A 17-year-old girl in Tangipahoa Parish died due to injuries from a reckless driving incident two weeks ago. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Another huge economic development win for central Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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One of the most destructive floods in Louisiana’s history happened ten years ago this week. Jeff Palermo has a look back at the Great Flood of 2016.

Cut 3 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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An 18-year-old is facing a negligent homicide charge, and a 17-year-old is dead as a result of a dangerous driving stunt in Tangipahoa Parish. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says Josean (ho-ZAY-in) Martinez was driving his truck recklessly while Dulce (DUL-chay) Rudas was sitting outside the passenger window and another 20-year-old was standing in the bed of the vehicle. He says this is a tragedy with a sobering lesson.

Cut 4 (11) “…go home again.”

Sticker says Martinez drove away from the scene and tried to hide his truck, leaving the two passengers injured in the street. Rudas passed away in the hospital Sunday, a week after the incident. Sticker has a message for young drivers.

Cut 5 (14) “…onboard that vehicle.”

Sticker says parents need to teach their children the importance of driving safely and taking that responsibility seriously.

Cut 6 (09) “…have been made.”

Martinez is facing up to ten years in prison. He is also charged with negligent injury, failure to seek assistance, obstruction of justice, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and driving with no license.

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Alexandria is having a Coke and a smile. The Coca-Cola Bottling Company has announced that it’s investing more than 100-million dollars to modernize and expand its warehouse and distribution operations in Alexandria. Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill says while Coca-Cola was looking at multiple locations in several states, they found that their best option was to stay put and add on to their existing facility.

Cut 7 (15) “…of their work.”

Masingill says this expansion underscores Coca-Cola’s commitment to its longtime home for decades to come

Cut 8 (13) “…they have here.”

Along with retaining the more than 21-hundred current positions, the expansion will result in 75 direct new jobs with an average salary of 65-thousand dollars a year. In all, it will result in more than 130 total new jobs when the indirect jobs are factored in. Masingill says in the long run, it made all the sense in the world for Coca-Cola to remain in central Louisiana.

Cut 9 (08)  “…and Rapides Parish.”

Construction is expected to begin in February, with completion slated for October of 2028.

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Here we go again – the Powerball jackpot has once again hit ten figures. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says be sure to buy your tickets for tonight’s billion-dollar drawing.

Cut 10 (05) “…a billion dollars.”

If it seems as if billion-dollar jackpots are happening more frequently in Powerball, you’re right. That’s due in large part to a change that happened in 2015, in which they added ten white balls and removed nine red balls, reducing the odds from less than one in 175-million to less than one in 292-million. Maher says no wonder no one has won the jackpot in quite a while.

Cut 11 (06) “…of this run.”

Maher says even if you don’t win the billion-dollar prize, you can still win a seven-figure prize by matching all five white balls, as evidenced by a certain drawing back in April.

Cut 12 (08) “…here in Louisiana.”

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Ten years ago today, thousands of lives were changed when a slow-moving weather system dumped torrential rain across south Louisiana, causing catastrophic flooding from the Lafayette area to southeast Louisiana. Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry remembers planning a meeting for the morning of August 12th, only to have it cancelled because the water was rising.

Cut 13 (05)  “…inches of water.”

More than 25 inches of rain fell in parts of Livingston Parish within hours, sending the Amite River in Denham Springs to a record crest of more than 46 feet. About 30-thousand people had to be rescued as rivers across the region overflowed their banks.

Landry says many flood victims were rescued by civilian volunteers called the Cajun Navy.

Cut 14 (09) “…help other people.”

Landry says 78-percent of homes in Denham Springs had at least 18 inches of water inside, yet only about one in four residents had flood insurance.

Cut 15 (09) “…it’s never enough.”

The storm was later known as the Great Flood of 2016. In its aftermath, billions of dollars in federal aid were sent to south Louisiana to rebuild homes and businesses, elevate houses and improve flood-control systems.

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Louisiana Tech head coach has a kicking battle on his hands in Ruston. Redshirt freshman Kaegan Kent and redshirt junior Hunter Rioux are looking to take over after the Bulldogs finished bottom 12 in the country last year, hitting field goals at just a 60-percent clip. Kent closed out the season perfect on field goals and extra points.

Cut 16 (20) “…fall camp.”

Redshirt senior offensive guard Ashanti Cole will look to lead an offensive line that lost a lot of veteran leadership and production. The Bulldogs have leaned on their O-line play and stout rushing attack. Cumbie says Cole is the guy he wants commanding the trenches.

Cut 17 (20) “…young man.”

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Boise State transfer Ty Benefield is expected to be a difference maker in LSU’s defensive secondary. He’s six-foot-three, close to 210 pounds and registered over 100 tackles last season for the Broncos. His size allows him to disrupt passing lanes. Benefield is expected to be an early-round selection in the 2027 NFL draft after what could be a big season in Baton Rouge…

Cut 18 (19) “..things like that.”

After three seasons at Boise State, Benefield entered the transfer portal and he was the first defensive player to commit to the Tigers. The California native felt like LSU was the place for him…

Cut 19 (13) “…is amazing.”

Benefield says he can’t wait to play in Tiger Stadium. He got his welcome to LSU moment earlier this summer when he met Tyrann Mathieu…

Cut 20 (17) “…rest of my life.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is warning you of an active season involving a flesh-eating bacteria. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Small Business Administration is encouraging Louisianians to apply for low-interest disaster loans if they need financial help to repair damages caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt spoke to members of the media for the first time as a Tiger. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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Governor Jeff Landry is defending the use of non-disclosure agreements that employees in the governor’s office signed as part of the negotiations with Meta that resulted in the tech giant building a 50-billion-dollar A-I data center in Richland Parish. Landry says confidentiality is critical when state government talks with private companies about mega projects.

Cut 4 (07) “…close the deal.”

But transparency advocates and legal experts say NDAs can create a culture of fear and it keeps the public in the dark about how deals are reached and its impact to the taxpayer. Landry pushes back on the idea that his office is trying to hide critical information.

Cut 5 (09) “…the public domain.”

According to the Gulf States Newsroom and Type Investigations, more than 50 elected officials have signed nondisclosure agreements with Louisiana Economic Development from the time Landry took office.

_________________________________________________________________

If statistics are any indication, Steve Scalise should have the easiest path to re-election among Republicans in the state. Based on voter registration, the first district – which includes St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, Lafourche and portions of Terrebonne and Tangipahoa parishes – is the most heavily Republican district in the state. Scalise says he’s proud of his record on job creation.

Cut 6 (08) “…in south Louisiana.”

Scalise says the job growth in south Louisiana has reversed the population trend in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (12) “…in this state.”

The massive partisan voter disparity is not stopping Democrat Lauren Jewett from her quest to unseat Scalise, though. During qualifying last week, Jewett took state lawmakers to task for putting their own interests ahead of everyone else’s.

Cut 8 (15) “…that’s a strategy.”

Jewett says state lawmakers are counting on Democrats to quit, but that’s not how she rolls.

Cut 9 (10)  “…is too important.”

Scalise and Jewett will be joined on the open primary ballot by Republican Randall Arrington and no party candidate Liddy Glass.

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The Louisiana Department of Health is warning you of a rise in cases of vibrio vulnificus infections. Vibrio is a flesh-eating bacteria that lives in warm coastal waters. Over the last ten years, Louisiana averages seven cases and one death. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says this year has already exceeded that total, and we’re not halfway through August yet.

Cut 10 (11) “…lost their life.”

While people can be infected with vibrio by eating raw seafood, especially raw Gulf oysters, all nine cases this year are related to wounds exposed to sea water, and Greenstein says all nine patients had underlying health conditions. He says certain people are at greater risk of infection.

Cut 11 (15) “…undergone stomach surgery.”

Greenstein says if you fall into one of the groups who are at highest risk of severe complications, pay very close attention to symptoms of vibrio infection.

Cut 12 (08) “…drainage or discharge.”

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The Small Business Administration is encouraging residents and business owners who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur to apply for low-interest disaster loans. SBA spokeswoman Michelle Genovese (jen-oh-VEESE) says four-million dollars in loans have already been approved.

Cut 13 (10)  “…helps rebuild communities.”

Genovese says homeowners, renters and businesses in Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes may qualify if they suffered storm damage between June 17th and 24th.

Cut 14 (07) “…physical damage loan.”

Interest rates on disaster loans can be as low as 2.87-percent for homeowners and renters. Payments don’t begin until 12 months after the first loan disbursement.

Genovese says homeowners may qualify for up to 500-thousand dollars to repair their primary residence, and collateral is not required for smaller loans.

Cut 15 (08) “…50-thousand dollars.”

Small businesses and private nonprofits may also qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to two-million dollars if they suffered financial losses because of Tropical Storm Arthur.

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt made his first media appearance since moving to Baton Rouge yesterday. The Oregon native said Louisiana wasn’t a real place to him growing up, but now that he’s here, he’s embraced every part of the Bayou State – even the humidity.

Cut 16 (14) “…being out here.”

The big question for most of the offseason has been Leavitt’s recovery from season-ending Lisfranc surgery. The mobile passer says it hasn’t affected his play, and he has felt great for months.

Cut 17 (17) “…question for me.”

Leavitt said one of the reasons he chose to come to LSU was to improve as a quarterback. He said he gets to play against great players in practice and is coached by great offensive minds like Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr.

Cut 18 (14) “…what it’s been.”

Blake Miguez ends the speculation with just hours to go until the end of qualifying – he’s running in the sixth district. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana’s cyclosporiasis cases continue to climb. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new report shows Presidents Trump’s approval rating in Louisiana has fallen below 50 percent. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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With just hours left to qualify, Republican Blake Miguez ended the speculation entering the race for the Baton Rouge-area sixth district. Miguez represents the New Iberia area in the state senate, which is not within the sixth district’s boundaries. Throughout qualifying, the question was whether Miguez would run in the fifth or the sixth district. 

Cut 4 (12) “…freshman at LSU.”

Miguez’s announcement came two days after his Republican state senate colleague, Rick Edmonds, qualified and took aim at Miguez for not living in the district. In a statement, Edmonds said he’s glad Miguez finally decided on the district to run in and that, in his words, he and his out-of-state supporters have been panicked since losing President Trump’s endorsement. Miguez addressed that after qualifying.

Cut 5 (11) “…this new race.”

As for where Miguez lives – he acknowledged that his primary residence is in New Iberia based on his homestead exemption, but he also accuses Edmonds of being absent from the district he aims to represent.

Cut 6 (07) “…to do that.”

Miguez and Edmonds are among ten candidates on the open primary ballot in district six – six Republicans, three Democrats and one Libertarian.

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The number of cyclosporiasis cases continues to go up across the country, including here in Louisiana. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says while Louisiana’s number pales in comparison to the hardest-hit state, Michigan, the cases here continue to rise.

Cut 7 (10) “…happily no deaths.”

State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the most recent cases involve two clusters of six cases, and investigators determined that romaine lettuce was the culprit.

Cut 8 (11) “…was romaine lettuce.”

The FDA is currently working to determine what the source of that lettuce is. Up until now, contaminated lettuce that has caused cyclosporiasis had been traced to Mexico.

Greenstein says with cyclospora causing severe dehydration, it’s important to take extra precautions these days when handling not only lettuce, but any fresh produce.

Cut 9 (13)  “…and market withdrawals.”

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Legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees delivered a deeply emotional, humble and grateful speech as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. His former head coach in New Orleans, Sean Payton, was his presenter, and Brees spoke about how Payton pushed him to his full potential…

Cut 10 (14) “…be great.”

Brees spent his first five seasons in the NFL in San Diego. He arrived in New Orleans as a free agent, months after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Brees’ play lifted NOLA’s spirit and took the Saints franchise to new heights, including a Super Bowl Championship in 2009. Brees gave an emotional thank you to New Orleans…

Cut 11 (11) “…that calling.”  (cheering)

Brees thanked many people who were part of his journey, including the late Saints owner Tom Benson, current owner Gayle Benson, general manager Mickey Loomis and his family. He gave a blanket thank you to the hundreds of players he played with during his 20-year career. Brees says it was them that kept him going and carried him to Canton…

Cut 12 (13) “…of my teammates.”

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A majority of Louisiana voters have supported President Donald Trump during his two terms in office. But his approval rating in the state has now fallen below 50 percent. That’s according to The World Population Review, which has Trump’s approval rating in Louisiana at 49 percent — down nine points from five months ago.

U-L-M political science professor Pearson Cross says presidential approval ratings typically fall when the economy struggles…

Cut 13 (09)  “…in Iran.”

According to The Economist, Trump’s national approval rating is even lower, at 35 percent.

Cross says that could be a warning sign for Republicans heading into the midterm elections…

Cut 14 (10) “…mid-term election.”

Cross says it’s not unusual for a president’s popularity to decline while in office. But he believes it could be difficult for Trump to reverse the trend…

Cut 15 (16) “…he can do.”

Trump won 60 percent of the vote in Louisiana in the 2024 presidential election.

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ULM is renaming Malone Stadium to FMOL Health St. Francis Stadium as part of an expanded partnership with the healthcare ministry. Warhawks Athletics Director SJ Tuohy says that the partnership will help balance the athletics budget and provide opportunities for student-athletes moving forward.

Cut 16 (16) “…future with them.”

St. Francis will continue to be the “Official Medical Partner” of ULM athletics, and Tuohy says it was important to partner with a local organization committed to building the Northeast Louisiana community.

Cut 17 (19) “…need to improve.”

ULM also agreed to a deal to rename its basketball arena to B1Bank Fant Coliseum. Tuohy says the corporate partnerships are an exciting opportunity that spans across the athletics department.

Cut 18 (18) “…involved with us.”

ULM will honor coach James Malone, who the football stadium was previously named after, with a new installation at the home entrance.

A state lawmaker proposes a bill to ban AI-powered Flock Security cameras in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
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With Louisiana in the middle of extreme heat season, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to keep yourself safe. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Caddo Parish Representative Danny McCormick is working on a bill to ban AI-powered Flock cameras that read license plates and vehicle details and log them in a searchable database. McCormick says the cameras violate the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Cut 3 (11) “…across the country.”

Flock Safety estimates its technology was used by law enforcement in nearly a million cases nationwide last year, or about one in every five cases. The Republican from Oil City says they can help fight crime, but he believes collecting information without a warrant violates citizens’ rights…

Cut 4 (11) “…law-abiding citizens.”

McCormick says lawmakers and advocacy groups across the country have voiced opposition to these cameras, and the sentiment is shared in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (09) “…against these cameras.”

Proponents of the cameras argue they capture information about vehicles of interest, not the people inside them. Flock Safety estimates the cameras have been used to help locate around 10-thousand missing persons in 2025 and reports 40-percent of customer agencies report their technology was used in recovering half or more of the stolen vehicles in their jurisdiction.

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State Police have arrested three Washington Parish residents in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a Folsom bicyclist. Authorities say 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas was hit and killed while riding his bike at night on Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish in April. Trooper Marc Gremillion says investigators determined a Buick Encore was involved

Cut 6 (09) “…provided information.”

Gremillion says 34-year-old Megan Kyle of Bogalusa was identified as the driver, while her parents were charged with obstruction.

Cut 7 (08) “…the crime.”

Megan Kyle of Bogalusa, was charged with felony hit and run, while her parents Monica Wildebrandt and Robert Kyle, also of Bogalusa, were charged with obstruction of justice, injuring public records and accessory after the fact.

Gremillion says leaving the scene of a crash is a serious crime and these type of cases, Troopers will use every resource possible to pursue justice on behalf of the victims and their loved ones…

Cut 8 (10) “… light eventually.”

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Todd Blanche appears to have the votes to become the next U.S. Attorney General after Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy said he’ll support President Trump’s nominee. Several senators have expressed concern Blanche could give the president too much control over the Justice Department. Cassidy acknowledged Blanche is not perfect, but…

Cut 9 (11)  “…Mr. Blanche .”

Blanche’s former role as Trump’s personal lawyer and his involvement in a controversial IRS settlement have raised questions about his independence. Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski say they’ll oppose him, so Cassidy’s vote was critical to Blanche’s confirmation.

Cassidy got emotional while announcing he will support Blanche for AG…

Cut 10 (10) “…right decision.” 

Cassidy says he came this decision after speaking with two sitting US Attorneys in Louisiana. Both David Courcelle and Kurt Wall supported Blanche’s nomination. The outgoing U-S Senator also took into account former US Attorney General William Barr’s endorsement of Blanche…

Cut 11 (11) “…reality”

It’s unclear when the U.S. Senate will vote to confirm Blanche.

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Today is the final day of qualifying for the November Congressional elections. Board of Regents Chairwoman Misti Cordell has entered the race for the Fifth District, which covers all of northeast Louisiana, a large portion of central Louisiana and a part of southeast Louisiana…

Cut 12 (10) “…can say that.” 

Cordell, a Republican, joins GOP state lawmakers Stewart Cathey, Michael Echols and Gabe Firment, who qualified earlier this week. Two political unknowns, Omar Dantzler and Austin Magee, have qualified as Republicans and two Democrats have entered the race, Dan McKay and Antonio Wilson.

The November election is an open primary and Cordell believes she will appeal to all voters…

Cut 13 (06) “…everybody.”

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We’re in extreme heat season through October; thus, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to continue to take precautions when spending an extended period of time outside. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says historically, summers are deadly in Louisiana, and this year is no different.

Cut 14 (11) “…with substance use.”

From 2023 through 2025, LDH recorded 172 heat-related deaths. Adults ages 65 and older accounted for 38-percent of those deaths. Greenstein says the number of elderly heat-related deaths signs a call to action for eveyr family, neighbor and caregiver.

Greenstein urges you to stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible, drink plenty of water and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. He also urges you to know the signs of heat illness.

Cut 15 (12) “…heat-related illness.”

A federal grand jury indicts an Alexandria man in connection with the murder of a deputy FBI marshal, and prosecutors will seek the death penalty. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is seeking text messages and phone records that could possibly provide information on what led to her now dismissed 16 count indictment on malfeasance and public intimidation charges…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A federal grand jury indicts an Alexandria man in connection with the murder of a federal agent, and prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty. U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller announced the five-count indictment against 48-year-old Clarence Frazier Jr., starting with the most serious count.

Cut 3 (11) “…Marshal Drew Hanson.”

(Frazier is charged with killing Deputy Marshal Drew Hanson.) FBI New Orleans Field Office Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp says on July 13th, Hanson and other deputy marshals were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Frazier for missing a trial for a sexual battery charge, and they were going through his house room by room searching for him.

Cut 4 (12) “…on the officers.”

And as deputies returned fire, Tapp says Frazier shot Hanson one time, killing him. Western District U.S. Marshal Brian Barber says he has no doubt that a jury will convict Frazier of all five counts of the indictment.

Cut 5 (10) “…held fully accountable.”

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The Colorado State University Hurricane Forecast Team has issued its final forecast for the 2026 season, and Senior Research Scientist Phil Klotzbach says it’s unchanged from last month.

Cut 6 (08) “…or five hurricane.”

Those nine named storms actually means seven additional storms, since they include tropical storms Arthur and Bertha, which have already made landfall in the U.S. Klotzbach says you can thank El Nino for the below-average hurricane season.

Cut 7 (11) “…in the Atlantic.”

Klotzbach says the final forecast is well below what we see in a typical hurricane season.

Cut 8 (05) “…and three majors.”

Nine named storms would be the fewest in the Atlantic since 2014; four hurricanes would be the fewest since 2015, and the last time the Atlantic went through an entire hurricane season without a single major hurricane was 2013.

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Attorney General Liz Murrill has filed lawsuits seeking records related to the now-dismissed 16-count indictment against her. Murrill alleges the grand jury process was used for political purposes after she was indicted on malfeasance and public intimidation charges.

Cut 9 (15)  “…except that .”

The indictment has intensified tensions between New Orleans officials and state leaders in Baton Rouge. Mayor Helena Moreno has requested a meeting with Governor Jeff Landry, but the governor says that won’t happen until questions surrounding the indictment are answered.

Cut 10 (06) “…she is.” 

Landry and Murrill are also questioning whether the secrecy of the grand jury process was violated. Murrill says information that should have remained confidential was improperly disclosed.

Cut 11 (08) “…a crime.”

The lawsuits name special prosecutor Laurie White and New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams. Murrill wants a judge to order the release of text messages, phone records and other documents related to the case. Williams denies having any role in the indictment.

Cut 12 (11) “…grand jury investigation.” 

On avoiding another government shutdown, Senator John Kennedy expressed opposition on NBC’s “Meet The Press” to a bipartisan deal which would, in part, take away President Trump’s authority to review government grants.

Cut 14 (13) “…is hell no.”

Researchers at Tulane University might have discovered how bats are able to carry so many viral diseases without getting sick themselves. Associate Professor Hannah Frank led the study and says the largest family of bats has special genes to produce antibodies that fight off pathogens.

Cut 7 (11) “…is pretty nifty.”

Frank says understanding this immune system could help mitigate the dangers of disease transmission from bats.

With the general election three months from today, the Secretary of State’s office is out with its inactive voter list. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The recall effort against Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards garnered just over two-thousand of the over 47-thousands signatures that would have been required to force a recall election. The campaigns to recall Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill are still ongoing and would take over 500-thousand signatures.

A Delcambre (DEL-kum) angler just won free beer for a year. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As a federal ban on THC products draws nearer, local businesses which deal in the product are working to get it overturned. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A fisherman in Vermilion Parish won free beer for a year after catching a tagged redfish during the CCA Louisiana STAR tournament. The statewide tournament tags and releases redfish along the Louisiana coast with prizes from T-shirts to new trucks and boats. Tournament director Micah Denesse (den-ESS) says Delcambre (DEL-kum) local Wayne Toups was thrilled when he found out what he’d won.

Cut 3 (13) “…get that beer.”

While fishing in Vermillion Bay, Toups reeled in a redfish with a special blue tag for a case of Michelob Ultra every week for a year. Denesse says at first, Toups thought it was just a yellow tag for a free T-shirt.

Cut 4 (09) “…what that is.”

Toups brought the tag to Don’s Boat Landing in Erath, gave Denesse a call and celebrated his catch.

Toups said he is still searching for a red tag to win a new boat. The tournament lasts through Labor Day, and Denesse says it is still not too late to register. You can register at CCA-STAR-dot-com for 35-dollars.

Cut 5 (10) “…for the tournament.”

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Saints Swiss Army Knife Taysom Hill announced he will not be returning to the black and gold in an emotional social media post yesterday. Hill spent nine years in New Orleans and became the only player in the Super Bowl era with over one-thousand yards rushing, receiving and passing. Head coach Kellen Moore says he is one of a kind.

Cut 6 (11) “…in this community.”

Hill said in the post he did not know what his future held. He is a free agent and did not rule out playing somewhere else this season.

2023 first-round defensive tackle Bryan Bresee went down with a devastating knee injury on the first day of training camp. Moore says it looks like a season-ending ACL tear, but the team is waiting on a second opinion.

Cut 7 (09) “…training camp’s about.”

Bresee also tore his ACL at Clemson in 2021, but this injury was to the other knee.

The Saints will rely veteran linemen Davon Godchaux (GOD-chaw) and Nate Shepherd as well as second-year tackle Vernon Broughton and rookie Christen Miller. Defensive end Chase Young says he isn’t worried about the defensive front.

Cut 8 (09) “…nasty D-line.”

Broughton was a 2025 third round pick out of Texas but missed most of last year with a hip injury in his NFL debut.

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A federal ban on THC products is set to take effect November 12th, after Congress passed legislation late last year as part of the bill that ended the six-week federal government shutdown. Joe Gerrity, the CEO of Crescent Canna and the president of the Louisiana Hemp Beverage Coalition, says unless the ban is repealed before it goes into effect, it would devastate his company, forcing him to lay off his entire staff among other things.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

Gerrity says if the law goes into effect, it would harm his faith in the federal government, since it would be apparent to him that they do not listen to what the people want.

Cut 10 (11) “…the state level.” 

The Louisiana Hemp Beverage Association is working to get the ban overturned before it goes into effect, and Gerrity says there’s a bill that he supports that would not only accomplish that, but it would also address concerns expressed by the ban’s supporters, who say THC drinks and gummies pose safety risks to children.

Cut 11 (12) “…we’re for that.”

THC is an estimated 33-million-dollar industry in Louisiana.

Ole Miss filed lawsuits against two LSU football players for nearly one-million-dollars. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A large clinical trial led in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has shown that specialized treatments for kids and teens with obesity can be delivered at their primary care doctor’s office. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Ole Miss is suing LSU players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper for nearly one-million-dollars. Ole Miss says the former Rebels have not paid the buyout clause of the revenue-sharing agreement they signed with the school before leaving for LSU. Sam Hutchens with the Clarion-Ledger broke the news and says Ole Miss AD Keith Carter told him the Rebels have paid similar buyouts for transfers.

Cut 3 (14) “…behalf of the player.”

Hutchens notes he does not know how much those previous Ole Miss buyouts were. Umanmielen’s is 550-thousand-dollars and Harper’s buyout is 400-thousand-dollars.

LSU has declined to comment, but Hutchens says, according to an Ole Miss timeline, the university declined to make the payment on the player’s behalf in March, arguing LSU is not party to the contract.

Cut 4 (13) “…this whole thing.”

If LSU were to pay the buyout for its players, it would count against its 21.3-million-dollar revenue-share cap. Hutchens says despite any reluctance from the university or players, it’s hard to imagine someone wearing purple and gold does not fork over the money.

Cut 5 (11) “…deal with all this.”

Both lawsuits were filed in Lafayette County in Mississippi with different judges presiding. Judge John Kelly Luther attended Ole Miss for both his undergrad and law school. Judge Kent E. Smith received his undergrad degree from Northeast Louisiana and his J.D. from LSU.

____________________________________________

A large clinical trial led by researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and others has shown that specialized treatments for kids and teens with obesity can be delivered at their primary care doctor’s office. Dr. Amanda Staiano, the director of the pediatric obesity and health behavior laboratory at Pennington, says the findings are from a study involving more than 700 children across four states and 41 primary care practices.

Cut 6 (08) “…quality of life.”

The program involves teaching kids and parents how to cook healthy meals, helping with grocery shopping, devising physical activity strategies and managing stress. Dr. Staiano says it’s a short program that has long-lasting impacts.

Cut 7 (12) “…the program’s over.”

Staiano says the program sets kids and teens up for healthy lives as they get older.

Cut 8 (09) “…of their lives.”

The findings were published in the July 27th issue of JAMA Pediatrics.

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The Saints hit the field for the first practice of training camp today. Defensive end Cameron Jordan returned to finish his career in New Orleans after testing free agency for the first time this offseason. He says the team feels more optimistic than it has in recent years.

Cut 9 (12)  “…put the pads on.”

Running back Alvin Kamara also returned after the Saints signed free agent Travis Etienne. Kamara says he always planned to be back and is looking forward to sharing the backfield with Etienne.

Cut 10 (12) “…last year.” 

Quarterback Tyler Shough’s development will be the focal point of the preseason. He says he stepped up as a leader on the team this offseason and is looking forward to building chemistry with eighth overall pick Jordyn Tyson, a receiver from Arizona State.

Cut 11 (12) “…never satisfied.”

Fourth-year defensive tackle Bryan Bresee left practice early with a knee injury feared to be a season-ending torn ACL. It’s a heavy blow for a budding star on the interior of the Saints defensive front.

Louisiana is one of five states still in the running to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo .”

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The Saints reported for training camp today, with practice kicking off tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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Louisiana is one of five states under consideration for a new Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus as the Trump Administration looks to expand the nation’s nuclear energy industry. Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the campus would support every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle…

Cut 3 (10) “…different state.”

Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Idaho are the other finalists. Courreges says the U.S. Department of Energy chose the five states after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states…

Cut 4 (10) “…go forward.”

The Energy Department says the campuses would attract major investment, boost domestic manufacturing and create thousands of high-paying jobs. Courreges says Governor Jeff Landry believes Louisiana is well positioned to strengthen America’s energy security…

Cut 5 (09) “…playoffs.”

According to the Energy Department,. the proposed innovation campuses have the potential to attract up to $50 billion in capital investment, generate as much as $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs with an establishment of a campus.

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The Saints reported for training camp today. There is optimism for year two under head coach Kellen Moore after a strong end to last year. WWL’s Mike Detillier says the Saints added a lot of offensive help through free agency and the draft, but it all comes down to second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.

Cut 6 (11) “…to this season.”

New Orleans signed running back Travis Etienne, guard David Edwards and tight end Noah Fant in free agency. They drafted wide receiver Jordyn Tyson eighth overall and tight end Oscar Delp in the third round.

Detillier says the first day of camp is just getting back into the building and taking physicals. The first practice is tomorrow, and he says even practice isn’t the offseason boot camp it used to be.

Cut 7 (13) “…ground running.”

New Orleans finished 6-and-11 last season but rattled off a four-game win streak with Shough as the starter towards the end of last year. Detillier says the Saints are still in a rebuild, but the NFC South should come right down to the wire.

Cut 8 (12) “…something together.”

Carolina won the division with an 8-and-9 record last year. Detillier says every other team in the division has just as many questions as New Orleans.

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A Thibodaux man is charged with sex crimes involving a child. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says juvenile detectives began investigating 61-year-old Gregory Leblanc last month after allegations surfaced about inappropriate behavior years ago with a girl who was under ten years old at the time.

Cut 9 (05)  “…the child’s knowledge.”

Captain Matherne says those photos weren’t the only inappropriate things detectives say Matherne did to the girl. Thus, he’s facing a slew of charges.

Cut 10 (11) “…of a juvenile.” 

Matherne says investigators do not know of any other victims at this time.

Cut 11 (11) “…offenders to justice.”

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Conservation groups and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are working to restore a popular fishing area in Terrebonne Parish. The project is expanding habitat at the historic “Sulphur Mine” site, creating a better environment for speckled trout, redfish and other marine life.

Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana Chief Marketing Officer Ryan Page says crews are installing 650 NATRX exoform reef structures to enhance the area…

Cut 12 (12) “…excited about that.”

CCA Louisiana Conservation and Habitat Chairman John Walther says anglers can begin fishing the new reefs right away…

Cut 13 (09) “…life there.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Artificial Reef Coordinator Mike McDonough says the agency is partnering with ConocoPhillips to restore the popular fishing destination…

Cut 14 (11 “…our anglers.”

At least for the first half of this week, you will want to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education has recognized the state’s teacher and principal of the year. Jeff Palermo tells us who won…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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“We’re going to have heat on steroids this week.” Those are the words of LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim as he describes the heat and humidity that’s blanketing Louisiana this week. Keim says the culprit is an area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico that serves as a pump.

Cut 3 (12) “…clouds from forming.”

The lack of cloud cover allows the sun to bake on the landscape, preventing rainfall and anything else that could cool us off. Keim says that’s going to make conditions outside miserable at least through Wednesday.

Cut 4 (11) “…of those days.”

Keim says when you factor in above-normal humidity levels, that’s going to make it that much more unbearable.

Cut 5 (09) “…week moves on.”

So if you absolutely have to be outside, take every precaution possible, including drinking plenty of fluids, wearing light-colored loose-fitting clothing and taking plenty of breaks.

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The Louisiana Department of Education has named Alisha Butler as the Louisiana Teacher of the Year. Butler teaches dual enrollment English and intermediate Braille at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired in Baton Rouge….

Cut 6 (10) “…several years.”

Butler and other teachers were honored this past weekend at the 20^th Annual Educator Excellence Gala at the World War Two Museum in New Orleans. By winning the award, Butler gets to drive a new Mercedes Benz for a year. Butler says she’s proud to be a teacher in Louisiana…

Cut 7 (06) “…humbling.”

The Louisiana Principal of the Year is Lauren Rentrop at Patterson Junior High in St. Mary Parish. Rentrop was shocked she won…

Cut 8 (04) “…possible.”

Patterson Junior High was the highest -performing middle School in St. Mary Parish on the 2025 LEAP. Under her leadership, the school has grown 18 points over six years. Rentrop was beaming with pride during her acceptance speech…

Cut 9 (11)  “…state of Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year is Sarah Corley of Alexandria. Katie Weber, a ninth grade English Teacher at Fontainebleau High School in St. Tammany is the New Teacher of the Year. Jillian Graves of St. Louis Academy Head Start in St. James Parish was named Early Childhood Teacher of the Year.

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If you have a state tax refund due to you, time is running out to claim it from the Department of Revenue. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says it sent nearly 23-thousand unclaimed property letters to individual and business taxpayers.

Cut 10 (12) “…state treasurer’s office.” 

Currently, the department has more than 17.5-million dollars in unclaimed tax refunds. Henderson says if you receive one of the letters, you can claim your tax refund in one of two ways.

Cut 11 (13) “…unclaimed property letter.”

Any money not claimed by September 4th will be transferred to the unclaimed property division. Henderson says what’s important to remember is unclaimed property is never forfeited.

Cut 12 (13) “…unclaimed property division.”

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According to Leaders for a Better Louisiana, the average homeowners insurance premium runs nearly six-thousand dollars a year in the Bayou State. Better Louisiana CEO Adam Kanpp says that’s about 2.4 times the national average and one of the highest premiums in the South…

Cut 13 (04) “…Oklahoma third.”

Knapp says there was legislation approved in 2024 that has helped slow the increase in homeowners’ insurance premiums. According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, rate increases slowed to just four percent in 2025. Knapp says it’s also helped that it’s been a few years since Louisiana’s last major hurricane…

Cut 14 (08) “…better pricing.”