The Saints are nearing the start of the regular season as they take on the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday in their first preseason game. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana’s famous Elmer Chocolate has been sold to a Florida based conglomerate.  Hoffman Family of Companies operates 120 different brands. They’re known for buying strong, local brands, helping them grow, all while keeping existing management and employees in place.  There’s no word on what the overall price-tag was of the Pontchatoula based maker of Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash, but Elmer, which has been in business since 1850, has an estimated yearly revenue of about 100-million dollars.

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Angola State Penitentiary may begin housing ICE detainees. Louisiana leaders and the Trump administration are in talks to use the prison facility.  A wing, which closed in 2018 due to its condition, will likely house the detainees. Last month, Governor Landry issued an executive order allowing renovations to the wing to proceed without typical bidding rules. . West Feliciana Parish president Kenny Havard.

Cut 8 (11) “…be in jail.”

Budget constraints have forced the police chief of one small Jefferson Davis Parish community to lay off his entire force. The decision was made following a contentious council meeting earlier this week. Kay Hebert, the mayor pro- tem of Elton, says Police Chief Bruce Lemelle has already gone through all the money that the council had allocated to the police department – something that Lemelle disputes.

Cut 11 (06) “…has been expended.”

Law enforcement calls in Elton will now be handled by the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Angola State Penitentiary may begin housing ICE detainees. Louisiana leaders and the Trump administration are in talks to use the prison facility as the President widens the crackdown on immigrants in the country illegally. West Feliciana Parish president Kenny Havard welcomes the opportunity.

Cut 7 (09) “…always done.”

Gracing the cover of the August issue of “Time” Magazine – House Speaker Mike Johnson. LSU Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says it’s the culmination of a meteoric rise for the northwest Louisiana congressman.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he didn’t.”

A wing previously known as “Camp J,” which closed in 2018 due to its condition, is the likely site to house the detainees. Last month, Governor Landry issued an executive order allowing renovations to the wing to proceed without typical bidding rules.
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The police force in one small community in Jefferson Davis Parish is now down to one. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The former police chief of the small Lafourche Parish community of Golden Meadow is arrested for allegedly deleting a dozen years worth of files on his way out the door. Tony Dufrene is facing several charges. Attorney General Liz Murrill says that data includes traffic citations and fuel expenditures.

Cut 4 (06) “…recover it all.”

Angola State Penitentiary may begin housing ICE detainees. Louisiana leaders and the Trump administration are in talks to use the prison facility as the President widens the crackdown on immigrants in the country illegally. West Feliciana Parish president Kenny Havard welcomes the opportunity.

Cut 7 (09) “…always done.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson is on the cover of “Time” Magazine this month, describing the his relationship with President Trump as a good cop-bad cop scenario. Johnson was elected Speaker of the House in the middle of just his fourth term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives – this after serving just one term in the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the 1880s.”

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The police force in one small community in Jefferson Davis Parish is now down to one. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

After nearly two centuries making candy in Pontchatoula, Elmer Chocolate has been sold to a Florida based conglomerate.  Hoffman Family of Companies, which operates 120 different brants, says they like to buy strong, local brands, help them grow, all while keeping existing management and employees in place.  There’s no word on what the overall price-tag was, but Elmer has an estimated yearly revenue of about 100-million dollars.

Schools are opening as early as today across Louisiana, so State Police are urging you to take all precautions necessary to keep kids safe as they go back to school. Trooper Eddie Thomas says it’s important to obey crossing guards, and always use caution when approaching a school bus stop.

Cut 6 (10) “…the bus safely.”

The latest numbers are out and it appears the birthrate in Louisiana has dropped significantly…from 63-thousand babies born in 2013 to just over 52-thousand last year. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says the trend in birth rates and population goes hand-in-hand.

Cut 7 (12) “…lot fewer babies.”

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The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says the program started in Louisiana last April is open to all Louisiana SNAP recipients who shop at a Walmart in eleven parishes.

Cut 12 (09) “…incentive.”

The 30-cent bonus is automatically added to EBT cards at checkout and can be used as soon as the next purchase.

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, but none of them have grown to hurricane strength. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says they predict a dozen more named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes.

Cut 13 (12)  “…three major hurricanes.”

We’ve only seen four named storms, and no hurricanes this season, but the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team is still calling for an above average season. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says we’re nearing the peak of hurricane season and could see at least eight actual hurricanes because…

Cut 15 (07) “…well above average.”

Schools are opening as early as today throughout the state, so Louisiana State Police are urging you to take all precautions necessary to keep your kids safe as they go back to school. Trooper Eddie Thomas says when a crossing guard tells you to do something, you do it.

Cut 4 (13) “…for everyone’s safety.”

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Statistics show a significant drop in the birth rate in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says people in 11 parishes using SNAP benefits can now get a 30-cent bonus for buying fruits and vegetables at Walmart stores in Calcasieu, Jackson, Lafayette, Rapides and Terrebonne parishes.

Cut 10 (09) “…eat healthy.”

It’s back to school time across much of Louisiana, so drivers need to watch out for the kids and busses on the roadways. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana’s birthrate is on the decline. According to recent statistics 52-thousand babies were born in Louisiana last year. That’s down from more than 63-thousand in 2013. And Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says declining birth rates have a ripple effect.

Cut 9 (08)  “…across the state.”

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Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, and experts predict another dozen named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says the peak of hurricane season is just two weeks away.

Cut 14 (10) “…couple of weeks.”

The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says the program started in Louisiana last April and they are already seeing SNAP shoppers take advantage of it.

Cut 11 (08) “…been earned.”

A program that gives money back to SNAP recipients for purchasing fresh produce with their government assistance is expanding. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Schools are opening as early as today across Louisiana, so State Police are reminding us all to be sure to be on the lookout for the kiddos. Trooper Eddie Thomas says when the red lights on a school bus start flashing and the red stop sign swings out on the driver’s side of the bus, traffic in both directions needs to come to a full stop.

Cut 5 (08) “…bus moves again.”

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The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, but none of them have grown to hurricane strength. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says they predict a dozen more named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes.

Cut 13 (12)  “…three major hurricanes.”

Louisiana’s birthrate is on a downward swing.  The latest numbers show Louisiana has seen an 11-thousand drop in babies born in in a little more than a decade.  From 63-thousand  in 20-13 down to 52-thousand last year.   Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, fewer women of child-bearing age living in Louisiana, so there are fewer babies born here.

Cut 8 (08) “…child-bearing age population.”

Autonomous trucks are now driving between Dallas and Houston at night, and it may not be long before they make their way to Louisiana. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association,  says Amar says there have already been test runs for self-driving trucks in the state, though for now, they’ll only be at night during low traffic hours and with a human driver in the vehicle.

Cut 5 (10) “…on the road.”

Starting now, Louisiana school districts will be allowed to accept advertising from politicians and political groups for athletics and other school clubs. It’s a new law which was written by Gonzales Republican Senator Eddie Lambert who says rural areas need every source of revenue they can get.

Cut 11 (09) “…year to advertise.”

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A pair of big athletic events are happening in New Orleans this week. The third NOLA Pickle Fest starts today at the Morial Convention Center and the U.S. Gymnastics Championships start tomorrow at the Smoothie King Center.  Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company  says you may see some of the athletes competing on the mat at the Smoothie King Center this week in Los Angeles three years from now.

Cut 15 (06) “…incredible talented gymnasts.”

Both events run through Sunday.

He’s the voice of Grambling State’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band.  Now BJ Bell has become the first band announcer to land an NIL deal. Bell signed with Monroe-based Attorney Eddie Clark & Associates. Bell, who always dreamed of playing in the Tiger Marching Band, says announcing for them has allowed him to live those dreams.

Cut 9 (08)  “…great feeling.”

It might not be long before self-driving trucks are rolling in Louisiana.  They’re already driving between Dallas and Houston at night. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association,  says autonomous trucks could transform the industry, but not without employment concerns.

Cut 6 (08) “…down the line.”

He’s the voice of Grambling’s World Famous Tiger Marching Band…and now B.J. Bell has become the first band announcer to land an NIL deal. Bell signed with Monroe-based Attorney Eddie Clark & Associates. Bell says the partnership will take advantage of his local stardom.

Cut 8 (12) “…came into play.”

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Starting this school year, school districts now have the option to accept advertising from politicians and political groups. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Big sporting week in New Orleans as the third NOLA Pickle Fest starts today at the Morial Convention Center. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company

Cut 13 (07)  “…Brees Dream Foundation.”

And that’s not all, the US Gymnastics Championships kick off tomorrow at the Smoothie King Center.  Both events run through Sunday.

Autonomous trucks are now driving between Dallas and Houston at night, and it may not be long before they make their way to Louisiana. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association,  says a law was passed in 2019 allowing autonomous trucking in the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…on their own.”

Beginning now, school districts will be permitted to accept advertising from politicians and political groups for athletics and other school clubs. It’s a new law which was written by Gonzales Republican Senator Eddie Lambert who says rural areas need every source of revenue they can get, and the prohibition under the old law made it more difficult for them to raise money.

Cut 11 (09) “…year to advertise.”

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B.J. Bell, the voice of Grambling State’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band, became the first band announcer to sign an NIL deal. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

New Orleans is hosting two big athletic events this week. The third NOLA Pickle Fest starts today at the Morial Convention Center. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says the festival is designed for both players and spectators, and money raised goes towards a good cause.

Cut 13 (07)  “…Brees Dream Foundation.”

And for all you gymnastics fans, the  U.S. Gymnastics Championships start tomorrow at the Smoothie King Center.