3:30 (15) 6:30 (18) 9:30 (20)

LEAP scores have improved for a second year in a row for Louisiana students. Scores are up two points from 2022 which equates to 33-percent of students are performing at the mastery rate or higher. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says high school students improved in five out of six subject areas…

Cut 5 (13)  “…with a three percent increase.”

Seventy-five percent of Louisiana school systems improved during the 2022-23 school year.

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 the 83-year-old is extremely thankful and proud of Alli’s bravery.

It’s another scorcher in the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a dome of high pressure continues to plague the southeast and it’s keeping moisture from the Gulf from cycling through and bringing showers to cool things off. He says it’s a rut and the only thing it’s going to do is push hot air down towards us.

Cut 13 (12) “…case scenario.”

Heat advisories after expected to continue through the week.

Bass pro-Jake Ormond sets a state record for the largest longnose gar that he caught on Bayou Bartholomew. Once he reeled it in, he started making calls looking for a nearby scale. He found the biggest cooler he could, put it in ice and headed to Farmerville…

Cut 8 (12)  “…inches long.” 

For a picture of his catch visit Louisiana Radio Network.

A Ville Platte Deputy City Marshal was fatally shot last night while attempting to execute a search warrant. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

In Cameron Parish, the new Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Headquarters is scheduled to open in 2024 in Cameron Parish. The coastal facility of 11,000 square feet will cost nine million dollars. The refuge will provide wildlife and fish species along the Gulf of Mexico.

Today is the last day for homeowners who received damage from the 20 and 21 hurricanes to complete a survey for assistance. Director of the Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says more than 33 thousand have completed the survey, but he believes there are other residents who qualify for assistance…

Cut 4 (07)  “…survey yet.” 

Go to restore-dot-la-gov to complete the survey.

Tonight’s Mega Millions Jackpot is more than one-billion dollars. It’s currently the fourth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says this year multi-state lottery jackpots have set records.

Cut 6 (11)  “…a billion dollars.” 

Tickets must be purchased by 9 pm for the drawing at 10 o’clock.

Today’s the last day homeowners affected by 20 and 21 hurricanes and the May 21 severe storms can fill out Restore Louisiana’s survey to be eligible for assistance.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

In Minden, there’s no scheduled power outage yet. A fire at a substation damaged an Entergy transformer early Sunday morning. The utility provider will have to cut off power for residents in order to repair the transformer. For up-to-date information on the planned outage follow the City of Minden’s Facebook page.

A shooting in Evangeline Parish last night claims the life of a Ville Platte Deputy City Marshal and another man. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the sheriff’s office was attempting to execute a search and once they entered a home gunfire erupted. Gossen says the officer has been identified as Barry Giglio.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the shooting.”

Gossen says this is an active investigation…

Tonight’s Mega Millions Jackpot is more than one-billion dollars. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says the state has yet to have a Mega Millions jackpot winner, but the Bayou State can claim 14 winners of one million. And since large jackpots tend to entice those who don’t regularly play…

Cut 7 (08)  “…a prize.” 

Tickets must be purchased by 9 pm

A Ville Platte Deputy City Marshal was fatally shot last night while attempting to execute a search warrant. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

In Minden, a date and time of when the city will be without power has yet to be determined. Entergy says they need to make repairs to a substation that caught on fire Sunday morning. Follow the City of Miden’s Facebook page for updates.

Today is the last day to complete a survey if you received damage from the 20 and 21 hurricanes.  Director of the Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says visit restore-dot-la-dot-gov and you could possibly receive funds for repairs.

Cut 5 (14)  “…from the storm,.”

That’s restore-dot-la-dot-gov

The Department of Transportation is holding a meeting at five o’clock tonight in Monroe to discuss the widening of I-20. D-O-T-D Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the project is still in its early stages…  

Cut 12 (11) “…toward that.” 

The meeting will be held at the Monroe Public Safety Center.

A shooting in Evangeline Parish last night claims the life of Ville Platte Deputy City marshal Barry Giglio and another man. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the sheriff’s office was attempting to execute a search and once they entered a home gunfire erupted. Gossen says it’s an active investigation.

Cut 10 (08)  “…processed.”

State Transportation is hosting a public meeting at 5 tonight to discuss the widening of the I-20 in Monroe. D-O-T-D Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says they want to provide information on the project and get input from the public.

Cut 11 (11)  “…development process.”

The meeting will be held at the Monroe Public Safety Center

Today is the last day for homeowners who received damage from the 20 and 21 hurricanes to complete a survey for assistance. Director of the Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says more than 33 thousand have completed the survey, but he believes there are other residents who qualify for assistance…

Cut 4 (07)  “…survey yet.” 

Go to restore-dot-la-gov to complete the survey.

Tonight’s Mega Millions Jackpot is more than one-billion dollars. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says the state has yet to have a Mega Millions jackpot winner, but the Bayou State can claim 14 winners of one million. And since large jackpots tend to entice those who don’t regularly play…

Cut 7 (08)  “…a prize.” 

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

A shooting in Evangeline Parish last night claims the life of a Ville Platte Deputy City marshal and another man. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the sheriff’s office was attempting to execute a search and once they entered a home gunfire erupted. Gossen says the officer has been identified as Barry Giglio.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the shooting.”

Gossen says this is an active investigation…

Tonight’s Mega Millions Jackpot is more than one-billion dollars. It’s currently the fourth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery this year multi-state lottery jackpots have set records.

Cut 6 a billion dollars.

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

Today is the last day homeowners affected by the 20 and 21 hurricanes and severe storms can fill out Restore Louisiana’s survey to be considered for recovery assistance. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

The Louisiana Lottery reports record profits for the fiscal year 2023. Brooke Thorington has the winning numbers…

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Qualifying for the statewide elections is next week, but are voters paying attention to the developing races? Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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If you’re a State Farm auto policyholder get ready for a rate increase. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The heat is keeping many of us inside in the air conditioning, but livestock do not have that option. Doctor Pat Bagley, director of the Beef Cattle Research Center at Southern, says this type of heat is not good as it slows down reproduction…

Cut 4 (09)  “…this small.”

Bagley says fewer cattle will result in a decline in supply, which means higher prices for consumers at the grocery store. He says livestock cattle producers are doing what they can and that includes making sure the cattle have plenty of salt because they are losing a lot of salt during the sweat process…

Cut 5 (12)   “…sweat out”

Cattle farmers try to sell their calves once they’ve reached 600 pounds, but that’s more difficult when it’s hot because cows don’t eat as much when it’s hot…

Cut 6 (08)  “…breeding as well.”

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The Louisiana Lottery finishes the fiscal year with the highest revenue in the state’s history. Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says the lottery made over $653 million for the fiscal year 2023.

Cut 7 (10) “…year ever.”

Chopin says that’s an increase of over $20 million from last year.

Cut 8 (07) “…about that.”

Chopin credits record-setting Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots as the driving force behind increased revenues as more Louisianans played in hopes of cashing in the big prize. She says the introduction of the $20 scratch-off has also increased their revenue.

Cut 9 (11)  “…experiences”

Since the lottery began operations in 1991 more than $12.9 billion has been generated in revenue for Louisiana.

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Qualifying for the statewide races begins next week and are voters paying attention to the races that are developing for governor and the other open statewide seats, attorney general, state treasurer, and secretary of state.  JMC Analytics and Polling pollster  John Couvillon doubts we’ll see the same interest in 1983 when 53-percent of the registered voters went to the polls for the Edwin Edwards-Dave Treen gubernatorial race.

Cut 10 (10) “…people running.”

Couvillon says there’s not a lot of clapping and cheering for the governor’s race where Attorney General Jeff Landry is the front runner and one of five Republicans running for office. Typically there’s a 45 to 50 percent turnout for a gubernatorial election. He says the numbers are currently at the lower end of that spectrum…

Cut 11 (10)  “…major office.”

Couvillon expects interest will grow as we get closer to the October 14th primary.

Cut 12 (10)   “…statewide elections” 

Early voting is scheduled from September 30th through October 7th. The primary election is set for October 14th.

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Louisiana drivers insured by State Farm are about to see sticker shock on their premiums. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 29 percent of motorists in Louisiana have State Farm coverage.

Cut 13 (12) “…not liability.” 

Donelon says it’s a significant surge driven primarily by an increase in cost in the years since they took a rate increase with collision and comprehensive coverage of any significance.

Cut 14 (11)  “…problems.” 

The commissioner says he’s unhappy to impose additional costs to State Farm policyholders. When asked if he believes other auto insurers will increase their premiums also…

Cut 15 (04)  “…be the case.”

In 2020, State Farm lowered rates by almost ten percent and rates increased in 2021 by four percent. Donelon suggests auto policyholder price compare rates and coverage.

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Saints running back, Alvin Kamara, who faces a possible suspension from the NFL for his role in a fight outside of a Las Vegas nightclub in 2022 plans to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Kamara pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and head coach Dennis Allen says Kamara is looking forward to telling his side of the story…

Cut 16 (16) “..this season”

So far through training camp, cornerback Marshon Lattimore has looked really good after missing ten games last season as a result of an abdomen injury. Allen says Lattimore is putting in the work…

Cut 17 (18) “…good to see.”

Saints first-round draft pick Bryan Bresee is going through his first NFL camp. The defensive tackle of Clemson says he’s working on footwork and hand placement…

Cut 18 (14) “…long way.” 

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Cut 19 (19) “…national TV.” 

Cut 20 (21)  “…outstanding player.”  

US Senator Bill Cassidy is the latest Republican to announce his support of Attorney General Jeff Landry for governor. Cassidy says Landry, like himself, is fighting to make flood insurance more affordable.

Cut 5 (11)  “…paying jobs.”

Qualifying for the October 14^th primary election is next week.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.36. Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says an increase in crude oil prices is to blame. He says oil-producing countries recently agreed to hold back production on crude and its driving prices.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the market.” 

But it’s an improvement from this time last year when the average was $3.89 a gallon.

And the heat goes on, the majority of the state is under an excessive heat warning today. National Weather Service meteorologist Aaron Davis says they are evaluating if an advisory should be necessary for Tuesday and sadly it doesn’t look like we’ll see relief anytime soon.

Cut 11 (08)  “…into the weekend.”

And the heat is not welcome news for Miden because they’ll have a citywide blackout so repairs to an Entergy substation can be performed. Mayor Nick Cox advises residents to look out for official communications through social media and local radio for updates…

Cut  14 (12)  “…to us.”

Repairs are needed after the substation was caught on fire Sunday.

US Senator Bill Cassidy officially endorses Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor. University of Louisiana Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross believes it’s only the beginning and other Republicans will follow suit and begin to announce their support of Landry.

Cut 4 (12)  “…unchecked.” 

Qualifying for the October 14^th primary is from August 10^th through the 12^th.

The National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning for most of north and southeast Louisiana. The warning is in effect until 7:00 PM in southeast Louisiana until 8 o’clock tonight for north Louisiana. Meteorologist Aaron Davis says residents within the warning area will experience downright oppressive temperatures…

Cut 10 (10)  “…some areas.”

Gas prices are on the rise again with the average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide at $3.36 up by fifteen cents compared to last week.

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

US Senator Bill Cassidy officially endorses Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor. Landry is the perceived front-runner in the race and is one of five Republicans who’ve declared their intent to run. Cassidy issued his support this morning.

Cut 3 (09) “…of the state.” 

Cassidy says Landry also supports coastal restoration, green energy, and better access to mental health services.

And speaking of elections, Have you received a text message from a candidate running for office this fall? This is becoming more and more common and LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s an easy way to get your name out there:

Cut 13 (11) “…name recognition”
The FCC says political text messages can be sent without permission as long as the sender does not use auto-dialing technology.

Despite a decrease in demand, the cost of gasoline in the Bayou State jumped up fifteen cents since last week. Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.36 according to AAA. Fuel analyst Don Redman says supply is pushing prices higher.

Cut 7 (11)  “…weakening supply.” 

Redman says prices for crude were at 67 dollars a barrel last month.

Construction for a new warehouse for Second Harvest Food Bank in Houma will get underway in August. President of the food bank Natalie Jayroe says after Katrina they opened a facility in Lafayette, and they hope to have a total of four after the expansion.

Cut 11 (09)  “…resilient hubs.”

Second Harvest serves the southern half of the state.