Federal, state and local law enforcement officials in Shreveport announce a new multi-agency initiative called the Gator Task Force to target violent crime and drug trafficking in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller says the task force officially started in July, and it’s already working.

Cut 3 (11) “…indictment.”

St. Tammany Parish is on pace to set a new record for the number of suicides in a year. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says if you’re going through a crisis, there’s the 988 suicide prevention hotline, which you can call whether you’re contemplating suicide or not. He says there are other things you can do to take your mind off those thoughts.

Cut 8 (11) “…your mental pain.”

Three men are killed in a single-vehicle crash in Tangipahoa Parish early this morning. State Police say a 21-year-old Hammond man was driving a 2017 Honda Accord too fast northbound on U.S. Highway 51 and lost control, and the car left the roadway and crashed into a support column of the elevated portion of I-55. He and his two passengers, a 20-year-old from Slidell and a 19-year-old from New Orleans, were killed.

The injury bug has hit LSU hard. Linebacker Whit Weeks could be out for the season with a broken fibula. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

St. Tammany and Washington Parish District Attorney Collin Sims is appointed to look into the now-dismissed indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill. New Orleans Metro Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says one of Sims’ responsibilities will be seeking access to grand jury records.

Cut 14 (09) “..to do that.”

Tough news for LSU linebacker Whit Weeks as he could miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg in Saturday’s 35-6 win over Texas A-and-M. Davhon (DAY-von) Keys will step up as the starter, like he did last season with Weeks out. Head Coach Lane Kiffin and his staff rebuilt the LSU roster with a massive transfer class, but he still has concerns about its depth with eight games remaining.

Cut 10 (12) “…week 11.” 

The coroner of St. Tammany Parish is sounding the alarm over an uptick in suicides. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A Hammond police officer finds himself on the other side of the law. 28-year-old Corey Bergeron is arrested for domestic violence. He’s charged with two counts of battery on a dating partner, one of which includes strangulation. He was booked into jail on 50-thousand dollars bond. Tangipahoa Parish deputies say there may be additional victims.

The Louisiana Supreme Court appoints St. Tammany and Washington Parish District Attorney Collin Sims to determine whether any criminal or ethical violations occurred in seeking an indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill. New Orleans Metro Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says having a prosecutor involved could help determine whether the Orleans Parish grand jury was used appropriately.

Cut 13 (11) “…state violations.”

Federal, state and local law enforcement officials announce a new multi-agency initiative called the Gator Task Force. Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn is optimistic this task force will reduce the selling of illegal drugs and violent crime in north Louisiana.

Cut 5 (09) “…ready to go to work.”

The coroner of St. Tammany Parish says suicides are on a record pace for this year. Dr. Christopher Tape says the vast majority are done by using a gun spontaneously. He says just some routine gun safety practices can prevent suicides.

Cut 7 (09) “…a second guess.”

Tape says if you’re going through a crisis, there’s the 988 suicide prevention hotline, which you can call for whatever crisis you’re going through, whether you’re contemplating suicide or not.

LSU senior linebacker Whit Weeks broke his leg during the Tigers’ 35-6 domination of Texas A&M and could miss the rest of the season. It is a major loss for a team that already lost starting defensive back Dashawn Spears to a season-ending injury. Star tight end Trey’Dez Green is also sidelined for significant time. Coach Lane Kiffin says the injuries are piling up.

Cut 9 (07)  “…step up.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court appoints St. Tammany and Washington Parish District Attorney Collin Sims to examine the decision to seek an indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill. An Orleans Parish grand jury indicted Murrill in early July on malfeasance and public intimidation charges, but the charges were later dismissed. New Orleans Metro Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says the investigation is unusual.

Cut 12 (11) “…this issue.” 

Officials say the Gator Task Force, which targets violent crime and drug trafficking, is paying dividends. Governor Landry says when he took office in 2024, Louisiana had three cities ranked in the top ten for the most dangerous cities in the country. Landry says today none of those cities are ranked in the top ten for crime.

Cut 4 (11) “…today.”

The injury bug has hit LSU hard. Linebacker Whit Weeks could be out for the season with a broken fibula. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Cooking the books will get you in trouble every time. A St. Francisville man is arrested for allegedly setting his apartment unit on fire by placing books into the oven. Fire investigators charged 42-year-old Jeff McAlpin with aggravated arson. No word on whether he was simply looking for a hot read that night.

Federal, state and local law enforcement officials in Shreveport announce a new multi-agency initiative called the Gator Task Force to target violent crime and drug trafficking in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller says the task force officially started in July, and it’s already working.

Cut 3 (11) “…indictment.”

The end of September normally leads to a rise in asthma attacks and asthma-related emergency room visits. Louisiana Department of Health nurse consultant Tanya (TAN-yuh) Cobb says environmental factors like pollen, mold, dust, smoke, aerosols and strong odors can trigger symptoms, including coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cobb says people have unique triggers and symptoms.

Cut 5 (11) “…avoid that.”

The coroner of St. Tammany Parish is sounding the alarm over an uptick in suicides. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Two people are given decades-long sentences in connection with the death of a Kansas City TV reporter who was in New Orleans covering Super Bowl 59 in January of 2025. Dannette Colbert is sentenced to 60 years, and Rickey White is sentenced to 45 years for the death of Adan Manzano. Both were convicted of racketeering, with Colbert also guilty of negligent homicide.

Election Day is now just over five weeks away; and last week, we got our second snapshot of the U.S. Senate race between Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis. Like the first poll, the poll this month by Hart Research Associates shows Letlow with a four-point lead over Davis. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says there is one important thing to note about this poll. 

Cut 7 (09) “…out to be.”

LSU exacted revenge in a big way against Texas A-and-M Saturday night, walloping them, 35-6. Safety Ty Benefield said he and his teammates emphatically showed that the defense is able to stop a mobile quarterback like Marcel Reed, holding him to minus-13 yards rushing.

Cut 15 (14) “…a lot easier.”

With school back in session and ragweed pollen counts near their peak, September can be a concerning time for people with asthma. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The coroner of St. Tammany Parish is sounding the alarm on an uptick in suicides. Dr. Christopher Tape says the parish is on pace for 60 suicides this year, which would be a record. He notes that most victims are men who shoot themselves in the spur of the moment as opposed to planning it in advance.

We’re now in the last weekend of September, and we still have had zero hurricanes in the Atlantic all year long. There are currently two tropical storms churning in the Atlantic, both closer to Africa than North America, and neither is expected to strengthen into hurricanes. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says hurricanes can form at any time of the year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…February, March, April.”

Tomorrow is National Seat Check Saturday – a good opportunity to have your car seat inspected by an expert to make sure it’s appropriate for your child and installed properly. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says what many parents might not know is that there are specific types of car seats depending on the child’s height and weight.

Cut 7 (10) “…a convertible seat.”

LSU basketball legend Bob Pettit passed away at the age of 93 on Wednesday. The Baton Rouge native was one of the first great stars of LSU sports. In fact, he has a statue outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU basketball sports information director Kent Lowe says he was legendary on and off the court.

Cut 3 (10) “…basketball player.”

LSU’s football team, meanwhile, will look to get back in the win column tomorrow night against Texas A-and-M. Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed has given defenses fits with his dynamic rushing ability, especially the Tigers. In six quarters, he has scored seven total touchdowns against LSU. Tigers Coach Lane Kiffin said on his LSU Radio coaches show that dual-threat quarterbacks are hard to stop.

Cut 13 (13) “…and runs.”

Hurricane season is almost two-thirds over, and the Atlantic has yet to see its first hurricane – only seven tropical storms. The Eastern Pacific, on the other hand, has so far had 17 named storms, including eight hurricanes, three of which have strengthened to Category Five. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the El Nino that’s keeping hurricanes at bay in the Atlantic is churning them up in the Pacific.

Cut 11 (13) “…this particular season.”

Tomorrow is National Seat Check Saturday. There will be nine events happening throughout the state from nine to noon, where parents can get important information on the proper way to keep their kids restrained inside vehicles. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says this is not the only event of its kind during the course of the year.

Cut 8 (06) “…hold similar events.”

LSU basketball icon Bob Pettit passed away this week at the age of 93. Kace Kieschinck has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues fish consumption advisories for seven waterways. LDWF issued the advisories after fish tissue sampling showed mercury levels that warranted five updated and two new recommendations. The advisories bring to 52 the total number of fish consumption advisories for mercury in freshwater areas.

LSU basketball icon Bob Pettit passed away this week at the age of 93. Kace Kieschinck has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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This is the last weekend of September, and we’re still waiting for the year’s first hurricane in the Atlantic. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU basketball legend Bob Pettit passed away at the age of 93 on Wednesday. The Baton Rouge native was one of the first great stars of LSU sports. His number 50 was the first jersey to be retired across any sport and he has a statue outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU basketball sports information director Kent Lowe says he was legendary on and off the court.

Cut 3 (10) “…basketball player.”

Pettit led the SEC in scoring all three seasons at LSU and became just the second major college player ever to average over 30 points per game in a season. He led LSU to its first Final Four in 1953, and Lowe says Pettit will never be forgotten.

Cut 4 (13) “…of the program.”

Pettit went on to a stellar, 11-year NBA career with the Hawks. He was the first ever NBA MVP in 1956 and won it again in 1959. He also helped the Hawks to an NBA title in 1958 and scored a then-record 50 points in game six to clinch the series against the Celtics. Lowe says the list of accolades goes on.

Cut 5 (11) “…20-thousand points.”

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Saturday is National Seat Check Saturday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there will be nine events happening throughout the state from nine to noon Saturday, where parents can get important information on the proper way to keep their kids restrained inside vehicles.

Cut 6 (07) “…matter their age.”

Fischer says what many parents might not know is that not all child car seats are alike – there are specific types depending on the child’s height and weight.

Cut 7 (10) “…a convertible seat.”

Child safety seats will be available for families in need. Fischer says if you can’t make it to this one, don’t worry – this will not be the only event of its kind during the course of the year.

Cut 8 (06) “…hold similar events.”

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We’re now in the last weekend of September, and we still have had zero hurricanes in the Atlantic all year long. There are currently two tropical storms churning in the Atlantic, both closer to Africa than North America, and neither is expected to strengthen into hurricanes. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we have never gone this late in the year without a hurricane in the Atlantic in the satellite area, but hurricanes can form at any time of the year, not just June through November.

Cut 9 (11)  “…February, March, April.”

So if we get through 2026 without a single hurricane but a hurricane somehow forms in the Atlantic in early 2027, does that still mean we got through the entire hurricane season without a hurricane for the first time ever in the satellite era? Keim says even though he feels there’s a gray area, the National Hurricane Center has its standard.

Cut 10 (13) “…which it occurred.”

While the Atlantic has been very quiet this year, the same cannot be said for the Eastern Pacific, which has so far had 17 named storms, including eight hurricanes, three of which have strengthened to Category Five. Keim says that’s actually very common, since the El Nino that’s keeping hurricanes at bay in the Atlantic is churning them up in the Pacific.

Cut 11 (13) “…this particular season.”

___________________________________________

LSU hosts Texas A&M tomorrow night as the Tigers look to bounce back from a loss to Ole Miss last week. The Tigers’ offense struggled on the road as the Rebels’ pass rush disrupted the passing game. Coach Lane Kiffin said on his LSU Radio coaches show that needs to be fixed.

Cut 12 (14) “…our offense.”

Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed has given defenses fits with his dynamic rushing ability, especially the Tigers. In six quarters, he has scored seven total touchdowns against LSU. Kiffin says dual-threat quarterbacks are hard to stop.

Cut 13 (13) “…and runs.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium is set for 6:30.

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Bet you didn’t have this on your Bingo card – the Saints playing their home opener against a Las Vegas Raiders team that’s undefeated. The Raiders come into the Superdome having beaten the Dolphins and the Chargers in their first two games of the season. Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore says this Raiders team is not the same one that finished with the NFL’s worst record a year ago.

Cut 14 (11) “…go take it.”

Second-year Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty has totaled 150 rushing yards on nearly four yards a carry this season. Jeanty was the sixth overall pick in last year’s draft out of Boise State, and Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley says it’s easy to see why.

Cut 15 (09) “…good vision.”

Kickoff in the Superdome is 3:25.

This is the last weekend of September, and we still haven’t had a single hurricane in the Atlantic all year long. If we make it through the entire year without one forming, but one somehow forms in early 2027, does that still make 2026 the first shutout in the Atlantic in the satellite era? LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says even though he feels there’s a gray area, the National Hurricane Center has its standard.

Cut 10 (13) “…which it occurred.” 

Tomorrow is National Seat Check Saturday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there will be nine events happening throughout the state from nine to noon, where parents can get important information on the proper way to keep their kids restrained inside vehicles.

Cut 6 (07) “…matter their age.”

LSU and the Saints are both at home this weekend. The Tigers host Texas A&M tomorrow night at 6:30, looking to bounce back from a loss to Ole Miss last week. Coach Lane Kiffin said on his LSU Radio coaches show that their offensive struggles against Ole Miss need to be fixed.

Cut 12 (14) “…our offense.” 

The Saints, meanwhile, play their home opener against the Raiders Sunday at 3:25. Both teams are well improved from a year ago – the Saints 1-and-1, with their loss coming in overtime, and the Raiders 2-and-0. Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore says this Raiders team is not the same one that finished with the NFL’s worst record a year ago.

Cut 14 (11) “…go take it.”