Governor John Bel Edwards plans to request a federal emergency declaration over saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River and the potential it will impact local drinking systems. The Army Corps of Engineers constructed an underwater sill in July, which performs like a levee, slowing the saltwater from moving upstream. Colonel Cullen Jones…:
Cut 12 (08) “..10 to 15 days”
Edwards says accurate information and updates about the saltwater intrusion can be found at emergency-dot-la-gov.

We continue our profiles of the six main candidates for governor. Independent Hunter Lundy says he’s the most qualified to be governor because he’s not part of the old system or establishment…:
Cut 4 (11) “but the Lord”
Early voting for the October 14th primary begins Saturday.

LSU stars Angel Reese and Olivia Dunne are on the cover of this month’s issue of Sports Illustrated as the leading college athletes in NIL deals. SI’s senior writer Stephanie Apstein says they are impressed Resse and Dunne are not only making a lot of money, but are involved in several philanthropic efforts…:
Cut 14 (11) “…I think”
Both are worth more than $1.5 million in NIL deals, according to the NIL 100 list.

A disappointing morning for Saints fans as New Orleans fell Sunday to Green Bay 18-17 after leading 17-0 going into the fourth quarter. Quarterback Derek Carr went down with an injury in the third quarter and backup Jameis Winston could not lead New Orleans to any points.

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday showed Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Louisiana Workforce Chief Economist Emily DiPalma says older residents deciding to retire in their mid-60s is one thing helping.:
Cut 5 (07) “to retire”
Federal data also shows the number of unemployed individuals is just under 69 thousand, which is also a record low.

A recent study by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana indicates auto insurance rates in Bayou State rank among the most expensive in the nation. PAR President Steven Procopio says there was a slight decline in premiums during the pandemic…:
Cut 10 (12) “in the country”
Newly approved premiums by the Department of Insurance will result in rate increases of as much as 20 percent or more.

The family of LSU Safety Greg Brooks Jr. released a statement this morning explaining he had not been playing due to emergency surgery he had last Friday to remove a large brain tumor. Brooks missed the Mississippi State game and had been ruled out for Arkansas Saturday. The family added they are gaining further clarity on the extent of Brooks’ battle and ask fans for prayers and support.

It’s a big night in Ruston as Louisiana Tech opens Championship Plaza to unveil the statues of five Hall of Famers. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The governor’s office says the state’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Bastrop Police Department says an anonymous call has led to a dog fighting ring. They said during the investigation at a residence, authorities discovered approximately 20 pit bulls chained in the back yard covered with numerous scars in various stages of healing. 39-year-old Justin Johnson was arrested on 20 Counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and warrants are issued for two others.

Kim Mulkey, Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone and other notable Louisiana Tech alums will have their statues unveiled today outside Joe Aillet Stadium. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…:
Cut 15 (09) “open arms”
The free event is open to the public and begins at 6 o’clock.

50 years ago today, legendary singer Jim Croce and five other people were killed in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State in Natchitoches. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter for the student newspaper, says there were details about the concert that stand out:
Cut 7 (12) “go home”
An event was held at the university on Monday to commemorate Croce’s death.

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday showed Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Louisiana Workforce Chief Economist Emily DiPalma says the state’s unemployment rate is 3.3 percent for August 2023…:
Cut 4 (11) “six other states”
The industries seeing the largest gains are private education and health services, construction and government.

A recent study by the Public Affairs Research Council found Louisiana has some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation. PAR President Steven Procopio (Pra-cope-ee-oh) recommends drivers shop around…:
Cut 12 (08) “to do that”
He says the rate increases are driven by inflation for parts and labor costs.

Folk-rock singer-songwriter Jim Croce was killed in a plane crash in Natchitoches 50 years ago today following a concert at Northwestern State. Teiko Foxx reports…:
CUT 2 (35) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

A Morgan City woman has been arrested in connection with a double fatal fire in St. Mary Parish last month. 22-year-old Haley Ramo was booked on one count each of negligent arson and negligent homicide.

We’ll hear from five of the seven major candidates in the October 14th Governor’s race tonight in a televised debate. Republican Jeff Landry refuses to participate because he says the organizer is biased. UNO Political Science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says that’s unfortunate:
Cut 7 (10) “front-runner”
The debate will be on TV tonight at 7.

The statewide burn ban was updated Wednesday and private burning is still prohibited but outdoor cooking may resume. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says wildfires are still active even though we have seen some rain…:
Cut 14 (08) “those scenes”
Those planning to tailgate at LSU Saturday are encouraged to seek alternate methods to outdoor cooking.

The state Department of Transportation announces lane closures on I-20 in Shreveport-Bossier City for the next two and a half years for pavement replacement…:
Cut 1 (30) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly agreed to a 10-year, $32 million dollar contract extension that will make her the highest paid coach in women’s basketball. The deal is pending final approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors which meets Friday.

Five of the seven major candidates will participate in the first televised debate for the 2023 governor’s race tonight. Republican front-runner Jeff Landry refuses to participate citing organizer bias but UNO Political Science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak believes voters will still want to watch…:
Cut 9 (11) “direction”
The election is October 14th.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says they are once again taking applications from insurance companies who are interested in receiving grant dollars if they write more homeowners insurance policies. He says the goal is to reduce the number of homes that have coverage through, Citizens, the expensive state-run insurer of last resort..:
Cut 12 (09) “Citizens insurance”

Despite the recent rain, the statewide burn ban remains in effect. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington”

Baton Rouge Police say the person who allegedly stole a bike from a priest Monday has been apprehended. Father Michael Alello of St. Thomas More Catholic Church said his garage door was open when a man strolled up and grabbed his bike off the wall and rode away. Surveillance video shows the suspect waving at neighbors before he went into the garage to take the bike.

The first televised Gubernatorial Debate in the October 14th elections will take place tonight. Brooke Thorington offers a preview…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Baton Rouge Police Department says an argument over a basketball game at a local park led to a shooting that left a teenager injured. They say a fight unfolded outside of the gym when the accused gunman went to his vehicle to retrieve a weapon then began shooting the victim’s car has they tried to leave. Three people were inside the vehicle and a 17-year-old male was injured when a bullet grazed his head and leg.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Wednesday the statewide burn ban remains in effect, but outdoor cooking can resume with safety measures in place. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says though we’ve seen some rain, it wasn’t enough to reduce the risk of fire due to the prolonged drought:
Cut 13 (11) “…fire service (x2).”
The burn ban will be reconsidered on a weekly basis.

The state Department of Transportation announces a 117-million-dollar construction project will begin on I-20 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes on September 18th. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says workers will spend the next two and a half years on the project…:
Cut 4 (08) “the top”
The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.