LSU scientists have received a patent for a bait that’s designed to limit the spread of wild hogs, but the solution might not get rid of them all. Pierson Luscy has more.

Cut 1 (27)  “….I’m Pierson Luscy.”

_______________________________________________

A public meeting will be held today from 4-7 PM at the Lake Charles Civic Center to discuss a new Calcasieu River I-10 bridge that would be partially paid for by tolls. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Next year, Louisiana will celebrate Mardi Gras a month early and promote tourism to the Bayou State at the annual Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

________________________________________________

Scientists with the LSU AgCenter and LSU Department of Chemistry have received a patent for a bait to kill off feral hogs. The bait has the consistency of gummy bears, it’s about the size of a golf ball and it tastes fishy. LSU AgCenter animal specialist Glen Gentry says this is a milestone for them…

Cut 4 (08) “…pigs completely.”

There are an estimated one million feral hogs in the state that produce 91 million dollars in damages every year. Gentry says they are still looking at ways to deliver the bait…

Cut 5 (07) “…field trials.”

Gentry says the bait uses sodium nitrate, which is lethal to feral swine. He says within three hours of consuming the bait, hogs become sleepy and die

Cut 6 (09) “…the FDA.”

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Transportation holds a public meeting at the Lake Charles Civic Center today from 4:00 to 7:00 PM to discuss the $2 billion dollar expansion of the Calcasieu River Interstate 10 bridge including its tolls and aesthetics. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says residents can view computer-generated visuals and multimedia presentations on the project

Cut 7 (09) “…the meeting.”

Toll rates range from 25 cents for local motorists with tags to $12.50 for a large truck with a tag. Mallet says toll charges were set at 2023 dollars and will be adjusted over time based on the consumer price index. He says preliminary rates were minimized because funding will be combined with a variety of funding sources.

Cut 8 (10) “…they are.”

Mallett says in September members of the House and Senate Transportation Committee will vote in favor or against the Calcasieu Bridge Partners proposal for a cost of $2 billion dollars and tolls…

Cut 9 (12)  “…transportation committee.”

A panel question and answer session will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

____________________________________________

For the third year in a row, Louisiana will have a float in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California to promote tourism. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says in a world of different cultures, the theme of music unites us all.

Cut 10 (11) “…of Louisiana.”

The float will feature a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, fleur de lis, second-line inspired umbrellas, and lots of purple, green, and gold. Nungesser hopes this will be another award-winning float that exposes all that the Bayou State has to offer.

Cut 11 (10) “…major prize.”

In 2022, Louisiana’s float won the Wrigley Legacy Award for the most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design, and entertainment. Last year’s float won the Showmanship Award for the most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment.

Nungesser says volunteers are welcome to join this amazing opportunity.

Cut 12 (11) “…our float.”

Louisiana’s participation has reached an estimated four billion viewers and generated $39 million in media advertising value. To volunteer, visit explorelouisiana.com/2024-rose-parade.

__________________________________________

Hurricanes Laura and Delta left an excessive amount of downed trees in southwest Louisiana and those trees are only adding fuel to the wildfires. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says there was a federal program to assist landowners in removing downed trees. The average cost is $400 to $500 an acre.

Cut 13 (12) “…go do it.”

And while you might think, why wasn’t the timber immediately harvested and sold after the storms? Strain says downed trees from a hurricane are generally cracked and within about two to three weeks, it’s unusable.

Cut 14 (12) “…another point.”

Strain says these wildfires are unprecedented and once the threat is over, he, along with the governor and other participating agencies plan to review what was done correctly and how they can be more proactive in the future.

Cut 15  (11) “…fire departments.”

Firefighters have been battling the the largest wildfire in the state, the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish since August 22nd.

________________________________________________

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is pumped up for Sunday night’s top-ten matchup against Florida State. Daniels enters the season as a Heisman candidate and he’s put in the work to be the best….

Cut 16 (16) “…1% better.”

LSU and Florida State met in New Orleans last year and Florida State came away with the win 24-23, and Daniels says what the challenge will be facing them this season after much of the Seminoles defense saw Daniels last year.

Cut 17 (23) “…after you.”

Coach Brian Kelly has implored Daniels to push the ball down the field with his arm. Daniels plans to do that, but if he can move the chains with his legs, he’ll do that too…

Cut 18 (20) “…do that.”

__________________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech got the win against Florida International in week zero, but now Coach Sonny Cumbie and the Bulldogs have turned their attention to a trip to Dallas to play SMU on Saturday.

Cut 19 (20) “…the football.”

Tech rushed for less than three yards a carry last week. Cumbie says after missing last week, Tyre Shelton is practicing this week and he’s moving around well. The coach says Keldric Moody, Jacob Fields, Keith Willis Junior, and freshman Dyson Fields from Ruston High are all getting reps at practice…

Cut 20 (11) “on offense.”

Governor John Bel Edwards expects a lengthy battle against the multiple wildfires that remain burning in the state. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Congressman Steve Scalise has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Brooke Thorington has more on this type of blood cancer.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Saints have finalized their 53-man roster for the 2023 NFL season, and some big names did not make the list. Pierson Luscy has more.

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Pierson Luscy.”

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says there are still several people who are not following the statewide burn ban. Edwards spent yesterday in southwest Louisiana, which has the state’s largest wildfire, the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish. The governor says the people that are not following the ban are not far away from this fire…

Cut 4 (11) “…not do that.”

Edwards says 60-thousand acres have been burned in Louisiana and the conditions over the next few days will keep these fires going…

Cut 5 (13) “…raging again.”

This is the first time Louisiana has been impacted by wildfires to this level, but the governor fears as a result of climate change, we could see it happen in future summers…

Cut 6 (14) “…adequately respond.”

________________________________________________

Congressman Steve Scalise announced Tuesday he’s been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of plasma cells found in blood marrow. LSU Health New Orleans Oncologist Dr. Suki Subbiah (Sah-by-ah) says plasma cells are normal cells that are part of our immune system…

Cut 7 (06) “…cancerous.”

Fortunately, today’s treatment includes a combination of three anti-cancer medications. Twenty years ago, Subbiah says a Multiple Myeloma was essentially a death sentence, with a very limited prognosis and life expectancy.

Cut 8 (11) “…undetectable.”

Once in remission, Subbiah says patients can receive a stem cell transplant of their own cells and then receive maintenance therapy which is a lower dose of an anti-cancer medication. And because it’s not curable, the cancer could come back.

She says some individuals will show symptoms like fatigue, decreased appetite, weight loss, bone pain, repeat infections, and numbness in the hands and feet. But others show no symptoms and it’s found in routine bloodwork. Subbiah says there are some risk factors for the disease such as…

Cut 9 (09)  “…individual patient.”

Scalise issued a statement that he’s begun treatment that will go on for several months and plans to continue working while being treated.

____________________________________________

A 3 year old toddler was fatally injured after not being properly restrained in a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 877 in East Carroll Parish on Tuesday. Trooper Ryan Davis says Tavorious Hopkins was improperly restrained.

Cut 10 (12) “…a seatbelt.”

Davis says a Dodge Caravan driven by 55-year-old John Vaughn Jr. traveling south failed to come to a stop at the stop sign. The Caravan was struck by a Freightliner towing a grain trailer headed east.

Cut 11 (08) “…moderate injuries.”

Although impairment is not suspected, toxicology samples were submitted. The investigation is ongoing.

__________________________________________

Since the beginning of June, there have been 28 heat-related deaths in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says heat exhaustion and heat stroke can sneak up on you very quickly…

Cut 12 (11) “…eight ball on it.”

And the oppressive temperatures have been responsible for more than 4,700 emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses.

Cut 13 (06) “…hot season.”

Kanter says when you have heat exhaustion you sweat profusely and become exhausted. When you advance to heat stroke your body shows signs you are no longer able to cope, you stop sweating, have confusion, and need immediate medical attention. Kanter says heat stroke can be fatal.

______________________________________

The Saints made their roster moves to get down to 53 active players. New Orleans will go with kicker Blake Grupe over veteran Wil Lutz, who was traded to the Denver Broncos for a seventh round pick. Coach Dennis Allen says it was not an easy decision.

Cut 14 (15) “…challenging situations.”

Even though there was a flurry of moves to go from a maximum of 90 players to 53 players, Allen says the roster is not done changing.

Cut 15  (15) “…the league.”

Tight end Jimmy Graham made the team after taking a year off from the league and despite being a fan favorite when he came back to New Orleans, his roster spot was in jeopardy until the very end.

Cut 16 (13) “…this team.”

________________________________________________

LSU is preparing to play Florida State without star defensive tackle Maason Smith, who is serving a one game suspension. Kelly says he wishes Smith can play, but he’s got other guys who can get the job done.

Cut 17 (20) “…the surprises.”

Special teams was a problem for LSU last season as they struggled handling punts and kicks. The Tigers had two blocked kicks last year against Florida State. But Kelly says they should be better off this season with Aaron Anderson returning punts and Anderson and Kaleb Jackson returning kicks…

Cut 18 (24) “…influence games”

Smoke from wildfires is impacting air quality in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Louisiana sugarcane producers set a record by producing more than two million tons of raw sugar last year but this year’s number will be less due to the dry weather. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

______________________________________

In addition to the destruction the wildfires are doing, they also present a health hazard. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says where the fires are and the smoke is, are not always the one in the same.

Cut 3 (08) “…quite far.”

For comparison, Kanter says smoke from Canadian wildfires decreased air quality in areas as far away as the northeastern U.S. Smoke trails can be carried a great distance and most of Louisiana is experiencing a decrease in air quality as a result of the wildfires. Kanter says it’s a good idea to pay attention to local air quality reports.

Cut 4 (09) “…health effects.”

Kanter advises residents to minimize their time outdoors especially if they have a respiratory illness, such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, or even heart disease.

Cut 5 (09) “ ..as possible.” 

With the statewide burn ban still in effect, Kanter implores residents not to burn anything outdoors and that includes lighting up the grill for Labor Day weekend.

______________________________________

Last year the state set a record, producing more than two million tons of raw sugar last year but growers will not beat that number this year.  Sugarcane Specialist Kenneth Gravois says the heat from June through August will result in a smaller harvest

Cut 6 (12) “…the belt”

Most cane farmers put their plant cane in the ground during late July and early August. Harvest generally begins in September. Gravois says farmers on the western side of the cane belt are severely impacted.

Cut 7 (12) “…cultivate them.” 

While many farmers will have to wait for more rain for soil moisture to go up, Gravois says some cane farmers are seeing pretty good yields.

Cut 8 (12) “…some rain.”

______________________________________

The Saints will have a new field goal kicker this year. New Orleans has reportedly traded Wil Lutz to the Denver Broncos for a 2024 7th-round pick. The Black and Gold have decided to go with undrafted free agent kicker Blake Grupe instead. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says the trade should not come as a surprise.

Cut 9 (12) “…young leg.”

Lutz has been with the team since 2016, but Grupe was brought in as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. Lutz was expected to be the kicker going into the offseason, but Grupe’s success was hard to pass up.

Cut 10 (07) “…preseason game.”

Cornerback Bradley Roby was waived by the Saints today, and is expected to be replaced by second year corner Alontae Taylor at the slot corner position. Taylor and Paulson Adebo have been competing for the second press corner position, but now both will be on the field for the Saints, and it cost Roby his spot on the roster.

Cut 11 (08) “…like that.”

____________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is in southwest Louisiana to get an update on the fight against multiple wildfires. During a press conference in DeRidder, Edwards says the wildfires have destroyed about 60-thousand acres and the recent rainfall the state has seen was not enough to end the drought…

Cut 12 (08) “…from it.”

A front moving through the state has sparked some scattered thunderstorms and showers, but Edwards says behind the front is drier air, higher winds and sunny conditions…

Cut 13 (12) “…they were”

Edwards says hundreds of people are involved in this fight against the wildfires and that includes help from the federal government

Cut  14 (14)  “.. .1,000 people”