Noncustodial parents who lost their driver’s license because of delinquent child support payments have an easier chance to get their license reinstated with a program called On the Road Again. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A little boy is rescued from a hot car, and you’re not going to believe his mother’s excuse. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With this being Child Support Awareness Month, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is bringing back its “On the Road Again” program. Assistant Secretary of Family Support, Sammy Guillory, says it’s an opportunity for noncustodial parents who lost their driver’s license because they haven’t been paying their child support to regain their driver’s license…

Cut 3 (10) “…meet em.”

During the promotion which lasts through September 30^th, eligible parents can reinstate their license by paying two months of child support for each case, pay 100-dollars toward any past-due balance for each and pay any court-ordered fees.

Guillory says last year 131 parents participated in the On the Road Again initiative, resulting in more than 155-thousand dollars collected on behalf of 202 children…

Cut 4 (07) “…their children.”

Guillory says it’s a last resort measure to suspend a non custodial parent’s driver’s license because they have fallen too far behind on their child support payments….

Cut 5 (10) “…reinstated”

Guillory says the On the Road Again initiative gives parents a real opportunity to get back on track…not just with their license, but with their role in supporting children.

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A two-year-old boy is safe after being left in a hot car in Shreveport for up to 30 minutes. Someone saw the little boy in distress inside the car outside a Dollar Tree store and flagged down an officer about 100 yards away. Police Corporal Christopher Bordelon says despite the fact that it was well before noon, the temperature was already soaring.

Cut 6 (07) “…about 93 degrees.”

And Bordelon says that made the temperature inside the vehicle even hotter, even with the window rolled down.

Cut 7 (09) “…removed the child.”

The boy’s mother, LaCrystol Johnson, eventually walked out of the store and was arrested and charged with child desertion. Bordelon says Johnson told officers that she felt that it would be okay to leave the boy inside the car because she left the window down. Bordelon says despite the fact that the boy was in the car for up to a half hour, he came out of the ordeal unscathed.

Cut 8 (07) “…to his father.”

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With the peak of hurricane season now just weeks away, the Louisiana Department of Insurance has launched an updated mobile app. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the new and improved LDI Connect app has some new features, including enhanced weather reporting.

Cut 9 (11)  “…that impact you.”

Commissioner Temple says the new app also contains some useful short videos to help navigate you through the sometimes complicated world of insurance.

Cut 10 (12) “…file a claim.”

Temple says LDI Connect initially launched last year, and they took note of what worked and what didn’t work, and they worked to improve it for this year’s peak hurricane season.

Cut 11 (08) “…making it better.”

The new and improved LDI Connect app is live on the Apple App Store and on the Google Play Store now.

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly joked today that Garrett Nussmeier will not need his leg amputated after a rumor swirled on Wednesday that he suffered a serious injury. Kelly says it’s just tendinitis in his knee…

Cut 12 (07) “…his leg.”

Kelly says Nussmeier has patella tendinitis as a result of a surgery in 2023. He says the tendon got a little cranky on Wednesday…

Cut 13 (06)  “…calm it down.”

Kelly expects Nussmeier to participate in a practice setting on Saturday. LSU’s first scrimmage of preseason camp is Saturday.

A two-year-old boy is safe after being left in a hot car for up to 30 minutes yesterday morning. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the temperature at 10:30 yesterday morning was about 93 degrees, and it was much hotter inside the car, even with the window rolled down.

Cut 7 (09) “…removed the child.”

The boy’s mother, LaCrystol Johnson, was arrested. Bordelon says she told officers she thought the boy would be fine in the car by himself with the window rolled down. 

With the peak of hurricane season now just weeks away, the Louisiana Department of Insurance has launched an updated mobile app. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the new and improved LDI Connect app has some new features, including enhanced weather reporting.

Cut 9 (11)  “…that impact you.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly joked today that Garrett Nussmeier will not need his leg amputated after a rumor swirled on Wednesday that he suffered a serious injury. Kelly says it’s just tendinitis in his knee…

Cut 12 (07) “…his leg.”

Kelly expects Nussmeier to return to practice tomorrow.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is bringing back its “On The Road Again” program. It’s an opportunity for non-custodial parents who lost their drivers licenses due to nonpayment of child support to regain their driving privileges. Assistant Secretary of Family Support Sammy Guillory says last year, 131 parents participated, resulting in more than 155-thousand dollars collected on behalf of 202 children.

Cut 4 (07) “…their children.”

A two-year-old boy is safe after being left in a hot car in Shreveport for up to 30 minutes. Someone saw the little boy in distress inside the car outside a Dollar Tree store and flagged down an officer about 100 yards away. Police Corporal Christopher Bordelon says despite the fact that it was well before noon, the temperature was already soaring.

Cut 6 (07) “…about 93 degrees.”

The boy’s mother, LaCrystol Johnson, eventually walked out of the store and was arrested and charged with child desertion. Bordelon says Johnson told officers that she felt that it would be okay to leave the boy inside the car because she left the window down. The boy is fine and is in the custody of his father.

With the peak of hurricane season now just weeks away, the Louisiana Department of Insurance has launched an updated mobile app. LDIConnect now features built-in displays for live regional weather and other alerts, news releases, access to guides and other resources.

Noncustodial parents who lost their driver’s license because of delinquent child support payments have an easier chance to get their license reinstated with a program called On the Road Again. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The former police chief of the small Lafourche Parish community of Golden Meadow is arrested for allegedly deleting a dozen years worth of files on his way out the door. Attorney General Liz Murrill says after Tony Dufrene lost his re-election bid, protocols should have been in place to prevent him from doing what he allegedly did.

Cut 6 (11) “…something like that.”

Dufrene’s bond was set at 15-thousand dollars.

After the town council in the small Jefferson Davis Parish community of Elton clamped down on its budget, Police Chief Bruce Lemelle was forced to lay off his entire department, leaving himself as the department’s last remaining employee. Mayor pro tem Kay Hebert says Lemelle has already gone through all the money that the council had allocated to the police department – something that Lemelle disputes.

Cut 11 (06) “…has been expended.”

Angola State Penitentiary may begin housing ICE detainees – likely at Camp J, which closed in 2018 due to its condition. Louisiana leaders and the Trump administration are in talks to use the prison facility as a detention center. Last month, Governor Landry issued an executive order allowing renovations to the wing to proceed without typical bidding rules. West Feliciana Parish president Kenny Havard says it’s a win-win.

Cut 8 (11) “…be in jail.”

Gracing the cover of the August issue of “Time” Magazine – House Speaker Mike Johnson. LSU Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says it’s the culmination of a meteoric rise for the northwest Louisiana congressman.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he didn’t.”

In fact, Johnson was elected Speaker in the middle of just his fourth term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

State officials are in talks with the Trump administration to use part of Angola State Penitentiary to house ICE detainees. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The police force in one small community in Jefferson Davis Parish is now down to one. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints are nearing the start of the regular season as they take on the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday in their first preseason game. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The former police chief of the small Lafourche Parish community of Golden Meadow is arrested for allegedly deleting a dozen years worth of files on his way out the door. Tony Dufrene is charged with injuring public records, computer tampering and malfeasance in office. Attorney General Liz Murrill says that data includes traffic citations and fuel expenditures.

Cut 4 (06) “…recover it all.”

Murrill says this all happened after Dufrene lost his bid for re-election.

Cut 5 (08) “…under any circumstances.”

Murrill says after Dufrene lost his re-election bid, protocols should have been in place to prevent him from doing what he allegedly did.

Cut 6 (11) “…something like that.”

Dufrene’s bond was set at 15-thousand dollars.

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Angola State Penitentiary may begin housing ICE detainees. Louisiana leaders and the Trump administration are in talks to use the prison facility as the President widens the crackdown on immigrants in the country illegally. West Feliciana Parish president Kenny Havard welcomes the opportunity.

Cut 7 (09) “…always done.”

A wing previously known as “Camp J,” which closed in 2018 due to its condition, is the likely site to house the detainees. Last month, Governor Landry issued an executive order allowing renovations to the wing to proceed without typical bidding rules. Havard says it’s a win-win.

Cut 8 (11) “…be in jail.”

Concerns have reportedly been raised over housing ICE detainees in the same facility as those convicted of violent crimes. Havard says details are still being worked out, but he is confident in the ability of the staff at Angola.

Cut 9 (07)  “…willing to work.”

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Due to budget constraints, the police chief in one small Jefferson Davis Parish community is forced to lay off his entire force. The decision was made following a contentious council meeting earlier this week. Kay Hebert, the mayor pro tem of Elton, says Police Chief Bruce Lemelle had no other choice.

Cut 10 (09) “…has been exceeded.”

Hebert says Lemelle has already gone through all the money that the council had allocated to the police department – something that Lemelle disputes.

Cut 11 (06) “…has been expended.”

Elton has a population of about 800 people. Hebert says Lemelle knew what his department was budgeted for, and he overextended it.

Cut 12 (11) “…and other officers.”

Since the position of police chief is elected in the Town of Elton, Lemelle is now the only employee in the town’s police department. Law enforcement calls in Elton will now be handled by the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office, which will mean increased response times.

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Gracing the cover of the August issue of “Time” Magazine – House Speaker Mike Johnson. LSU Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says it’s the culmination of a meteoric rise for the northwest Louisiana congressman.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he didn’t.”

Sadow points out that Johnson was elected Speaker of the House in the middle of just his fourth term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives – this after serving just one term in the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the 1880s.”

As for the story itself in the August issue of “Time” magazine, Sadow says it portrays the relationship between Johnson and President Trump as that of “good cop, bad cop.”

Cut 15 (18) “…to pay off.”

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With the Saints approaching the regular season, there are still some question marks looming with Kellen Moore’s team. The Saints play their first preseason game Sunday as Moore hopes to find out a little more about his depth. Luke Johnson of NOLA.com says to look out for who could become the last starting corner.

Cut 16 (19) “…as well.”

Alvin Kamara enters his ninth season with New Orleans. With his growing age, Moore knows he cannot do it all by himself. Moore is evaluating the running back room to see who could help limit Kamara’s workload. Johnson says to expect more running backs to be involved this year.

Cut 17 (17)  “…two-back approach.”

Preseason games are mostly an opportunity for players to fight for the last roster spots, but as a chance to mesh with each other. Johnson says he is watching out for players who could become a part of the rotation.

Cut 18 (15) “…starting 22.”

Today marks the start of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says this is gymnastics competition at the highest level in the U.S.

Cut 3 (10) “…Los Angeles in 2028.”

This is the first time the event is being held in New Orleans in 30 years. It runs through Sunday; tickets are still available.

Catch limits for red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico are increased, effective immediately. Andy Strelcheck, the regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, says the Gulf Council requested that NOAA Fisheries take this action for the rest of the year.

Cut 6 (11) “…than previously estimated.”

LSU football fans were sent into a panic yesterday after an unfounded rumor spread on social media that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was seriously injured during practice. Again, there’s no merit to that rumor. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says without Nussmeier, the Tigers would not only lose a leader with heavy experience, but they could kiss their playoff chances goodbye.

Cut 14 (11) “…seriously compromised.”

Nussmeier did have an accident at the end of practice earlier this week, but he is expected to return to practice by the end of the week.

ULM football coach Bryant Vincent’s workload got heavier this week as he was named interim athletic director following the sudden resignation of John Hartwell. Vincent doesn’t look at Harwell’s resignation as a setback.

Cut 10 (10) “…come together.”

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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NOAA Fisheries has increased the catch limits of red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says this is gymnastics competition at the highest level in the U.S.

Cut 3 (10) “…Los Angeles in 2028.”

Cicero says many gymnasts who competed in Paris last summer will be competing in New Orleans this weekend.

Cut 4 (11) “…LSU this fall.”

Rivera was the youngest member of the U-S gymnastics team that won the Olympic gold last year in Paris. Simone Biles is not competing.

As for the men, perhaps the biggest name competing is Stephen Nedoroscik, the bespectacled athlete who went viral with his pommel horse routine that won the men the bronze medal in the team competition at the Paris Olympics last year.

Cicero says the return of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships to New Orleans was 30 years in the making.

Cut 5 (09) “…so in 1995.”

Tickets are still available; go to the Smoothie King Center website or the USA Gymnastics website for more information. The competition runs through Sunday.

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Catch limits for red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico are increased, effective immediately. Andy Strelcheck, the regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, says the Gulf Council requested that NOAA Fisheries take this action for the rest of the year.

Cut 6 (11) “…than previously estimated.”

Strelcheck says because of the population increase, NOAA Fisheries has been able to increase the harvest limit for red grouper and to increase the harvest season out to the end of the year.

Cut 7 (14) “…7.45 million pounds.”

Strelcheck says catch limits for individual fishermen each time they go out into the water remain the same.

Cut 8 (13) “…of the year.”

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ULM football coach Bryant Vincent’s workload got heavier this week as he was named interim athletics director following the sudden resignation of John Hartwell. Vincent is entering his second season as head football coach and relishes the opportunity to take on more duties.

Cut 9 (09)  “…if you really care.”

Hartwell’s resignation came as a surprise. During an interview with LRN in June, he was encouraged about the future of ULM athletics, but that all ended on Monday when he abruptly resigned. Vincent doesn’t look at Harwell’s resignation as a setback.

Cut 10 (10) “…come together.”

Vincent is trying to build on ULM”s encouraging five and seven season from a year ago. He’s also the offensive coordinator. Vincent says new ULM president Doctor Carrie Castille reached out to him about running the athletic department on an interim basis.

Cut 11 (11) “…we needed.”

It’s been reported Hartwell resigned because he disagreed with Castille’s proposed budget cuts to the athletic department.

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LSU football fans were sent into a panic on Wednesday after a rumor on social media stated that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was seriously injured during practice. The rumor on Nussmeier’s status blew up on multiple social media outlets, but Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne says that the fear initiated by the rumors was unnecessary.

Cut 12 (12) “…no veracity.”

Horne spoke with multiple sources close to the program, who immediately shut down the possibility of any season-ending injuries. Horne did confirm that Nussmeier had an accident towards the end of practice, but he says to expect the LSU quarterback to return to practice by the end of the week.

Cut 13 (11)  “…off the field.”

Nussmeier comes back with the Tigers as one of the top returning starters in college football, so it is key to keeping him healthy. Without Nussmeier, the Tigers would not only lose a leader with heavy experience, but Horne says it would also ruin the Tigers’ playoff chances.

Cut 14 (11) “…seriously compromised.”

Catch limits for red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico are increased, effective immediately. Andy Strelcheck, the regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, says the Gulf Council requested that NOAA Fisheries take this action for the rest of the year.

Cut 6 (11) “…than previously estimated.”

Storm activity is starting to ramp up in the Atlantic; but so far, Louisiana has nothing to worry about. The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on two potential disturbances in the Atlantic. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team predicts a dozen more named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes.

Cut 13 (12)  “…three major hurricanes.”

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the return of the event to the Big Easy was 30 years in the making.

Cut 5 (09) “…so in 1995.”

Tickets are still available; go to the Smoothie King Center website or the USA Gymnastics website for more information. The competition runs through Sunday.

ULM football coach Bryant Vincent’s workload got heavier this week as he was named interim athletic director following the sudden resignation of John Hartwell. Vincent is entering his second season as head football coach and relishes the opportunity to take on more duties.

Cut 9 (09)  “…if you really care.”

It’s been reported Hartwell resigned because he disagreed with new president Dr. Carrie Castille’s proposed budget cuts to the athletic department.

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says this is gymnastics competition at the highest level in the U.S.

Cut 3 (10) “…Los Angeles in 2028.”

Tickets are still available; go to the Smoothie King Center website or the USA Gymnastics website for more information.

Statistics show that the birth rate in Louisiana is on the decline. Just over 52-thousand babies were born in Louisiana last year, down from more than 63-thousand in 2013. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says with fewer women of child-bearing age living in Louisiana, there will naturally be fewer babies born in the state.

Cut 8 (08) “…child-bearing age population.”

Schools are opening around the state as early as today; and as such, you should especially be on the lookout for kids making their way to school. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Getting sticker shock over your electric bill? Join the crowd. The Louisiana Illuminator reports electric bills last month reached levels not seen in three years. Utility companies say soaring natural gas prices are the biggest culprit behind the price spike, with those costs passed on to customers as “fuel adjustment” charges.

Schools are opening around the state as early as today; and as such, you should especially be on the lookout for kids making their way to school. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Statistics show a significant drop in the birth rate in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A program that gives money back to SNAP recipients for purchasing fresh produce with their government assistance is expanding. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Schools are opening as early as today throughout the state, so Louisiana State Police are urging you to take all precautions necessary to keep your kids safe as they go back to school. Trooper Eddie Thomas says when a crossing guard tells you to do something, you do it.

Cut 4 (13) “…for everyone’s safety.”

Trooper Thomas says when the red lights on a school bus start flashing and the red stop sign swings out on the driver’s side of the bus, that’s not for decoration – that means that traffic coming from both directions needs to come to a full stop.

Cut 5 (08) “…bus moves again.”

Thomas says always use extra caution when approaching a school bus stop.

Cut 6 (10) “…the bus safely.”

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Statistics show that the birth rate in Louisiana is on the decline. Preliminary data shows that just over 52-thousand babies were born in Louisiana last year. That’s down from more than 63-thousand in 2013. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says the trend in birth rates and population goes hand-in-hand.

Cut 7 (12) “…lot fewer babies.”

Plyer says with fewer women of child-bearing age living in Louisiana, there will naturally be fewer babies born in the state.

Cut 8 (08) “…child-bearing age population.”

Plyer says a declining birth rate will have a ripple effect in just about every aspect of life in the state.

Cut 9 (08)  “…across the state.”

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The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says SNAP recipients can now receive a 30-cent bonus for purchasing fruits and vegetables at Walmart stores in Calcasieu, Jackson, Lafayette, Rapides and Terrebonne parishes.

Cut 10 (09) “…eat healthy.”

Jenkins says these five parishes join Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster and West Carroll parishes already taking part in the Electronic Healthy Incentives Project. He says the program started in Louisiana last April and they are already seeing SNAP shoppers take advantage of it.

Cut 11 (08) “…been earned.”

No enrollment is required, and Jenkins says the program is open to all Louisiana SNAP recipients who shop at a Walmart in the eleven parishes.

Cut 12 (09) “…incentive.”

The 30-cent bonus is automatically added to EBT cards at checkout and can be used as soon as the next purchase. A SNAP shopper can receive up to 25 dollars per month.

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The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, but none of them have grown to hurricane strength. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says they predict a dozen more named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes.

Cut 13 (12)  “…three major hurricanes.”

Klotzbach says two weeks from now, we’ll be entering the peak of the hurricane season.

Cut 14 (10) “…couple of weeks.”

Klotzbach says in a sign that the season will soon become more active, the tropical Atlantic has warmed faster than normal over the past few weeks, due to relatively weak winds blowing across the area.

Cut 15 (07) “…well above average.”

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LSU football is nearing its date with Clemson. As time ticks, LSU is still figuring out who will fit in the rotation, especially at the defensive back position. Cornerback PJ Woodland gained around 15 pounds during the offseason to be better suited for the position. Head coach Brian Kelly says that Woodland brings a special versatility to the defense.

Cut 16 (16) “…he brings that.”

LSU brought in several new defensive linemen to contribute to defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s disruptive scheme. With the abundance and depth of  defensive linemen, head coach Brian Kelly says that the coaching staff has the creative options to put certain players in certain situations.

Cut 17 (20)  “…pass rush now.”

Although LSU has a great leader behind center with Garrett Nussmeier, The Tigers are looking for development from its backup quarterbacks. Kelly says that Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren and 17-year-old Collin Hurley have the potential to be stars, but improvement is needed.

Cut 18 (18) “…big mistakes.”

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The New Orleans Saints offense looks to put out a dangerous product on the field with new head coach Kellen Moore. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (EE-lair) says Moore’s new system allows him to be the shifty back he knows he can be.

Cut 19 (19) “…is endless.”

The Saints are practicing in Irvine, California, ahead of its game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. With the team being in a different environment, Moore still wants to see his team get the most out of practices.

Cut 20 (17) “…work for us.”