While no one is waking up a billionaire with a MegaMillions Jackpot there was a million-dollar winning ticket sold in Hammond, they matched five numbers. That ticket was sold at Quick Way on University Drive. But let’s pretend you did hit the jackpot, what is the wisest course of action? Fred Dent with Dent Wealth Advisors says to sign the back of your ticket, take a high-resolution photo of both sides of your ticket, and put it in a secure place.

Cut 13 (10) “…advantage.”

And if you want to donate any of your winnings to your favorite charity Dent recommends forming a foundation for the best tax advantage of your windfall.

Auto insurers have been given the green light to increase rates by the Insurance Commission. Among the top two is State Farm with a 17-percent increase followed by Progressive at 10 percent.

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the Black and Gold through the 2025 season. Jordan is the Saints all-time leader in sacks, but during a press conference, he made it clear that he only has one thing he wants before he ends his career…

cut 4 (11) “….of this deal”

The Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans tonight. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s an event that highlights the quality and variety of domestic seafood…

cut 8 (11) “…these imports”
Representing Louisiana in the competition is Owen Hohl, who is the chef at Hot Tails in Ascension Parish.

Eight-time pro bowler and three-time all-pro Cameron Jordan has agreed to a 2 year 27.5 million dollar extension with the New Orleans Saints.

Cut 3 (8) “…been here.”

Jordan says he has one thing he wants before he ends his career a second Super Bowl ring.

According to researchers, this year’s ‘Dead Zone’ in the northern Gulf of Mexico is the sixth smallest in 36 years. The decrease is due to water temperatures and low water flow on the Mississippi River. LSU Professor Nancy Rabalais says the waterway is moving less water and carrying fewer nutrients.

Cut 9 (10)  “…not stratified.”

Researchers say the region has shrunk nearly 3,000 square miles since July.

The Great American Seafood Cook-off is tonight in New Orleans. A dozen chefs from around the country are competing for the crown. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the love and passion the chefs put into each dish is incredible…
cut 7 (12) “….Louisiana seafood”
Louisiana will be represented by Owen Hohl who is the chef at Hot Tails in Ascension Parish.

The 2023 Cameron Fishing Festival got underway last night. They have live music, an auction, plenty of fun for the kids, and some fishing also. The blessing of the fleet is also a time-honored tradition for the event. A ceremony is held to honor fishermen, shrimpers, and the seafood industry. The festival wraps up tonight. Funds raised from the event go towards scholarships for Cameron High School seniors.

And an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for the entire state until 9 this evening. So be sure to take extra precautions.

According to researchers, this year’s ‘Dead Zone’ in the northern Gulf of Mexico is the sixth smallest in 36 years. The decrease is due to water temperatures and low water flow on the Mississippi River. LSU Professor Nancy Rabalais says the waterway is moving less water and carrying fewer nutrients.

Cut 9 (10)  “…not stratified.”

Researchers say the region has shrunk nearly 3,000 square miles since July,

Eight-time pro bowler and three-time all-pro Cameron Jordan has agreed to a 2 year 27.5 million dollar extension with the New Orleans Saints.

Cut 3 (8) “…been here.”

Jordan says he has one thing he wants before he ends his career a second Super Bowl ring.

SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says building a $1.8 billion renewable low-carbon methanol site in Pineville at its Beaver Lake Renewable Energy facility will make a meaningful impact in producing clean energy. Rigdon says after inspecting several sites, this was the best location.

Cut 4 (11)  “…be outstanding.” (pull from AM)

The project will produce nearly 400 thousand tons of green methanol yearly.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a plan to lower the catch limit for speckled trout. Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks…

Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”
 

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves new catch limits for the speckled trout because there’s been a decline in the overall size of the popular recreational fish. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says he’s pleased to see the commission pass a measure…
Cut 7 (06) “…very, very close.”

Thursday’s announcement of Taylor Swift returning to New Orleans was a nice way for the Superdome to celebrate their 49^th birthday. 2024 is shaping up to be a big year, General Manager of the Caesars Superdome Evan Holmes says it will be their 50^th, renovations should be completed, and three nights in a row with Taylor Swift. Homles says they’ll be ready for it.

Cut 12 (08)   “…for us.” 

SunGas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight-billion-dollar plant they plan to build will produce a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Southeastern Louisiana says no personal data or educational records were stolen when the university was hit by a cyber security attack six months ago. Several agencies are investigating the incident that resulted in S-L-U taking its network offline for nearly a month.

City of Minden officials say the citywide power outage is set for 10 tonight. The blackout is to repair the Entergy substation damaged by a fire over the weekend.  Entergy has been working on a plan to reduce the length of the outage to lessen the inconvenience for residents, especially with the excessive heat. Mayor Nick Cox asks residents for their patience and understanding…

Cut 7 (09)  “…no doubt.” 

The peak of the hurricane season arrives in a couple of weeks and today the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team updated its forecast for the rest of the season with 18 named storms Researcher Angelie Nieves-Jimenez (cut 24) says how strong the El Nino will be, will play a big role with these projections…

Cut 13 (09) “…late August”

Five storms have already formed this year.

Office of State Parks unveils new attractions and upgrades to Bogue Chitto State Park.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser hopes the upgrades showcase the site and bring people across the nation and abroad to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (10)  “…all interests.”

Among the upgrades are new RV sites, an equestrian station, an award winning mountain bike trail and new bathrooms.

Pop icon Taylor Swift is bringing the “Eras Tour” to New Orleans with three shows in October of 2024. Tickets go on sale next week. Swift’s last performance in New Orleans was in 2018. Fans will have to register to buy tickets to the show. Tickets go on sale August 10th for the three back-to-back performances the weekend before Halloween. Today’s announcement falls on the Superdome’s 49^th birthday.

State Police have charged 23-year-old Vonteeko Anderson with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Ville Platte City Marshal Barry Giglio. Giglio and other law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant on a known drug house Monday in Ville Platte when gunfire rang out. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says four people were inside the house and their investigation found Anderson fired at officers…

Cut 4 (04)  “…City Marshal” 

Anderson was taken into custody Monday night on other charges and was rebooked with murder charges.

In Minden, a citywide power outage to repair an Entergy substation is set for 10 o’clock tonight. Mayor Nick Cox says Entergy has been working on a plan to reduce the duration of the outage to lessen the inconvenience for residents due to the excessive heat. He says the outage is expected to last up to six hours.

Cut 6 (09)  “…storm.” 

A federal jury finds a white state police trooper not guilty of depriving Aaron Bowman, a black man, of his civil rights during a violent 2019 arrest. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A train derailment in Lincoln Parish has forced DOTD to close a shoulder along US 80 for one mile. The closure is four miles west of LA 151. DOTD is asking motorists to drive with caution and to be aware of work crews and equipment in the area. The train accident happened Thursday afternoon.

A federal jury finds a white state police trooper not guilty of depriving Aaron Bowman, a black man, of his civil rights during a violent 2019 arrest. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office says the body of a person swimming the Red River on Monday was recovered Wednesday morning by the Alexandria Fire Department Dive Team.  The remains have been identified but the person’s identity is not being released pending next of kin notification. Foul play is not suspected.

In Minden, a citywide power outage to repair an Entergy substation is set for 10 pm tonight. Mayor Nick Cox says Entergy has been working on a plan to reduce the duration of the outage to lessen the inconvenience for residents and businesses due to the excessive heat. He says the outage is expected to last up to six hours.

Cut 6 (11)  “…the past.” 

Office of State Parks unveils new attractions and upgrades to Bogue Chitto State Park with a ribbon cutting in Franklinton. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says you have to think regionally so you can compete globally to attract visitors.

Cut 8 (12)  “…state park.” 

State Police have charged 23-year-old Vonteeko Anderson with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Ville Platte City Marshal Barry Giglio. Giglio and other law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant on a known drug house Monday in Ville Platte when gunfire rang out. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says four people were inside the house and their investigation found Anderson fired at officers…

Cut 4 (04)  “…city marshal” 

Anderson was taken into custody Monday night on other charges and was rebooked with murder charges.

In Minden a citywide power outage is set for 10pm tonight to repair an Entergy substation that caught on fire Sunday. Mayor Nick Cox says the plan includes setting up a temporary bypass to allow Entergy crews to make the repairs.

Cut 5 (12)  “…with power.”

Cox says they’ve been working on a plan to minimize the duration of the outage.

A Franklin Parish man is on the mend after his eight-year-old great-granddaughter saved his life Tuesday night. The two were ejected from a four-wheeler and he was trapped underneath. Sheriff Kevin Cobb says Alli Glass knew to prop his head up to keep him from drowning and went for help.

Cut 25 (07)  “…a bind.”

Cobb says they are all impressed with Alli’s bravery and thankful she wasn’t hurt when she ran barefoot to get help.

Commodities

And Taylor Swift announced she’s coming to New Orleans for three shows in October of 2024. Tickets go on sale next week.

State Police have charged 23-year-old Vonteeko Anderson with first degree murder in the shooting death of Ville Platte City Marshal Barry Giglio. Giglio and other law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant on a known drug house in Ville Platte Monday night when gunfire erupted. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says Anderson was taken into custody that night and booked on drug and weapon charges.

Cut 3 (05) “…yesterday” 

Another person inside the home was also fatally shot.

Eight-year-old Alli Glass is being called a hero after helping her great-grandfather survive a four-wheeler accident. The two were thrown from the four-wheeler Tuesday night and the 83-year-old man was pinned underneath in a ravine. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says she propped his head to keep it above water and ran more than half a mile to get help. Cobb says everyone is okay after the traumatic experience.
cut 5 (06) “…..type tears”

The state launches a new campaign to encourage Louisianans to get vaccinated to reverse declining vaccination rates, especially in the Northeast region. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

And Taylor Swift is bringing her Eras Tour to the Superdome. Tickets for the October 25, 26, and 27^th shows in 2024 go on sale this August 9^th.  You must preregister on Swift’s website in advance to purchase tickets next week. The former country pop star has been selling out shows on her Eras tour that kicked off in March.

State education officials say LEAP scores have improved for a second consecutive year. The latest results show a two-point jump from last year in the percentage of students considered proficient. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means 33-percent of students are scoring at the mastery rate or above…

Cut 3 (12) “…work to do.” 

It’s been another day of oppressive heat in the Bayou State. We asked State Climatologist Barry Keim what is causing it and if there is any relief in sight. He says a ridge of high pressure continues to hover over the southeast, it moves in and hangs around for a week baking the area with triple-digit temperatures.

Cut 11 (09)  “…things down.”

Keim says the ridge of high pressure eventually moves out but unfortunately, it’s replaced with another one right behind it.

Pro bass angler Jake Ormond of Sterlington set a new state record for the largest longnose gar ever caught. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “….I’m Kace Kieschnick.”  

In Franklin Parish, 8-year-old Alli Glass is being regaled as a hero, after saving her grandfather’s life when he was pinned beneath a four-wheeler in a canal. She knew to prop his head up to keep him from going under and ran for over half a mile barefoot to get help in the dark. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says the 83-year-old is extremely thankful everyone is proud of Alli’s bravery.