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People are beginning to panic buy water after the announcement of the saltwater intrusion moving further north along the Mississippi River. Lieutenant General Russell Honore says the Corps of Engineers placed a submersible type of levee to block the intrusion. He says the initial attempt did not work, and they are adding more materials.

Cut 7 (11) “…Plaquemines Parish.” 

The state says there’s no need to hoard water at this time.

A juvenile was arrested Saturday evening after making a bomb threat to Denham Springs Freshman High School on Friday. Denham Springs police say the juvenile is charged with terrorizing, communicating false information of a planned bombing of school property and intimidation and interference in the operation of schools. The suspect was booked into the Florida Parish Juvenile Detention Center awaiting a court appearance.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.36. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman said the drop is due to both Louisiana being an oil-producing state and a lack of demand.

Cut 10 (12) “…below ninety.”

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a month ago was $3.39 and a year ago $3.12 a gallon.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is worth $785 million, with a cash value of $367 million. It’s the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. We asked Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery why we’ve had so many large jackpots recently. He says it’s all chance and they tend to come in cycles.

Cut 4 (11) “…the players.”

Tickets for tonight’s drawing must be purchased by 9 o’clock.

While Republican frontrunner Jeff Landry has the support of the state GOP behind him in the governor’s race, he failed to receive an endorsement from the editorial staff of the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. Landry says if they had endorsed him, it would have come as a shock…

Cut 9 (09) “…to me.” 

Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and Republican Stephen Waguespack did get the nod from the media outlet. He says the endorsement mirrors what he’s hearing on the campaign trail.

Cut 10 (12) “…us behind.”

The endorsement of Waguespack noted his knowledge inside the political ring with LABI and work in Governor Bobby Jindal’s administration, but at the same time said he’s a political outsider.

Authorities have tracked down 63-year-old Greg Lawson of Ringgold, he escaped from police custody 32 years ago, just before a jury found him guilty of attempted murder. Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance says Lawson was living mostly in Mexico after he shot Seth Garlington during a dispute at a gas station…
cut 15 (03) “…be served”

Saturday is the last day to register to vote for the October 14th primary. You can do so at geauxvote.com and look for the voter portal. Deputy Secretary of State for outreach, Joel Watson, says two-point-nine million people are registered to vote in Louisiana, so most adults who are eligible to vote are registered.

Cut 6 (11) “…local races”

Watson says the Secretary of State’s office is projecting a voter turnout of 43 to 46 percent, which matches previous gubernatorial primaries.

Republican frontrunner Jeff Landry failed to receive an endorsement from the editorial staff of the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. Landry says if they had, it would have come as a shock but in the meantime, he remains focused on the campaign…

Cut 11 (08) “…on voters.”

Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and Republican Stephen Waguespack did get the nod from the media outlet. The endorsement says his insider political knowledge and work in Governor Bobby Jindal’s administration is ideal, but at the same time, he’s a political outsider. Waguespack agrees…

Cut 12 (11) “…the system (x2)” 

Saturday is the last day to register via GeauxVote-dot-com to vote in the October 14^th primary.

63-year-old Greg Lawson of Bienville Parish who was convicted of attempted murder but fled the trial more than three decades ago, has been captured in Mexico. Bienville Sheriff John Ballance says a grand jury indicted Lawson but he fled before the verdict.

Cut  14 (09) “…be found.”

Lawson shot Seth Garlington after a dispute in a gas station parking. Garlington was shot but survived his injuries.

UL Lafayette has seen an increase in the number of incoming freshmen for the third year in a row. A total of 3,066 first-time freshman students enrolled for the fall semester. Vice President of Enrollment DeWayne Bowie (boo-ee) says touts the university’s reputation for its nationally recognized academic and research programs.

Cut 4 (11) “…on that..”

The university’s overall enrollment is 19,056 – a one percent increase since last year.

Republican frontrunner Jeff Landry failed to receive an endorsement from the editorial staff of the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. Landry says if they had, it would have come as a shock but in the meantime, he remains focused on the campaign…

Cut 11 (08) “…on voters.”

Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and Republican Stephen Waguespack did get the nod from the media outlet. The endorsement says his insider political knowledge and work in Governor Bobby Jindal’s administration is ideal, but at the same time, he’s a political outsider. Waguespack agrees…

Cut 12 (11) “…the system (x2)” 

Saturday is the last day to register via GeauxVote-dot-com to vote in the October 14^th primary.

63-year-old Greg Lawson of Bienville Parish who was convicted of attempted murder but fled the trial more than three decades ago, has been captured in Mexico. Bienville Sheriff John Ballance says authorities received information on Lawson’s whereabouts which led to his capture.

Cut 13 (11) “…capture ultimately.”

Lawson shot Seth Garlington after a dispute in a gas station parking. Garlington was shot but survived his injuries.

UL Lafayette has seen an increase in the number of incoming freshmen for the third year in a row. A total of 3,066 first-time freshman students enrolled for the fall semester. Vice President of Enrollment DeWayne Bowie (Boo-ee) says this freshman class is impressive.

Cut 3 (10) “…a group”

While Republican frontrunner Jeff Landry has the support of the state GOP behind him in the governor’s race, he failed to receive an endorsement from the editorial staff of the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. Landry says if they had endorsed him, it would have come as a shock…

Cut 9 (09) “…to me.” 

Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and Republican Stephen Waguespack did get the nod from the media outlet. He says the endorsement mirrors what he’s hearing on the campaign trail.

Cut 10 (12) “…us behind.”

The endorsement of Waguespack noted his knowledge inside the political ring with LABI and work in Governor Bobby Jindal’s administration, but at the same time said he’s a political outsider.

Saturday is the last day to register to vote for the October 14th gubernatorial primary. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says she wants to focus on education and help with the energy transition. Brooke Thorington has more on the gubernatorial candidate.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Voter turnout for the October primary is expected to be in the 40 to 45-percent range. Brooke Thorington has more from a pollster on the anticipated lack of excitement.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Summer 2023 ends tomorrow, and many Louisianans are saying good riddance. But what will the fall weather patterns bring? Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt is one of the six formidable running for governor. The Republican says investing in education is key to lifting individuals out of poverty and reducing crime. She wants to work with employers, so the school system is educating students to fill those jobs.

Cut 4 (12) “…workforce needs.”

She’s also an advocate for improving computer science and coding skills among students.

The former engineering executive for Shell says she’s the best candidate for the state to remain attractive to the oil and gas industry and not pursue lawsuits against them like opponent Jeff Landry.

Cut 5 (11) “…our state.”

She’s also in favor of diversifying the state’s energy sector. Hewitt says she’s passed legislation to fund hydrogen research…

Cut 6 (10) “…those areas.”

Hewitt, who was first elected to the legislature in 2016, has written and passed more than 125 pieces of legislation.

Each day next week we’ll profile the five other remaining high-profile gubernatorial candidates.

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Saturday is the last day to register to vote online at geauxvote.com for the October 14^th primary. We asked pollster John Couvillion with JMC Analytics his voter turnout prediction for the primary…

Cut 7 (09) “…total turnout.”

In 2019 voter turnout was 46 percent for the gubernatorial primary and 51 percent for the runoff.

This year’s race hasn’t drummed up much excitement and Couvillon says there are two reasons why this race so far can be described as a sleeper.  On the Democratic side…

Cut 8 (11) “…Shawn Wilson.” 

On the Republican side, Couvillon says Jeff Landry received backing from the state GOP almost a year ago and no other Republican has taken that away from him. Couvillion says there’s just enough on the Democratic and Republican sides who are favoring their respective candidates which contributes to a lack of energy in the race.

Cut 9 (09)  “…unconscionable.”

Couvillion also believes low unemployment is another reason for the anticipated voter turnout to be in the 40 to 45 percent range. Currently, there are just under three million registered voters in the state.

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Get ready to say goodbye to high heat index values and triple-digit heat. The first official day of fall starts tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the summer months were the hottest months in the state’s history.

Cut 10 (11) “…nine degrees.”

The Bayou State had the third driest summer on record. Brutally hot and dry weather patterns kept 95 percent of the state in drought conditions. Keim says high temperatures and less precipitation kept the state drier than normal.

Cut 11 (10) “…half of normal.”

Keim says the fall-like weather will bring a smaller chance of getting above-average temperatures due to El Niño. For Louisiana, El Nino means wetter winters. Keim says it also means fewer hurricanes but increased tropical activity.

Cut 12 (12) “…western gulf.” 

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The 12th-ranked LSU Tigers will welcome the Arkansas Razorbacks into Death Valley on Saturday. The Hogs are led by fifth-year quarterback KJ Jefferson. In 2021, Jefferson and Arkansas beat LSU in overtime in Tiger Stadium. He’s six-foot-three, 247 pounds, and LSU defensive end Sai’von Jones says KJ is not easy to tackle…

Cut 13 (13) “…get him down”

The Tigers played nearly a perfect game last week in beating Mississippi State. Running back Logan Diggs says they can’t expect another blowout victory…

Cut 14 (11) “…the next”

The Tigers are 17.5 point favorites on Saturday, but the last three games played between LSU and Arkansas have been decided by three points. Linebacker Greg Penn expects a tight game…

Cut 15 (12) “…the win.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 6 PM.

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The Saints are on the road for a second consecutive week as they will visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. New Orleans Quarterback Derek Carr says he’s impressed with the Packers defense led by All Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander and fellow corner Rasul Douglas…

Cut 16 (23) “…sideline to sideline.”

The Black and Gold are 2-0, but in both victories, they failed to score a touchdown in the first half. Carr says the plan is to get off to a faster offensively this Sunday…

Cut 17 (16) “…as an offense”

Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

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Redshirt freshman Zeon Chriss from Baton Rouge is expected to get the start at quarterback on Saturday when the Cajuns host Buffalo. Chriss came off the bench last week for the injured Ben Woolridge and led U-L Lafayette to convincing 41-21 win over UAB. Coach Michael Desormeaux ..

Cut 18 (11) “…did we.”

The former Madison Prep star was 14 of 20 for 174 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 103 yards and two scores. Desormeaux says Chriss was the starter coming out of spring ball but Chandler Fields and Woolridge surpassed him on the depth chart during preseason camp. But Chriss never hung his head…

Cut 19 (12) “…this opportunity” 

Kick-off is at 6:30 on Saturday night.

Cut 20 (19) “..non conference slate 

The Times-Picayune, NOLA-dot-com’s editorial staff has endorsed Stephen Waguespack for governor. The media outlet is owned by John Georges, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2007 as an Independent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Democrat Shawn Wilson failing to get the newspaper’s endorsement is another blow to his campaign…

Cut 8 (12) “…candidacy.”

Karl Malone is the best men’s basketball player ever at Louisiana Tech and a statue of him and five other Bulldog greats were unveiled last night. An emotional “Mailman” gave thanks to Tech…
cut 13 (12) “…for me”

If you’re seeing more crickets lately, you’re not alone. Teiko Foxx has an explanation of why you’re hearing more chirps…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”  

The statewide burn ban has been extended for another week. More than half of the state is considered under exceptional drought. Basically, everything south of I-20 is either exceptional or extreme drought conditions. And there’s a very low probability of rain in south Louisiana this weekend.

The Advocate newspaper’s editorial staff has endorsed Stephen Waguespack for governor. The Advocate is owned by John Georges, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2007 as an Independent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Democrat Shawn Wilson failing to get the newspaper’s endorsement is another blow to his campaign…

Cut 8 (12) “…candidacy.”

Waguespack says the endorsement is a sign his solutions-driven campaign is resonating with people.

The statewide burn ban has been extended for another week. More than half of the state is considered under exceptional drought. Basically, everything south of I-20 is either exceptional or extreme drought conditions. And there’s a very low probability of rain in south Louisiana this weekend.

Six Louisiana Tech all-time greats were honored last night with the unveiling of their statues at the school’s new Champions Plaza. 75-year-old Terry Bradshaw was there to see it. The former quarterback played at Tech in the 1960s and went on to win four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bradshaw says he’ll never forget his time in Ruston…

Cut 12 (14) “…fun ever” 

Have you seen more crickets than usual? A cricket infestation has hit the state. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says the drought is why and this is also the prime time of year for field and mole crickets. He says the small, dark, and shiny ones are field crickets, while mole crickets…

Cut 10 (09) “…or legs.”

And in case you didn’t know it the average lifespan of a cricket is 90 days.

The Advocate newspaper’s editorial staff has endorsed Republican Stephen Waguespack for governor. A Louisiana TV stations poll released this week showed Waguespack running in a distant third place for the October 14th primary, behind Landry and the lone main Democrat Shawn Wilson. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the endorsement could provide Waguespack with a bump….

Cut 7 (05) “..,second look” 

Early voting for the October 14^th primary begins September 30^th.

Have you been seeing more crickets than usual? A sudden surge of cricket infestations has hit Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Professor of Entomology Aaron Ashbrook says with stressed and dried plants due to the drought; crickets are now on the hunt for food.

Cut 9 (11) “…by lights.” 

August and September are prime months for both field and mole crickets.

LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been awarded a million-dollar grant to help create a more diverse nursing workforce. Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education Dr. Benita Chatmon says more minority nurses, could result in better health outcomes for Blacks…

Cut 4 (10) “…taken care of.”

According to the U.S. Census, minorities make up 40 percent of the U.S. population but only 20 percent of the nursing workforce. Chatmon says a portion of the funding from the Department of Health and Services will also go towards promoting academic success for minorities seeking a nursing degree.