A large wildfire in Beauregard Parish in southwest Louisiana has led to evacuations. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says the town of Merryville is under a voluntary evacuation and residents on Neale Oil Field Road have been told they must leave as this wildfire has impacted five-thousand acres…

Cut 3 (05) “…they’ve seen”

Authorities have closed Highway 110 in the Merryville area.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will premiere a new documentary – ‘Cajundome City’ tonight at 7 PM. The documentary will show sheltering efforts for 18,500 evacuees in the Cajundome following Hurricane Katrina. Co-Director Christopher Allain (Ah-lan) says the film will follow how key figures at the Cajundome provided basic essentials for the evacuees…

Cut 5 (11) “…medical clinic.”

If you miss the premiere of “Cajundome City,” it will air again on Saturday, August 26 at 8:30 pm.

The first Republican presidential primary debate is tonight in Milwaukee, but the former President will not be there. Donald Trump, who has a large lead in the polls over the other GOP candidates, is skipping the event. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says front-runners do not see the advantage of debating their opponents…

Cut 13 (10) “…these situations”

There will be eight Republicans on the stage, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The Department of Children and Family Services announced its online Child Support Estimator to provide parents with insight into monthly child support payments. DCFS Child Support Director Konitra (Co-knee-tra) Jack says the estimator will also adjust the amount if there are any changes

Cut 8 (10) “…the amount.”

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

An audit finds $112 million was spent on Medicaid recipients who live out-of-state from 2016 to February of this year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health releases an update on the total number of heat-related deaths in Louisiana to 25 for the months of June, July, and August. Officials say of the 25 deaths, 22 of the victims were male, and three were female. Louisiana health leaders said they plan to launch a dashboard to display heat-related deaths in the state

The State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to refrain from any action that could cause a roadside fire. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet fears another blaze is merely a spark away…

Cut 13 (07) “…more often.”

The statewide burn ban remains in place and Louisiana is under a State of Emergency due to the heat until September 9^th.

Summer wildfires that started August 14 in Sabine Parish have been contained but crews are still keeping an eye on fire lines. Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Scott Gowen says excessive heat continues to be a threat.

Cut 7 (05) “…out there.” 

One of the Sabine fires near Florien, consumed 14 structures and 19 vehicles, 10 or 11 families were displaced but there were no injuries or fatalities.

The case between the LHSAA and the nine schools from Rapides Parish and Monroe finally has a court ruling. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU basebal has added Nate Yeskie as their new pitching coach and Terry Rooney to the staff for recruiting to help rebuild the team. Coach Jay Johnson says that losing out on staff from their championship season will improve the team’s success moving forward.

Cut 16 (12) “…doing here.”

Four-time MLB All Star Pitcher Ben Sheets and Baton Rouge native will join the likes of some of the Milwaukee Brewers best players as he will be the 22^nd member inducted into the team’s Walk of Fame. He was drafted out of ULM formerly known as Northeast Louisiana in 1999 and pitched eight seasons with the Brewers and started the 2008 MLB all-star game for the National League.

LSU catcher and first baseman, Hayden Travinkski, will dawn the No. 8 jersey for his senior year. The historic jersey number is given out to upperclassman who have high characteristics of leadership and dedication to LSU baseball. The previous wearer of the No. 8 jersey was Golden Spikes winner Gavin Dugas

Former LSU sprinter Sha’carri Richardson won the gold medal in the 100 meter dash world championship in Budapest, Hungary. The 23-year-old has solidified herself as one of the fastest in the world after being disqualified from 2020 Olympic Trials.

The Saints division rival, Tampa Bay Buccaneers have named former number one overall pick Baker Mayfield the starter for the 2023 season. The Saints are scheduled to play the Bucs in week 4 and week 17.

A Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report reveals more than $100 million was paid for Medicaid coverage for individuals who don’t even live in the Bayou State. Data Analytic Manager Chris Magee says the payments were made to the insurance companies that provide managed care for Medicaid recipients.

Cut 3 (12) “out of the state.”

The LHSAA cannot use its current playoff format after losing in court to nine public school from Rapides Parish and the Monroe area. The LHSAA executive committee redefined a select school as any school that ahas a magnet component, is a charter school, or is an open enroll. Representing the schools was attorney Brian Blackwell, and he says he is not sure what this means for the high school football playoffs in November and December.

Firefighters from Baton Rouge, St. George, and Scott are on hand to provide assistance to crews in Sabine. Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Scott Gowensays the parish has also requested help from the governor’s office. While there are three fire departments in the parish, he says the wildfires have been hard to handle with only volunteer firefighters.

Cut 8 (08) “…you know.”

The statewide burn ban remains in place and Louisiana is under a State of Emergency due to the heat until September 9^th. The State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says you should never be littering or throwing a cigarette out the window, to begin with.

Cut 14 (12) “…very dangerous.”

The high school football season begins next week and it’s unclear what the playoff brackets will look like in November. A Baton Rouge judge has ruled the LHSAA can’t use the current definition that determines a “select” school. Plaintiffs’ attorney Brian Blackwell says the LHSAA will likely need to call a special meeting so high school principals can make that determination…

Cut 9 (07) “…select school”

Last year, the LHSAA Executive Committee changed the definition of a “select” school which resulted in dozens of traditional public schools switching from non-select to select and competing against private schools in the playoffs. Blackwell says high school principals never had a chance to vote on this major change to the LHSAA’s constitution…

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have named Baker Mayfield the starting quarterback for the 2023 season over former Florida Gators Kyle Trask. The Saints play the Bucs for their week 4 and week 17 matchups.

Former LSU Sprinter Sha’carri Richardson won gold in Budapest, Hungary in the 100 meter dash world championship. She was with LSU in 2019 before turning professional.

The Associated Press released their all American roster and linebacker Harold Perkins was among the few that were selected for the first team. Defensive lineman Mehki Wingo and wide receiver Malik Nabors were named apart of the AP All-american second team.

LSU baseball has set their staff and roster set for the 2024 season. The team is coming off another national championship, and Coach Jay Johnson has assembled a new staff after much of them moved on for better opportunities. Johnson says that even though that many off seasons have required a search for new coaches, it actually improves the team.

Cut 16 (12) “…doing here.”

The Saints return to practice after their Preseason Week 2 win in preparation for the Houston Texans on Sunday.

A Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report reveals more than $100 million was paid for Medicaid coverage for individuals who don’t even live in the Bayou State. Data Analytic Manager Chris Magee says the payments were made to the insurance companies that provide managed care for Medicaid recipients.

Cut 3 (12) “…out of state.”

Magee says the Louisiana Department of Health cites COVID as one reason for the oversite.

AAA recommends Louisiana residents review their insurance policies to make sure they have the right coverage during hurricane season. Spokesperson Don Redman says policyholders should go over the type of insurance they purchased.

Cut 7 (09) “…carried separately.”

Redmans says it is important to get flood insurance and take photos or video inventory of all items.

Gretna Representative Joe Marino resigned from his legislative post-Monday to begin a new chapter as an Ad Hoc Judge for the 24 Judicial District. Marino admits he was under the misconception that it was a part-time gig but quickly found out it’s a full-time job.

Cut 10 (08) “…up with.”

Marino was elected to the legislature in 2016 and authored legislation to raise the pay for lawmakers but that bill failed to receive passage.

Recent estimates by LSU AG Center experts find record-breaking temperatures and drought conditions are likely to lead to $135 million to $290 million in economic loss of cattle and crops. LSU AG Center Economist Kurt Guidry says beef cattle producers are forced to reduce their herd and it remains to be seen if this will impact consumers at the supermarket…

Cut 15 (12) “…lower prices.”

The full effect of the drought on cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane will not be known until after harvest.

Republican Scott McKnight is raffling off tickets if you donate to his campaign for treasurer. McKnight says your name is entered into the raffle with each donation and these are not your average seats…

Cut 5 (07) “… sitting in.”

You can find more information about the raffle at mcknightforla.com or on his social media. The winner will be announced on September 30^th

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office reports the state Department of Health spent 112-million dollars on Medicaid coverage for nearly 14-thousand adults who did not live in Louisiana. The payments were made from September 2016 to February of this year. State Health Secretary Stephen Russo says it was hard for L-D-H to remove people from the Medicaid rolls during the COVID pandemic because the feds changed the rules to ensure continued coverage for low-income residents.

As hurricane activity increases in the Gulf of Mexico, AAA urges Louisiana residents to go over their home and auto insurance policies before a storm hits. When dealing with flood insurance for your vehicle, Spokesperson Don Redman says the type of coverage is important when it comes to the right protection.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the storm”

LSU AG Center experts are forecasting $135 million to $290 million in economic loss of cattle and crops due to record-breaking temperatures and drought conditions. LSU AG Center Economist Kurt Guidry says cattle producers are struggling to feed cattle with 3 acres of land…

Cut 13 (12) “…affords availability.”

Guidry says the full effect of the drought on crops like cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane will not be known until after harvest.

Candidate for state treasurer Republican Scott McKnight is raffling floor seats to the Taylor Swift concert if you donate to his campaign. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Entergy officials announce they will suspend disconnects for late or missed payments during the governor’s heat state of emergency through September 9. Entergy will continue to monitor weather updates to determine if an additional suspension period is necessary.

AAA encourages Louisiana residents to check their home and auto insurance policies as we reach the peak of hurricane season. Spokesperson Don Redman says now is the time for customers to review the type of coverage they purchased.

Cut 7 (09) “…carried separately.”

Because homeowners policies in Louisiana do not provide coverage for damage due to floods, Redman says it is important to look into getting a separate flood insurance policy.

Gretna Representative Joe Marino officially resigned Monday from his legislative post to begin his appointment as an Ad Hoc Judge for the 24 Judicial District. Marino says his first term in office was the same year Governor John Bel Edwards submitted his criminal justice reform legislation.

Cut 11 (10) “…my term.”

Marino also ended his legislative career as Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says that former President Donald trump should drop out of the upcoming presidential election in 2024. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

On Aug. 20 at around 8 p.m., Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a threat of a shooting at LaGrange High School. After some research they pinpointed the social media threat came from a 15 year old LaGrange High School student. He was booked into the Juvenile Detention Center and charged with 7 counts of terrorizing.

An ATV ride in St. Tamany Parish near Bush turned deadly when two female juveniles were driving the vehicle and ran into a tree. Police responded on Saturday night and both victims were sent to the hospital. Sargent Suzanne Carboni gives an update on the pair’s medical status.

Cut 9 (11) “…Sunday morning.

The Saints were able to get the win despite tropical storm Hilary making landfall during the game and the team being penalized 14 times for 141 yards. Coach Dennis Allen says a win is a win, but there is work to do.

Cut 19 (19) “…to do.”

The LSU baseball team is coming off their seventh national championship in school history and much of their team left for the draft, but Jay Johnson says that they are putting behind their past success for the new year.

Cut 26 (24) “…with that.”

The team is added new coaches, Nate Yeskie and Terry Rooney to the staff, and Johnson thinks the high turnover means the team is doing well.

Cut 27 (13) “…at LSU.”

The top two picks in the MLB draft, Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, both have been promoted to their Double-A affiliates with their respective teams. The pair helped LSU baseball win their 7th national titles before being drafted number one and number two overall and signing the two largest rookie deals in MLB history.
The Rajun Cajun are closing in on their week one matchup against Northwestern State on Sept. 2. The team is two weeks away from their matchup, and Rajun Cajun head coach says the team has greatly improved.
Cut 18 (22) “..win games.”
The LHSAA and the Nine Schools suing them had their day in court today. The schools are suing the LHSAA because they allege that the LHSAA unfairly changed the playoff format for certain schools.