LSU finalized its football roster without former NFL signees Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, but that may not be the end of their saga. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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There is a lot of purple and gold in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2027. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU filled its final two available roster spots last night, seemingly ending its recruitment of players who spent time in NFL training camps. The decision has de-escalated tensions between LSU and the SEC, and this afternoon’s hearing in the lawsuit has been postponed. Attorney Tony Clayton represents the athletes and says it was his clients who sued the NCAA and SEC, not LSU.

Cut 3 (11) “…and the law.”

SEC presidents and chancellors scheduled a vote on whether to expel LSU from the conference on Thursday. The lawsuit alleges that LSU’s coordinated effort to recruit players in NFL training camps violates the conference’s First Amendment right to govern itself, but Clayton says LSU never rostered the players and broke any SEC rules.

Cut 4 (09) “…is made of.”

The lawsuit claims that LSU coach Lane Kiffin was involved in coordinating and encouraging the athletes’ lawsuit against the NCAA, but Clayton says there is no evidence of that. He says his clients made their own decisions, and he has never even met Kiffin.

Cut 5 (09) “…and the SEC.”

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The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy is launching a massive effort to plug and clean up orphaned oil and gas well sites. Spokesman Patrick Courreges (KOO-rezh) says the department will use 30-million dollars in federal funding to clean up the sites in north Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…per dollar spent.”

The department will use state funding to clean up orphaned well sites in south Louisiana. Courreges says it’s important to get these orphaned well sites plugged and cleaned so that they don’t cause any problems down the road.

Cut 7 (10) “…use of it.”

Courreges says the Monroe and Shreveport districts contain more than 42-hundred of the state’s roughly 64-hundred orphaned wells.

Cut 8 (08) “…well heads behind.”

Lafayette-based Lemoine Disaster Recovery and Houston-based Garner Environmental Services will lead the first phase. The overall effort will take three to five years to complete.

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Two of LSU’s best football players during this century, running back Leonard Fournette and cornerback Patrick Peterson, highlight the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2027.  Chairman Doug Ireland says Fournette earned All-American honors as a sophomore at LSU, rushing for nearly two-thousand yards, a school record.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Billy Cannon .”

Fournette also broke the school single-record for most games in a game when he had 284 yards on 16 carries in a 38-21 win over Ole Miss. Fournette went on to play seven seasons in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.

In 2010, Peterson won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender and the Thorpe Award as the top defensive back, becoming the first LSU player to win those two prestigious awards. Ireland says after LSU, Peterson played 13 seasons in the NFL and made the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons.

Cut 10 (09) “…Hall of Fame.” 

The 2027 class also features former LSU baseball stars Ryan Theriot and Aaron Hill. Ireland says one of the state’s most successful high school football coach, Hank Tierney, is also a member of the 2027 class.

Cut 11 (11) “…Archbishop Shaw.”

Tierney has won two state titles at Shaw.

The 2027 class also includes two-time Triple Crown winning jockey Robby Albarado, former Northwestern State baseball coach Jim Wells, former ULM women’s basketball star Lisa Ingram and former LSU defensive tackle standout Henry Thomas, who helped LSU win an SEC title in 1988 and then played 14 seasons in the NFL.

The induction ceremony will take place in Natchitoches from June 24th to the 26th.

Louisiana is making great strides in getting the upper hand on opioid-related deaths. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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When forecasters said this year’s hurricane season was going to be below average, they weren’t kidding. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The Department of Insurance says Louisiana drivers are paying 400-million dollars less for private passenger auto insurance. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Opioid deaths in Louisiana are significantly down, declining 59-percent since 2022. That compares to just over a 46-percent decline nationally. Louisiana Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says there are a couple factors behind the significant drop.

Cut 4 (13) “…treatment for addiction.”

Dr. Croughan says another factor behind the steep drop is the fact that in 2022, Louisiana was one of the nation’s leaders in opioid-related deaths.

Cut 5 (10) “…get that decline.”

Dr. Croughan says obviously, even one opioid-related death is too many, so there’s still work to do to keep the momentum going to get that number down even more.

Cut 6 (10) “…interested in that.”

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When forecasters said this hurricane season would be quieter than normal, they weren’t kidding! LSU Health Secretary Barry Keim says we’re coming up on the middle of September, and we haven’t had one Atlantic hurricane yet – only tropical storms.

Cut 7 (15) “…in the season.”

Keim says there are a couple reasons why hurricane season has been exceptionally quiet in the Atlantic this year.

Cut 8 (11) “…of storms down.”

The record for the latest in the year without a hurricane is September 11th, accomplished in 2002 and 2013; and with no tropical cyclone activity expected in the Atlantic in the next seven days, we will certainly break that record. Keim says there have been years with no recorded hurricanes at all, but those deserve asterisks.

Cut 9 (15)  “…satellites back then.”

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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the state continues to be in an insurance crisis because premiums are unaffordable for many, but there are positive signs. Temple says thanks to changes in state law, including a measure that gives providers more flexibility to raise or decrease rates, has helped bring premiums down for many.

Cut 10 (08) “…private passenger auto.”

Temple continues to urge policyholders to shop around before renewing with their current provider.

Cut 11 (10) “…to keep fighting.”

Temple says fewer accidents on the road have helped reduce auto insurance premiums. He says the total savings have been 400-million dollars.

Cut 12 (12) “…to insurance companies.”

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A federal court in Alabama will hold a hearing this afternoon in the SEC’s lawsuit that attemps to stop LSU from adding players who were on NFL rosters during training camp. The SEC amended the lawsuit to name Attorney General Liz Murrill as a defendant. Murrill says the SEC is suing LSU for violating its First Amendment rights, but it was the athletes, not LSU, that filed the lawsuit against the NCAA and SEC.

Cut 13 (13)  “…evidence of that.” 

The SEC’s lawsuit seeks to block the preliminary injunction granted in Baton Rouge last week that prevents the SEC from enforcing any pro-player punishments on returning fifth-year athletes or schools. Murrill says the NCAA’s exclusion of class of 2022 athletes in its five-year eligibility model was unfair, and that is why judges are siding with former college athletes.

Cut 14 (14) “…couldn’t do it.”

The SEC has also threatened to kick LSU out of the league. A vote by the member schools is scheduled for Thursday and it would require 11 votes.

But it appears LSU is backing down. On Tuesday night it was reported that instead of adding Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who were on NFL rosters last month, to LSU’s roster. The Tigers added injured players Aiden Anding and Gabriel Reliford, which completes their roster at 105 players.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says if the SEC tries to kick out LSU, the federal government will come down on the league hard.

Cut 15 (10) “…ham sandwich.”

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Louisiana Tech is set to visit LSU this weekend. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says he was proud of how his players performed in their 80-6 win over Northwestern State in the season opener. He says there is a lot of good to take with them to Baton Rouge against a tougher opponent.

Cut 16 (15) “…protect the football.”

Tech gained 528 yards of offense and held the Demons to just 129 yards. It will be a bigger challenge containing LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, who Cumbie says impressed him with his arm strength and athleticism in the Tigers’ win over Clemson.

Cut 17 (15) “…in the country.”

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Ole Miss transfer wide receiver Winnie Watkins led the Tigers with seven catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in his LSU debut. The 51-10 win over Clemson was an electric performance for the sophomore and the entire LSU offense, but Watkins says the receivers are still building chemistry with quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Cut 18 (16) “…do every day.”

LSU put on a show in front of a sold-out Tiger Stadium in Lane Kiffin’s first game as coach. Watkins says the team can handle the excitement because Kiffin prepares his team better than any coach in the country.

Cut 19 (20) “…with our preparation.”

Watkins played for Kiffin at Ole Miss as a freshman last season and was one of four former Rebels to transfer to LSU this offseason. He says LSU has been everything it was advertised to be.

Cut 20 (19) “…everything they say.”

The Southeastern Conference is threatening to boot LSU out of the league for attempting to roster players who were on NFL rosters last month. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A routine trip to the grocery store for two elderly women in Acadia Parish turns into a harrowing experience. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Bill Cassidy has less than four months remaining in the U.S. Senate, and he’s using that time to push his plan to ensure Social Security remains solvent. He outlined his plan in an appearance on NewsNation.

Cut 3 (10) “…on Social Security.”

Cassidy said all risk would be borne by the investment fund, and that would pay 65-percent of the unfunded accrued liability of Social Security.

Cassidy tells NewsNation the first step in solving the issue is actually being allowed to put the proposals before Congress.

Cut 4 (09) “…put them forward.”

In an appearance on NewsNation, Cassidy accused his colleagues in the Senate of sitting on this issue and not taking it seriously.

Cut 5 (10) “…not be considered.”

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Many are mourning the death of longtime sports radio host Mike Detillier, who passed away on Sunday at 65 from a brief bout with pancreatic cancer. His longtime radio partner on WWL Radio, former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert, says Detillier was well respected for his football opinion and more importantly he was very kind…

Cut 6 (07) “…is a jerk.”

Detillier’s spent 40-plus years of his life as a pro and college football analyst on WWL. His M-and-D draft report was staple for any football fan as it was 200 pages, filled with in-depth profiles of the players. Hebert says you better pack a lunch if you were going to talk football with Detillier…

Cut 7 (11) “…draft guru.”

Hebert and Detillier hosted the popular second guess show on WWL radio on Monday nights during the football season for two decades. Hebert says he can’t believe Mike D is gone…

Cut 8 (11) “…on sobbing”

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The SEC has amended its federal lawsuit against LSU, seeking the authority to expel the school from the conference. SEC CEOs are scheduled to meet Thursday to decide whether to terminate LSU as a member institution. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he thinks cooler heads will prevail before Thursday.

Cut 9 (13)  “…and angry.”

Guilbeau pointed out that LSU never actually broke the SEC’s rule and other schools are still in the conference after actual violations.

The federal lawsuit was filed last week in northern Alabama, alleging that LSU’s recruitment of Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who both signed NFL contracts this summer, violated the SEC’s First Amendment right to govern itself. The players did win a preliminary injunction to return without penalties, but LSU did not list them on its roster for the Clemson game, per the SEC’s rule. LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry told Guaranty Media in an interview before the injunction ruling that the program has no intention of breaking SEC rules.

Cut 10 (09) “…have to do it” 

Attorney General Liz Murrill and LSU’s entire board of supervisors were added as defendants in the lawsuit alongside Ausberry, president Wade Rousse and football coach Lane Kiffin. Murrill filed an amicus brief supporting the athletes’ return in the preliminary injunction hearing last week but says she has no idea what claim they could be making against her or her office.

Cut 11 (13) “…sure why.”

Guilbeau says numerous programs have violated SEC bylaws over the years and not been expelled. He says last year Alabama basketball welcomed back center Charles Bediako for five games after he played 83 games in the G League.

Cut 12 (12) “…last week.” 

Bediako was allowed to play in a ruling by an Alabama judge who then reversed the ruling. The SEC’s punishments for schools who roster ex-pros were not yet in place.

A two-thirds vote is required to remove LSU from the conference.

The SEC says today’s filing is necessary to defend that right and preserve the Conference’s ability to govern competition among its members.

This year’s second wave of lovebugs has arrived. Kace Kieschnick has why that may not matter too much to you but could affect your vehicle.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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On this Labor Day, Louisiana Works says the state of labor in the state is very positive. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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If you think you’re seeing more lovebugs than usual, you’re not imagining it. The end of summer is their second mating season of the year. LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says it is a normal part of their life cycle, but there are more lovebugs this year than in previous years.

Cut 3 (11) “…their populations.”

Ashbrook says lovebugs are harmless to humans, but their blood can degrade car paint.

Cut 4 (11) “…on the vehicle.”

He recommends getting your car cleaned at a car wash or using dryer sheets to wipe them off.

Ashbrook says lovebugs are more commonly found near areas with more moisture and decaying matter, like  marshes, swamps and forested areas. He says lovebug larvae help break down and recycle organic materials.

Cut 5 (08) “…time of year.”

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On this Labor Day, the state of Labor in Louisiana is looking promising. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says more people in Louisiana are working than ever before, with more than 2.01-million people working.

Cut 6 (09) “…our labor force.”

Schowen says the scores of economic development projects happening in Louisiana are driving a lot of the job growth.

Cut 7 (09) “…do with infrastructure.”

Schowen says those projects are putting a lot of people to work.

Cut 8 (13) “…from those projects.”

Schowen says the state is even diversifying its white-collar industries, with significant job growth in sectors like financial services. She says wages have increased more than six-percent over the last year, making Louisiana one of a select number of states where wage growth is outpacing inflation.

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Hyundai is ready to begin construction on a five-point-eight billion dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish. A final air pollution permit is needed from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The facility is expected to produce 13-hundred permanent jobs and another 41-hundred indirect jobs. Landry says an economic development trip to South Korea in October of 2024 helped bring this steel mill project to Donaldsonville…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the world.”

Landry has secured over 250-billion dollars in new capital investment. The governor says that’s 85-billion more than Texas. Landry says companies like Hyundai are choosing Louisiana because the state has what it takes to make it happen…

Cut 10 (08) “…are people.”

The Hyundai-Posco steel plant will produce about two-point-eight million metric tons of ultra-low-carbon automative-grade steel annually. Undersecretary for International Trade in the Department of Commerce, William Kimmitt, says the facility will supply domestic steel to Hyundai Motor Group vehicle assembly operations and other U-S automakers…

Cut 11 (13) “…critical industires.”

The plant is scheduled to open in 2029.

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Saturday is a day LSU fans will not forget as the long-awaited debut of Lane Kiffin delivered a dominating 51-10 victory over the Clemson Tigers. Despite scoring an early field goal, Clemson never had a chance. The 102-thousand in attendance made sure LSU would win. Linebacker Whit Weeks felt the energy…

Cut 12 (14) “…special.”

What happened Saturday night in Tiger Stadium was a complete 180-degree turn from what occurred versus Texas A&M, the second half debacle that led to Brian Kelly’s firing. The LSU fan base was broken, the 2019 season seemed like a distant memory, but Kiffin’s arrival has brought the passion and bravado back…

Cut 13 (13)  “..started there.”

There were thoughts LSU could be distracted by the ongoing drama surrounding the college eligibility of two players, who were on NFL rosters last month. But Kiffin said before the game it would not be a distraction and he was right…

Cut 14 (12) “…by it.”

During his introductory press conference, Kiffin spoke about how difficult it was for an opponent to come into Tiger Stadium and win and how he was looking forward to being on the other side of the sideline where the fans had your back. He said it was great to finally experience it…

Cut 15 (09) “…pretty cool.”

LSU is home again this Saturday as the Tigers host Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs won their season opener over Northwestern State 80 to 6.

If you got your state tax refund by paper check and have yet to cash it, you have until Friday to do so before that money gets transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU coach Lane Kiffin says he asked his players if they were okay with recruiting fifth-year and former NFL players, and they said yes. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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If you were issued your state tax refund by paper check and have not yet cashed it, you have until Friday to do so before that money gets transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the department sent letters to almost 23-thousand individual and business taxpayers.

Cut 3 (12) “…cash those checks.”

The average refund is more than 750 dollars, and Henderson points out with almost 23-thousand people yet to cash those refund checks, those amounts add up.

Cut 4 (09) “…is 17,145,961 dollars.”

It’s important to note that even if that money does get transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division, the rightful recipients will never forfeit that money, no matter how long it goes unclaimed. Henderson says if that money does go into Unclaimed Property, they can claim it in one of two ways.

Cut 5 (12) “…to the letter.”

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The Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City will host the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball championships for the next three years, starting in February of 2027. Bossier City councilman Brian Hammons says they are excited to welcome the SCAC student-athletes, families and fans…

Cut 6 (12) “…to us.”

Ten NCAA Division three schools belong to the SCAC, including Centenary College in Shreveport. The SCAC is entering the 25th season as a conference and Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry says this is the first time their basketball tournaments will be held at a neutral site…

Cut 7 (08) “…is remarkable.”

The 2027 event will be held February 26th to the 28th. The top six men’s and women’s teams from the SCAC will compete for a conference championship and an automatic berth into the NCAA Division Three Men’s and Women’s Basketball championships.

Hanberry says holding their conference basketball tournament at the Brookshire Grocery Arena is a huge milestone for the league…

Cut 8 (06) “…participate in”

The SCAC says the 2027 championships are expected to generate a 650-thousand dollar impact to the local economy.

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin asked his player leadership council whether they were okay with the Tigers signing returning fifth-year players to the roster this late into the preseason. Quarterback Sam Leavitt says the team leaders wanted their coach to do what he thought could make the team better.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in college.”

Notre Dame transfer defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka and former Ole Miss and NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright are now practicing with the Tigers. Senior linebacker Whit Weeks says they have been valuable additions and the team is not distracted by outside noise.

Cut 10 (12) “…their business.” 

Wright was one of Kiffin’s top pass-catchers at Ole Miss last season, with 635 yards and five touchdowns. Junior tight end Trey’Dez Green says he doesn’t mind the reinforcements to the tight end room.

Cut 11 (12) “…I’m excited.”

Wright, Tuihalamaka and dozens of other athletes have a preliminary injunction hearing tomorrow to determine their eligibility status moving forward.

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With football season getting underway, Governor Jeff Landry is alerting the public about a new state law that makes it a felony to smoke marijuana on a school campus or within two-thousand feet of school property. Landry says anyone convicted of violating the law could face up to one year in prison and a one-thousand-dollar fine…

Cut 12 (09) “…season.” 

Landry adds that claiming you didn’t know you were near a school is NOT a defense. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored the legislation after hearing football fans complaining about smelling marijuana smoke while tailgating…

Cut 13 (09) “…just that.”

An advocacy group is suing the Louisiana Department of Corrections over excessive incarceration. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A judge denies a motion by prosecutors to lengthen the sentence of former DeRidder Mayor Misti Roberts, who was found guilty of having sex with an underage boy. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU is pushing forward with its additions of fifth-year and former NFL football players as they await Thursday’s preliminary injunction hearing. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Tropical Storm Eduard formed last night in the northern Gulf and it’s expected to make landfall later today near the Louisiana-Texas line. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says additional strengthening is expected, but we are NOT looking at hurricane…

Cut 4 (16) “…a vicious monster.”

Keim says heavy rain, gusty winds and a minor storm surge are the main impacts for southwest Louisiana…

Cut 5 (11) “…Iberia Parish line.”

Keim says the heaviest rainfall totals are expected in Texas….

Cut 6 (09) “…start creeping up.”

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An advocacy group is suing the Louisiana Department of Corrections over keeping people behind bars past their scheduled release dates. Promise of Justice Initiative Attorney Cecelia Kappel says prisoners being held past their scheduled release dates is happening far too frequently in Louisiana, and it’s been happening for many years.

Cut 7 (08) “…being held illegally.”

Kappel says the excess time prisoners are spending behind bars varies.

Cut 8 (11) “…to be released.”

Kappel says she has no reason to believe that prisoners are being kept behind bars past their release date on purpose, but that’s no excuse.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to go home.”

Kappel says most of these people being held beyond their release dates are low-level criminals who had short sentences, and their prolonged incarceration has cost them their jobs in some instances. The Louisiana DOC says it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

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Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts is set to be released from jail this weekend, despite an effort by prosecutors to lengthen her sentence for having sex with a 16-year-old boy while she was the mayor. Pamela Sleezer is covering the case for the American Press and says it was a long shot that Judge Kent Savoie would add on to his original sentence.

Cut 10 (08) “…thinking up here?”

Roberts received a 90-day prison sentence in June and is set to be released on Sunday. The victim’s family is disappointed in the decision. Sleezer says Judge Savoie did admit he was bothered to hear during the victim impact statements that the victim’s family said the teen has “struggled” since the incident.

Cut 11 (12) “…that much weight.”

Sleezer says Judge Savoie admitted his sentence was based on similar cases in Beauregard Parish that resulted in plea deals and acknowledged this was a trial that resulted in Roberts conviction, but that still didn’t change her sentencing.

The Beauregard Parish District Attorney was seeking the maximum sentence, which is ten years. Sleezer says Judge Savoie said that was a little overboard for a first-time offender.

Cut 12 (08) “…opinion on anything.”

Roberts will have to register as a sex offender for the next 15 years.

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A legendary LSU football player from West Monroe has passed away. Former All-American Jerry Stovall, who finished second in the 1962 Heisman Trophy balloting, has died at the age of 85. Stovall’s nickname was “Mr. Everything” because he played four different positions at LSU from 1960 to 1962. In an interview with KNOE-TV in 2009, Stovall said he was able to excel on the football field even though he was not the best athlete.

Cut 13 (09)  “…one of those.”

At six-foot-two, 195 pounds, Stovall was a two-time All-SEC selection and rushed for more than one-thousand yards and had nearly 500 receiving yards in his career. Stovall also held the LSU record for highest punting average for a season, at 42 yards a punt. Stovall also had nearly 700 return yards on special teams and seven interceptions.

He was selected in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals; Stovall played nine years in the NFL and was named an All-Pro twice. In a 2009 interview with KNOE-TV, Stovall credited his upbringing for his success.

Cut 14 (08) “…me hard work.”

Stovall returned to LSU to serve as the Tigers head coach from 1980 to 1983 following the death of Bo Rein. His best season was in 1982 when the Tigers went 8-3-and-1 and made the Orange Bowl.

Stovall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and told KNOE-TV that he never thought such an accomplishment was possible.

Cut 15 (12) “…lot of people.”

Stovall also was Louisiana Tech’s athletic director from 1990 to 1993. He also served as President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation and severed as board of directors for the Louisiana Senior Games.

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NFL rosters are down to 53 players as the preseason came to a close over the weekend. After a backup Q-B battle between Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson, the Saints decided to keep both on the active roster. Head coach Kellen Moore says they are both Q-B-two level players.

Cut 16 (09) “…really good QBs.”

New Orleans has not named which will be the immediate backup.

Two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson made the team after spending less than one week of training camp in New Orleans. The Saints signed the nine-year vet last week, and he made two field goals and an extra point in the preseason finale versus the Cowboys, including a 53-yarder. Moore says he earned his spot.

Cut 17 (12) “…in this league (2x).”

Charlie Smyth is staying on the team’s practice squad.

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin says he spoke with the leaders of his team before deciding to pursue former NFL players seeking a return to college for a fifth season of eligibility. Kiffin admitted Monday that he struggled with the decision and wanted to do what was in the best interest of his players.

Cut 18 (13) “…win, bring ’em.”

Kiffin says former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright is now practicing with LSU. Wright spent time in training camp with the Cleveland Browns before he was released on August 22nd.

The Tigers also have a commitment from former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. Harris was cut by the Saints in early August but has not yet practiced with LSU.

Kiffin also confirmed former Notre Dame edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka is practicing with the Tigers. Tuihalamaka did not sign with an NFL team and is seeking eligibility after spending four years at Notre Dame.

Some have questioned whether adding players so close to the season opener could create chaos. Kiffin says a little internal chaos is okay.

Cut 19 (17) “…don’t understand it.”

Yahoo Sports college football reporter Ross Dellenger reports the presidents of the other 15 SEC schools are unhappy that LSU could roster players who participated in NFL training camps. Even if a Baton Rouge judge rules the players are eligible, SEC members could seek to punish LSU by placing the program on probation or barring the Tigers from competing for conference championships.

Kiffin says his only focus is making LSU better.

Cut 20 (17) “…in this room.”

Judge William Jorden is scheduled to hold a preliminary injunction hearing Thursday. He’s expected to decide whether the players are eligible to compete and whether the SEC can enforce its ban on players who signed contracts with NFL, NBA or WNBA teams.

Construction is underway on data centers and LNG facilities in Louisiana. This week ground will be broken on the Hyundai Steel in Ascension Parish and construction begins next year on SpaceX’s Louisiana Starbase. So how will the state fill all these jobs? Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen says many of these jobs are classified as skill base jobs…

Cut 4 (11) “…something like that.”

There are concerns over Space X’s 100-billion rocket launching facility and what it will mean for hunters and fishermen in Vermilion Parish. In an interview with Talk 107-3, Governor Landry expects Louisiana Starbase will enhance Sportsmen’s Paradise as Space X has committed to building up the marshes that are home to a lot of wildlife…

Cut 7 (05) “…that coast.”

——————-

Along with issuing a dual endorsement in the district 6 congressional race, the Louisiana Republican Party has also endorsed Misti Cordell in the district five election. Cordell Chairs the Louisiana Board of Regents, and she says she’s very grateful and worthy of the party’s backing in the crowded field.

Cut 10 (08) “…all my life.”

After months of waiting, LSU officially kicks off the Lane Kiffin era this weekend against Clemson. The two teams faced off in a top-ten matchup last season, but both finished the year 7-and-6. The Advocate’s Jon Blau, who covered Clemson last season, says both Tigers teams are hard to predict.

Cut 14 (13) “…40-plus transfers.”

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 6:30

Governor Landry is making the media rounds discussing the benefits Space X’s rocket launching facility will have on Louisiana’s economy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Along with a dual endorsement in the sixth Congressional district, the Louisiana Republican Party has also made its choice in district five. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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11th-ranked LSU kicks off the 2026 season under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin against Clemson Saturday.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Construction is underway on data centers and LNG facilities in Louisiana, This week ground will be broken on the Hyundai Steel in Ascension Parish and construction begins next year on SpaceX’s Louisiana Starbase. So how will the state fill all these jobs? Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen says many of these jobs are classified as skill base jobs…

Cut 4 (11) “…something like that.”

Schowen says no only do they need workers for Meta, Woodside Energy, Hyundai and SpaceX, there will be job opportunities with businesses that service these mega projects…

Cut 5 (09) “…future.”

Schowen says they expect the workforce to come from young college graduates, people who move into the state for the jobs and more importantly, existing residents who could use a better way of life…

Cut 6 (04) “..at all.”

__________________________________________

There are concerns over Space X’s 100-billion rocket launching facility and what it will mean for hunters and fishermen in Vermilion Parish. In an interview with Talk 107-3, Governor Landry expects Louisiana Starbase will enhance Sportsmen’s Paradise as Space X has committed to building up the marshes that are home to a lot of wildlife…

Cut 7 (05) “…that coast.”

Landry says the current headquarters of SpaceX are located in Starbase, Texas, near Brownsville, Texas. The aerospace company has teamed up with the city to protect more than one-thousand acres of South Texas coastal habitat…

Cut 8 (11) “…that pace.”

Space X in Texas has been accused of violating the Clean Water Act by releasing pollutants in Texas waters. Conservation groups also say the loud noise and rocket vibrations disturb grounds and migratory patterns.

Landry says the Louisiana Starbase could have an economic impact in the billions for the state. He says Cape Canaveral and surrounding Kennedy Center is a perfect example…

Cut 9 (12)  “…Cape Canavarel.”

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Along with issuing a dual endorsement in the district 6 race, the Louisiana Republican Party also gave its endorsement to Misti Cordell in the district five election. Cordell is the chairwoman of the Louisiana Board of Regents, and she says she’s very grateful and very worthy of the party’s backing in the crowded field.

Cut 10 (08) “…all my life.”

Cordell is one of six Republicans vying for the district five seat in the open primary, along with three Democrats. She says this endorsement will be a major shot in the arm.

Cut 11 (07) “…they will now.”

One of Cordell’s Republican opponents is State Representative Gabe Firment, who says he’s surprised that not only Cordell got the endorsement, but also that anyone got an endorsement a little more than two months out from the open primary.

Cut 12 (11) “…a legislator was.”

Firment says while the lack of endorsement from the state Republican party doesn’t matter to him, he does have some questions about the process.

Cut 13 (10)  “…of an endorsement.”

Michael Echols, meanwhile, calls it a sad day for the Louisiana Republican Party. He says his campaign was excluded from the process, just as it had been a week ago, and deals like this will only hurt future Republicans. We also reached out to Stewart Cathey for comment, but he has not responded.

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After months of waiting, LSU officially kicks off the Lane Kiffin era this weekend against Clemson. The two teams faced off in a top-ten matchup last season, but both finished the year 7-and-6. The Advocate’s Jon Blau, who covered Clemson last season, says both Tigers teams are hard to predict.

Cut 14 (13) “…40-plus transfers.”

The biggest question for LSU will be transfer starting quarterback Sam Leavitt. Leavitt led Arizona State to the playoffs two seasons ago, but suffered a season-ending foot injury last year. Blau says it has been hard to get a real read on where he’s at this offseason.

Cut 15 (12) “…look like there.”

Defensively, Blau’s biggest concern is on the line. LSU welcomed two new starting edge rushers, Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross. Blau says transfers Stephiylan Green and Malik Blocton joined Dominick McKinley in the interior along with some highly-rated freshmen.

Cut 16 (09) “…me as well.”

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 6:30

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The Marshall Faulk era at Southern University started with a loss as the Jaguars committed ten penalties in a 30-17 loss to Alabama State. Coach Marshall Faulk’s team had an 11 point lead in the second quarter and let it slip away because of costly mistakes…

Cut 17 (12) “…hard to come back from.”

Southern will now get ready for its home opener this Saturday against Kentucky State. Faulk says he will not tolerate the self-inflicted mistakes..

Cut 18 (12) “…beat themself.”

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McNeese allowed 31 unanswered points in a 38-27 loss to 13th-ranked Stephen F Austin in front of 10-thousand fans at Navarre Stadium on Saturday. Coach Matt Viator says the Lumberjacks are a good team, but the Cowboys could have executed better…

Cut 19 (11) “…that done.”

Starting quarterback Jake Strong injured his shoulder in the first half and did not play in the second half. Backup Devin Lippold replaced Strong and threw for 118 yards and a touchdown; he was also intercepted once. Viator says it was an encouraging performance from Lippold…

Cut 20 (14) “…anyway.”

The severity of Strong’s injury is unknown. McNeese hosts Texas Wesleyan on Saturday.

During an appearance on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Governor Jeff Landry said that the former NFL players suing the NCAA and SEC to return to college football deserve that chance. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana Christian has gained national attention for beating Northwestern State in football. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey have been added as defendants in a Louisiana lawsuit involving more than 30 former college athletes seeking a fifth season of eligibility. Attorneys argue the SEC’s rule preventing former professional athletes from returning to college violates a judge’s previous ruling against the NCAA. Governor Jeff Landry told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that he agrees…

Cut 3 (10) “…college football.”

The lawsuit includes LSU football commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris and former Tiger Jack Pyburn. All three signed NFL contracts but are considering returning to college to play for LSU. Landry said it is unfair to punish the athletes for choosing to sign pro contracts when they thought their eligibility had expired…

Cut 4 (12) “…five-year rule.”

The preliminary injunction hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday, two days before LSU’s season opener against Clemson. The lawsuit is one of several across the country in which players have been granted eligibility. Landry said this chaos could have been avoided if Congress approved the Protect College Sports Act…

Cut 5 (12) “…college sports.”

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With thousands of new jobs coming to Vermilion Parish with the arrival of the SpaceX launch facility, the big question is where to put them all. Luke Bullock, the governmental affairs director of Louisiana Realtors, says SpaceX’s arrival should lead to a new construction boom in what is currently a sparsely-populated parish.

Cut 6 (07) “…stock of homes.”

Bullock says while SpaceX’s arrival will yield a huge economic impact by itself, the resulting influx of new housing will also generate big bucks for Vermilion Parish.

Cut 7 (06) “…that it’s in.”

Bullock urges SpaceX and the state to work with the association to approach this in a sensible way.

Cut 8 (07) “…better than anyone.”

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The federal government has selected the Houma-Terrebonne Airport as one of eight sites nationwide to test how next-generation aircraft can safely integrate into the National Airspace System. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet told Talk 1073 highly automated and electrically powered aircraft will take off and land there…

Cut 9 (07)  “…Gulf Coast.”

Ledet says the airport’s high volume of air traffic provides a real-world setting for evaluating how emerging aircraft can operate safely alongside established helicopters and fixed-wing planes.

Cut 10 (09) “…the U.S..” 

Ledet says Louisiana was chosen because of its strong connection with the energy industry. He says the aircraft that will be used is electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and autonomous heavy-cargo drones…

Cut 11 (08) “…from places.”

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Louisiana Christian in Pineville is celebrating its biggest football win in school history as the Wildcats upset Northwestern State 42 to 37 on Thursday night. It’s the 13^th time an NAIA school has defeated an FCS school. Wildcats Coach Ben McLaughlin’s team trailed by 13 points at halftime, but took the lead in the third quarter by scoring two quick touchdowns…

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of fun.” 

L-C-U outscored the Demons 28 to 10 in the second half to pull off the stunning victory. It’s the first time the Wildcats have defeated a D-1 school. McLaughlin says the national exposure the school has received has been amazing…

Cut 13 (10) “…on that.”

McLaughlin also played football at L-C-U and the reaction from the school’s alumni has been fantastic…

Cut 14 (11) “…together.”

McLaughlin says they can’t celebrate too much, because they have to prepare for their home and conference opener against Langston on September.

Meanwhile the Demons are now 1-24 under third year coach Blaine McCorkle. Northwestern is at Louisiana Tech next Saturday.

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The reward for information leading to a conviction in the killing of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish last December has increased. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The SEC passed a bylaw banning schools from signing former pros made eligible by a temporary restraining order, but the athletes’ attorneys say that rule is illegal. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As the investigation into the killing of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish last December continues, the reward for information leading to a conviction is now up to 20-thousand dollars. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Corporal Stuart Guillory says while tips have come in since the December 5th incident, investigators need additional information.

Cut 3 (09) “…who shot this.”

The biggest chunk of that 20-thousand-dollar reward money comes from the Center of Biological Diversity, which is offering 13-thousand dollars. Corporal Guillory says others have chipped in.

Cut 4 (08) “…35-hundred dollars.”

The rest of the reward money consists of 25-hundred dollars from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and one-thousand dollars from Louisiana Operation Game Thief. Guillory says investigators believe that the bald eagle was deliberately shot.

Cut 5 (13) “…an intentional act.”

Killing a bald eagle is a federal crime, and those who kill bald eagles face one year in jail, a five-thousand dollar fine plus five-thousand dollars in restitution.

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The Board of Regents’ effort to address food insecurity among college students has received a historic one-million-dollar investment from the Louisiana Legislature. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says food is a critical part of a student’s ability to learn…

Cut 6 (08) “…supporting work.”

A recent study found that 23-percent of college students nationwide, which is almost four-million, experience food insecurity. Reed says half of the one-million-dollar allocation from the state legislature will help colleges address barriers to food access…

Cut 7 (12) “…for that.”

Louisiana was one of the first states to establish a Hunger-Free Campus program. The one-million-dollar investment is a significant expansion. Reed says House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland committed to increasing the funding after speaking with a college student who needs food assistance…

Cut 8 (09) “..of this.”

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The attorneys representing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavien Harris plan to fight the SEC’s new rule banning schools from signing former pro players. The SEC approved the ban after a Baton Rouge judge granted 33 athletes a temporary restraining order against the NCAA to return for a fifth season. Attorney Tony Clayton says that ruling also prohibits the SEC from punishing schools and players.

Cut 9 (14)  “…are too.”

Clayton says the SEC cannot retroactively create a rule to circumvent the ruling of a state court. He says the players who signed pro contracts had no other choice at the time and are now being barred from the same fifth year the NCAA has given to every athlete moving forward.

Cut 10 (10) “…advantage of it.” 

The temporary restraining order allowing players to enter the transfer portal and participate in team activities expires tomorrow, and a hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday. Clayton says he expects the plaintiffs to be successful in receiving an injunction.

Cut 11 (12) “…collegiate level.”