Some Louisiana children went back to school this week and the rest will be starting soon.  Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Executive Director Mike Faulk says there are many challenges schools are facing and one is last year’s school performance scores

Cut 12 (08) “…individual schools.”

Another challenge… Louisiana is in need of over 2,520 teachers and has the fifth highest rate of uncertified teachers in the country at 9-percent.

New weekly polling averages show former President Trump’s lead over Vice President Harris is decreasing by about one point for a third straight week. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics suggests if the Trump campaign can’t reverse this decline…

Cut 8 (10)  “…change.”

Currently, Trump and Harris are separated in the polls by just one point.

A groundbreaking celebration kicks off construction of a new LSU Eunice Baseball stadium. It will feature removable, artificial turf that allows the stadium to serve as a multi-purpose facility. LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says they didn’t forget about the spectators…

Cut 4 (10) “…our opponents deserve.”

The first phase of the stadium is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 baseball season.

Three Louisiana towns made Electricity Dot Com’s list of the 150 Most Welcoming Towns for Travelers. 3700 travelers ranked towns they said embraced newcomers as part of the community. Abita Springs made the list at number 53, Natchitoches number 57, and St. Francisville was ranked number 61.

New weekly polling averages show Trump’s lead over Harris continuing to decrease. Mel Bridges has the numbers.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

There’s an over 50% chance a cyclone forms in the Atlantic this weekend. Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the storm, which is a tropical wave over the southwestern Atlantic and Caribbean seas right now, is gathering some power as it moves west-northwest.

Cut 6 (07) “…Saturday.”

LSU Eunice Baseball has officially kicked off construction of a new stadium with a groundbreaking celebration. LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says the stadium represents exciting new things for the Baseball Bengals and the school as a whole.

Cut 3 (12) “…building the future.”

Two LSU Tigers who suffered season-ending knee injuries last season were on the practice field for the first day of preseason camp. Cornerback Zy Alexander returned after tearing his ACL on October 21st. Head coach Brian Kelly says he and running back John Emery will use the first few days of camp to see how their repaired knees respond…

Cut 16 (19) “… feeling that.”

After resigning last week as Mayor of Deridder, 42-year-old Misty Roberts was arrested today and charged with 3^rd Degree Rape and Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.  State Police Sgt Ross Brennan says when the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office received the complaint, they were asked to take over the investigation.

Cut 12 (11) “…as Mayor.”

Adam Johnson, Roberts’ attorney, released a statement that his client maintains her innocence.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has been appointed to the bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. While details of the attempt remain limited, Congressman Garret Graves says, the task force is expected to work closely with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and provide comprehensive findings.

Cut 4 (07) “…Senate.”

The task force will release its final report by December 31.

August is set to be the second-busiest month in an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been in Detroit this week sharing ideas with his counterparts from other states at the National Lt Governor’s Conference. Among his activities is drumming up support for an inspection fee on imported seafood and lobbying to bring the conference to New Orleans in the future.

Cut 8 (10)  “…from each other.”

Mayor of Deridder, 42-year-old Misty Roberts resigned Saturday and was arrested today charged with 3^rd Degree Rape and Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. State police took over the investigation from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office when they received a complaint. State Police Sgt Ross Brennan says, the LSP Special Victim’s Unit is investigating the case and says if you believe a child, or anyone is being victimized, to speak up and notify law enforcement.

Cut  13 (12) “…investigating.” 

Roberts was booked into the Beauregard Parish Detention Center; her bond is $75,000. Her attorney, Adam Johnson, says his client maintains her innocence, she’s grateful for the support she’s receiving from family and friends, and she looks forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind her.

At the National Lt. Governor’s Conference, they’re learning how to prepare if they suddenly must become governor. Brooke Thorington has more from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Over the next seven days there is a 70% chance a tropical system will see further development. It’s not expected to reach the Western Gulf but chances are Louisiana will be hit with at least one other named storm this season. State Climatologist Barry Keim encourages coastal residents to follow evacuation instructions and inland residents to plan for power outages. Above all, he says, start preparing now.

Cut 11 (12) ” …chips are down.”

After resigning last week as Mayor of Deridder, 42-year-old Misty Roberts was arrested today and charged with 3^rd Degree Rape and Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.  State Police Sgt Ross Brennan says when the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office received the complaint, they were asked to take over the investigation.

Cut 12 (11) “…as Mayor.”

Adam Johnson, Roberts’ attorney, released a statement that his client maintains her innocence, she’s grateful for the support she’s receiving from family and friends and she looks forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind her.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been in Detroit this week sharing ideas with his counterparts from other states at the National Lt Governor’s Conference. He says he looks forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones at the bipartisan gathering, And while they might differ when it comes to politics…

Cut 6 (07) “…everyone else.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has been appointed to the bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Congressman Garret Graves says Higgins, a fellow Republican, is known for his strong conservative views and that he’ll play a key role in the inquiry and it’s vital the task force is bipartisan.

Cut 3 (05) “…Democrat lens.”

Colorado State University meteorologists predict 22 more named storms, 11 more hurricanes, and 5 more major hurricanes in the Atlantic, and LSU climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana could easily see at least one of those storms as we head into the peak of hurricane season.

Cut 9 (12) “…hit later.”

Now Former Deridder mayor, Misty Clanton Roberts, is facing rape charges. She was arrested this morning after an investigation by Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office. The investigation has been turned over to Louisiana State Police. She’s accused of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. On Friday, 42-year-old Roberts said she would be out for two weeks as she appointed Fire Chief Ken Harlow to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. She then resigned on Saturday.

The bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump will release its final report by December 31. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for security measures surrounding former presidents and high-profile political figures in the future. Congressman Garret Graves says this can’t happen again…

Cut 5 (05)  “…the United States.”

Graves says the task force is expected to work closely with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and provide comprehensive findings.

August is set to be the second-busiest month in an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Former LSU beach volleyball standouts Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss continue their Olympic run today against China. While most US teams are based in California, Kloth and Nuss chose to stay and train in Baton Rouge after playing together at LSU.  Tigers beach volleyball coach says local club Mangos hosts watch parties for their matches…

Cut 12 (10) “…just a lot of fun.”

The pair will take the court at 3 P.M.

The mayor of Deridder resigned Saturday and was arrested on rape charges this morning. Misty Clanton Roberts is facing charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office has not yet released details of their investigation but Friday, Roberts appointed Fire chief Ken Harlow to serve as mayor pro tem saying she would be away for two week. She then resigned the next day.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has been appointed to the bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. While details of the attempt remain limited Congressman Garret Graves says, the task force is expected to work closely with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and provide comprehensive findings.

Cut 4 (07) “…Senate.”

The task force will release its final report by December 31.

At the National Lt. Governor’s Conference, they’re learning how to prepare if they suddenly must become governor. Brooke Thorington has more from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins will serve on a task force investigating the assassination attempt of former President Trump. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross believes Higgins will most likely bring a skeptical view to the panel which he believes is an asset if Higgins signs off on the investigation.

Cut 7 (10) “…way quickly.”

The task force is composed of seven Republicans and six Democrats.

In the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy questioned U. S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe today. Kennedy says he’s heard reports Secret Service snipers saw Crooks 20 minutes before he fired shots. Rowe says that’s inaccurate.

Cut  14 (07) “…of the disease.”

Governor Jeff Landry spoke with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana about the pushback and pending litigation against the new Ten Commandments Law requiring all state-funded schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Civil liberties groups say the law is a violation of the separation of church and state under the Constitution. Landry disagrees.

Cut 11 (12) ” …First Amendment.”

Landry and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill support the new law, and Murrill says she is looking forward to defending it. A hearing in a federal courtroom is scheduled for September 30th.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new nursing Annex Building at Nicholls State University, home of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing was held today. Dean of Nursing Raquel Engolio says currently the program enrolls 80 students per semester …

Cut 4 (10) “…the end goal.”

The annex will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, simulation labs, and collaborative spaces. The project is seen as a critical investment in the future of healthcare in the region.

Congressman Clay Higgins is among the 13-member House task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy questioned U-S Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe as he testified before the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees. Kennedy says the Secret Service snipers were in an elevated position above the roof and he doesn’t understand why they didn’t see Crooks…

Cut 13 (06) “…see the guy.” 

Louisiana’s new law requiring all state-funded schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom is facing litigation from several groups, who say it violates the separation of church and state. But on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster this morning, Governor Jeff Landry said that the Ten Commandments are the foundation for our rule of law and they are woven into the fabric of America’s laws…

Cut 10 (05) “…believe in America.”

A hearing in a federal courtroom is scheduled for September 30^th.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new nursing Annex Building at Nicholls State University, home of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing was held today. Dean Raquel Engolio says this marks the beginning of a project aimed at enhancing the university’s nursing education facilities.

Cut 3 (07) “…enter the field.”

The project is seen as a critical investment in the future of healthcare in the region.

Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson (shasson) says cleanup efforts are going well following a Bayou Lafourche oil spill Saturday. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

The Louisiana Department of Revenue is about to send over 15 million dollars to the state’s Unclaimed Property Division. LDR sent over 18,000 letters advising individuals and businesses to claim their tax refunds before September 6^th. Any refund not claimed after that date will have to be retrieved from the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office.

Despite last year’s historic drought, Louisiana sugar cane is growing — in more ways than one. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says sugarcane production has been increasing in Louisiana and that trend will continue this year…

Cut 5 (07)  “…this year.”

Passenger rail service from New Orleans between Mobile is closer to getting on track. Chair of the Southern Rail Commission Knox Ross says the goal is to have service up and running in time for the 2025 Superbowl in the Big Easy

Cut 7 (10) “…Super Bowl.”

Stops in between the two cities will include Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Mississippi.