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.

________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________________________

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.”

Starting in January, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their food stamp benefits to purchase soda, energy drinks and candy. Governor Landry asked the federal government to prohibit these foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits because they contribute to poor health outcomes…

Cut 12 (06) “…chronic diseases.”

Landry talked about the upcoming changes to the SNAP program on his “Diner Days” podcast he recorded at a restaurant in Broussard.

A 1.4-million-dollar grant from NASA will support a three-year research collaboration between LSU, Southern and Louisiana Tech. Dr. Andrew Peters, a professor of chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech, says the money will be used to research ways to construct and fix large space structures without relying on bolts, screws or glue.

Cut 9 (09)  “…kind of stuff.”

A new school year has arrived. The head of the state department of education talked about a couple of new priorities this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With school starting up again, now is the time to start to pay extra close attention on the roadways. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says you can start by giving yourself a little extra time to get to and from work.

Cut 6 (12) “…at those times.”

A new school year is upon us, so now is the time to start to pay extra close attention on the roadways. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says kids who walk to and from school should be focused solely on that single task and doing everything they can to stay safe.

Cut 7 (11) “…way as possible.”

One emphasis this year for the Louisiana Department of Education is to expand work-based learning opportunities for high school students. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means more high school students will participate in internships…

Cut 3 (11) “…this year.”

According to Leaders for a Better Louisiana, just over two-thousand high school students graduated with an internship credit.

Starting in January, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their food stamp benefits to purchase soda, energy drinks and candy. Governor Landry asked the federal government to prohibit these foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits because they contribute to poor health outcomes…

Cut 12 (06) “…chronic diseases.”

Landry talked about the upcoming changes to the SNAP program on his “Diner Days” podcast he recorded at a restaurant in Broussard.

A 1.4-million-dollar grant from NASA will support a three-year research collaboration between LSU, Southern and Louisiana Tech. Dr. Andrew Peters, a professor of chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech, says the money will be used to research ways to construct and fix large space structures without relying on bolts, screws or glue.

Cut 9 (09)  “…kind of stuff.”

A new school year gets underway this week and an emphasis this year for the Louisiana Department of Education is to expand work-based learning opportunities for high school students. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means more high school students will participate in internships…

Cut 3 (11) “…this year.”

Starting this school year, districts will be permitted to accept advertising from politicians and political groups for athletics and other school clubs. The new law does not obligate them to do so – they still have the ability to establish rules and guidelines. The law’s author, Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert, says for any political advertisement placed in a facility that may be used as a polling place, electioneering rules still apply.

Cut 12 (10) “…be taken down.”

Autonomous trucks are now driving between Dallas and Houston at night, and it may not be long before they make their way to Louisiana. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says a law was passed in 2019 allowing autonomous trucking in the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…on their own.”

A pair of big athletic events are happening in New Orleans this week. The third NOLA Pickle Fest starts today at the Morial Convention Center, and the U.S. Gymnastics Championships start tomorrow at the Smoothie King Center. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says the latter event’s return to New Orleans is a long time coming.

Cut 14 (06) “…some incredible athletes.”

And you could eventually see some of the gymnasts competing this weekend in Los Angeles three years from now in the Olympics.

Self-driving trucks are taking to the highways between Dallas and Houston and could service the Bayou State as soon as 2027. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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B.J. Bell, the voice of Grambling State’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band, became the first band announcer to sign an NIL deal. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Starting this school year, school districts now have the option to accept advertising from politicians and political groups. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Autonomous trucks are now driving between Dallas and Houston at night, and it may not be long before they make their way to Louisiana. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association,  says a law was passed in 2019 allowing autonomous trucking in the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…on their own.”

Amar says there have already been test runs for self-driving trucks in the state. She says for now, those drives will remain at night during low traffic hours and with a human driver in the vehicle.

Cut 5 (10) “…on the road.”

Amar says once autonomous trucks are approved for a full rollout, they could transform the industry. She mentioned employment and liability concerns.

Cut 6 (08) “…down the line.”

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B.J. Bell serves as the Voice of Grambling State’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band, but his job will be a bit different after becoming the first band announcer to land an NIL deal. Bell signed with Monroe-based Attorney Eddie Clark & Associates, and he says the partnership with Clark is unlike any other.

Cut 7 (13) “…NIL deal.”

Bell and Clark were already familiar with each other as they both attended Carroll High School in Monroe. Bell says the partnership will take advantage of his local stardom.

Cut 8 (12) “…came into play.”

Bell always dreamed of playing in the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, so announcing has allowed him to live through those dreams.

Cut 9 (08)  “…great feeling.”

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Starting this school year, school districts will be permitted to accept advertising from politicians and political groups for athletics and other school clubs. It’s a new law which was written by Gonzales Republican Senator Eddie Lambert, who says rural school districts were put at a huge disadvantage under the old law.

Cut 10 (13) “…support the teams.”

Senator Lambert says rural areas need every source of revenue they can get, and the prohibition under the old law made it more difficult for them to raise the money they needed.

Cut 11 (09) “…year to advertise.”

It’s important to note that while the new law permits school districts to accept political advertising, it does not obligate them to do so – they still have the ability to establish rules and guidelines. Lambert says for any political advertisement placed in a facility that may be used as a polling place, electioneering rules still apply.

Cut 12 (10) “…be taken down.”

_______________________________________________________

A pair of big athletic events are happening in New Orleans this week. The third NOLA Pickle Fest starts today at the Morial Convention Center. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says the festival is designed for both players and spectators, and money raised goes towards a good cause.

Cut 13 (07)  “…Brees Dream Foundation.”

And the U.S. Gymnastics Championships start tomorrow at the Smoothie King Center. Schulz says the event’s return to New Orleans is a long time coming.

Cut 14 (06) “…some incredible athletes.”

Schulz says you may see some of the athletes competing on the mat at the Smoothie King Center this week in Los Angeles three years from now.

Cut 15 (06) “…incredible talented gymnasts.”

Both events run through Sunday.

________________________________________________________

LSU football enters year four of the Brian Kelly era with lots of faces to get used to. Kelly and his staff brought in 23 enrollees and 18 transfers this offseason to contribute to getting the team back in the college football playoffs. One of those new faces is 5-star running back Harlem Berry, who took second-team snaps at practice. Kelly says Berry’s playing time will depend on his ability to adapt to the next level.

Cut 16 (18) “…playing here.”

Oklahoma transfer tight-end Bauer Sharp is another addition that is consistently making plays for the offense as an effective route-runner. Kelly says Sharp’s experience and maturity are standing out.

Cut 17 (19)  “…the most.”

Kelly also spoke on Florida State defensive end Patrick Payton’s growth. Payton comes off the edge with speed and is a physical mismatch for opposing defenses. Payton totaled four sacks and eleven tackles-for-loss with the Seminoles last season.

Cut 18 (18) “…exceed that.”

______________________________________________

The Ragin’ Cajuns are searching for their next starting quarterback. Former five-star and Lafayette native Walker Howard may be a fan favorite, but head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) says he’s giving all his passers equal opportunity under center.

Cut 19 (17) “…those reps.”

UL-Lafayette had the Sun Belt’s second-best total defense in coordinator Jim Salgado’s first year with the program. The Cajuns lost first-team all-conference linebacker K.C. Ossai, but senior lineman Kadarius Miller says the defense is as stout as ever.

Cut 20 (19) “…pretty good.”

Thanks to a new state law, you can now carry a gun while frog hunting at night. Normally, frog hunters do not use guns when capturing frogs; they use gigs, nets or their bare hands. Still, the law’s author, Gonzales Republican Senator Eddie Lambert, says especially since the activity is normally done under the cover of darkness, having a gun comes in handy as a source of personal protection.

Cut 5 (11) “…wait for you.”

Another new state law provides an 80-percent discount on a combo hunting and fishing license for honorably discharged military veterans. It was crafted with the help of the military advocacy group The Boot. Andrew Ward with The Boot says what Louisiana did was truly innovative.

Cut 6 (08) “…honorably discharged veteran.”

The Saints had their last practice in Metairie before flying out to California tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s preseason opener against the Chargers. Spencer Rattler became the first quarterback to get starting reps in back-to-back practices today but split first-team action with Tyler Shough. Locked On Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says the second-year QB has separated himself.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of the trio.”

The application deadline for the Louisiana State Police’s 108th cadet class is less than two weeks away. Captain Johnnie Brown says applicants must apply by August 18th, be 21 or older at the time of application and meet one of four qualification criteria.

Cut 12 (13) “…enforcement experience (2x).”