After operating in New Orleans for ten years, The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana has expanded its oyster shell recycling program to Baton Rouge. This initiative uses recycled oyster shells to rebuild and strengthen Louisiana’s fragile coastlines. Spokesperson James Karst says oyster shells are a critical component in creating new oyster reefs, which act as natural barriers against storm surges and help restore marine habitats.

Cut 4 (07) “…a lot of good.”

Louisiana is pulling out all the stops in boosting tourism and entering the global spotlight. And the news is good as Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says 2024 Louisiana tourism is almost all the way back to pre-pandemic levels.

Cut 9 (09)  “…43-million visitors.”

Nungesser delivers the keynote address, updating the future of Louisiana’s tourism industry at today’s Louisiana Travel Summit in Shreveport.

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Critical Race Theory is a no-go in public schools in Louisiana. Governor Landry signed an executive order banning the subject matter in K-through-12 public schools in the state. It’s something that Denham Springs Republican Senator Valarie Hodges has been pushing for.

Cut 13 (08) “…the teaching manuals.” 

But New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis doubts that critical race theory is being taught in K-through-12 and he says kids need to be taught history, even if the history is uncomfortable.

Cut 15 (05) “…as a state.”

Additional flights from Shreveport to Las Vegas added due to LSU season opener.  Officials at Shreveport Regional, said Allegiant normally has flights on Mondays and Fridays to Las Vegas, year round, but because the flight sold out so early this year, they decided to add a second flight that leaves Saturday of this week and returns on Monday as well. That flight on the way to Las Vegas has also sold out.

In Acadia Parish Many are mourning the death of 27-year-old Rayne Police Detective Javonta Flugence, killed in a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon, along with fiancée Amber Davy, and their two-year-old child, Caroline.  State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says the wreck occurred on Louisiana Highway 13 near Bluefish Road…

Cut 14 (12)  “…the scene.”

A human skull found in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in St. Tammany Parish seven years ago has finally been identified. Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says his office worked with a genetic genealogy company to identify a living niece in California who confirmed the skull as Gary Maggio of Slidell and finally give his family some closure

Cut 6 (09) “…heartbreaking.”
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Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc is stepping down after holding that job for nearly 17 years. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

Gov. Jeff Landry, Secretary of State Nancy Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill will be discussing election integrity today, ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The news conference will be held at the Louisiana Capitol, where Governor Landay will also sign an executive order to maintain integrity in the electoral process and protect the accuracy of voter rolls.

A human skull found in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in St. Tammany Parish seven years ago has finally been identified. Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says his office worked with a genetic genealogy company to identify a living niece in California who confirmed the skull as Gary Maggio of Slidell…

Cut 4 (11) “…unfortunately.”

The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is is stepping down due to health reasons.  Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc made the announcement on Friday. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says Leblanc worked hard to reduce the state’s recidivism rate…

Cut 12 (10) “…stop that.”

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LSU football fans are getting ready for a trip to Vegas later this week where the Tigers are set to take on the Trojans of USC.  Owner of Mr. Fun’s Travel Jason Ramezan says the purple and gold faithful are not just attending the game, they’re bringing their unique energy and traditions to the city.

Cut 9 (06)  “…Las Vegas this weekend.”

Kick off at Allegiant Stadium is set for 6:30 central time on Sunday.

State Fire marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is reminding all of us about the importance of smoke alarms following a fatal fire in Oak Grove last week that left a woman dead. Chief Adams says Louisiana’s Operation Save A Life program can help families in need get free smoke alarms FREE of charge.  Just head to lasfm.org for details. 

A human skull found at a wildlife refuge in St. Tammany Parish in 2017 has finally been identified. Mel Bridges has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc is stepping down due to health reasons after sixteen years at the helm. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the key to Leblanc’s success was that he was level headed…

Cut 13 (05)  “…made it easy.”

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LSU Tiger fans will head to Las Vegas later this week for the purple and gold’s  season opener against the USC Trojans this Sunday at llegiant Stadium. Owner of Mr. Fun’s Travel Jason Ramezan says LSU is expected to have a strong presence in the city, with fans eager to witness the Tigers’ debut under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Cut 8 (07) “…represented in Vegas.”

Many are mourning in Acadia Parish as 27-year-old Rayne Police Detective Javonta Flugence was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon. Flugence’s fiancee, Amber Davy, and their two-year-old child, Caroline, were also killed. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says Bourque says it appears none of the occupants were restrained…

Cut 15 (08)  “…do that.”

Flugence started as a detective for the Rayne Police Department in 2019. He was considered a pivotal person in Rayne’s fight against drug activity.

The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is resigning. Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says health reasons are forcing him to step down. Former state lawmaker and House Criminal Chairman Joe Marino says Leblanc did an excellent job despite limited resources…

Cut 10 (10) “…long time.”

Many are mourning in Acadia Parish as 27-year-old Rayne Police Detective Javonta Flugence was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon. Flugence’s fiancee, Amber Davy, and their two-year-old child, Caroline, were also killed. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says the wreck occurred on Louisiana Highway 13 near Bluefish Road…

Cut 14 (12)  “…the scene.”

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LSU Tigers fans are heading to Las Vegas to support their Tigers in the season opener against the USC Trojans this Sunday. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

The Saints dropped their preseason finale 30 to 27 to the Tennessee Titans. It was one final chance for Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler to claim the second-string quarterback spot behind starter Derek Carr. Rattler had the better day as he threw for 105 yards and a touchdown but knows this decision is out of his hands.

Cut 17 (09) “…my best foot forward.”

The Democratic National Convention has wrapped up with national polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. Both campaigns have used emotion, especially fear of what could happen if the other was elected, to appeal to voters. . LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says says this type of appeal is normal…

Cut 5 (11)  “…this sort of rhetoric”

A tragic story out of Terrebonne Parish , as State Police are investigating a school bus crash that led to the death of 7-year-old Jeremiah Falgout (Fal-goo). Trooper Tiah Larvadain says the bus hit the child Thursday afternoon after dropping him on off on LA Highway 665 in Montegut but he says the bus driver was not under the influence…

Cut 13 (07) “…detected.” 

The crash is still under investigation.
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Just in time for the Saints to host the Titans tomorrow in the final pre-season game of the year, nearly 550-million dollars in renovations have been completed on the Superdome. Superdome spokesperson Mike Hoss says says the four-phase renovation project removed hundreds of thousands of square feet of concrete ramps and replaced them with escalators, resulting in more open space and natural light.

Cut 10 (09) “…different areas.”

LSU football will have two players wearing number 18 this year. Running back Josh Williams and linebacker Greg Penn will each wear 18, which goes to the player who is a great representative of LSU football on and off the field. West says Williams arrived on LSU’s campus as a walk-on in 2019 and now he is a starter…

Cut 15 (10) “…of the ball.”

34-year-old Jason Chiasson Jr. of Holden in connection with a boating accident that caused two deaths and several injuries. Chiasson Jr. was booked into the Livingston Parish jail on multiple counts, including vehicular manslaughter, first-degree vehicular negligent injury, and DWI. Though LDWF Sergeant Randy Lanoux doesn’t expect any more arrests, he says everybody in that situation came out a loser.

Cut 8 (09)  “…winners here.”

A body found floating Wednesday night in the Red River has been identified. Bossier City spokesman Louis Johnson says 38 year old Dominique Washington was discovered Wednesday around 6:22 by people who were on jet skiers and saw his body. Authorities say foul play is not suspected at this time and this incident is still under investigation.

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More than 500-million dollars in renovations have been completed on the Caesars Superdome. Jeff Palermo reports Dome officials believe it will lead to a better fan experience….

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The Democratic National Convention has ended and polls now show Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. Democrats had been lagging in the polls before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, but have since caught up. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan Hogan

Cut 4 (12) “…going to win.”

The Democratic National Convention has wrapped up with national polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says the D-N-C went smoothly and reflects well on Democrats…

Cut 3 (12) “…two parties.”

Officials have arrested 34-year-old Jason Chiasson Jr. of Holden in connection with a boating accident that caused two deaths and several injuries. LDWF Sgt. Randy Lanoux says not only was Chiasson was impaired at the time of the crash and not following basic boating safety rules…

Cut 7 (12) “…basically.”

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Just in time for the Saints to host the Titans tomorrow in the final pre-season game of the year, nearly 550-million dollars in renovations have been completed on the Superdome. Superdome spokesperson Mike Hoss says says the four-phase renovation project removed hundreds of thousands of square feet of concrete ramps and replaced them with escalators, resulting in more open space and natural light.

Cut 10 (09) “…different areas.”

LSU football will have two players wearing number 7 this year. The number seven jersey goes to LSU’s top playmaker. Offensive tackle Will Campbell will once again wear a number seven patch and linebacker Harold Perkins is changing his jersey number to seven. 2-4-7 sports LSU reporter Glen West says Perkins had a strong preseason camp

Cut  14 (10) “…tackles for loss.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is polling slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump in the polls after the Democratic National Convention. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

Nearly 550-million dollars in renovations have been completed on the Superdome just in time for the Saints to host the Titans on Sunday in the final preseason game of the year. Superdome spokesperson Mike Hoss says the renovations were done to improve the fan experience

Cut 9 (09) “…concourse.”

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A tragic story out of Terrebonne Parish , as State Police are investigating a school bus crash that led to the death of 7-year-old Jeremiah Falgout (Fal-goo). Trooper Tiah Larvadain says the bus hit the child Thursday afternoon after dropping him on off on LA Highway 665 in Montegut….

Cut 12 (11) “…critical injuries.”

Officials have arrested 34-year-old Jason Chiasson Jr. of Holden in connection with a boating accident that caused two deaths and several injuries. LDWF Sgt. Randy Lanoux says Chiasson Jr. was driving a Sea Fox up the Tickfaw River just after midnight on July 28 when he collided with a pontoon boat traveling downriver…

Cut 6 (11) “…(x2) was killed.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with Louisiana’s injunction blocking the Biden administration’s expansion of Title IX to include gender identity. The Court rejected the Biden administration’s attempt to vacate a temporary injunction Louisiana sought immediately after the ruling. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the expanded Title IX rule is also an assault on free speech…

Cut 12 (07) “…they did.”

A Baton Rouge took the stage at the Democratic National Convention last night…telling her story of being turned away from two hospitals because abortion was banned in Louisiana. Kaitlyn Joshua was one of three women who have been traveling the nation for the Harris For President Campaign on a Reproductive Rights Tour. Joshua said she retells her painful story to bring awareness to the direct impacts that overturning abortion rights has on mothers trying to access basic maternal health care.
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Public school enrollment in Louisiana is down five percent this year. According to a report from the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) by five percent, the reduction in enrollment poses challenges for the state’s education system, particularly in terms of funding. PAR President Steve Procopio…

Cut 9 (03)  “…people would think.”

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley’s Let Teachers Teach policy package is being considered by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education which meets today and tomorrow. Dr. Brumley says the main points of Let Teachers Teach include explicit expectations for student discipline, allowing teachers more freedom over lesson planning, and reducing state-mandated teacher training…

Cut 14 (12)  “…teach their kids.”