Saturday is the statistical peak of hurricane season, one that remains quiet despite predictions for an above-average season. Whitney Thomas reports..

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Louisiana’s whooping crane introduction program had a successful breeding season as a record high eight wild hatched chicks have fledged and have been added to the state’s population, which is 76. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

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Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at the age of 96, Brooke Thorington has more on Britain’s longest-reigning monarch

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The statistical peak of the hurricane season is Saturday. Surprisingly, this is one of the calmest hurricane seasons Louisiana has seen in a while. NOAA predicted up to 20 named storms, but there have only been five named storms.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says after two super active seasons, it’s nice to get a break

Cut 4 (10)  “…much going on.”

Keim says this year’s hurricane season is actually running behind a normal season.

Cut 5 (13) “..long term average.”

Below normal numbers this year stem from the Saharan air layer that blows off the African Continent, which isn’t conducive to storms. Keim says this causes the atmosphere to be more aberrant than usual.

Cut 6 (12)  “…surface temperatures” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is celebrating a successful breeding season for the endangered whooping crane . LDWF biologist Sara Zimorski says eight more chicks have reached fledgling stage in south Louisiana that’s out of the 15 that hatched….

Cut 7 (07) “…a record.”

The first wild hatched Louisiana chick came in April of 2016, the first to hatch in the state in more than 75 years. Zimorski says the eight chicks this year is the highest ever for any of the reintroduction projects nationwide. She says dry conditions may have helped during this breeding season from February until June…

Cut 8 (10)  “…conditions as well.”

Louisiana began its reintroduction project in 2011 when ten juvenile whooping cranes were released at the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in Vermilion Parish. The population is now up to 76. Zimorski says whooping cranes are slow to mature and only lay one or two eggs a year, but she hopes  this year’s record is the beginning of a trend.

Cut 9 (07)  “…more experience.”

Fledglings redefined as a bird that has feathers and wing muscles good enough to fly, but that is still dependent on their mother for food.

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The death of Queen Elizabeth II ends the reign of Britain’s longest-serving monarch. At the age of 25, she succeeded her father, King George VI, after his death in 1952. LSU History Professor Meredith Veldman said even though the royal family no longer governs the United Kingdom…

Cut 10 (10) “…symbolic weight.”

Queen Elizabeth’s reign of 70 years bore witness to numerous historic events, but Veldman believes the Queen will be most remembered for her sense of obligation and her auxiliary service during WWII.

Cut  11 (12)  “…sense of duty.” 

And while the Queen also weathered several royal scandals, for example, the fallout from Princess Diana’s death, Veldman says ironically there’s more fascination with the royal family across the pond.

Cut 12 (05) “…in Britain.” 

Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96.

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The Apprenticeship Louisiana Conference was held in Baton Rouge yesterday. The Registered Apprenticeship grant program has over 75 different programs offered and over 38-hundred active apprentices in Louisiana, which gives people the option to detour college and jump straight into the workforce. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says the program is flourishing…

Cut 13 (11) “…of the growth.”

Fiore says the possibilities are endless being that the program has partnered with multiple businesses that allow workers to collect money while receiving hands-on training.

Cut 14 (10)  “…and instructions.”

The conference that took place was used to discuss ways the program could improve beyond this year.

Cut 15 (13)  “…moving forward.”

Signing up for the program is free. For more information visit apprenticeshipla.com or go to laworks.net.

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U-L Lafayette welcomes Eastern Michigan from the Mid-American Athletic Conference into Cajun Field on Saturday. Just like the Cajuns, the Eagles are coming off week one victory over an FCS School as Eastern Michigan defeated Eastern Kentucky 42-34. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux expects a good challenge tomorrow…

Cut 16 (21)  “…physicality.” 

The game will kick-off at 6 PM and the NFL Network will televise the contest. Desormeaux appreciates the national TV exposure…

Cut 17 (21) “…is all about.” 

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Many LSU fans have been critical of the start of the Brian Kelly era after the season-opening one-point loss to Florida State. It was a sloppy performance by the Tigers. LSU wide receiver Jarray Jenkins says the team is not allowing the negative noise affect them…

Cut  18 (12)“…stay doing.”

The Tigers will host Southern tomorrow night. A lopsided game is expected as LSU should win by a large margin. Jaguars Coach Eric Dooley expects his team to battle for 60 minutes…

Cut 19 (19) “..that way”

Dooley says playing LSU is good for the Southern brand…

Cut 20 (20) “ …for us” 

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the financial losses to soybean farmers are so bad they will need special help from the federal government. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (27)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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One of the harshest critics of DCFS continues to call for the resignation of Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) I’m  Brooke Thorington”  

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says excessive rainfall in August has damaged soybean crops. He says the beans are so wet that they are hard to harvest. Leaving farmers in a bind.

Cut 3 (:08) “…huge issue.” 

Strain says one barge load of beans was already rejected for international export because of the poor quality of the beans. He says the low prices mean it may be better for farmers who can afford to hold onto them to do that.

Cut 4  (07) “…market shifts.”

Strain is using every avenue that is available now to get quick financial help. He says a federal appropriation may be necessary. He says he’s been promised help from Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who is on the federal Appropriations committee.

Cut 5  (12) “…is harvested.”

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When the Saints kick-off the season on Sunday, star receiver Michael Thomas is expected to make his long-awaited return after missing all of last season to recover from ankle surgery. Thomas says he’s excited…

Cut 6 (13) “…make highlights” 

Thomas says he’s put in countless hours to get back.

Cut 7 (:10) “… no one is looking.” 

The 29-year-old Thomas set a record with 149 receptions in 2019. But he injured his ankle in the first game of 2020 and only played in six more games that season and missed all of the 2021 campaign. Thomas believes he can top is record setting performance in 2019…

Cut 8 (10) “…like my chances.”

The Saints are set to visit the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday.

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As the Department of Children and Family Services is under fire for child welfare concerns, New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes remains a harsh critic of DCFS and head of the agency Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Hughes says he has yet to hear Walters accept any responsibility.

Cut 9 (09)  “…not leadership.”

The agency’s failure to investigate multiple drug overdoses of a Baton Rouge toddler who finally died as a result and a foster parent accused of raping a child placed in his care by DCFS are the two most notable incidents involving the agency.

Hughes says Walters has blamed the previous administration on several occasions for the difficulties she faces, he says that’s understandable for the first six months…

Cut 10 (11) “…within DCFS.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards supports his appointment of  Walters and fellow democrat Hughes says she should resign. Hughes says he has yet to speak with Edwards about Walters.

Cut 11 (08)  “…not backing down.”

On Twitter Hughes says he will begin to release emails and letters sounding the alarm on issues at DCFS since 2020.

LSU announces Saturday night’s historic football game against Southern University is a sell-out. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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LDH is recommending the newest COVID boosters that are formulated to offer protection from the Omicron variants. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A new poll of New Orleans voters shows over half want to see Mayor LaToya Cantrell removed from office. More from Brooke Thorington…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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LSU has announced Saturday night’s historic match-up against Southern University is a sell-out. LSU Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says tickets for this first-ever match-up between the two Baton Rouge schools are more in demand than the Alabama game in November.

Cut 4 (06)  “…it’d be good.”

Ausberry says bringing both communities together, and also allowing institutions in the state of Louisiana to benefit financially was an important aspect of this game. Southern was paid $700,00, with an extra $60,000 going to their athletic foundation fund.

Cut 5 (10) “…institutions out.”

Not only is this the first time LSU has played Southern in football, but it’s also the first time the Tigers have faced a historically black university in football…

Cut 6 (08)  “…went” 

Kick-off is set for 6:30 pm

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The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending individuals who are 12 and older and fully vaccinated against COVID, get the newest booster that’s formulated for the Omicron variant. LDH Deputy Director Glennis Gray says this booster offers prolonged protection against the original strain of COVID…

Cut 7 (08) “…and the BA.5.”

The updated booster should be widely available in the coming days. Gray says you can have the new booster as soon as two months after your last vaccine dose. The Moderna booster is for ages 18 and older and the Pfizer booster is for ages 12 and up.

Cut 8 (12)  “…age guidelines.”

Health officials say there’s supporting data that the booster provides additional protection against the current circulating variant and Gray says if you’ve recently recovered from COVID you should also have the updated booster.

Cut 9 (09)  “…your booster.”

The CDC and the FDA are also recommending the use of the updated booster. Be sure to call ahead to make sure your healthcare provider has the newest booster in stock.

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A new poll on the recall effort against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell shows over half of those surveyed say she needs to go. University of New Orleans political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak conducted to poll. He says the results were mostly similar regardless of gender, party affiliation, or race…:

Cut 10 (11) “…direction of the city.”

Cantrell said the recall is a “right-wing conspiracy” to get rid of her, but the numbers don’t seem to bear that out.

The recall petition was filed with the Secretary of State’s office after Mayor Cantrell appeared in court in support of a teen carjacker; offering little comfort to the victims. She is also under fire for lavish travel arrangements for business trips at taxpayer expense. Chervenak says respondents to this poll favor recalling her now, but…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…circumstances can change.” 

The poll surveyed just over 400 registered Orleans parish voters and showed 55-percent want her recalled. Over 64-percent say the city is headed in a bad direction. Chervenak says the poll is just a “snapshot” of how voters feel right now, and Cantrell could change those feelings before the deadline arrives to collect over 53-thousand recall signatures…:

Cut 12 (08) “…change those perceptions.” 

Recall efforts in large voter areas (including statewide) have historically met little success in Louisiana.

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A Leonville man dies after the truck he was driving ended up fully submerged in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 59-year-old Phillip Gilyard was driving a Ford F150 north on LA 103 ran a stop sign ended up in Bayou Teche. Gossen says they know he survived the crash because he was able to call for help.

Cut 13 (06) “…the water.”

A search and rescue team located Gilyard’s body away from his vehicle. Gossen says a blood sample was collected and the accident remains under investigation.

Cut 14 (07)  “…after the crash.”

Gossen says often people assume it’s safer to not wear a seatbelt when you’re dealing with water.

Cut 15 (08)  “…water itself.”

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Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas says he feels great and it’s his goal to play in Sunday’s season opener at Atlanta. Quarterback Jameis Winston did not have Thomas to throw the football too in his first season and he’s excited to have the chance this year…

Cut 16 (14)  “…the elite.” 

Instead of Sean Payton calling plays, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will call the plays and he’s done it before, including the 2012 season when Payton served a year-long suspension as a result of bounty gate. Winston says the offense will not change much with Carmichael as the play caller…

Cut 17 (20) “…Saints history.” 

Winston was the number one pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Marcus Mariota was the second pick that year and he’s getting a new chance to start in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu on facing Mariota and the Dirty Birds offense

Cut  18 (20)“…for us.”

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After getting beat 52-10 at Texas, ULM hosts Nicholls on Saturday in its home opener. Warhawks coach Terry Bowden says they could have played better in Austin, but the Longhorns were the better team

Cut 19 (15) “…good team.”

But this Saturday, ULM is the favorite to win, while the Colonels are the team looking to pull off the upset. Bowden says his guys will have to play well to win…

Cut 20 (19) “ …best improvement.” 

The three-digit 988 suicide intervention phone number launched in mid-July received more than 1,400 calls in its first month in service. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A former employee at the state’s child welfare agency tells lawmakers about the difficult work environment inside DCFS. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) I’m  Jeff Palermo”  

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In the first month that the three-digit 988 National Suicide Hotline was launched the crisis number received more than 1,400 calls in Louisiana. And Dr. Robyn Thomas, Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the department of health says the response rate for answering local calls increased significantly.

Cut 3 (11) “…connected to services.” 

She says the state was also recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for its response rate.  Thomas says when you call 988 from anywhere in the state you are routed to one of the state’s two certified crisis centers. One in Bossier City which answers calls in north, central, and southwest Louisiana, or the call center in New Orleans which covers southeast Louisiana.

Cut 4  (07) “…in the state.”

Next for the crisis hotline is to add even more counselors. Thomas says it’s important to keep those certified counselors local because they understand the state’s culture and unique stressful events for example hurricanes.

Cut 5  (10) “…as possible.”

Thomas says they are also adding training for counselors to address marginalized populations and also ramp up awareness and promotion of the 988 crisis line.

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The State Fire Marshall’s Office is sounding an alarm about the use of oxygen tanks anywhere near anything flammable. This comes after a 32-year-old woman who used an oxygen tank was the victim of a deadly house fire in St. Martinville over the weekend. Officials found her body in a wheelchair near the front door of the home. She was known to smoke cigarettes. Ashley Rodrigue is the spokesperson for the State Fire Marshall.

Cut 6 (:07) “…do so outside.” 

Rodrigue says oxygen tanks should be kept at least five feet away from anything flammable, not just cigarettes.

Cut 7 (:08) “… a fuel.” 

Rodrigue says candles, matches, stoves, aerosol sprays, and even sparking toys can cause fires when near oxygen tanks—plus kitchen grease and any kind of oils.

Cut 8 (11) “…ignitable liquids.”

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A former caseworker at the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services calls the environment within the state agency toxic. Stacey McPherson left her job as a Rapides foster care worker in July because her supervisors failed to address their repeated complaints…

Cut 9 (09)  “…excruciating”

McPherson testified in front of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee who plans to hold future meetings to look at how they can improve the agency. She says her foster kids were her life and gave them precedent over her own children, but didn’t have management’s support…

Cut 10 (11) “…from us” 

McPherson says when she would bring her concerns to her supervisors, she would face retaliation….

Cut 11 (10)  “…do it.”

McPherson says salary is not the reason why she left and she says five veteran foster care workers have left the Alexandria office in the last five weeks, it was the toxicity of the work environment.

The legislative committee plans to hold more meetings to look at how the work environment at DCFS can be fixed.

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ASAP, the Louisiana-based delivery app formerly known as Waitr, is announcing a new NIL deal for all student-athletes at LSU—not just football players. ASAP’s Kevin Burke every player who accepts the deal will promote the app on their social media accounts.

Cut 12 (13) “…promo code.”  

Burke says the arrangement with  ASAP will be offered first to athletes in fall sports—including football, women’s soccer, and even cheerleaders, and then phased in to other sports as the athletic seasons progress.

ASAP began in Lake Charles, and Burke says the company is proud to expand its partnership with LSU.

Cut 13 (10) “..the NFL.” 

Burke declined to share how much money the students might make from the arrangement. But he says it gives fans the chance to help them earn more.

Cut 14 (10)  “…student athletes.” 

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After being questioned about suggested Title IX changes to protect sexual orientation and gender identity at K-12 schools, State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley offers clarification. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A new report from the legislative auditor says the state’s gasoline tax can not put a dent in the state’s 15-billion dollar infrastructure backlog. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Health helped play a role in getting the water flowing again in Jackson, Mississippi after severe flooding damaged the city’s treatment plants. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants schools and parents to know that the suggested federal Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity are just suggestions. He says there’s no need to implement the proposed changes at this time.

Cut 4 (11)  “…not law yet.”

Because he was questioned about the proposed changes Brumley sent a letter to school leaders clarifying that it’s not law. He gives examples of how the proposed Title IX expansions could impact schools.

Cut 5 (09) “…(x2) not based on biological sex.”

If enacted, Brumley says schools that fail to comply could lose federal funding, and it could jeopardize the school lunch program for students who receive free or low-cost meals.

Brumley says because these are proposed changes at this point if you strongly feel one way or another about them, he encourages you to voice your opinion via the federal registry.

Cut 6 (08)  “…proposed changes.”

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When you buy gasoline, 20 cents of each gallon goes into a fund for roads, bridges, and other transportation needs. But a new report from the Legislative Auditor says the money generated isn’t nearly enough. The tax was set 32 years ago and is not indexed for inflation. Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he agrees with the findings.

Cut 7 (09) “…sales tax.”

Wilson says thanks to a new law, starting next year, up to 60-percent of the vehicle sales tax you’re already paying will be used for transportation projects, up to $300 million a year. But he says the state needs more revenue in order to make a dent in a 15-billion dollar backlog. The DOTD secretary says the audit notes that other states use a variety of transportation funding sources, including vehicle fees, tolls, and even cigarette taxes.

Cut 8 (11)  “…what we need.”

The audit says 22 other states adjust their gasoline taxes for inflation, but Louisiana doesn’t. Wilson has lobbied lawmakers in the past to increase the state’s gasoline tax, but those efforts failed and he doesn’t expect the issue to come up again next year, which is an election year.

Cut 9 (07)  “…is changing.”

Earlier this year lawmakers approved an annual fee for those who own hybrid and electric vehicles.

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The Louisiana Department of Health responded to the water crisis in Mississippi by deploying a four-person drinking water engineering team to Jackson after severe damage from flooding.  

GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele says the team is well equipped and experienced for these types of disasters  

Cut 10 (12) “…quality issues.”

LDH team members were proactive due to the EMAC act. Steele says this allows different states to become allies in a time of need.  

Cut  11 (09)  “…after a disaster.” 

Steele says Louisiana was glad to help after receiving assistance from other states during Louisiana’s natural disasters.  

Cut 12 (10) “…to other states.” 

For more information visit www.emacweb.org 

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Congressman Troy Carter will present a sizeable check today to go towards the construction of a public athletic stadium in eastern New Orleans. Carter says he’s secured $4.5 million in federal funds for the project.

Cut 13 (10) “…upper 9th Ward.”

Carter along with elected officials, sports figures, and students in the local area will be on hand for the check presentation at George Washington Carver High School at 9 am. Carter says he’s excited to help fund such a worthwhile project.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of their own.”

The publicly accessible stadium will be a first for the area for students, athletes, and the community to enjoy. Carter says it will be a positive impact for the city, especially for the 9th ward.

Cut 15 (08)  “…of Katrina.”

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Many LSU fans were concerned after watching Kayson Boutte’s body language during Sunday night’s loss to Florida State. The preseason All-American scrubbed his Instagram account of LSU content after catches just two passes in the season opener. But Coach Brian Kelly believes his best wide receiver will be just fine…

Cut 16 (19)  “..our 0ffense.” 

Kelly is concerned about the missed tackles on defense. Florida State was able to convert 11 times on 17 third-down opportunities. He says Jordan Travis broke many of those tackles…

Cut 17 (20) “…no question.” 

LSU’s offensive line had trouble protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. Kelly says they lack what he calls o-line awareness…

Cut  18 (17)“…goes along”

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After losing the season opener to Missouri 52-24 last week, Louisiana Tech is now getting ready for its season opener against Missouri. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says they have a list of items they can improve on…

Cut 19 (20) “…as coaches”

Cumbie knows he needs better play from the quarterback position after Matthew Downing threw three interceptions and was sacked three times in the loss to Mizzou…

Cut 20 (15) “ …do it” 

Cumbie says Downing will start again this Saturday in the home opener against Stephen F Austin.

A U-S Senate race and all six of Louisiana’s U-S House seats are on the ballot in November, but the political season is expected to remain quiet. Marsanne Golsby has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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Criticism of President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan is getting pushback from Republicans, and the matter could end up in court. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) I’m  Brooke Thorington.”  

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After the Labor Day holiday, it usually gets busy during election years. Federal elections are coming up in two months. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says don’t expect it to get much nosier in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (:13) “…period of time” 

Pinsonat says southwest Louisiana congressman Clay Higgins is in a race that could become competitive because Higgins’ low fundraising totals.

Cut 4  (:11) “…grass roots.”

Higgins’ most well-known opponent is Lafayette attorney Holden Hoggatt. Pinsonat says while voters get a bit of a breather this year, next year will be a political barnburner because all statewide offices are up for grabs.

Cut 5  (10) “…most part”

The federal primary election is November 8th, Runoffs are on December 10th.

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The Biden Administration’s student debt forgiveness plan could be challenged in court. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the White House’s rationale for canceling student debt is based on the 2003 Heroes Act passed by congress that granted loan forgiveness if an individual experiences a natural disaster or is off fighting a war.

Cut 6 (11) “…cancellation.” 

Ciolino says among the arguments against the cancellation of debt is an abuse of executive power. He says Congress is the branch of government that appropriates funds, passes a law, and then presents the legislation for the executive branch to sign into law.

Cut 7 (12) “…been successful.” 

Ciolino says Republicans view the Biden Administration’s ability to circumvent congress to cancel student debt as an abuse of executive and emergency powers and is also a violation of the nondelegation doctrine under the constitution…

Cut 8 (11) “…taxpayers’ dollars.”

Ciolino says abuse of executive privilege also happened under former President Trump when he diverted military funds to pay for the construction of a wall along the Mexican border. He expects that Republicans will file suit against the student loan forgiveness very soon if they haven’t already.

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Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters spelled out to a legislative committee today the problems her agency is facing when it comes to having enough case workers. Walters says last week one of their best case managers left for a lower paying job because that employee could not handle the high caseload anymore

Cut 9 (10)  “…need a break”

Walters says child welfare systems across the nation have similar staffing shortages.

Walters went before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee to discuss how the agency is responding, after admitting it didn’t do enough to help a two-year-old child before he died from a fentanyl overdose death. Also last month, a foster parent in Zachary was arrested and accused of raping foster children. Covington Senator Patrick McMath believes D-C-F-S needs a complete overhauled, but doesn’t expect that to occur while Governor Edwards is in office

Cut 10 (11) “… caregivers.” 

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes is an outspoken critic of DCFS leadership. He believes the state agency does not have a money problem and he’s heard of low morale in the department because of how workers are treated. But Walters says caseload is the biggest issue facing their employees…

Cut 11 (11)  “…job description.”

Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett says they are doing what they can to increase the number of case workers…

Cut 12 (12) “…higher gear.”  

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A historic matchup will take place Saturday night in Tiger Stadium as LSU and Southern will face each other for the first time in football. The two coaches spoke about the matchup today. Tigers First-year head coach Brian Kelly says it should be a spectacle…

Cut 13 (12) “..college football.” 

The meeting against the Jaguars is also the first time LSU has ever played against a historically black college in football. Southern head coach Eric Dooley says it’s great for the two fanbases to get together…

Cut 14 (12)  “…city of Baton Rouge.” 

A south Louisiana man faces a life sentence after he was convicted of raping a teenager while the victim’s mother was tied up in a separate room. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival is back! The internationally popular event is Saturday in Opelousas. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (32) I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

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A twelve person jury needed only an hour and a half to return a unanimous guilty verdict against 55-year-old Morgan Ratley of Cut-off for raping a teenager while the mother was restrained. Lafourche Parish District Attorney spokesperson David Melancon says the horrific incident happened in July of 2019…

Cut 3 (08) “…by our office” 

Melancon says Ratley was a live-in boyfriend of the mother and began sexually assaulting the teenage victim without the mother’s knowledge. He says the victim testified during the trial and delivered powerful testimony, describing the sexual abuse and fear she lives with at the hands of Ratley…

Cut 4  (09) “…strength”

The trial lasted three days and the victim has been described by prosecutors as an incredibly strong young lady. Melancon says evidence on the victim’s phone helped lead to a conviction…

Cut 5  (11) “…able to collect”

Ratley’s sentencing has been scheduled for October 19th. He faces a mandatory life sentence.

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After a two-year break due to COVID, the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival returns to Opelousas Saturday. Festival executive director Lena Charles says Zydeco gained popularity with poor farm workers as a way to boost their spirits after a long day in the fields. She says it has the same effect today.

Cut 6 (10) “…away from that.” 

It starts at noon at the Yambilee Festival Building and goes until midnight. There are seven bands, including Grammy winner Chubby Carrier, and a tribute to the King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier.

Charles says the festival began in a soybean field in 1982. It was started by a group called The Treasures of Opelousas.  They were afraid that Creole music was dying. The festival has drawn large crowds for many years. Charles says it’s taken commitment to keep it going.

Cut 7 (14) “…tellers of the story.” 

Charles said they had virtual events during the COVID break, but there’s nothing like being able to share the best of Southwest Louisiana in person.

Cut 8 (12) “…you know that.”

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State Police in Troop B ask the public’s help solving a hit & run early this morning in Marrero, in Jefferson Parish, that left two people dead. Trooper First Class Kate Stegall says it happened on the elevated Westbank Expressway at about 3:30 am…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…occupants on the scooter.”

Stegall says the suspect was driving a white early 2000’s model Ford F-150 extended cab pickup, with a silver toolbox in the bed. She says the pickup just plowed into the rear of the scooter…:

Cut 10 (07) “… failed to stop.” 

Stegall says both the operator of the scooter and the passenger were tossed into the roadway and died at the scene. They have not yet been identified. The pickup driver drove off dragging part of the scooter with it. That person is still out there, and Stegall says that’s where the public can help…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…grill and headlights.”

Tips can be called in to LSP at 504-471-2775.

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The mystery of who will be LSU’s starting quarterback remains unsolved. But Tiger Rag Magazine Assistant Editor William Weathers believes it will most likely be Jayden Daniels because he’s had 29 starts at the Division 1 level in the Pac-12.

Cut 12 (09) “…make more sense.”  

Head coach Brian Kelly has declined to publicly name his starting QB as a tactical move, so Florida State won’t know which previous game footage to study, Daniels at Arizona State or Garrett Nussmeier’s four games at LSU. But Weathers says Kelly has informed a select few.

Cut 13 (08) “…gotten out yet.” 

With Daniels, the most likely favorite to start Weathers says don’t count Nussmeier out. While he might not throw the first pass of the game he says Nussemier is expected to play a significant role this season.

Cut 14 (07)  “…his chance.” 

Kickoff Sunday night is 6:30 in the Superdome.

There’s big economic news to report for a rural part of north Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story,…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Morgan City’s Shrimp and Petroleum Festival begins today, and organizers are excited it’s back after a two-year absence. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million dollar expansion at its paper mill in Hodge. The paper mill has been a major employer in Jackson Parish for 90 years as it’s responsible for 450 direct jobs. State Representative Jack McFarland says the facility is also a driver of economic activity for surrounding parishes

Cut 3 (11) “…wood chip community” 

McFarland says the 97-million dollars will expand and modernize the facility which produces high-quality container board used in manufacturing containers…

Cut 4  (05) “…decade or two.”

The mill began operations in 1928.

The governor’s office says the company is expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program and the initial start-up of the new wood processing equipment is scheduled for a year from now. McFarland thanks WestRock for securing jobs and supporting contractors who rely on the mill

Cut 5  (11) “…as well”

Construction is expected to continue into 2024, with a final completion date to be determined.

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Morgan City is gearing up for the first Shrimp and Petroleum Festival since 2019. The festival was canceled the last two years due to the pandemic and Ida. Carrie Stansbury, Executive Director of the Cajun Coast Visitor’s Bureau says the annual event celebrates two of the state’s largest industries.

Cut 6 (07) “…culture of our community.” 

The festival includes continuous music, plenty of seafood, along with arts and crafts. Stansbury says Sunday however is their traditional day.

Cut 7 (07) “…fireworks at night.” 

Stansbury says the oldest charted harvest festival in the state began as an event to pay homage to shrimpers with the blessing of their boats and has grown to also honor the oil & gas industry.

Cut 8 (06) “…gas industry.”

The 87th annual festival kicks off today and wraps up on Labor Day.

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The first week of the college football season kicks off tonight and two new sports betting parlors open today in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says there’s the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and last night he toured the DraftKings sportsbook at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles…

Cut 9 (10))  “..it’s huge.”

Johns says the L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge is expected to open its Barstool sportsbook soon and the Caesars Sportsbook opened at Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City last night…

Cut 10 (10) “..their market” 

Johns says they’ve issued 17 sportsbook licenses and they expect three more to come on line over the next year or so.

He says in the first half of this year one-point-four billion dollars in legal sports bets were made, which has generated 16.5 million dollars in tax revenue for the state.

Cut 11 (12)  “…that goal.”

Johns says most sports bets are made on a person’s phone or computer, with mobile sports betting accounting for 80-percent of the sports betting business.

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There was a fatal shooting last night in Lafayette. Lafayette PD Sgt. Robin Green says the victim was only fifteen.

Cut 12 (08) “…drug transaction”  

Green says the suspect fled the scene in an unknown vehicle prior to the officers’ arrival. She says they hope to make an arrest soon. She also says detectives are having better luck than usual with getting help with the case.

Cut 13 (07) “right now” 

An East Carrol Parish group called Delta Interfaith is trying to keep some internet providers from derailing broadband expansion. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Hurricane forecasters are celebrating two milestones today. August is ending without a named storm since 1997. But that’s not all. Marsanne Golsby reports.

Cut 2 (29) I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

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The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to find a man who disappeared nearly 33 years ago. Investigators say Robert Fulton Browning was last seen walking away from his home on November 27^th 1989 after an argument. Deputy Glenn Springfield says they are hoping to find new information to lead them to Browning.

Cut 3 (06) “…in the case.” 

Browning was 53 when he disappeared and would be 85 now. He’s 6 feet tall, with gray eyes and had brown hair at the time. He had moved to Monroe from Indiana. Springfield says they haven’t given up on finding Browning.

Cut 4  (05) “…with him.”

Springfield says the investigation at the time found no leads. He says Browning’s family hasn’t given up either.

Cut 5  (06) “…actually happen.”

If you know anything that could help find Browning, contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s investigative division at 318-329-1200.

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A group from East Carroll Parish is in Baton Rouge today hoping to keep the broadband expansion project on track. Nathanael Wills with Delta Interfaith says it’s on hold due to Sparklight, a subsidiary of Cable One protesting the grant awards that they didn’t even apply for to stop competition from providing service.

Cut 6 (08) “…to do.” 

Wills says current laws and rules are written so they favor incumbent providers and what’s happening is if a company that serves even a portion of the area, they can stop competing providers from establishing service and basically block access.

Cut 7 (10) “…pretty messed up.” 

And this is not unique to East Carroll or Louisiana, Wills says Sparklight is holding protests across the country trying to keep competition from being able to provide access to other areas. Wills says they are hoping Governor John Bel Edwards and Commissioner Jay Dardenne will assist their efforts.

Cut 8 (07) “..unfeasible projects.”

Wills says Sparklight is trying to stop expansion in 26 Louisiana communities.

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August is ending without a named storm for the first time since 1997. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve gone since early July without a named storm and that’s the first time since 1941 that there have been no named storms between July 3^rd and August 31^st. He says it’s been an odd hurricane season….

Cut 9 (09)  “…above  normal year.”

Keim says dust from Africa has played a role in keeping the tropics quiet…

Cut 10 (09) “..air layer.” 

He says the air layer stabilizes the atmosphere.

But Keim says we can’t let our guard down as September 10^th is the peak and there’s still time for a major storm to develop.

Cut 11 (08)  “…pretty low.”

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American Cruise Line announces its newest river cruise ship, the American Symphony, will call Natchez, Mississippi its port of origin by 2025. Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft says it’s wonderful news for the Miss-Lou region….

Cut 12 (08) “…Miss-Lou”  

The American Symphony currently sails out of New Orleans up the Mississippi River. It’s a 175-passenger boat.

American Cruise Lines CEO Charles Robertson on why Natchez…

Cut 13 (09) “it all” 

Next year, American Cruise Lines plans on introducing three more small ships and Craft says Vidalia could be the home port of one of those vessels…

Cut 14 (11)  “..that ship” 

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. But the big question is whether will it continue to decrease. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State officials say we are in the peak time of transmission for West Nile Virus. They’re urging you to take precautions.  Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

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As gas prices slowly lower, Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry) with Triple-A says one reason is due to a decrease in demand and the end of the summer vacation season now that kids are back in school. He says the higher prices also brought on driver fatigue.

Cut 3 (07) “…gas prices.” 

And while gas prices are higher than this time last year and the year before, many question if gas prices will return to those levels if the war on Ukraine ends. Chabarria says those prices reflected the pandemic when travel diminished heavily. As for the immediate future and prices, Chabarria says it’s anybody’s

Cut 4  (12) “…back up.”

And while we’ve been seeing gas prices fall ten to 15 cents week over week, Chabarria says those price drops are already beginning to slow.

Cut 5  (10) “…oil prices 10.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago.

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If you thought the West Nile Virus had gone away, think again. The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting the first case of the deadly form of West Nile in Acadiana in two years. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Department of Health says the symptoms are similar to the flu.

Cut 6 (07) “…nausea or rash.” 

She says if you have those symptoms and have been bitten, get to a doctor ASAP. Gray says this is shaping up to be a very challenging West Nile season and we are entering the peak time for transmission. She urges residents not to let their guard down and to take diligent precautions against mosquito bites.

Cut 7 (08) “…twice a day.” 

Rain means pools of standing water. In that water this year, experts have found nearly three times the number of West Nile-positive mosquitos as last year.   So far this year the state is reporting two deaths from West Nile and 14 severe neuroinvasive cases.

Cut 8 (05) “..resurrects itself.”

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A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer youth violent offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack led today’s protest

Cut 9 (12)  “…OJJ facilities.”

A federal judge has put a halt on a plan to transfer 25 incarcerated youth offenders from a youth detention center in Jefferson Parish to the State Penitentiary. The governor’s office says they will wait until September 15th before they transfer the juvenile offenders.

Cut 10 (10) “..scare yet.” 

The state is looking to remove some of the juveniles from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish because of continuous problems at the center. There have been at least four escapes this year and there was also a riot where 20 juveniles took over parts of the facility.

But Womack argues the state should instead invest more dollars into education, therapy, and healing of the offenders and not

Cut 11 (06)  “…incarcerating kids.”

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State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, along with the Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association and Farm Bureau are urging Governor John Bel Edwards to seek a disaster declaration because of excessive rainfall. Strain says some of the state’s row crops received 18 inches of rain in just a few days…

Cut 12 (10) “…for some.”  

Strain says the excessive rainfall came during the height of harvest for soybeans, rice, corn, grains and cotton, which will likely result in a reduction of yields. He says by requesting a disaster declaration it opens the possibility for farmers to get federal assistance…

Cut 13 (10) “as a weapon.”