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.”

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.