when making a call to an existing 3-1-8 phone number. It’s because a new 4-5-7 area code will begin next September. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the ten-digit number is necessary to distinguish between the two area codes…

Cut 7 (12) “…number now.”

Starting on September 25^th, newly assigned phone numbers in north and central Louisiana will have a 4-5-7 area code. Campbell says to prepare for this new area code, people with a 3-1-8 area code will need to dial all ten numbers when calling another phone with a 3-1-8 area code…

Cut 8 (08) “…deal with.”

Campbell says the new area code is necessary because they ran out of seven-digit numbers for the 3-1-8 area code…

Cut 9 (04)  “…3-1-8.”

____________________________________________

Secretary of State Nancy Landry is promoting Voter Registration Week this week. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State office says this there are events throughout the state this week.

Cut 10 (10) “…their registration.”

Watson says once you register to vote, you’re registered forever — except in certain conditions.

Cut 11 (13) “…you’re eligible.”

Watson says it is important to make sure voter information is up to date for upcoming elections — and you can do so online or on the Geaux Vote app.

Cut 12 (12) “…and accurate.”

____________________________________________

Fire crews spent the weekend battling the fire that resulted from Friday afternoon’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, in Tangipahoa Parish. As of yesterday evening, Louisiana State Police said the fire is 90-percent contained. Yesterday, crews began removing structural debris and addressing covered hotspots. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says a one-mile evacuation zone remains in effect.

Cut 13 (08)  “…sightseers come by.”

Among those evacuated were former Governor John Bel Edwards and his wife. A family associate says they’re safe and are monitoring the situation. During a news conference Saturday morning, State Police Sergeant William Huggins says there were several small explosions in the hours after the initial explosion.

Cut 14 (09) “…at this time.”

Authorities have been monitoring the air quality around the plant since the explosion first happened and recommend that people avoid contact with any soot from the fire and explosion. President Miller says not only was no one killed, no one was even injured in the blast.

___________________________________________________

The preseason is over for the Saints, and now we wait for head coach Kellen Moore to announce who will start at quarterback when the regular season begins on September 7th against Arizona. Spencer Rattler started and Tyler Shough replaced him Rattler midway through the second quarter. Moore says both did good things…

Cut 15 (15) “…good stuff.”

Shough ran for a touchdown and threw for 102 yards, but also lost a fumble. Rattler was 5-of-8 for 43 yards.

________________________________________________

Nicholls started its season on Saturday with an impressive win over 4th-ranked UIW. The defense led the way, holding the Cardinals to 204 total yards in a 20-6 win. Ty Marsh scored the first touchdown on a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the first quarter…

Cut 16 (15) “…hoping to get more.”

It was win number one for new head coach Tommy Rybacki. Rybacki was not surprised to see his team play so well in the season opener…

Cut 17 (12)  “…proud of that.”

Nicholls is back in action this Saturday.

___________________________________________________________

Disappointing start to the season for the Southern Jaguars as they lost to North Carolina Central 31-14 on Saturday night in Atlanta. The Jaguars only threw for 92 yards and the Southern defense gave up 231 rushing yards. Coach Terrance Graves says the game should be a wake up call for his players…

Cut 18 (14) “…execute.”

Southern is at Mississippi Valley State this Saturday.

_____________________________________________

Game week has arrived for the LSU Tigers and the starting five on the offensive line has yet to be decided. Starting center Braelin Moore says the competition has been good…

Cut 19 (15) “…five out there.”

A common theme we’ve heard about this team during the preseason is that it’s a close group, despite a lot of new players. Wide receiver Zavion Thomas says the players are always hanging out away from the field…

Cut 20 (20) “…pick it up.”

Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a 15-year-old boy is killed while riding his bike in his subdivision. Sheriff Jason Ard says 31-year-old Juan Chavarria had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Sheriff Ard says the Nicaraguan national fled the scene, but deputies caught him and arrested him.

Cut 10 (13) “…DWI first offense.”

Louisiana farmers are producing a big corn crop this year, but producers are not getting a great price for that corn. LSU Ag Center assistant professor Shelly Pate Kerns says bushels of corn have fallen below four dollars, because of an abundant supply of corn on the global markets…

Cut 14 (12) “…shakeout differently.”

The Saints wrap up their preseason Saturday at noon against the Broncos. Andre Champagne has a preview.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The SEC is moving to a nine-game league schedule in football in 2026. Not only will SEC teams play nine conference games starting next year, the league is also requiring each team to play a non-conference game against a school from another Power Four conference or Notre Dame each season.