Tropical Storm Bertha is on its westward move towards Louisiana, packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles an hour. Its current track has it going over southern Plaquemines, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Jacob Zeringue says tropical storm-force winds are not expected to extend too far north from the coast.

Cut 7 (12) “…wind gusts tomorrow.”

The 2026 fiscal year was a record-breaker for the Louisiana Department of Treasury, as it returned more unclaimed funds than ever before. State Treasurer John Fleming says he and his staff returned 70.9-million dollars to their rightful owners in the last fiscal year. 

Cut 4 (07) “…dollars per individual.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has now confirmed an additional 12 cases of cyclosporiasis this past week, bringing the total since the start of the outbreak to 68. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the cyclosporiasis outbreak is under control, and there’s no cause for concern over previous cuts to the program that tracks food poisoning. Senator Bill Cassidy says he will be requesting a briefing on that.

Cut 5 (13) “…I believe it.”

UL Lafayette Athletic Director Bryan Maggard is leaving to take a job as the Deputy AD at Missouri. Locked On Sun Belt Podcast host Dave Schultz says along with conference titles and NCAA postseason appearances, Maggard accomplished his biggest goal.

Cut 9 (12)  “…whole goal.”

We’re just minutes from getting another update from the National Hurricane Center on Tropical Storm Bertha. National Weather Service Meteorologist Jacob Zeringue (zur-RANG) says there are two main threats that Bertha brings to the Louisiana coast.

Cut 6 (15) “…day on Wednesday.”

So what exactly is the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak that has now sickened 68 people in Louisiana? The FDA originally said it was contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms, but it has since backtracked on that. Senator Bill Cassidy says it underscores the importance of being totally sure of these things before going public with the information.

Cut 4 (12) “…you release them.”

With the new district lines making his path to re-election much more challenging, Congressman Cleo Fields says he will not be running for another term. Instead, Fields says he will run for the State Senate seat left vacant by the death of Larry Selders. Fields is expected to make his official announcement Friday morning in Baton Rouge.

UL Lafayette Athletic Director Ryan Maggard will become Missouri’s Deputy A-D after nine years in Lafayette. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Tropical Storm Bertha is making its way towards Louisiana. As of seven this morning, the eye of the storm was located about 100 miles south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, moving northwest at around five miles an hour; and it’s packing maximum sustained winds of 50 miles an hour. On its current track, tropical storm-force winds are forecast to reach the southeast Louisiana coast early tomorrow morning.

Major impacts are not expected. St. Bernard Parish Emergency Preparedness Director John Rahaim (“ram”) says they’re expecting some wind and rain.

Cut 9 (08)  “…coast of Louisiana.”

The American Red Cross of Louisiana is ready to respond. Kenneth St. Charles, the CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, says if your family needs to evacuate because of flash flooding and you have nowhere else to go, call the Red Cross.

Cut 11 (11) “…residents of Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed its first case of West Nile virus this year. The patient is in Ouachita Parish. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says most people infected with West Nile do not show symptoms. Around 20-percent develop flu-like West Nile fever, and a very small percentage develop a severe neuroinvasive disease.

Cut 15 (12) “…received organ transplant.”

Those of you in southwest Louisiana who would like more information on the construction of the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge that’s underway, there’s an open house in Lake Charles this evening that you can attend. John Guidroz with DOTD says people can get an up-close look at what the project entails.

Cut 5 (13) “…at Lakeshore Drive.”

If you have questions about the construction of the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, there’s an open house in Lake Charles you can attend this evening. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Preparations are underway for whatever Tropical Storm Bertha plans to bring Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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An individual in Ouachita Parish tested positive for the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus of the 2026 mosquito season. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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With construction of the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge underway, many people have questions about how that’s going to affect them. John Guidroz with DOTD in Lake Charles says there’s an open house in Lake Charles tomorrow evening that you can attend.

Cut 4 (11) “…term as well.”

Guidroz says people can get an up-close look at what the project entails.

Cut 5 (13) “…at Lakeshore Drive.”

Guidroz says not only will people get information on what they can expect during construction, but they can also see all the benefits of the finished product once it’s completed in 2031.

Cut 6 (11) “…State of Louisiana.”

The open house is this evening from 5:30 to seven in the contraband room at the Lake Charles Event Center.

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All eyes are on Tropical Storm Bertha as it makes its way to the Louisiana Coast. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while Bertha is currently forecast to make landfall in Plaquemines Parish tomorrow morning, it could happen as early as late tonight.

Cut 7 (08) “…along the coast.”

Grymes warns those of you in South Louisiana not to rely too heavily on the specific forecast track. Instead, he urges you to pay attention to the so-called “cone of uncertainty.”

Cut 8 (10) “…track is showing.”

Currently, all of south Louisiana and most of central Louisiana is contained within that cone.

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Major impacts are not expected from Tropical Storm Bertha. St. Bernard Parish Emergency Preparedness Director John Rahaim (“ram”) says they’re expecting some wind and rain, but they may not get the worst of it.

Cut 9 (08)  “…coast of Louisiana.”

Rahaim says the strong east wind will likely cause some minor coastal flooding. He says if they don’t get a heavy downpour that lasts for more than a couple of hours, they should be okay.

Cut 10 (10) “…couldn’t handle it.”

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The American Red Cross of Louisiana is ready to respond to what Bertha might bring to the Bayou State. Kenneth St. Charles, the CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, says if your family needs to evacuate because of flash flooding and you have nowhere else to go, call the Red Cross.

Cut 11 (11) “…residents of Louisiana.”

St. Charles says the Red Cross had to jump into action last month when Tropical Storm Arthur produced flash flooding in several areas, most notably in Avoyelles Parish. St. Charles says you never know what area of the state will get hit the hardest, so pre-planning is very important.

Cut 12 (11) “…ready to go.”

FEMA reports that 21-hundred homeowners reported they sustained significant damage from Arthur and FEMA has provided storm victims with more than 11-million dollars in assistance.

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The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed its first case of West Nile virus this year in Ouachita Parish. Last year, the state saw 86 confirmed human cases and four deaths. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says there is no human vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile, so it’s important to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to make sure.”

If you’re wearing sunscreen, apply it first and mosquito repellent second.

Sokol says you can also help prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.

Cut 14 (11) “…that stagnant water.”

Sokol says most people infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms. Around 20-percent develop flu-like West Nile fever, and a very small percentage develop a severe neuroinvasive disease.

Cut 15 (12) “…received organ transplant.”

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LSU visits Kentucky on October 10th in the first meeting between the schools in five years. The Wildcats are led by new head coach Will Stein. Stein spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Oregon and had this to say about why Kentucky can turn its football program around.

Cut 16 (13) “…down and play.”

Former LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan is the playcaller for the Wildcats. Sloan was named offensive coordinator less than two months after being dismissed by LSU. Stein said Sloan is one of the best coordinators in the game, and Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey agrees.

Cut 17 (13) “…what he’s doing.”

Minchey was a four-star transfer portal prospect from Notre Dame. Sloan also welcomed former LSU receiver Nic Anderson in the portal.

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LSU makes a trip to Tennessee November 21st. While it may not have the same vitriol as Kiffin’s return trip to Ole Miss in week three, fans in Knoxville have not forgotten about when the coach left them after just one season for USC in 2009. Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel says that’s a good thing.

Cut 18 (12) “…for his arrival.”

Tennessee fans infamously threw golf balls and mustard on the field when Kiffin returned to Rocky Top with Ole Miss in 2021. Heupel later said the comment was him just having fun, and there is no beef between the coaches.

The Volunteers will first have to decipher an offseason Q-B battle between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and top-15 freshman Faizon Brandon. Heupel says he is looking forward to the competition.

Cut 19 (18) “…the field with.”

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SEC commissioner Greg Sankey confirmed conference officials have had real conversations about the SEC breaking off from the NCAA and governing itself. He says there has been frustration with the NCAA and its reluctance to change, but action will not be taken anytime soon.

Cut 20 (20) “…simmering will continue.”

Not a tropical storm just yet. The National Hurricane Center says as of four this afternoon, Tropical Depression Two is still packing maximum sustained winds of 35 miles an hour. That’s the same intensity that it’s been all day long. Once those maximum sustained winds reach 39 miles an hour, it will become Tropical Storm Bertha. Given the storm’s current track, it’s expected to be more of a rainmaker than anything, and Plaquemines Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Patrick Harvey says the heaviest rain bands could stay south of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 14 (08) “…Plaquemines Parish.”

The storm is currently not expected to intensify beyond tropical storm strength. However, LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that could change if the track shifts south off the coast.

Cut 5 (09) “…watch very carefully.”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey addressed some of the hottest issues in college sports at SEC Media Days in Tampa. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Louisiana State Police troopers team up with their counterparts to the east and arrest a Mississippi man in connection with a drive-by shooting investigation in Ridgeland, Mississippi. LSP responded to a BOLO request from the Ridgeland Police Department and arrested 24-year-old Jaterris Johnson without incident.

The forecast may be for a quieter than normal hurricane season, but you wouldn’t know it at this point. We’re on the cusp of the second named storm of the year, with Louisiana being impacted by both. The storm that is currently Tropical Depression Two is currently about 110 miles south of Panama City, Florida, packing maximum sustained winds of 35 miles an hour. National Weather Service Meteorologist Megan Williams says some areas could be in for some heavy rains from the storm which is expected to become Tropical Storm Bertha later today.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that rainfall occurs.”

Plaquemines Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Patrick Harvey says the heaviest rain bands could stay south of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 14 (08) “…Plaquemines Parish.”

As of right now, the storm that is currently Tropical Depression Two and is expected to become Tropical Storm Bertha later today is not expected to intensify beyond tropical storm strength. However, LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that could change if the track shifts south off the coast.

Cut 5 (09) “…watch very carefully.”

But before the rains from the future tropical storm arrive, the state is dealing with a couple more days of excruciating heat. Health officials are urging you to limit your time outdoors if you possibly can. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein says if you absolutely must spend time outdoors in these conditions, there are three basic rules you should abide by.

Cut 25 (08) “…shade and rest.”

Don’t expect any relief after a scorching hot weekend; the beginning of the work week is only going to be hotter. As such, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to take extra precautions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU Health New Orleans is getting a major upgrade to its School of Dentistry. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Victims of stalking and cyberstalking will soon be able to end their rental leases without penalty under a new law that takes effect August 1st. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With the state contending with record-breaking heat as the work week begins, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to take every precaution necessary to keep yourself safe. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says if you don’t have to be outside, don’t.

Cut 4 (09) “…and use it.”

Greenstein says if you absolutely must spend time outdoors in these conditions, there are three basic rules you should abide by. (Hydrate, drink water and rest.)

Cut 5 (08) “…shade and rest.”

Greenstein says be sure to listen to your body if you spend any significant time outdoors and seek medical attention at the first sign of distress.

Cut 6 (15) “…to the ER.”

Last month, four people in Louisiana died of heat-related illnesses – three senior citizens and a man in his 40s. Greenstein says all heat-related deaths are preventable; and fortunately, over the last three years, the number of deaths has declined from 88 three years ago, 51 two years ago and 31 last year.

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The LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry is receiving a 100-million-dollar renovation. Dean of the school, John Gallo, says the project will modernize a facility built over 50 years ago.

Cut 7 (12) “…the best environment.”

The LSU dental school serves over 450 students, from advanced education students to dental hygienists. Gallo says these students will enjoy state-of-the-art classrooms.

Cut 8 (11) “…enhances their education.”

Gallo says the vast majority of funding was awarded by the Louisiana State Legislature. He says lawmakers invested in the future of Louisiana dentistry.

Cut 9 (09)  “…an LSU dentist.”

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A new state law taking effect August 1st will allow victims of stalking and cyberstalking to break their apartment leases without penalty. Current Louisiana law already gives that option to victims of domestic abuse. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says the change came after hearing about a real-life case where a stalking victim had no legal way to leave a dangerous situation.

Cut 10 (10) “…that already existed.”

To end a lease, a tenant must complete the state’s certified domestic abuse form notifying the landlord of the safety risk. A qualified third party, such as a domestic violence resource center, must also verify the claim.

Landry says she worked with the Louisiana Apartment Association and the Louisiana Realtors Association, and both supported expanding the law to include victims of stalking and cyberstalking.

Cut 11 (08) “…this was passed.”

Landry hopes victims learn about the new law, saying it gives people being stalked a way to escape dangerous situations without being trapped by a lease.

Cut 12 (09) “…that they’re stuck.”

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SEC Media Days kick off in Tampa today. Lane Kiffin and the Tigers will take the stage on Thursday. Somewhat surprisingly, Kiffin will not be joined by his new quarterback Sam Leavitt in Tampa. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says they didn’t want the day to be taken over by questions about Leavitt’s foot injury.

Cut 13 (10)  “…that fourth player.”

Bonnette pointed out quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels did not attend media days in their first LSU seasons either.

The trio of players accompanying Kiffin is linebackers Whit Weeks and T.J. Dottery, and tight end Trey’Dez Green. Bonnette says the Tigers have a really deserving group.

Cut 14 (12) “…preseason All-America.”

LSU will not attend until the last day of the four-day event. Bonnette says he thinks that’s because the SEC wants to keep crowds around for Lane Kiffin’s LSU debut. At the very least, he says it gives them a chance to watch the other teams before they take the podium.

Cut 15 (07) “…we’re walking into.”

The state will be dealing with record-breaking heat this weekend, and even more record-breaking heat in the first half of next week. The high temperatures early next week will get up into the mid to upper 90s. And if that’s not bad enough, LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the Gulf high pressure system will also push humidity even higher.

Cut 15 (08) “…very much rain”

The North Louisiana Crime Lab is warning you of a new synthetic opioid that it says is ten times as powerful as fentanyl. Deputy Director for Toxicology Kenton Leigh says the crime lab first detected cychlorphine from casework back in February; and since then, they’ve detected seven different pill types with cychlorphine.

Cut 8 (09) “…cychlorphine in them.”

A 16-year-old Deville boy is killed in a crash, and investigators say impairment was a factor. State Police say Kent Sanson was riding in a pickup truck being driven by 18-year-old Reese McKenzie, also of Deville, when McKenzie lost control, causing it to overturn. None of the seven people in the truck were restrained. McKenzie is facing charges.

LA Tech and ULM are renewing the I-20 rivalry for the first time in 26 years. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Funeral services for fallen Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson are today in Alexandria. Hanson was fatally shot Monday while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Visitation begins at noon at the Pentecostals of Alexandria, with the funeral at two.

The North Louisiana Crime Lab is warning of a new synthetic opioid that it says is ten times more potent than fentanyl. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

It’s going to be a hot weekend, and it’s going to be an even hotter start to the work week next week, with highs expected to be in the mid to upper 90s. The dangerous heat has already turned deadly; state health officials say four people died from heat-related causes last month. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says be sure to limit your outdoor activities.

Cut 14 (08) “…hydrate yourself.”

Hammond Police, Louisiana State Police and the FBI are teaming up to step up enforcement along the I-55 corridor amid an increase in gang activity. Jonathan Tapp, the special agent in charge of the FBI New Orleans field office, says violent gang members who are caught could face not only state charges, but also federal prosecution.

Cut 12 (11) “…rest of your lives.”

An increase in gang activity has Hammond police stepping up enforcement and warning those responsible they’ll face tougher consequences. This comes after an early morning shooting in downtown Hammond last weekend that left a 17-year-old wounded. Police chief Edwin Bergeron blames the violence on gang activity.

Cut 10 (09) “…into the city.” 

The North Louisiana Crime Lab is warning you of a new synthetic opioid that’s appearing in street drugs with increasing frequency. Deputy Director for Toxicology Kenton Leigh (“lee”) says it’s called cychlorphine (sigh-KLOR-feen), and it’s extremely dangerous.

Cut 7 (07) “…of right now.”

Cychlorphine is being mixed into pills that look nearly identical to common prescription medications. So far, they’ve detected seven different pill types with cychlorphine.  

It’ll be a scorcher this weekend, and it’s going to get even hotter early next week with highs in the mid and upper 90s. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says blame it on a high-pressure system in the Gulf.

Cut 13 (12) “…record high temperatures.”

Now that Louisiana Tech and ULM are in the same conference, the two teams will face one another in football for the first time in 26 years. Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent says the I-20 rivalry is a can’t-miss game.

Cut 4 (10) “…in that game.” 

Tech coach Sonny Cumbie says fans on both sides can start creating their own memories and traditions.

Cut 6 (09) “…conference play.”