The state education superintendent has a message for school district leaders – crack down on unruly kids. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Northeast Louisiana is already feeling the economic impact of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar A-I data center. Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland says just 18 months into construction, sales tax collections are soaring.

Cut 13 (09)  “…40-million dollars”

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A beloved St. Landry Parish elementary school teacher was killed in a head-on crash on I-49 Sunday. Leonville Elementary School confirmed the death of Katelyn LeBlanc in a Facebook post that read, “She loved her students wholeheartedly and poured herself into helping them learn, grow, and feel valued each day.” One of her former students, Andre Champagne, says she was a pure soul.

Cut 4 (09) “…of the classroom.”

The search for the remains of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather is now in its third week in the North Landfill in Zachary, near Baton Rouge. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the hot, humid conditions are making things very hard for the searchers, especially with them being covered in gear from head to toe.

Cut 10 (12) “…go back out.”

LDWF’s whooping crane reintroduction project had its most successful nesting season ever. Kace Kieschinck has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A new headset that uses brain stimulation to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease could soon be available, and Ochsner Health is partnering with Cognito Therapeutics to make happen.  Ochsner regional medical director Dr. Richard Zweifler…

Cut 15 (05) “…game changing.”

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In announcing that he will not seek a second term in his second stint in Congress, Cleo Fields made it a point to point out that things have changed on Capitol Hill since he last served in 1997, and not for the better.  He says the ability to be cordial when heated discussions are over on the floor has gone by the wayside and it’s affecting the whole country.

Cut 12 (08) “…talking at all.”

State senator Mike Reese is now the president at McNeese State University.  He took over July 1^st and says he’s thrilled for the opportunity to help shape the University’s future. As for his political career, Reese says he won’t run for re-election…but in the meantime, time-management will be key in getting both jobs done.

Cut 6 (11) “…as state senator.”

Ochsner Health has partnered with a company testing a new Alzheimer’s treatment that’s showing promising results. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reporting good news about the state’s whooping crane recovery effort.   18 of the 20 total pairs that nested were able to hatch chicks, the largest percentage ever. LDWF Biologist Sara Zimorski…

Cut 8 (08) “…figured out.”

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A lot has changed in congress since 1997.  That’s according to Congressman Cleo Fields who’s decided not to seek a second term in his second stint on Capitol Hill.  On the day Fields left Capitol Hill the first time, there was no such thing as Facebook, X was merely the 24th letter of the alphabet, and Donald Trump hadn’t even launched “The Apprentice” yet. Times have changed, and Fields says so has Congress.

Cut 11 (09) “…has to change.”

State senator Mike Reese is the new president at McNeese State University.   Reese takes over for Wade Rousse, who’s now heading the LSU system. Reese notes that 78-percent of McNeese’s graduates remain in Louisiana, so it’s important that the school work very closely with the community to prepare them for life after college.

Cut 5 (08) “…meaningful to them.”

In announcing that he will not seek a second term in his second stint in Congress, Cleo Fields noted that a lot has changed since the first time he served on Capitol Hill, and not for the better. He said when he served in the House for the first time from 1993 until 1997, representatives from opposite parties were actually cordial towards one another.

Cut 10 (09) “…their families together.”

Call him “president,” call him “senator” – when referring to Mike Reese, both titles apply to him simultaneously. The state senator from Leesville is now the new president at McNeese State University, taking over for Wade Rousse, who’s now heading the LSU system. Reese officially took over as McNeese president July 1st with words of encouragement for both current and incoming students.

Cut 4 (13) “…having wonderful careers.”

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A new at-home treatment for Alzheimer’s disease could soon be available, and Ochsner Health is partnering with the company behind the technology. Ochsner regional medical director Dr. Richard Zweifler says Cognito Therapeutics has developed the Spectris headset, which uses brain stimulation to help slow the disease…

Cut 13 (13)  “…over time.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported the state’s whooping crane recovery effort saw 10 fledged chicks. That means the chicks are fully grown and capable of flight. It brings the state’s total population to 84. LDWF Biologist Sara Zimorski says it was a historic nesting season.

Cut 7 (14) “…had this year.”

Congressman Cleo Fields made it official Friday morning — he will not seek a second term in his second stint in the U.S. House. His decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map, leading to a redraw of his district. The Democrat from Baton Rouge says the new map leaves him with no realistic path to re-election.

Cut 6 (12) “…the winning path.”

Louisiana farmers suffered an estimated 112-million-dollar loss as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur last month. Avoyelles, St. Landry and Rapides Parishes accounted for 90-percent of total losses. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Avoyelles received 29 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.

Cut 9 (09)  “…excessive moisture.”

An estimated 22-million dollars in infrastructure was also lost in the flooding.

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New Orleans plays host to the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off Saturday. Louisiana Seafood King Kris Allen will try to fend off 13 challengers from across the country to take home the title of King of American Seafood. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Allen, who’s the executive chef of Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Lafayette, will try to end Louisiana’s title drought.

Cut 3 (10) “…back to Louisiana.”

LSU is picked to finish fifth in the SEC in the Preseason Media Poll. Many national media members have said it’s national championship or bust for LSU and first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin says those types of expectations are why he came to LSU.

Cut 12 (13) “…that does it.”

LSU is picked to finish fifth in the SEC in the conference preseason media poll. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The King of American Seafood will be determined in New Orleans today as the city hosts the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off.  Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser on why this event is so important in promoting domestic seafood.

Cut 5 (12) “…industry throughout America.”

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It’s official, Congressman Cleo Fields announcing yesterday he will not seek a second term in his second stint in the U.S. House. His decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map, leading to a redraw of his district.  Fields said except for challenging Troy Carter, he considered all other options to remain in Congress, but he saw no viable path forward.

Cut 7 (07) “…decided not to.”

As for what’s next, Fields says he will run to fill the seat left vacant by the untimely death of Larry Selders in Senate District 14.

Louisiana farmers are reeling after suffering a 112 million dollar loss as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur last month. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says crop-specific losses were estimated at about 88-million-dollars and an estimated 22-million dollars in infrastructure was lost in the flooding.

Cut 11 (11) “…of fencing.”

The seesaw of Congressman Cleo Fields’ legislative career has swung again. Andrew Greenstein has details on what’s next for the Baton Rouge Democrat…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tropical Storm Arthur created 112-million-dollars in losses for Louisiana farmers last month.  Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says in all crop-specific losses were estimated at about 88-million-dollars.

Cut 10 (09) “…fourteen-point-seven-million.”

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LSU is picked to finish fifth in the SEC in the Preseason Media Poll behind Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss and Texas A-and-M. The Tigers have a tough nine-game SEC schedule for the first time this season. The conference added a game for its latest TV deal and to boost strength of schedule, but Head Coach Lane Kiffin said it will do more harm than good.

Cut 13 (11) “…anyone else.”

Lafayette Chef Kris Allen goes for the title of King of American Seafood today as New Orleans hosts the 22^nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Louisiana’s not taken the crown in a few years, and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the competition is intense.

Cut 4 (06) “…best seafood dish.”
It all kicks off this morning at 11:30 at the Morial Convention Center.

Congressman Cleo Fields made it official Friday morning — he will not seek a second term in his second stint in the U.S. House. His decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map, leading to a redraw of his district. The Democrat from Baton Rouge says the new map leaves him with no realistic path to re-election.

Cut 6 (12) “…the winning path.”

Louisiana farmers suffered an estimated 112-million-dollar loss as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur last month. Avoyelles, St. Landry and Rapides Parishes accounted for 90-percent of total losses. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Avoyelles received 29 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.

Cut 9 (09)  “…excessive moisture.”

An estimated 22-million dollars in infrastructure was also lost in the flooding.

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New Orleans plays host to the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off Saturday. Louisiana Seafood King Kris Allen will try to fend off 13 challengers from across the country to take home the title of King of American Seafood. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Allen, who’s the executive chef of Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Lafayette, will try to end Louisiana’s title drought.

Cut 3 (10) “…back to Louisiana.”

LSU is picked to finish fifth in the SEC in the Preseason Media Poll. Many national media members have said it’s national championship or bust for LSU and first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin says those types of expectations are why he came to LSU.

Cut 12 (13) “…that does it.”

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for coastal Gulf waters east of the mouth of the Mississippi River as Tropical Storm Bertha gets closer to Louisiana, still expected to make landfall this afternoon.  LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Keim says while coastal areas will get a good amount of rainfall, those readings will drop off considerably once you move inland.

Cut 9 (12)  “…than an inch.”

The 2026 fiscal year was a record-breaker for the Louisiana Department of Treasury, as it returned 70.9 million dollars in unclaimed property. State Treasurer John Fleming says there’s a lot more money yet to be claimed, and it will never go to the state’s general fund.

Cut 6 (07) “…claimed their property.”

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The man referred to as the “Father of the Superdome” is leaving his job on September 4th. Jeff Palermo has more on Doug Thornton’s decision to step down.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Congressman Cleo Fields has announced he’s not running for re-election to the 6^th Congressional District or for any other seat.  Instead, he’ll be running to fill the unexpired term for State Senate in District 14.  Fields saying he feels his calling to serve the people is put to better us here at home.  He has a news conference set for Friday at ten.

The far southeastern Louisiana coast is awaiting the arrival of Tropical Storm Bertha. As of yesterday evening, when the storm was leaving Florida’s longitude, Bertha was packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles an hour. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 7 (08) “…it approaches Louisiana.”
In fact, as of this morning Bertha’s maximum sustained winds are already down to 50 miles per hour.  Keim says the latest forecast track has it making landfall near Buras, in Plaquemines Parish, late this afternoon.

Cut 8 (10) “…an hour range.”

We’re told the New Orleans area will feel the effects of Bertha sometime tomorrow.

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U.S. Census Bureau data shows Louisiana’s population grew by 24-thousand residents in 2024, the state’s first increase since 2017. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The 2026 fiscal year was a big one for Louisiana Department of Treasury, returning 70.9 million dollars to their rightful owners.  State Treasurer John Fleming says in many instances, people didn’t even have to make an effort to claim the money.

Cut 5 (09) “…know about it.”