WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million-dollar expansion at its paper mill in Hodge. The paper mill has been a major employer in Jackson Parish for 90 years as its responsible for 450 direct jobs. State Representative Jack McFarland says the facility is also a driver of economic activity for surrounding parishes

Cut 3 (11) “…wood chip community” 

McFarland says the 97-million dollars will expand and modernize the facility.

The University of Louisiana – Lafayette embarks on two new projects that will create a “biopharmaceutical corridor” in the state and advances in medicine. ULL President Dr. Joe Savoie (SAV-wah) says the projects are the result of a $50-million investment made by the Legislature and Governor Edwards…:

Cut 7 (06) “…the economy for Louisiana.”

An LSU study of how football players reacted to COVID indicates their immune system fared better compared to older adults with co-morbidities. And LSU’s School of Kinesiology Associate Professor Guillaume (gee-um) Spielman says the research continues, in addition to comparing immune system responses of older adults now, they are looking at the responses of sedentary adults and athletes.

Cut 14 (06)  “…non-athletes.”

The Ad Council and the U.S Department of veteran affairs have collaborated, creating a “Don’t Wait Reach Out” campaign that assists veterans with mental health issues.  Veteran’s Affairs executive director Lisa Kearney says veterans will gain support in numerous ways.  

Cut 10 (09) “…connect to support .”

For more information visit  VA.Gov/reach  

Louisiana is donating up to 300 travel trailers, originally acquired for Hurricane Ida to assist flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky.  GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle, says the trailers are ones that have been returned to the state by Louisiana residents and some displaced individuals are working directly with FEMA on temporary housing in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…recovery process.”

An LSU study of how football players reacted to COVID shows their immune system fared better compared to older adults with co-morbidities. LSU’s School of Kinesiology Associate Professor Guillaume (gee-um) Spielman says early studies indicated an increased risk of myocarditis in athletes with COVID, but extended research proved otherwise.

Cut 15 (10)  “…athletic populations.”

UL-Lafayette embarks on two projects to establish it as part of a biopharmaceutical corridor in Louisiana. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

During an event in Alexandria where federal, state, local and community leaders were on hand for the Broadband Solutions Summit, Governor John Bel Edwards announced over 35-million dollars in grants will help bring affordable high-speed internet within the next two years to nearly 15-thousand locations in Vernon and LaSalle Parishes

Up to 300 travel trailers that the state purchased for residents that lost their homes in Ida are headed to Kentucky. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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UL-Lafayette embarks on two projects to establish it as part of a biopharmaceutical corridor in Louisiana. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

The U.S Department of veterans affairs is working hard to create resources for veterans at high risk of suicide. More from Whitney Thomas…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Louisiana is donating up to 300 travel trailers, originally acquired for Hurricane Ida to assist flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky.  GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle, says the trailers are ones that have been returned to the state by Louisiana residents who’ve acquired permanent housing.

Cut 4 (11)  “…and Ida.”

These are trailers that the state purchased to speed up the process for those who lost their homes after Ida, and FEMA then reimbursed the state. Tingle says there are some individuals who are working directly with FEMA on temporary housing in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…recovery process.”

Kentucky is paying for transportation of the trailers to the Blue Grass State and as we enter the height of hurricane season, even though it’s been quiet so far, Tingle says an adequate number of trailers will remain in Louisiana just in case.

Cut 6 (11)  “…need them.”

In late July, 39 people died in the Eastern Kentucky floods and thousands of families lost their homes and possessions. ________________________________________________

The University of Louisiana – Lafayette embarks on two new projects that will create a “biopharmaceutical corridor” in the state and advances in medicine. ULL President Dr. Joe Savoie (SAV-wah) says the projects are the result of a $50-million investment made by the Legislature and Governor Edwards…:

Cut 7 (06) “…the economy for Louisiana.”

Part of the money will be invested in expanding ULL’s New Iberia Research Center; the largest primate research facility of its kind in the country. Savoie says major research that led to the mRNA science behind the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was done there, and the investment will mean a large upgrade…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…can be developed.”

The other part will involve construction of the Iberia Bio-Innovation Accelerator. Dr. Savoie explains what that will do…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…out of Louisiana.”

Savoie says this combined $50-million investment is another major step forward in establishing UL-Lafayette as a research & development university…and it will create over 500 new career-based jobs. _______________________________________________

The Ad Council and the U.S Department of veteran affairs have collaborated, creating a “Don’t Wait Reach Out” campaign that assists veterans with mental health issues.  

The campaign will be showcased all September in honor of suicide prevention. The goal is to elude veterans away from self-harm by creating a vulnerable environment for them to have critical conversations. Lisa Kearney, the veteran’s affair executive director says veterans will gain support in numerous ways.  

Cut 10 (09) “…connect to support .”

Suicide reaches all communities, but veterans are more at risk. Karney says suicide can stem from everyday stress or medical conditions. She creates transparency by integrating care and connecting veterans to proper advocates for help.  

Cut  11 (09)  “…all in one place.” 

Realizing and normalizing discussions of suicide is the objective of the campaign. Kearney and other officials want to create a community of instant support and availability on their website VA.Gov/reach  

Cut 12 (11) “…to get to us.” 

Officials are encouraging veterans to reach out before a crisis happens. _______________________________________________

An LSU study of how football players reacted to COVID indicates their immune system fared better compared to older adults with co-morbidities. LSU’s School of Kinesiology Associate Professor Guillaume (gee-um) Spielman says the findings were reassuring that the players were healthy after the CDC-recommended isolation period.

Cut 13 (10) “…from COVID-19.”

And the research continues, Spielman says and in addition to comparing immune system responses of older adults now, they are looking at the responses of sedentary adults.

Cut 14 (06)  “…non-athletes.”

Spielman says when the study began there was no previous research on COVID-19 and it appears that the original 14-day CDC-recommended isolation period proved to be ideal. Early findings in the pandemic indicated an increased risk of myocarditis in athletes with COVID.  However, Spielman says that extended research proved otherwise.

Cut 15 (10)  “…athletic populations.” ________________________________________________

TCU transfer Matthew Downing will get the start tomorrow night at quarterback when Louisiana Tech kicks off the season at Missouri. Head Coach Sonny Cumbie says Downing faced a Power Five team in 2020 when Cumbie was the offensive coordinator for the Horned Frogs…

Cut 16 (16)  “…take over.” 

Missouri is expected to start Brady Cook at quarterback. He has a talented freshman wide receiver in Luther Burden. The Bulldogs had one of the best pass defenses in Conference USA last season. Cumbie is expected a big season from safety BeeJay Williamson…

Cut 17 (15) “..fall camp.” 

Tech returns eight starters on defense headlined by two-time All-Conference USA linebacker Tyler Grubbs. Cumbie feels good about his defense heading into the season…

Cut  18 (16)“…production standpoint.”

Tech has 13 transfers on defense. Kick-off is at 7 PM on ESPN U. _____________________________________________________________

BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye, and Mike Jones Junior have been named team captains for LSU this season. Coach Brian Kelly says they were selected based on a vote by the team…

Cut 19 (18) “…weigh in.”

Kelly says a player on offense each week will also be nominated to be a co-captain. Florida State rushed for 406 yards in its season-opening 47-7 win over Duquense. Senior defensive end Ali Gaye doesn’t expect the Seminoles to have much success on Sunday…

Cut 20 (08) “ …will stop that team.” 

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for help to find Robert Fulton Browning, who disappeared almost 33 years ago. Browning would be 85 now and was last seen walking away from his Monroe home on November 27^th, 1989, after an argument. Deputy Glenn Springfield says the investigation at the time found no leads. He says Browning’s family hasn’t given up either.

Cut 5  (06) “…actually happen.”

If you have any information, contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies in St. Landry Parish say a man was attacked and injured by a pack of five pit bulls in the town of Sunset this morning. The dogs got out of the owners’ yard and swarmed on the un-named 59-year-old, who sustained severe bites to his head and arm. The dogs have been confiscated. So far, no charges for the owner, but the investigation is ongoing.

Delta Interfaith a group from East Carroll Parish is calling on Governor Edwards to keep internet provider Sparklight from derailing broadband expansion. Nathanael Wills with Delta Interfaith says current laws favor incumbent providers and because Sparklight serves a small portion of the area, they can stop competing providers from coming in.

Cut 7 (10) “…pretty messed up.” 

Wills says out of the 67 grants awarded from the state, 26 are being protested by existing providers.

August is ending without a named storm for the first time since 1997. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve gone since early July without a named storm and says it’s definitely been an odd hurricane season….

Cut 9 (09)  “…above  normal year.”

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for help to find Robert Fulton Browning, who disappeared almost 33 years ago. Browning would be 85 now and was last seen walking away from his Monroe home on November 27^th, 1989, after an argument. Deputy Glenn Springfield says the investigation at the time found no leads. He says Browning’s family hasn’t given up either.

Cut 5  (06) “…actually happen.”

If you have any information contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Delta Interfaith a group from East Carroll Parish is calling on the state to keep internet provider Sparklight from derailing broadband expansion. Nathanael Wills with Delta Interfaith says they are hoping Governor Edwards and Commissioner Jay Dardenne will assist their efforts.

Cut 8 (07) “..unfeasible projects.”

He says Sparklight is protesting  and wants to remain the sole provider.

August is ending without a named storm for the first time since 1997. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve gone since early July without a named storm and that’s the first time since 1941 that there have been no named storms between July 3^rd and August 31^st. He says it’s been an odd hurricane season….

Cut 9 (09)  “…above  normal year.”

Keim says we can’t let our guard down as September 10^th is the peak and there’s still time for a major storm to develop.

American Cruise Line announces its newest river cruise ship, the American Symphony, will call Natchez, Mississippi its port of origin by 2025. The American Symphony currently sails out of New Orleans up the Mississippi River. American Cruise Lines CEO Charles Robertson on why Natchez…

Cut 13 (09) “it all” 

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for help to find Robert Fulton Browning, who disappeared almost 33 years ago. Browning would be 85 now and was last seen walking away from his Monroe home on November 27^th, 1989, after an argument. Deputy Glenn Springfield says even though it’s been three decades he believes Browning can still be located.

Cut 4  (05) “…with him.”

If you have any information, please contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.

American Cruise Line announces its newest river cruise ship, the American Symphony, will call Natchez, Mississippi its port of origin by 2025. Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft says it’s wonderful news for the Miss-Lou region….

Cut 12 (08) “…Miss-Lou”  

The American Symphony currently sails out of New Orleans up the Mississippi River.

Delta Interfaith a group from East Carroll Parish is calling on Governor Edwards to keep internet provider Sparklight from derailing broadband expansion. Nathanael Wills with Delta Interfaith says current laws favor incumbent providers and because Sparklight serves a small portion of the area, they can stop competing providers from coming in.

Cut 7 (10) “…pretty messed up.” 

He says Sparklight is trying to stop expansion in 26 Louisiana communities.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces a plan for its new engineering building. Whitney Thomas has more.  

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

________________________________________________

To help mitigate the spread of Monkeypox, a federal response team will be working with state healthcare workers at Decadence. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

________________________________________________

The federal government awards Louisiana an additional $98 million to put toward planned road and infrastructure needs. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

Stakeholders involved in the implementation of high-speed internet for the state are meeting in Alexandria today. Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity, says it’s an opportunity to discuss what’s been done so far and anticipated challenges…

Cut 4 (10)  “…not sooner.”

Among the attendees are Senator Bill Cassidy and Governor John Bel Edwards. Iyengar says invitations to the summit were extended to school superintendents, legislators, and other community leaders. Iyengar says it’s a chance for attendees to discuss local issues concerning broadband.

Cut 5 (09) “…take home.”

It’s estimated approximately 1.5 million people in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet. Iyengar says it could be for a number of reasons, for example, access, affordability, literacy, or even device issues.

Cut 6 (05)  “…access issue.”

Iyengar believes infrastructure funds, federal funding from the FCC, and matching funds will be able to make a significant contribution to improving broadband accessibility.

________________________________________________

The University of Louisiana Lafayette is in the process of constructing a 70,000-square-foot Engineering building.  The mission is to increase students’ resources in and out of the classroom. Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering, says the building will offer a plethora of opportunities  

Cut 7 (10) “…inductor partners.”

The Louisiana Legislature assisted the university with 15 million in funding. The original planned structure costs about 50 million but is needed being that their existing buildings are outdated.  

Cut 8 (11)  “…we currently have.”

Several new programs that focus on expansion and leadership will emerge from this project. Dr. Khattab says the students will benefit the most.  

Cut 9 (09)  “…and develop.”

Now the groundbreaking has been set for spring or fall 2023 with 16 to 18 months of construction.  

_______________________________________________

In preparation for Decadence Festival in New Orleans, the National Monkeypox Response team has sent teams along with 6,000 vaccine doses to help mitigate and raise awareness of the virus. Governor John Bel Edwards praised the team for their efforts to reach those most at-risk.

Cut 10 (10) “…appreciate that.”

The annual Labor Day weekend event, which hasn’t been held since 2019 due to the pandemic, can attract up to 300 thousand people from all over the country. Edwards says it’s an ideal opportunity to reach a vulnerable demographic.

Cut  11 (08)  “…important.” 

The vaccine can help prevent and also treat Monkeypox symptoms from worsening. Ideally, the vaccination is given in two doses four weeks apart. Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis (Dousk ah lock -ss) says Decadence allows them to reach those who are less likely to go to a clinic.

Cut 12 (04) “..the event.” 

In addition to Decadance this weekend the federal response team will also be doing similar outreach at Atlanta Black Proud.

_______________________________________________

Louisiana is set to get another $98 million federal dollars to apply to transportation and infrastructure projects. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional funds are a reward of sorts, for making good use of federal dollars previously awarded to the state. He says this will enable DOTD to continue its momentum in road and bridge improvements…:

Cut 13 (12) “…we’ve ever received.”

Wilson says the nearly $100-million infusion will be used to help secure financing for projects already in the planning stages, which are ready to begin once they are funded. He says the additional federal money has happened before but this is one of the largest such infusions to date…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…to good use.”

Wilson says if DOTD were not effective & efficient in their programs, they would not have received the dollars. He says the federal money will be applied to projects DOTD has “planned to let or are capable of letting” before the end of the current federal fiscal year, September 30^th. Wilson says the money will go a long way to help planned road and infrastructure projects start turning dirt…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…expect to get it done.”

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The Saints have traded fan favorite Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Eagles for three draft picks, a fifth-round selection in 2023, and two sixth-round picks in 2024. Gardner-Johnson had a career-high three interceptions last season and this summer the 24-year-old called himself the best nickel cornerback in the NFL. Coach Dennis Allen addressed the trade with reporters…

Cut 16 (10)  ”    wish him the best” 

Gardner-Johnson is expected to start at safety for Philadelphia. He was looking for a new contract with the Saints and those talks reportedly broke down, which led to the trade.

Allen says the depth the Saints have at cornerback made them feel they could depart with the former fourth-round pick…

Cut 17 (13) “..we made.” 

Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are the Saints starting cornerbacks and they also have Bradley Roby and second-round pick Alontae Taylor.

The Saints also had to get their active roster down to 53, which resulted in cutting several players like Ian Book, Kirk Merritt, and Taco Charlton. Allen says a lot of thought goes into these moves

Cut  18 (18)“…final decision”

_____________________________________________________________    

ULM is a huge underdog heading into their season opener against the Texas Longhorns who are ranked 18th in the coaches poll, but unranked in the AP Top 25 poll. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden calls the Longhorns a great team…

Cut 19 (27) “…ready to play.”

ULM went four and eight last season and Bowden believes there’s more talent on this team as he enters his second season as head coach…

Cut 20 (08) “ …on the field.” 

A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer youth violent offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack led today’s protest

Cut 9 (12)  “…OJJ facilities.”

A federal judge has put a halt on a plan to transfer 25 incarcerated youth offenders from a youth detention center in Jefferson Parish to the State Penitentiary.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. And while we’ve been seeing gas prices fall ten to 15 cents week over week, Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry) with Triple-A says those price drops are already beginning to slow.

Cut 5  (10) “…oil prices 10.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, along with the Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association and Farm Bureau are urging Governor John Bel Edwards to seek a disaster declaration because of excessive rainfall. Strain says some of the state’s row crops received 18 inches of rain in just a few days…:

Cut 12 (10) “…for some.”  

If you thought the West Nile Virus had gone away, think again. The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting the first case of the deadly form of West Nile in Acadiana in two years. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Department of Health says symptoms are similar to the flu.

Cut 6 (07) “…nausea or rash.” 

She says if you show symptoms, seek treatment asap.

A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer youth violent offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack led today’s protest

Cut 9 (12)  “…OJJ facilities.”

A federal judge has put a halt on a plan to transfer 25 incarcerated youth offenders from a youth detention center in Jefferson Parish to the State Penitentiary.

LSU police are investigating a fight that occurred inside a dorm Monday night. The video shows three females fighting, punching, and pulling hair and one female was tossed into a water fountain. LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard issued a statement that the school does not condone or tolerate physical violence on campus and the issue will be addressed as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting the first case of West Nile in Acadiana in two years. Dr. Glennis Gray with LDH says if you have flu-like symptoms, a rash, and have been bitten, get to a doctor as soon as possible and in the meantime down let your guard down.

Cut 7 (08) “…twice a day.” 

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. And while we’ve been seeing gas prices fall ten to 15 cents week over week, Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry) with Triple-A says those price drops are already beginning to slow.

Cut 5  (10) “…oil prices 10.”

He says a decrease in demand has lowered prices but talks of OPEC reducing production could cause prices to spike again.

If you thought the West Nile Virus had gone away, think again. The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting the first case of the deadly form of West Nile in Acadiana in two years. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Department of Health says symptoms are similar to the flu.

Cut 6 (07) “…nausea or rash.” 

She says if you show symptoms, seek treatment asap.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. But prices are higher than this time last year and the year before Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry) with Triple-A says those prices reflected the pandemic when travel declined heavily. As for the immediate future and prices, Chabarria says it’s anybody’s

Cut 4  (12) “…back up.”

Up until now, the tropics have been quiet and now there are two disturbances in the Atlantic. State climatologist Barry Keim says traditionally this is the time of year when we see the major storms in the Atlantic and hopefully, we’ll remain fortunate and escape any major activity in the gulf for the next six weeks…

Cut 14 (10)  “…strong ones.”

This afternoon Governor John Bel Edwards will take part in the White House Monkey Pox response team along with federal health officials for a briefing on response efforts to the virus along with preparations ahead of Southern Decadence this weekend in New Orleans.