The National Hurricane Center says there is a medium chance for a tropical depression to form near Louisiana’s southeast coast later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says its ability to organize into a named storm will depend on how long the center of the storm stays over water before making landfall along the northern Gulf coast. He says they are not expecting this system to develop into a hurricane.

Cut 5 (05) “…wind or surge”

The EPA approves two State Implementation Plans aimed at reducing sulfur dioxide emissions. One plan is called an “infrastructure SIP.” State Department of Environmental Quality administrator Jason Meyers says it’s a necessary first step when an EPA standard changes.

Cut 8 (14) “…outside the state.”

The roadways are not your place to train for the next NASCAR race – chill out and slow down! That’s the stern message from the The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Greg Fischer with the LHSC says that doesn’t mean driving at a snail’s pace, either.

Cut 10 (07) “…the speed limits.”

In 2023, speed was a factor in 30-percent of all deadly crashes in Louisiana.

LSU is expecting the return of some key contributors on both sides of the ball from injury. Linebacker Whit Weeks suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in the Tigers’ New Year’s Eve bowl game versus Baylor. At SEC Media Days yesterday, he said he’ll be good to go for camp.

Cut 12 (13) “…really good.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has a stern message for all you kamikaze drivers out there – chill out and slow down! Greg Fischer with the LHSC says in 2023, speeding was a factor in almost 29-percent of all fatal crashes nationwide.

Cut 9 (11)  “…speeding is involved.”

The EPA has approved two State Implementation Plans that will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. The first addresses emissions at Cabot Corporation’s Ville Platte carbon black plant. State Department of Environmental Quality administrator Jason Meyers says the plant is redesigning and reconstructing a large portion of the plant to bring Evangeline Parish into compliance with EPA standards.

Cut 6 (08) “…90-plus percent.”

A named storm in the Gulf of Mexico by Thursday is a possibility. Jeff Palermo reports regardless of development, heavy rainfall is expected in Louisiana.

Cut 1 (32 “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The National Hurricane Center says there is a medium chance for a tropical depression to form near Louisiana’s southeast coast later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a named storm forming is possible, but there’s a better chance for significant rainfall totals…

Cut 3 (09) “…south Louisiana.”

Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville is being renamed back to Camp Beauregard after Battle of New Orleans veteran Captain Jacques Toutant Beauregard. It was previously named after Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard until the name was changed in 2022. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says the restoration honors Louisiana history.

Cut 13 (12)  “…state service.” 

After Shreveport Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh ripped Governor Landry on KEEL radio last week, the governor went on its morning show to give his response. Seabaugh especially had some choice words over Landry using his line-item veto power to scrap four of his projects. Landry says there simply wasn’t enough money for all the projects the legislature gave him.

Cut 4 (11) “…that was overdrawn.”

Landry, meanwhile, said yesterday that Office of Motor Vehicles Director Bryan Adams and his team have made upgrades to the OMV computer system to prevent the service disruptions that hampered the agency earlier this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…no more long lines.”

Governor Landry fires back – albeit respectfully – at fellow Republican Alan Seabaugh in an interview on KEEL radio. This, after Seabaugh went on that station to say that Landry was not doing a good job as governor. Landry said he knows why Seabaugh’s mad.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyers like him.”

Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville is being renamed back to Camp Beauregard after Battle of New Orleans veteran Captain Jacques Toutant Beauregard. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says Guardsmen will continue Beauregard’s legacy through federal deployments and state emergencies.

Cut 15 (11) “…aspire to.”

LSU players sound an optimistic tune at SEC Football Media Days in Atlanta. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The State Capitol will soon get an exterior makeover. Governor Landry and state lawmakers have set aside almost 32-million dollars to waterproof the outside of the building and give it a good, thorough cleaning. The Capitol was completed in 1932 after just 14 months of construction.

Last week, Shreveport Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh took to the airwaves to rip Governor Landry. Now, the governor has responded. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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State officials announce LA Wallet is accepted at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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LSU players previewed the 2025 season at SEC Football Media Days in Atlanta yesterday. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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After Shreveport Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh ripped Governor Landry on KEEL radio last week, the governor went on its morning show to give his response. Seabaugh especially had some choice words over Landry using his line-item veto power to scrap four of his projects. Landry says there simply wasn’t enough money for all the projects the legislature gave him.

Cut 4 (11) “…that was overdrawn.”

Landry said as such, some projects had to go, and Seabaugh’s projects got the short end of the stick. While one legislative reporter found that Landry’s line-item vetoes were aimed at projects put forth by lawmakers who voted against House Bill 148, Landry gave a different reason.

Cut 5 (06) “…to do this.”

Landry says the reason that Seabaugh is criticizing him is because he’s mad at him for vetoing his Senate Bill 111, which would have watered down Louisiana’s “bad faith” law, which holds insurance companies responsible for unreasonably delaying or denying claims.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyers like him.”

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There’s been plenty of noise about rural hospitals in the wake of the passage of the tax and spending bill in Congress. Democrats say because of cuts to Medicaid, 33 of them in Louisiana will close. Republicans say that’s a false alarm. Jeff Reynolds, the executive director of the Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition, says none are in danger of closing because the cuts don’t kick in right away.

Cut 7 (08) “…that going forward.”

Reynolds says nearly all rural hospitals in the state are in good financial health at this time

Cut 8 (07) “…a huge number.”

Reynolds says rural hospitals closing in Louisiana are extremely rare, and the legislature would go out of its way to make sure that all of them stay open.

Cut 9 (08)  “…not finance related.”

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You can now use LA Wallet at any TSA checkpoint in the country. Governor Jeff Landry made the announcement with a video posted on social media.

Cut 10 (09) “…courthouses.”

Landry says the Transportation and Security Administration has certified LA wallet complies with federal requirements, allowing Louisiana residents to present LA Wallet at TSA security checkpoints, federal buildings and courthouses for the next three years.

Cut 11 (09) “…an airport.”

The governor’s office says TSA will again review Louisiana’s LA Wallet to ensure it remains compliant with federal privacy and security standards.

Landry also says Louisiana Office Motor of Vehicles Director Bryan Adams and his team have made upgrades to the OMV computer system to prevent the service disruptions that hampered the state agency earlier this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…no more long lines.”

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Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville is being renamed back to Camp Beauregard after Battle of New Orleans veteran Captain Jacques Toutant Beauregard. Previously named after Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, the base’s name was changed in 2022. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says restoration honors Louisiana history.

Cut 13 (12)  “…state service.”

Beauregard fought with the Third Regiment of the Louisiana Militia in the first land engagement in the Battle of New Orleans against General Edward Packenham and the British Army. Collins says it was important to find someone who embodies the Louisiana National Guard.

Cut 14 (10) “…National Guard.”

Collins says the Battle of New Orleans is extremely important to the history of Louisiana and the Louisiana National Guard, and Guardsmen will continue Beauregard’s legacy through federal deployments and state emergencies.

Cut 15 (13) “…aspire to.”

________________________________________________________

LSU players recapped the offseason and previewed the 2025 campaign at SEC Media Days yesterday. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier says this year’s roster is the closest he’s been a part of.

Cut 16 (19) “…different ways.”

Nussmeier is the only returning 4,000-yard passer in college football, but with a year’s worth of tape to study, he expects to improve in year two under center. The gunslinger threw 12 interceptions last year and says he can do a better job taking care of the football.

Cut 17 (17)  “…different outcome.”

Wide receiver Chris Hilton projects to be the Tigers’ top receiver this season after struggling with injuries in his collegiate career. Hilton arrived in Baton Rouge the same year as Nussmeier and says he’s seen his quarterback grow off the field.

Cut 18 (13) “…work in.”

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the gulf for the possibility of some tropical activity later this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says whatever does eventually happen likely will not have much of a major impact on the Louisiana coast.

Cut 10 (09) “…across this area.”

Keim says if anything, this will be a rainmaker, with the biggest likelihood being late in the week and into the weekend.

A police chase in Lincoln Parish ends with deputies shooting and killing the driver they were chasing. Deputy Amanda Lyon with the Northeast Louisiana Sheriff’s Investigative Unit says the pursuit lasted for about 16 miles, coming to an end on U.S. 167 near Paradise Point Lane.

Cut 7 (06) “…drop the weapon.”

But instead, the man pointed his gun at deputies, who shot him. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the biggest question marks for LSU football going into this season is the offensive line, having lost four of last year’s starters to the NFL. Coach Brian Kelly says his staff has been preparing the next generation since Will Campbell and Emery Jones started as freshmen.

Cut 5 (14) “…championship team.”

Louisiana Tech is officially Sun Belt-bound after league officials voted to invite the Bulldogs this morning. Locked On Sun Belt Podcast host Dave Schultz says this is a departure, since most of the conference’s recent additions had been in the east.

Cut 12 (13) “…ULM dramatically.”

For the first time, the number of active registered Republican voters in Louisiana exceeds the number of active registered Democratic voters – active voters having voted in at least one of the last two federal elections. John Couvillon (KOO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling, says there are many more inactive Democrats as Republicans.

Cut 5 (10) “…early next year.”

It was thought to have been eradicated a quarter century ago; but apparently, measles is back with a vengeance. Dr. Fred Lopez, a professor of medical education at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, says your very best defense against the highly contagious and deadly disease is to get vaccinated – the vaccines will at least keep symptoms down to a minimum.

Cut 15 (10) “…immune to it.”

SEC football media days kick off today. One big storyline is the future format of the College Football Playoff. It will almost certainly expand to 16 teams for the 2026 season. Locked On SEC Podcast host Chris Gordy says the SEC wants four teams guaranteed, but it’s a likely moot point in the long run.

Cut 9 (12)  “…gonna happen.”

Leaders from Sun Belt schools are expected to vote today to invite Louisiana Tech into the league as the 14th member of the conference. Locked on Sun Belt podcast host Dave Schultz says momentum began building last week for the Bulldogs to join the Sun Belt…

Cut 16 (15) “…the votes.”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s campaign says he raised a little more than two-million dollars in the second quarter this year and now has nine-million dollars in cash on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects Cassidy to build on his campaign warchest…

Cut 4 (10) “…on hand.”

Cassidy is facing two prominent Republicans in the newly-closed primary in April.

Fort Johnson is once again Fort Polk. The state’s largest military base was rededicated in a ceremony Friday morning. Its new namesake is General James H. Polk. His son, James H. Polk the Third, told those gathered that his father was a true hero, not only to the country, but to his family.

Cut 7 (10) “…who knew him.”

Some rough seas for LSU’s proposed arena project as the CEO of the sole finalist to build the facility was indicted for allegedly rigging the bid process for a similar project at the University of Texas at Austin. Tiger Rag magazine executive editor Todd Horne says Oak View Group CEO Timothy Leiweke has already agreed to pay a 15-million-dollar fine, hoping to stave off imprisonment.

Cut 13 (14)  “…fully investigated.”

The funeral service for Reverend Jimmy Swaggart will be held in Baton Rouge this weekend. Swaggart family spokeswoman Megan Kelly says the hours of the wake had to be extended due to overwhelming support.

Cut 9 (09)  “…big attendance.”

LSU’s proposed new arena project is facing yet another delay after the CEO of the firm, who was the sole finalist to build the facility, was indicted for allegedly rigging the bid process for a similar project at UT Austin. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says there are a lot of unknowns.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now reeling.”

The funeral service for Reverend Jimmy Swaggart will be held at Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge this weekend. Public viewing and wake will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, and a celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 Sunday evening. Swaggart family spokeswoman Megan Kelly says hours of the wake had to be extended due to the overwhelming support.

Cut 9 (09)  “…big attendance.”

Senator Bill Cassidy keeps adding to his campaign warchest. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Today is the final day of qualifying for the October 11th election in Orleans Parish, and there had been speculation as to whether Sheriff Susan Hutson would seek a second term. She has confirmed that she will indeed do so. Hutson had suspended her campaign following the May jailbreak, in which ten inmates escaped and one remains on the loose. Hutson, however, faces at least three challengers.

Senator Bill Cassidy’s campaign says he raised a little more than two-million dollars in the second quarter this year and now has nine-million dollars in cash on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects Cassidy to build on his campaign warchest…

Cut 4 (10) “…on hand.”

Cassidy is facing two prominent Republicans in the newly-closed primary in April.

Fort Johnson is once again Fort Polk. The state’s largest military base was rededicated in a ceremony this morning. Its new namesake is General James H. Polk. His son, James H. Polk the Third, told those gathered that his father was a true hero, not only to the country, but to his family.

Cut 7 (10) “…who knew him.”

Funeral services for world-renowned televangelist Jimmy Swaggart will be held in Baton Rouge this weekend.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”