Former Governor and then Congressman Bobby Jindal is looking back on Hurricane Katrina twenty years later. Jindal represented Louisiana’s first Congressional district when Katrina came ashore leaving much of southeast Louisiana destroyed. He says the immediate aftermath of Katrina was a dark time for the state and the recovery was hard, but gives a lot of credit to the people of Louisiana for making the Bayou State what it is today.

Cut 9 (12)  “…come back stronger.”

It looks like most restaurants in Slidell who claim their shrimp re gulf shrimp, are telling the truth.  That’s according to SeaD (“seed”) Consulting, who recently conducted genetic testing on shrimp from 24 restaurants that claim their shrimp are locally sourcedCo-founder David Williams on what they’re looking for in those tests.

Cut 11 (12) “…the Gulf Coast.”

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Saints head coach Kellen Moore has named second-year player Spencer Rattler as the team’s starting quarterback. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Third-string quarterback Jake Haener did not make the 53-man roster and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire also failed to make the team.

State Representative Dixon McMakin will be the Voice of Tiger Stadium as he’s been named the new public address announcer for LSU football games.  He replaces Dan Borne, who announced his retirement earlier this summer after 38 years.

The young mother-to-be who was shot in a road rage incident Sunday morning in Tangipaoa Parish has died.  That’s according to Katelynn Strate’s  family. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s officials say the attempted murder charge against 54 year old Barry West  has been upgraded to second degree murder in light of Strate’s death.

People in New Orleans are searching for answers as the mourn the death of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez.  He’s the boy who went missing from his New Orleans East Home August 14^th.  His body found yesterday by the United Cajun Navy.  New Orleans Police superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says their investigation into Bryan’s disaparance and death will be very thorough.

Cut 6 (08) “…for Ring cameras.”

Kirkpatrick says they’re also investigating why it took police five hours to respond to the initial call that Bryan was missing. She says people have every right to be angry about that, and NOPD needs to regain the public’s trust.

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A recent audit of independent seafood restaurants in Slidell shows that nearly all of them which advertise that their shrimp comes from the Gulf of Mexico are telling the truth. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting conducted genetic testing on shrimp from 24 restaurants that claimed that their shrimp was locally sourced, and it found that 21 of them were telling the truth. Co-founder David Williams says he’s not surprised…

Cut 10 (14) “…depends on it.”

As we continue to reflect on the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, former Governor Bobby Jindal is taking a look back.  Jindal was sworn in as governor in 2008 and remembers the battles with the federal government over recovery dollars. He says the 474-million dollars owed to the state to replace the city’s Charity Hospital was ultimately used to build a new academic medical center in New Orleans.

Cut 8 (08) “…even before Katrina.”

A recent audit shows that nearly all independent restaurants in Slidell who say they serve Gulf shrimp are telling the truth. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (00) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

We continue to reflect on the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Bobby Jindal represented Louisiana’s first Congressional district when Katrina came ashore leaving much of southeast Louisiana destroyed. Jindal remembers the outpouring of support from regular citizens, but the federal government was slow to react.

Cut 7 (11) “…red tape.”

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The investigation into the death of a nonverbal 12 year old boy missing for twelve days from his East New Orleans home continues this morning.  The body of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, was found in by the United Cajun navy in a lagoon near his home just yesterday. When Bryan was discovered missing, there was no Amber Alert issued. NOPD Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says the disappearance did not rise to the level that justified an Amber Alert.

Cut 5 (10) “…that he wasn’t.”

Second year quarterback Spencer Rattler will get the week-one start against the Arizona Cardinals when the Saints hit the field.  Head Coach Kellen more making that announcement.  Moore says the Saints will benefit from Rattler in his second season in the league as he has improved his decision-making while still finding a way to do what the coaching staff asks of him.

Cut 14 (13) “…the football.”

Former Governor and Congressman Bobby Jindal was a major figure in the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Jeff Palermo spoke with Jindal as he reflected on the 20^th anniversary.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The young mother to be who was shot in a road rage incident Sunday morning in Tangipaoa Parish has died.  That’s according to her family.  Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s officials say the attempted murder charge against 54 year old Barry West  has been upgraded to second degree murder in light of Strate’s death.

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The investigation into the death of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez continues in New Orleans. Bryan was a nonverbal autistic boy who disappeared from his home  in East New Orleans August 14th when he climbed out of a bedroom window. The United Cajun Navy found his body in a lagoon near his home yesterday. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says investigators are not ruling out foul play.

Cut 4 (10) “…we’ve been told.”

Saints head coach Kellen Moore announced that second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will be the team’s starting quarterback for week one against the Arizona Cardinals. Rattler won a tight competition over rookie Tyler Shough. Moore says Rattler was more consistent during training camp and in preseason games.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for us.”

Early this morning we got an update on the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland.  Andrew Greenstein has details.

Cut 23 (46) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

We’re told a temporary flight restriction is also in effect for a three mile area.

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Former LSU Tiger and NBA hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal will invest in the proposed new $400 million dollar arena on the LSU campus.  O’Neal has vouched for Oak View Group, the developer that is the sole finalist for the project. You may recall, LSU pressed pause on the deal after Oak View’s CEO stepped down last month after he was indicted on bid-rigging allegations connected to a project in Austin.  If the project does happen, the arena will host LSU sporting events and graduation ceremonies as well as concerts and other entertainment events.

The Saints wrap up preseason play at noon today against the Broncos in the Superdome. Mike Hoss, the Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio says there’s battle brewing for backup running back behind Alvin Kamara, who will not play today.

Cut 7 (10) “…situation look like?”

An update on that explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland yesterday.  The mandatory evacuation for those within a one-mile radius remains in effect as authorities report there were a number of small explosions overnight. In a 10 am news conference Tangipahoa and Louisiana State Police officials say firefighters are still battling an active blaze. Authorities have been monitoring the air quality around the plant since yesterday evening and recommend people avoid contact with any soot from the fire and explosion.  We’re told a temporary flight restriction is also in effect for a three mile radius.

Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a teenage boy is killed while riding his bike in his subdivision. Sheriff Jason Ard says the 31 year old driver who hit the boy was drunk and fled the scene, but deputies later caught him and arrested him.

Cut 10 (13) “…DWI first offense.”

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There’s a lot more corn in Louisiana this year as farmers are producing much more than last year. Shelly Pate Kerns with the LSU Ag Center says the crop received plenty of rain, so yields are expected to surpass last year’s 183 bushels per acre and input costs were also down…

Cut 13 (10)  “…constant rainfall.”

The Saints final pre-season game of the season kicks off at noon today as they host the Denver Broncos. Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio Mike Hoss says the Saints have been busy with trades and there are still many decisions to be made by the time the roster needs to be pared down to 53 by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Cut 8 (11) “…has been injured.”

Former Governor John Bel Edwards and his wife were among those evacuated after that explosion at Smitty’s Supplies is Roseland yesterday.   A family associate reported the governor and his wife are safe and monitoring the situation.  All residents within a mile of the plant were ordered to relocate yesterday just after one.  Smitty’s is a lubricant manufacturing facility with more than 400 employees.  Officials have said there were no injuries reported.  The cause of the blast is still under investigation.

It’s been a week since the Department of Insurance announced that 20 auto insurance companies, including many big-name companies, have filed for rate decreases. Whether that’s spurred by tort reform legislation, a decrease in crashes, or both, Governor Landry says to take advantage, you need to do your part.

Cut 3 (05) “…giving rate decreases.”

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Former LSU basketball player, four-time NBA champion and hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal will invest in the proposed new arena on the LSU campus.  O’Neal vouched for Oak View Group, the developer that is the sole finalist for the project. Oak View’s CEO stepped down last month after he was indicted on bid-rigging allegations connected to a project in Austin.
So far a final deal with LSU to develop the project has not yet been finalized.  O’Neal did not say how much he was planning to invest in the new facility.

The Saints wrap up their preseason at noon today against the Broncos in the Superdome. The biggest storyline is still the battle to become the starting quarterback. At this point, it’s down to second-year man Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. Mike Hoss, the Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio, says at this point, the race is neck-and-neck.

Cut 6 (14) “…a pick-six.”

Tangipahoa Parish officials are trying to figure out what caused the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland that forced mandatory evacuations within a one-mile radius.  It happened yesterday just before one and the evacuation order went out shortly afterword.  Smitty’s is a lubricant manufacturing facility.  Thankfully, no one was injured in the blast.

Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a teenage boy is killed while riding his bike in his subdivision. It happened around seven Thursday evening.  Sheriff Jason Ard says the driver who hit the boy was very drunk.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in his system.”

31 year old Juan Alfredo Chavarria Lezama is facing several charges including Vehicular Homicide and 1^st Offense DWI.  He was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center.

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The Saints wrap up their preseason today at noon against the Broncos. Here’s Andre Champagne.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana farmers are producing a big corn crop this year, but with so much corn, the price is down. LSU Ag Center’s Shelly Pate Kerns.

Cut 14 (12) “…shakeout differently.”

Nichols State football will be in the national spotlight tomorrow as the they host Incarnate Word on national TV.  Here’s Andre Champagne.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

SEC football will go to a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2026, that’s up from the current eight.  SEC officials made the announcement yesterday, explaining that each school will play three annual opponents, maintaining traditional rivalries.  LSU Executive Deputy Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry says they don’t know yet which teams the Tigers will play every year.

Cut 14 (09) “…conference.”

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A 15-year-old Lake Charles escapes a would-be kidnapper.  Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Brenda Treadway says the girl was at a but stop yesterday morning when a man offered her a ride.  She refused and he drove away, but  that’s not where it ended.   Lieutenant Linda Treadway says 35-year-old Dustin Frederick came back, got out and grabbed the teenager.

Cut 8 (10) “…fled the scene.”

The Atlantic Hurricane season is ramping up, so experts say if you don’t have your hurricane preparedness kit yet, now’s the time to get it.  Hurricane Erin may be moving away from the U-S now but the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on three more disturbances. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll likely get through August unscathed, but we’re not out of the woods entirely.

Cut 12 (13) “…us a visit.”

A close call for a 15-year-old Lake Charles girl as she waited for her school bus yesterday morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you don’t have your hurricane preparedness kit ready, it may be time.  Hurricane Erin is wreaking havoc along the Atlantic coast as it moves away from the U.S. But LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there are three more disturbances in the Atlantic experts are watching.

Cut 11 (12) “…an eye on.”
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The Southeastern Conference announces that starting in 2026 the league will have a nine-game conference schedule in football. The SEC has been playing eight conference games since 1992. LSU Executive Deputy Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry says a ninth conference game will help generate revenue for the SEC and LSU…

Cut 13 (14)  “…let’s be honest.”

Big game tomorrow for the Nichols State football team as they host the fourth-ranked Incarnate Word Cardinals, and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN2. It is not often that Nicholls is able to showcase its football program coast to coast. Athletic director Jonathan Terrell (tuh-RELL) says they jumped at the chance to play in Week Zero on national T-V.

Cut 5 (11) “…and one.”