Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says he’s not wasting any time since he became the lone candidate and he’s already getting a head start on the job. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Fire crews are working to contain a blaze at the Marathon Oil refinery on Airline Highway in Garyville. Officials say that the release and the fire are contained within the refinery’s property. No injuries are reported. It is unknown what led to the chemical release and fire.

State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says anyone who starts a fire will be held liable. Under the state burn ban, the public should not throw cigarettes out of a car window, use barbecue grills to cook outside, or burn debris. Strain says burning small debris fires could be extremely dangerous.

Cut 8 (11) “…of life.”

Violators could face a fine or jail time.

Extremely dry conditions have placed 50 percent of the state is currently in extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. In extreme drought, trees are stressed, saltwater intrudes into rivers and water pressure is low. State climatologist Barry Keim says southwestern Louisiana is the driest part of the state.

Cut 14 (10) “…drought class.” 

The southern parts of the state were abnormally dry but were not in a drought this same week last year.

Fire crews are working to control wildfires across Louisiana. How they started is unknown but State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain promises to hold people who intentionally or unintentionally start fires responsible. Strain says these wildfires are destroying acres of land and property…

Cut 7 (11) “…full restitution.”

Violators with civil citations could pay up to $250 in fines. If it is criminal, Strain says the perpetrator could face a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.

Triple-digit heat and excessively dry conditions have placed 90 percent of Louisiana in “extreme” or “severe” drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. State climatologist Barry Keim ….

Cut 13 (12) “…July first.”

50 percent of the state is currently in extreme drought.

Tim Temple got the job he wanted as the state’s next Insurance commissioner after his only opponent withdrew from the race. Commissioner-elect Temple says he’s ready to get things started

Cut 4 (08) “…implement those.”

Temple also vows to work with the next governor and lawmakers to implement methods to attract new insurers and retain current providers.

Pearl Harbor Sailor and New Orleans native Clarence Thompson will be buried in Slidell this morning, more than 80 years after the December 7^th attack on the USS Oklahoma. His cousin Denise Bennett says they are extremely grateful for the lengths the military went to in identifying his remains.

Cut 10 (08) “…his family.”

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. and is open to the public.

LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith has been suspended for the first game of the year against Florida State for taking improper benifts. The violation happened before players could take full advantage of name image and likeness. The advocate’s Wilson Alexander broke the story and says Smith will be very hard to replace.

Cut 13 (10) “…Brayden Swinson.”

The Saints are practicing for the preseason finale against the Texans, and the team is hoping to see their star wide receiver, Michael Thomas, return to form. He has been battling injuries after his 2019 season that earned him the title as the NFL’s offensive player of the year, and Coach Dennis Allen says they are seeing the Michael Thomas of old.

Cut 26 (14) “…it’s been good.”

Cornerback Alontae Taylor has been competing with Paulson Adebo all off-season for the second press corner spot. Taylor says that one way he can improve is by getting reps against young wide receiver Chris Olave.

Cut 17 (15) “…same thing.”

La Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie is entering his second year with the team, and he says he seen the roster grow with many of the players being with the Bulldogs for more than just this season ahead of their game against FIU.

Cut 27 (12) “…have here, so.”

Ragin Cajun basketball head coach Bob Marlin has agreed to a three year extension with the team. He lead last year’s team to a Sun Belt conference championship, and the contract will keep him in Lafayette through the 2026-27 season.

Ragin Cajun softball coach Gerry Glasco has been extended through the 2028 season after winning his fourth consecutive Sun Belt conference regular season and tournament title.

Smoke-filled skies due to wildfires burning across the state have become a concern. Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Greg Langley says smoke can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory issues.

Cut 3 (12) “…breathing problems”

Langley says the public can track air quality by going to D-E-Q’s website. The state is currently in yellow for moderate smoky conditions.

A new poll by Faucheux Strategies finds crime is a top concern among 18 percent of Louisiana voters. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says gubernatorial candidates have not yet addressed any of the voter’s concerns…

Cut 7 (08) “…the candidates.” 

The second biggest concern for Louisiana voters is education followed by rising insurance rates.

Today, the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained compared to 65 percent contained on Wednesday. Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says last night the blaze crossed over Highway 27.

Cut 9 (11) “…loss of life.”

Highways 27 and 110 have reopened but evacuation orders remain in effect.

LSU will not have one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State. The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit. Wilson Alexander from the Advocate broke the story and says the infraction occurred before college athletes could take advantage of NIL…

Cut 12 (10) “…g0tten hurt”

LSU will reportedly not have one of the team’s top defensive lineman for their season opener against Florida State on September 3rd. Sources say the NCAA is suspending defensive tackle Maason Smith for the season opener for receiving improper benefits, before college athletes could take advantage of name image and likeness. Jacobian Guillory, West Virginia transfer Jordan Jefferson, and second team AP all-American Mekhi Wingo will be LSU’s primary interior defensive lineman against Florida State.

Zy Alexander is projected to be a starter at cornerback by the Tiger Rag Audibles Podcast. The Southeastern Louisiana transfer was first team all-Southland in 2022, and says how the jump has been in FBS football, including guarding LSU receiving core in practice.

Cut 19 (13) “…our receivers.”

The Saints are practicing for the preseason finale against the Texans. The two teams were scheduled for joint practices today and tomorrow ahead of the game before a statement on Sunday announced their cancelation. The NFL’s cut down day is on Tuesday, and coach Dennis Allen says how players on the bubble can find their ways as a member of the final 53 players.

Cut 16 (13) “…into account.”

One of the members looking to make the team is defensive end Niko Lalos, who had 3 sacks and a pass deflection last week in the Saints 22-17 win against the Chargers.

LSU women’s basketball team released its non-conference schedule for the 2023 season. They will hang their national championship banner on November 9 against Queens, North Carolina. They will also go to Hammond to play Southeastern on November 17, and the Tigers will host Virginia Tech in a rematch of last year’s Final 4 game.

Beauregard Parish is experiencing one of the largest wildfires to burn in Louisiana charring more than 12-thousand acres. The fire prompted evacuations in the Merryville and Singer areas. Sheriff Mark Herford …

Cut 11 (17) “…the next.”

The blaze is already larger than the statewide annual average of 8,217 acres for the past decade. Beauregard is getting help from nearby parishes. Ward Six Fire Protection Distirct at Calcasieu Captain Todd Parker …

Cut 12 (10) “…ahead of time.”

No injuries have been reported

Republican Jeff Landry remains a frontrunner with 36 percent of support in the governor’s race according to a new poll by Faucheux Strategies and paid for by multiple media outlets. Democrat Shawn Wilson is at 26 percent. Pollster Dr. Ron Faucheux says there is still time to alter the election’s dynamics but the window of opportunity is closing quickly

Cut 15  (12) “….and see”

Early voting begins September 30.

It’s going to be another hot day in the Bayou State. New reports find 25 people have died as a result of heat-related illnesses since June up from the 16 reported deaths on August 4^th. . Office of Public Health Deputy Assistant Secretary Devin George suggests residents to stay indoors. He says a new tool will be launched to track the danger of extreme heat poses on public health.

Cut 6 (11) “…we’re at.”

The outbreak of wildfires in Louisiana has prompted the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to activate the State Emergency Operations Center.  Assistant State Fire Marshal Felicia Cooper is urging the public to observe the burn ban and to help spread the word.

Cut 7 (07) “…at all.”

Officials are urging the public not to cook outside or to light a fire pit this time due to the extreme heat and drought to prevent fires.

A large wildfire forced evacuations south of Grand Cane in DeSoto Parish. Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation for residents on Phil Davis Road between Radio Station Road and Blunt Mill Road. The fire kept jumping the fire line traveling south-southwest. The blaze is now 100% contained and people were allowed to return to their homes.

A new poll shows Republican Jeff Landry with a big lead in the governor’s race. In the survey of 800 likely voters, Landry has 36 percent of the vote. Democrat Shawn Wilson has 26 percent while everyone else is in single digits. LA Politics.com Jeremy Alford says there are 38 days before early voting begins…

Cut 9 (12) “…votes go.”

Several media outlets paid for the poll and it was conducted by Faucheaux Strategies last week.

Air conditioners are a necessity for keeping us cool in triple-digit heat. Home improvement expert Paul LaGrange of LaGrange Consulting says photos of putting tents over your outside condenser circulating on social media can be misleading. While the shade is good, you don’t want to trap air above the unit…

Cut 8 (10) “…conditioning system.”

He says a tent over the condenser and even hosing it off, unfortunately, forces the unit to work harder.

The Saints practiced today ahead of their preseason finale with the Houston Texans on Sunday. Not at practice today were Bryan Bresee and A.T. Perry, but Marshon Lattimore and Clavin Throckmorton participated in individual drills and left practice soon after. Head Coach Dennis Allen does not expect any of those to be serious.

The Saints play nine road games this year including in Green Bay and Minnesota. Allen says that the team worked on playing in noisy environments on both sides of the ball, and he says what they are doing to prepare.

Cut 26 (16) “…ourselves so.”

Cornerback Alontae Taylor is in a position battle against Paulson Adebo and is trying make every rep count to earn the roll as starter. He says part of the way he can be better is hearing what veterans like defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Marshon Lattimore have to say.

Cut 27 (07) “…learn from it.”

During LSU football’s scrimmage on Saturday, cornerback Sage Ryan was injured but is expected to be okay. Head Coach Brian Kelly says the team is better with him on the field because he has characteristics other players don’t.

Cut 28 (16) “…for us.”

Five-star prospect Lance heard took snaps with the first team at right tackle during Saturday’s scrimmage. Coach Brian Kelly says he did well in high school, but now he is getting challenged everyday.

Cut 18 (22) “…in the mix.”

LSU football freshman running back Kaleb Jackson stood out during Saturday’s scrimmage, scoring two touchdowns, including a 70 yard house call on a screen pass, but head coach Brian Kelly said on Tuesday in a press conference to keep expectations in check.

Cut 19 (20) “…bit of both.”

LSU’s No.7 and No.18 jerseys are two of the most coveted among LSU players. With the Florida State game fast approaching, Kelly says when to expect the word on who will be wearing those jersey numbers.

Cut 20 (13) “…of announcement.”

Louisiana Tech plays this weekend apart of their week zero matchup against Florida International. Their game is on Saturday night at 8 p.m. in Ruston and quarterback Hank Bachmeier is set to make his first start with the Bulldogs. He spoke to the media on Tuesday about his relationship with head coach Sonny Cumbie.

Cut 16 (16) “…I can be.”

Bachmeier started 29 games during his four seasons at Boise State. The last time La Tech played FIU, they won 42-34 in double overtime.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham returned to practice today after suffering a medical episode while the team was in Los Angeles. The team’s training staff said he most likely had a seizure. Among the Saints missing were tight end Taysom Hill, Rasheed Shaheed, and A.T. Perry.

The Pelicans announced on Instagram that they will be getting a new court scheme for the 2023-24 season. Only part of it was shown, and the team said the full reveal will come in October.

Wildfires are burning out of control in Beauregard Parish and residents off of Neale Oil Field Road are under mandatory evacuation. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says firefighters are having a hard time getting the fire under control.

Cut 4 (12) “…so important”

The town of Merryville is now under voluntary evacuation and authorities have closed Highway 110 in the Merryville area.

The documentary ‘Cajundome City’ will premiere tonight on LPB at 7 PM. Christopher Allain (ah-lan) Co-Director says the film will show the unity of the Acadiana community.

Cut 6 (12) “…of you.”

If you miss tonight’s premiere, it will air again on Saturday, August 26 at 8:30 PM

The Department of Children and Family Services unveils its online Child Support Estimator. The estimator gives parents a better understanding of what factors are involved in determining payment amounts and DCFS Child Support Director Konitra Jack says their website offers even more insight for parents.

Cut 9 (09)  “…our website.”

For more information go to the Department of Children and Family Services website.

Temperatures remain in the triple digits for the Bayou State and several cities will reach record-breaking high temps today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the highest ever recorded temperature for Shreveport was 110 degrees, in Baton Rouge, it was 105, and in New Orleans 102 degrees. He says the excessive heat is not ending anytime soon.

Cut 12 (07) “…even beyond.”