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.” 

The HBO documentary Katrina Babies highlights how childhood trauma can manifest as violence. Brooke Thorington talks to a psychiatrist about it.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Citizens have begun an effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, but can they succeed in cutting her term in office short? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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LSU fans will have to wait a few more days to find out who will start at quarterback when the Tigers face Florida State in the Superdome Sunday. Kevin Gallagher has that story…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The HBO Documentary Katrina Babies tells the story of how the trauma children experienced was never addressed and its relationship to the uptick in crime.  LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says tragic events like hurricanes and the pandemic can affect children later in life, and it’s often ignored.

Cut 4 (07)  “…our fears.”

Bailey says the common response from children, teens, and even adults after traumatic events are “I’m good,” or “I’m alright.”  He says it’s only when you dig and ask that second or third question that you’re able to get that individual to possibly open up.

Cut 5 (06) “…emotional difficulty.”

In the absence of discipline, safety, security, and a home life where children can be children, Bailey says childhood trauma is later visible when they act out even as adults.

Cut 6 (10)  “…reckoning on us.”

Bailey says to seek professional help if you believe your child or someone you know is showing signs of trouble. He says proper mental health does work.

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is now the subject of a recall petition; filed last week with the Secretary of State’s office. To get a recall on a ballot, organizers will need to collect legitimate signatures from 20-percent of Orleans Parish registered voters within six months; about 53-thousand people. UNO political science professor Ed Chernevak says that could be pretty difficult…:

Cut 7 (10) “…not registered voters.”

Historically in Louisiana, recall petitions have met with little success. Chervenak says he gives the effort to recall Mayor Cantrell about a 3-out-of-5 chance of success. He says citizen morale in the Crescent City HAS been very low…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…how successful they can be?”

Often a recall effort can serve as a wake-up call to a public official; triggering a change in policy or behavior. Does Chervernak think that could happen with Mayor Cantrell…?

Cut 9 (09)  “…path that she’s on.”

Petitioners have six months to collect the 53-thousand signatures needed to put a recall on a New Orleans ballot. They’ll also need a few thousand extras, to offset any disqualified names.

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Monroe police officers were called out to Carroll High and the middle school yesterday morning because two 14 years old students had handguns in their possession. Sargent Mike Fendall says school resource officers reacted quickly to ensure everyone was safe.

Cut 10 (12) “…shortly thereafter.”

Fendall says luckily the school’s resource officers weren’t alone in reporting this incident to Monroe Law Enforcement

Cut  11 (07)  “…both cases.” 

The reasoning behind both incidents is unknown, however, no one was harmed. Fendall says they are looking to see how the teens got the guns…

Cut 12 (11) “..at this time.” 

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Up until this week, the tropics have been pretty calm but now there are at least three disturbances the forecasters are watching. And while none pose an immediate threat to Louisiana, state climatologist Barry Keim says after two very active seasons back-to-back, this season feels a bit off, especially for late August.

Cut 13 (10) “…this point.”

Keim says traditionally this is the time of year when we see the major storms in the Atlantic and hopefully, we’ll remain fortunate and escape any major activity in the gulf for the next six weeks…

Cut 14 (10)  “…strong ones.”

With Labor Day coming up many people have plans for the three-day weekend and Keim says so far so good tropics-wise.

Cut 15 (07)  “…plans.”

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly has named a starting quarterback, but he’s not releasing the information publicly. Kelly wants to keep Florida State guessing, will they see Jayden Daniels or Garrett Nussmeier. The first-year coach says there’s not much difference between the two, so he looks at as 1A and 1B and not first string and second string…

Cut 16 (16)  ”     ….itself” 

As far as other positions on offense, Kelly expects seven to eight receivers to play and there’s a lot of versatility…

Cut 17 (25) “..keep guys fresh” 

Kelly has announced his starting offensive line, the tackles are Will Campbell and Cam Wire, guards Miles Frazier and Anthony Bradford and the center is Garrett Dellinger…

Cut  18 (18)“…his technique”

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It’s cutdown day in the NFL as all 32 teams have to get their active roster down to 53 by 3 PM central time. Coach Dennis Allen it’s one of the toughest days of the season…

Cut 19 (19) “…tough business part”

Looks like rookie tackle Trevor Penning will start the season on injured reserve. Allen says Penning is expected to miss several weeks.

Cut 20 (12) “ …toe injury” 

For southeast Louisiana, today brings back bad memories.  Hurricanes Katrina, Isaac, and Ida all hit on August 29^th. Marsanne Golsby looks back at the one-year anniversary of Ida….

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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The tropics are showing signs of heating up as the National Hurricane Center is monitoring four areas for possible development. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Today brings bad memories for a lot of people in Louisiana. Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Hurricane Isaac in 2012, and Hurricane Ida last year. St John Parish was among the hardest hit by Ida. Parish President Jacklyn Hotard finally got back into her home 45 days ago. She says the recovery from Ida has been slowed by supply chain issues and insurance red tape.

Cut 3 (13) “…extremely difficult” 

She says a lot of people in St John are still in either temporary housing or living with relatives but it’s hard to track how many Her long-term concerns are about the affordability and availability of homeowners insurance.

Cut 4  (07) “…from both ends.”

More than half a dozen insurance companies have left Louisiana since Ida hit. Hotard says even with the challenges, St. John Parish looks much better this year than it did a year ago.

Cut 5  (10) “..entire region.”

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Four people drowned in Beauregard Parish over the weekend. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford says they received a call Friday evening that four people were in distress and unaccounted for in the Sabine River. He says a group was swimming and the recent rains brought on a strong current.

Cut 6 (12) “…their lives.” 

According to a GoFundMe account, the four-year-old victim has been identified as Bentley Lane Fountain. Herford says the three adults who lost their lives are Troy M. McCollough of the Junction community, Kelly Bailey of Hornbeck, and Austin Scott of DeRidder.

Cut 7 (07) “…that way.” 

And with four fatalities, Herford says it’s the worst case of multiple drownings he’s worked in his more than three-decade career in Beauregard Parish.

Cut 8 (10) “…at one time.”

All four victims have been recovered and the identity of the young boy has not been released.

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And with so many hurricane anniversaries this time of year, it’s a reminder to keep our eyes on the tropics. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring four areas for possible development and State Climatologist Barry Keim says the system in the central Atlantic is one to be mindful of as far as Louisiana is concerned.

Cut 9 (10)  “…about it.”

The 2022 hurricane season was forecasted to be above average with 14 to 21 named storms, of which three to six would be major hurricanes. Keim says so far there have only been three named storms and they posed no threat to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (10) “..scare yet.” 

And because there’s not an immediate threat to Louisiana as far as the four systems go, Keim says you shouldn’t have to cancel any upcoming plans.

Cut 11 (08)  “…a little premature.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly has decided on a starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against Florida State, but he’s not announcing who it is publicly. The first-year coach says he does not want the Seminoles to have that information…

Cut 12 (08) “…announce it.”  

Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier have been battling for the role as the starter and last week Kelly said the competition was tight. Kelly says Florida State has an advantage in that they played a game on Saturday, beating Duquesne 47-7. So Kelly says he’ll keep the starting quarterback announcement a secret to use as an advantage for the Tigers

Cut 13 (10) “as a weapon.” 

Kelly says he made a decision in the last 48 hours and it was a tough decision. Kick-off Sunday against the Seminoles is at 6:30.

An HBO documentary looks at Katrina but from the perspective of children who lived through it. Brooke Thorington has more from the filmmaker of Katrina Babies.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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It’s been one year since Hurricane Ida made landfall – devastating Lafourche Parish. Kevin Gallagher reports on the parish’s recovery…:

Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The annual late summer swarms of love bugs are showing up in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby says there’s no escape.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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It was 17 years ago today when Hurricane Katrina made landfall, and filmmaker Edwards Buckels’ documentary “Katrina Babies,” tells a story many haven’t heard, it’s from the perspective of children who lived through it. Buckles says he found a common theme when he interviewed others like himself.

Cut 4 (08)  “…of New Orleans.”

And while the city has rebuilt, Buckels says the emotional well-being of the children who lived Katrina and lost their homes, sense of community, and security, for many, remains adrift. Buckles says it was when he asked himself why the city is so overrun with crime, that it inspired his documentary.

Cut 5 (08) “…that film.”

For himself and others in the film, Buckels says it’s been therapeutic to finally talk about their experience. He hopes it’s an example going forward to recognize that children often hide and bury their trauma and if not addressed it can manifest itself later.

Cut 6 (07)  “…single day.”

“Katrina Babies” is now streaming on HBO/Max.

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Today marks one year since the landfall of Category 4 Hurricane Ida. Lafourche Parish was among those hit hardest by the storm’s winds and storm surge. A year later, Parish President Archie Chaisson says (and he uses the term loosely) “we’re getting back to normal”

Cut 7 (10) “…recovery process.”

Chaisson says about 25-hundred households in Lafourche still live in temporary housing. He says areas that looked like a war zone in Ida’s aftermath, are starting to look more normal again.

Cut 8 (10)  “…recreational activities.”

Chaisson says many homeowners are still struggling with their insurance companies to get their homes rebuilt. Others are finding new coverage, after having been dropped by one of the many companies to exit Louisiana. He says Lafourche just received a $50-million Community Development Block Grant to help with rebuilding

Cut 9 (11)  “…like that.”

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New research from LSU shows that climate change had a big impact on flooding from Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive flooding in Houston in 2017.  LSU sociology professor Kevin Smiley is the study’s lead author.

Cut 10 (09) “…from climate change.”

But Smiley says the study goes even further. For the first time, scientists have found that climate change-fueled flooding hit low-income Hispanic neighborhoods the hardest.

Cut  11 (09)  “…Latino residence” 

Smiley says low-income neighborhoods grew up along Houston’s waterways and petrochemical corridor. Smiley says the study points researchers in the direction of future studies to see if similar impacts occur in other cities.

Cut 12 (10) “…damage from flooding.” 

Smiley says there’s a clear climate and environmental justice story about the location of poor neighborhoods.

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In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an explosion of love in the air. Love bugs. LSU etymologist Aaron Ashbrook says love bugs are prolific procreators.

Cut 13 (07) “..larvae in there.”

That’s 100 to 350 larvae. From one mating. Ashbrook says the summer’s heavy rains make welcome environments for the baby bugs.

Cut 14 (03)  “…much better”.

He says we have a lot of large swarms this year because of moist leaves and other organic matter. And he adds as much as they are a nuisance, they aren’t a threat to humans. In fact, they’re an important part of the food chain.

Cut 15 (07)  “…I think.”

Ashbrook says they mate for twelve hours, but after they detach the female lays eggs and then they die.

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We are now less than a week away from Brian Kelly making his debut as the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Kelly has brought in dozens of new players. One of those guys is cornerback Mekhi Garner, who transferred in from U-L Lafayette…

Cut 16 (16)  “..this staff.”

Cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse is also a new edition. The Shreveport native transferred in from Oklahoma State and he can’t wait to wear the Purple and Gold in New Orleans….

Cut 17 (07) “..ready to go” 

LSU’s biggest strength is its defensive line and linebacker Greg Penn the Third says it’s an impressive group, especially at defensive tackle…

Cut  18 (13)“…playing good”

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The preseason schedule is over and now the Saints need to get their roster from 83 to 53-player by three o’ clcok on Tuesday. Coach Dennis Allen believes after the cuts are made, he’ll have a very solid group…

Cut 19 (19) “…got that”

The Saints concluded the preseason with a 27-10 win over the Chargers on Friday. Jameis Winston returned to the field for the first time since tearing his ACL last October. Allen says Winston looked sharp as he led the team down the field on a touchdown drive…

Cut 20 (22) “ …together” 

A preliminary settlement in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean and the botched nursing home evacuation during Hurricane Ida has been reached. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The attorney for a woman who was refused an abortion in Louisiana even though her fetus has an unformed skull is calling on the legislature to hold a special session and clarify the law. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

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The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources announces a 25-million dollar grant from the federal government that will go towards cleaning up abandoned wells. D-N-R spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they can begin spending the money on October 1st

Cut 3 (10) “…really well” 

D-N-R says Louisiana’s orphaned well count is around 45-hundred. That number has grown considerably in recent years due to operators going out of business or abandoning the site due to state regulations.

Courreges says the federal funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and the federal government has indicated states will receive additional funding in the coming months….

Cut 4  (11) “…dealing with.”

Most of the orphaned wells are in north Louisiana with 31 hundred of the 45-hundred current abandoned well sites in the Shreveport and Monroe areas. Courreges says these wells become an environmental hazard over time…

Cut 5  (09) “..methane.”

DNR is seeking qualified contractors to plug, cap and reclaim these orphaned wells.

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A preliminary settlement has been reached in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean over the evacuation of more than 800 nursing home patients to a warehouse last year during Hurricane Ida. Blair Constant, one of the attorneys representing patients, says a trial date of October 3^rd has been set.

Cut 6 (09) “…the court.” 

Which equates to approximately $17- thousand for each patient.

The class-action lawsuit is seeking restitution for the 843 nursing home residents who experienced deplorable conditions at the Tangipahoa warehouse after the category 4 storm made landfall a year ago Monday. Constant says reaching a settlement in such a short time frame is rare.

Cut 7 (08) “…from now.” 

Family members of some of the nursing home patients appeared at a news conference Thursday and while many said no amount of money can make up for the suffering caused by Dean, Constant says they hope this keeps others from suffering in the future.

Cut 8 (08) “…happen again.”

Dean has since lost his nursing home licenses and is also facing other civil and criminal lawsuits.

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Attorney Ben Crump is calling on the state Legislature to hold a special session to address the state’s abortion ban law. Crump represents Nancy Davis who was denied an abortion in Louisiana despite being told her baby had Acrania, a lethal condition for the fetus in which the skull does not fully form. Crump says this is the type of medical exemption in which an abortion should be allowed in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…actually clear.”

Davis says doctors were afraid of being charged criminally if they performed the abortion, so she’s going out of state next week to have a two-day procedure. Davis appeared at the press conference with her partner and three children. She says the ordeal has been heartbreaking and mentally exhausting.

Cut 10 (06) “..this diagnosis” 

Louisiana law imposes harsh penalties on doctors who perform newly-illegal abortions. Doctors can face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Crump says the Legislature needs to act as soon as possible because of other women in similar situations who will suffer if the law isn’t changed.

Cut 11 (10)  “.beautiful mother”

The governor’s office has not said if Governor Edwards is considering calling a special session to clarify the law.

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A petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office, as she faces criticism for a taxpayer funded trip to France.  Also Cantrell showed up in court in support of a 14-year-old convicted carjacker and his family. Stephanie Uddo was one of his victims, and says Cantrell’s appearance was an unpleasant surprise…:

Cut 12 (09) “….for us.”  

The recall petition claims that Cantrell has shown a “failure to put New Orleans first and execute the responsibilities of the position.”

Wednesday afternoon, Cantrell addressed growing anger about her choice. She said the teen’s family asked for her support. Of the victims, Cantrell said, “I did say God bless you, that means something to me, may be not to you, but that means something to me.” Uddo says that felt to her like an attack, and she feels victimized all over again…:

Cut 13 (10) “as a weapon.” 

The mayor says she “didn’t take sides”, but Uddo disagrees. Uddo says Cantrell reached out to the perpetrator and his family, but never her. The mayor’s office says she didn’t know how. Uddo says Cantrell apparently didn’t want to

Cut 14 (13)  “..poor explanation.” 

Uddo and other victims would like an apology from Cantrell. The recall effort must garner signatures from 20% of people eligible to vote in Orleans Parish within 6 months to get on a ballot.

LSU officials are thrilled about the success of their latest fundraising campaign. It has surpassed its goal and done that three years early. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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While many blame the Biden Administration for the increase in gas prices after a ban on new oil and gas leases, the state’s chief regulator of the industry says drilling activity is up in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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LSU’S one point five billion dollar fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal—and done so three years early. The Fierce for the Future campaign received donations for every LSU campus. LSU Foundation President Rob Stuart says donations to the previous campaign were split evenly between academics and athletics. But this time two-thirds of the money went to academics.

Cut 3 (10) “…academic side” 

Stuart says four hundred million dollars has been raised in the year since President William F. Tate IV arrived. He says direct donations flowed into every LSU campus in the system, and there’s more for scholarships.

Cut 4  (09) “…are important.”

The largest donations came from Our Lady of the Lake and LCMC Health to make major improvements in health care in Louisiana. Stuart says the focus on health care and research initiatives is important.

Cut 5  (11) “..going forward.”

The next campaign has already begun. Its focus is on the university’s Scholarship First campaign.

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When gas prices soared to record highs, several placed blame on the Biden Administration for limiting oil and gas leases. But Louisiana’s Commissioner of Conservation Richard Ieyoub says last year the department issued more than 500 permits and they project that number will exceed 800 this year.

Cut 6 (11) “…comes up.” 

As the Chief Regulator of the Oil and Gas Industry in Louisiana and the oversight of permitting of wells, Ieyoub says it’s an actual increase versus a decline of drilling here in the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (07) “…our jurisdiction.” 

As commissioner, Ieyoub oversees a budget of $28 million and 170 employees at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and while the agricultural industry is considered the largest as far as people, he says oil and gas revenues are the largest contributors to the state’s budget.

Cut 8 (08) “…the state.”

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Republican members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation do not support President Biden’s plan to cancel or in some cases reduce the student loan debt for millions of Americans. Senator Bill Cassidy calls it a spit in the face of Louisiana families who are struggling to get by.

Cut 9 (13)  “…they make.”

Cassidy says the President is spending 300-billion dollars that the country does not have. But Democratic Congressman Troy Carter of New Orleans says the President is bringing long-needed relief to student loan borrowers and allow them to seek more opportunities in the future.

But Cassidy says it is unfair for a person who paid off their college loan, while others who have not are catching a big break…

Cut 10 (12) “..paid for” 

Carter says America regularly forgives the debt of businesses, industries and even small countries.

Cassidy says instead of providing student loan relief, he believes the federal government should require greater transparency to college costs and post-college earnings. He’s once again calling on Congress to pass his College Transparency Act..

Cut 11 (12)  “.average earn”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is defending the 43-thousand dollars spent on a four-day trip to France where she signed a “sister city” agreement with a resort town on the French Riviera. Cantrell says the trip allowed her to promote tourism back to Louisiana..

Cut 12 (11) “….city of New Orleans.”  

Cantrell and her aides stayed at a luxury hotel overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The mayor says she did not pick the hotel…

Cut 13 (12) “that regard.” 

Cantrell is also taking heat for appearing in juvenile court supporting a 14-year-old convicted carjacker who was convicted on three first-degree robbery charges. The mayor says the juvenile offender participated in a program she created called Pathways. Her appearance in court upset the victims in the case, but Cantrell says she was not picking a side…

Cut 14 (10)  “..what I did.”