Governor Jeff Landry has asked the federal government to fund the deployment of one thousand Louisiana National Guard soldiers to help law enforcement fight crime. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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A state representative from Rapides Parish says laws need to be beefed up amid a series of social media threats against high schools. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has made a formal request to the Pentagon for the federal government to pay for the deployment of one thousand Louisiana National Guard Troops, who will assist local law enforcement in fighting crime. Landry, who appeared on Fox News last night, says when he took office last year, there was a decline in violent crime in New Orleans, but recently they’ve seen an uptick…

Cut 3 (08) “…right now.”

The Trump administration has already authorized the deployment of the National Guard to Washington D.C. in an effort to reduce crime and enforce immigration laws. More recently, the Guard has been deployed to Memphis, Tennessee, and now Portland, Oregon. Landry expects the President will approve Louisiana’s request…

Cut 4 (05) “…happy to come.”

Landry says the state is also seeing elevated crime rates in Shreveport and Baton Rouge, coupled with manpower shortages within local law enforcement. He says the Guard can supplement law enforcement presence in high-crime areas…

Cut 5 (04) “…our streets.”

(All sound courtesy of Fox News)

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A series of threats against high schools in Rapides Parish has those schools on edge. Over the course of the last several days, threats have been posted onto social media against no fewer than four high schools, forcing the cancellation of one school’s entire homecoming weekend. So far, five juveniles have been arrested, but Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says current laws are way too lenient.

Cut 6 (09) “…the school properties.”

Johnson says this is something that the legislature needs to address in the next session.

Cut 7 (13) “…the young people.”

Johnson says it’s not just the juvenile perpetrators who need to be held accountable for these threats.

Cut 8 (15) “…in some situations.”

The investigation into the threats remains ongoing, and more arrests may be forthcoming.

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The U-S Department of Education is sending Louisiana 13-point-five million dollars to support charter schools. This allocation is on top of the 55 million dollars the state received in 2023 to increase the number of charter schools. Assistant Superintendent in the Office of the School Choice, Germaine Gilson, on how this round of money can be used…

Cut 9 (09)  “…really important.”

The money will be divided up among numerous charter schools who will have to submit applications to the department of education. Gilson says charter schools are an important piece in the state’s effort to expand school choice options, and the state wants them to succeed…

Cut 10 (12) “…students forward.”

Gilson says charter schools expand education choice by providing more schooling options for students, particularly those that reside in failing districts…

Cut 11 (11) “…child.”

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A federal government shutdown could be just hours away. If Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on how to keep the government funded by midnight Eastern time, 11 p-m Central time, the government will shut down – and at this point, the two parties are galaxies apart. Senator Bill Cassidy says Democrats are looking to add one-trillion dollars to the national debt by spending money on things that Republicans will never go along with.

Cut 12 (11) “…access to Medicaid.”

Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, on the other hand, says Republicans are determined to enact policies that take away Americans’ basic rights and freedoms.

Cut 13 (11)  “…freedom of speech.”

Cassidy says the House speaker is offering an extension to continue the negotiations.

Cut 14 (11) “…of the year.”

Carter says Republicans are governing through deception, and that’s not the way to govern.

Cut 15 (09) “…the American people.”

A woman is shot dead on Bourbon Street over the weekend. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Due to what they say were credible threats, officials in Alexandria cancel Peabody Magnet High School’s homecoming weekend. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Many LSU fans are down on their football team following Saturday’s 24-19 loss to Ole Miss. It’s the Tigers first loss of the season and the offense does not look good. Linebacker Whit Weeks has not lost faith…

Cut 3 (10) “…us yet.”

The Tigers are off this Saturday and will host South Carolina on October 11th.

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The Saints are 0-4 for the first time since 2012 after losing to Buffalo 31-19. Just like two of their previous losses, New Orleans was in the game in the fourth quarter, but didn’t make enough plays to win. Spencer Rattler is now 0-and-10 as a starting quarterback in the NFL

Cut 4 (10) “…keep progressing.”

The Saints will host the Giants this weekend. New York receiver and former LSU star Malik Nabers is out for the season with a torn ACL.

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The most exciting game of the weekend was in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns rallied back from a 17-point third quarter deficit and defeated Marshall 54-51 in double overtime. Backup quarterback Lunch Whitfield came off the bench and accounted for five touchdowns…

Cut 5 (12) “…just us.”

The Cajuns are off this Saturday and will visit James Madison on October 11th.

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She was in the wrong place at the wrong time – a woman visiting New Orleans from Chicago celebrating her 33rd birthday is shot dead on Bourbon Street early Sunday morning. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says a fight broke out near Canal Street, and it culminated in gunfire.

Cut 6 (07) “…and witness statements.”

Kirkpatrick says three others were injured in the shooting, including the woman’s sister.

Cut 7 (07) “…a fabulous city.”

Kirkpatrick is urging people who visit the French Quarter to leave their guns at home.

Cut 8 (10) “…high-risk situation.”

Police have released surveillance video of the four people involved in the fight, including the suspected shooter.

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Governor Landry wants the EPA to pick up the pace in cleaning up the Tangipahoa River following last month’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. In a video posted to social media, Landry said he watched a video of what the river looks like more than 30 days after the explosion, and he was disgusted at the sight of all the oil in the water.

Cut 9 (08)  “…going fast enough.”

Landry said immediately after watching the video, he got several people on the phone.

Cut 10 (13) “…of that site.”

Landry said his commitment is to the people of Tangipahoa Parish, especially those who live near the site of the explosion and the river.

Cut 11 (10) “…before the fire.”

The EPA says it’s already cleaned up almost seven million gallons of waste from the river and adjacent ponds and four million gallons have been shipped for disposal. The EPA says its working around the clock and they released video that shows crews deploying booms and barriers to contain and remove the oil from the waterways. The EPA says underflow dams have also been constructed to prevent further discharge of oily materials. 

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What was supposed to be a festive weekend in Alexandria turned into a weekend of frustration and anger. All events during homecoming weekend at Peabody Magnet High School were cancelled because of what officials say was a credible security threat. Community activist Tony Brown is furious.

Cut 12 (09) “…happy about it.”

Brown says people came from as far away from California and Canada for the celebration, just to have the celebration taken away. In fact, Brown says people had been lined up along the parade route for hours before word came down that the parade had been cancelled.

Cut 13 (11)  “…that got cancelled.”

In addition, Peabody Magnet’s homecoming game against Franklin was also cancelled. Brown says it’s a huge loss for the entire community.

Cut 14 (12) “…making this happen.”

The football game will not be made up.

Early voting in the New Orleans mayoral election begins Saturday. Andrew Greenstein reports it could be a runaway.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Tangipahoa Parish man has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for killing a Loranger mother and her daughter in June of 2024. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Early voting starts Saturday in the New Orleans mayoral election. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Helena Moreno has such a big lead in the polls that the other two major candidates in the race, Royce Duplessis and Oliver Thomas, are just hoping to get the race to a runoff.

Cut 3 (09) “…percent plus one.”

Chervenak says while Moreno, who’s currently the president of the New Orleans City Council, is resonating with voters, Duplessis and Thomas are having a much more difficult time doing so.

Cut 4 (14) “…to the past.”

Chervenak says with Duplessis and Thomas trailing in the polls by a wide margin, they’re pulling out all the stops in portraying Moreno in a negative light.

Cut 5 (10) “…the city council.”

Early voting ends October 4th, and the election is October 11th. If no one reaches the 50-percent-plus-one threshold, a runoff between the top two votegetters will be held November 15th.

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An Amite man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges in the death of a 35-year-old woman and her four-year-old daughter. Prosecutors say Daniel Callihan stabbed to death Callie Brunett 50-times in Loranger in June of 2024 and took her girls to Hinds County, Mississippi. That’s where four-year-old Erin Brunett was found dead. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says Callihan will serve two life sentences with no possibility of parole…

Cut 6 (06) “…important to us.”

By pleading guilty, Callihan avoids the possibility of a death sentence. Perrilloux says capital punishment cases are difficult to prosecute, so avoiding a trial and getting a guilty plea is a positive result.

Cut 7 (09) “…great benefit.”

Callihan also kidnapped Brunett’s six-year-old daughter and he intended to keep her as a sex slave. After he was apprehended in Mississippi, Callihan told reporters as he was being walked by Jackson, Mississippi police that he killed Brunett and her daughter and blamed it on being on Lexapro.

Callihan’s attorney, Kerry Cuccia, says his client is a different person than he was 15 months ago…

Cut 8 (13) “…the time.”

Callihan is also expected to plead guilty on Monday to state charges in Mississippi. He will also be sentenced in November to federal crimes he pleaded guilty to last month.

The Brunett family issued a statement, wishing him “nightmares every night for the rest of his life.”

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If you have a “baby on board,” take a few minutes to check on the installation of your child safety seat. Saturday is National Seat Check Saturday, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is setting up nine free safety seat inspection stations around the state from nine to noon. Bridget Gardner, the state director for the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force, says the vast majority of parents fail to properly install child safety seats.

Cut 9 (10)  “…don’t get it right.”

Gardner says an improperly installed seat or an improperly buckled child is as dangerous as a lack of a child safety seat altogether.

Cut 10 (14) “…room for injury.”

There are many different types of child safety seats based on the child’s height and weight; and Gardner says if you show up to one of these stations and you’re found to have an improper seat, you might be able to obtain a proper one right then and there.

Cut 11 (13) “…have any extras.”

If they don’t have any extras, they can point you in the right direction on what specifically to buy.

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In tomorrow’s SEC showdown between 4th ranked LSU and 13th ranked Ole Miss, the Tigers could have success running the football. The Rebels have the 120^th rush defense in the nation, allowing 190 yards on the ground a game. ESPN analyst and former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland says the Tigers must be able to run the ball efficiently in order to open up other parts of the offense.

Cut 12 (09) “…130 yards.”

LSU’s defense will be tested against Ole Miss on Saturday. Last time the Tigers played Ole Miss in Oxford, LSU’s defense surrendered a program worst 707 yards of offense. McFarland says he has a lot more confidence in this 2025 squad.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the field.”

LSU’s offense looked much more comfortable last week against Southeastern Louisiana, scoring eight total touchdowns. Tigers head coach Brian Kelly says look for the Tigers to play with some tempo.

Cut 14 (13) “…the offense.”

State Representative Mike Bayham says he had the honor of a lifetime as he had the opportunity to shake hands and speak with Pope Leo the 14^th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While there’s progress being made, truancy continues to be a problem in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Republican State Representative Mike Bayham from Saint Bernard Parish had the thrill of a lifetime as he met Pope Leo the 14th at the Vatican. Bayham says he gave the first American-born pontiff a copy of a state resolution congratulating him on becoming the head of the Catholic church…

Cut 3 (08) “…he appreciated it.”

Leo the 14’s grandparents on his mother’s side got married and lived in the New Orleans 7^th Ward before moving to Chicago. Bayham also gifted Pope Leo a glass oyster shell, a symbol of St Bernard’s rich commercial fishing heritage…

Cut 4 (09) “…this is unique.”

Bayham says he asked the Holy Father to keep St. Bernard Parish in his prayers and prayers for his mother Kathy Gomez and a woman who works at the State Capitol who is undergoing experimental treatment for an aggressive form of cancer.

Bayham went to Holy Cross High School in New Orleans and says when you have one on one time with the pope you need to make the most of the opportunity..

Cut 5 (07) “…first American pope.”

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After months of delays, construction at the new Buc-ee’s in Ruston is finally underway. Equipment moved in last Friday, and construction workers started turning dirt on Monday. Mayor Ronny Walker says the delays will prevent the massive road trip staple from opening in 2026.

Cut 6 (08) “…fine with us.”

Mayor Walker says when the new Buc-ee’s does open, it will create hundreds of jobs, and they’re all good-paying jobs.

Cut 7 (05) “…more than that.”

Walker says the quality of the jobs go far beyond the 18 to 20 dollar an hour starting wage.

Cut 8 (07) “…in North Louisiana.”

Construction is also underway at the Buc-ee’s in Lafayette; so even though Mayor Walker doesn’t view this as a race, there could be a friendly competition as to which one will open first.

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While the state is making progress on truancy, it still has quite a ways to go. The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says statewide, the truancy rate – that is, five or more unexcused absences in a semester – is more than 40 percent. PAR President Steven Procopio says the truancy rate varies by parish, and it varies greatly within each region and demographic.

Cut 9 (08)  “…an immediate connection.”

Procopio says the Louisiana Department of Education and BESE are working on a strategy to boost student attendance, whether it be enforcement, encouragement or both.

Cut 10 (11) “…a little bit.”

Procopio says it’s a challenge to determine where Louisiana ranks nationally, since each state defines truancy differently. However, when applying the national definition of chronic absenteeism – absent for more than ten-percent of all class time, whether excused or unexcused – Louisiana doesn’t do too badly.

Cut 11 (06) “…about 22.5-percent.”

Twenty years ago today, Hurricane Rita flooded low-lying areas of southwest Louisiana with its storm surge and produced more power outages to a state struggling to get back on its feet from Katrina. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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NOLA.com is reporting the Superdome lease negotiations are at standstill between the Saints and the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking you to be on the lookout for the eastern spotted skunk so that biologists can determine the current distribution and conservation needs of the species. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today is the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Rita’s landfall in Cameron Parish. The storm produced widespread damage across southwest Louisiana as the state was still reeling from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Katrina. Retired Major General John Basilica was the commander of Louisiana National Guard’s storm operations in Louisiana and says it was difficult to respond to two natural disasters at the same time…

Cut 4 (12) “…Rita.”

Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29^th in Plaquemines Parish, killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless. On September 21^st, Rita entered the Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane and developed into Category Five storm before eventually weakening to a Category Three storm in southwest Louisiana on September 24^th. Basilica says the preparation for the storm was well done, despite the tough circumstances…

Cut 5 (09) “…listened.”

There was only one reported in death in Louisiana that was attributed to Rita, while Texas had 113. Rita produced four-billion dollars in damages across southwest Louisiana and left one-million people without power, including the thousands that were still without power because of Katrina.

Many low-lying areas of southwest Louisiana were flooded as storm surge flooding even reached Lake Charles. Many buildings and homes in Cameron Parish were washed away.

Basilica says just like with Katrina, they had to perform search and rescue operations, but they had more assistance than they did with Katrina

Cut 6 (07) “…getting it.”

Basilica says it was not until February 2006 until the National Guard restored all authority and responsibility back to civilian authorities.

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Louisiana approves its first-ever carbon storage well. The state issued Sempra Infrastructure a Class Six permit to inject an estimated two-million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year for up to 20 years underneath Black Lake in Cameron Parish. Patrick Courreges (cur-RAHJ) with the Department of Energy and Natural Resources says these permits are the most restrictive permits the department does, because something is being injected into the ground permanently.

Cut 7 (16) “…inject the carbon.”

Courreges says a company like Sempra really needs to know the geology in the area to build the storage well.

Cut 8 (14) “…the zone underground.”

Courreges says the well will need to be thoroughly monitored.

Cut 9 (11)  “…CO2 is going.”

The well is expected to be drilled more than ten-thousand feet below ground level.

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NOLA.com reports that the Superdome lease negotiations have stalled because of pending deals regarding related properties such as Benson Tower, Champions Square and the Saints practice facility. Times-Picayune reporter Jeff Duncan says that state and the Saints are in the midst of a major disagreement.

Cut 10 (15) “…philosophical disagreement.”

As part of the current lease agreement, the state has rented office space in Benson Tower since 2010. The Saints have been leasing the spaces to state agencies at $32.50 per square foot compared to the New Orleans average of $20.67 per square foot. Duncan says the agreement is a way to for the state to financially support the Saints….

Cut 11 (11) “…that support”

The current lease agreement ends in 2030. Duncan says he doesn’t see a world where the Saints relocate to another city, but he says neither side is planning to back down.

Cut 12 (07) “…to be.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking you to be on the lookout for the eastern spotted skunk. It’s a species that hasn’t officially been documented in the state in more than three decades, and the department wants to use the data to help biologists determine the current distribution and conservation needs of the species. Jennifer Manuel, the furbearer biologist with the State of Louisiana, says the eastern spotted skunk is the smallest species of skunk, and they have a very distinctive pattern of white spots on a black coat – and they have a unique behavior.

Cut 13 (14)  “…scare away predators.”

Manuel says the eastern spotted skunk is very good at pest control.

Cut 14 (08) “…sort of thing.”

Manuel says if you see an eastern spotted skunk, you can do one thing to help LDWF.

Cut 15 (05) “…might still occur.”

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LSU attacked the transfer portal heavily this offseason, specifically on defense. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin credited Brian Kelly’s aggressiveness in the portal and said that the Tigers got the best of the best at the defensive back positions by adding Mansoor Delane, AJ Haulcy and Tamarcus Cooley.

Cut 16 (20) “…playing great.”

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is coming off of his best game of the season after totaling four touchdowns against Southeastern. Kiffin says that Nussmeier has an elite pocket presence that saved the Tigers in last year’s matchup in Baton Rouge.

Cut 17 (17)  “…savvy player.”

Even though the LSU offense hasn’t statistically jumped out to most, Kiffin says that the Tigers’ receivers are extremely gifted and that it will be a difficult matchup for the Rebels’ defensive backs.

Cut 18 (16) “…really challenged.”

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Louisiana Tech sophomore quarterback Blake Baker played the entire game against Southern Miss last week, completing 15 of his 21 passes for 239 yards while also rushing for 29 yards and a touchdown in the 30 to 20 win. Baker says that he was not initially a quarterback that would leave the quarterback, but understood that offensive coordinator Tony Franklin needed a QB that could both pass it and use his legs.

Cut 19 (13) “…out tremendously.”

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New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson has had an extensive history with injuries. Last season, he only played in 30 games due to a hamstring issue; but after a long year of training, Williamson says he feels the best he’s ever felt physically.

Cut 20 (23) “…feel good.”

The State of Louisiana has a stern warning for litterbugs – we’re not putting up with your garbage anymore! Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is pushing back on the notion that autism could be caused by pregnant women taking Tylenol. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The State of Louisiana has a stern warning for litterbugs: We’re not taking your trash anymore! Harahan Representative John Illg authored the new state law that beefs up enforcement of the state’s anti-littering enforcement efforts.

Cut 3 (07) “…enforce litter laws.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says part of the new law is the establishment of a litter hotline.

Cut 4 (11) “…likely to litter.”

Fines for littering range from 175 dollars for simple littering on a first offense up to one-thousand dollars for gross littering – dumping large amounts of trash or having an illegal dump site. For those who can’t afford the fines, the judge has the option to require eight hours of picking up trash. Nungesser says if you think those fines are stiff, think about what littering costs the state.

Cut 5 (10) “…on other things.”

Illg and Nungesser touted the new law ahead of the start of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful State Conference.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is pushing back on President Trump’s notion that autism can be linked to women taking acetaminophen while pregnant. The Republican Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says it’s important to note that no study has explicitly said that taking the drug, most commonly sold under the Tylenol brand, CAUSES autism.

Cut 6 (08) “…that it’s associated.”

Cassidy cited an article out of Sweden, in which they followed two-million people, which he says is the highest quality study done on the topic.

Cut 7 (12) “…Tylenol and autism.”

Cassidy says when in doubt, don’t listen to politicians on television or anything you read on the internet, especially on social media – always trust your doctor.

Cut 8 (09) “…to your OB.”

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It seems that restaurants in the Monroe and Ruston areas need a little work in telling diners about the source of their shrimp. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting went to 24 restaurants, and Founder David Williams said none of them said anything about the possibility of their shrimp being imported, as required by law.

Cut 9 (13)  “…we went to.”

SeaD Consulting did genetic testing on the shrimp from all 24 restaurants and found that every single one of them was serving imported shrimp – including seven where the server told them that their shrimp was caught in the Gulf of Mexico. Williams says especially with the increase in radioactive material being found in imported shrimp, that’s a huge issue

Cut 10 (14) “…issue to me.”

Williams says the fact that many restaurants in Monroe, Ruston – and Shreveport, as previously tested – serve imported shrimp is par for the course, based on his company’s findings.

Cut 11 (07) “…drop down significantly.”

By contrast, the authenticity rate along the I-10 corridor tends to be very high, with the New Orleans area being the highest.

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An Allen Parish man is facing multiple counts of arson after he allegedly set ten fires along Louisiana Highway 26. Louisiana Agricultural and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says 67-year-old Bradley Montou set the fires on September 15^th…

Cut 12 (10) “…the highway.”

Strain says Montou was booked into the Allen Parish jail on ten counts of simple arson and his bond is set at 75-thousand dollars.

Cut 13 (09)  “…more fires.”

Strain says quick actions by the Agriculture and Forestry fire crew personnel and aircraft minimized the damage from these fires. He says with the dry conditions, these fires could have gotten out of hand…

Cut 14 (09) “…wildfire.”

The public is urged to report any and all forestry-related crimes to the LDAF 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323.

A former Union Parish football star has a new trial date. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU football’s three permanent opponents for the 2026 to 2029 season have been leaked. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new trial date is set for former Union Parish football star and ex-LSU running back Trey Holly, who is facing two felony charges in connection with a shooting in Union Parish that injured two people in February of last year. Holly’s lawyer, Michael Small, says Judge Monique Clement (clay-MAW) has set the trial date for April 27th. Holly was scheduled to stand trial in July, but it was postponed due to a broken air conditioner at the courthouse in Farmerville.

Cut 3 (09) “…on that date.”

Holly is charged with illegal use of a weapon and aggravated criminal damage to property; a grand jury dismissed an attempted second-degree murder charge. Small says Judge Clement denied the state’s request for a change of venue.

Cut 4 (11) “…to change venue.”

Clement said the issue could be considered during jury selection, but Small says barring any extenuating circumstances, the trial will be held in Union Parish.

Cut 5 (13) “…to have occurred.”

Because Holly is facing a felony, he was not allowed to play at LSU. He’s now playing for Southern University and he’s the Jaguars leading rusher with 267 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Holly is the all-time leading rusher in Louisiana high school football history.

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Two fishermen drowned on Sunday at Dorcheat (Door-cheat) Bayou in Webster Parish. Sheriff Jason Parker says it’s believed one of the fishermen fell from a chair into the water and the other ended up in the water trying to rescue the other…

Cut 6 (09) “…just tragic incident.”

The bodies of 54-year-old Annie Buggs of Bernice and 41-year-old Deandrea Ford of Homer were found in the water, along with a chair. Parker says relatives tell investigators they did not know how to swim.

Cut 7 (11) “…pulled in themselves”

Both bodies have been sent to Little Rock, Arkansas for autopsy. Parker says they get the results back in two weeks, but foul play is not suspected…

Cut 8 (08) “..what happened.”

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The annual SEC showdown between LSU and Alabama will come to an end. On3-dot-com’s Chris Low is reporting LSU and Alabama will not be permanent opponents when the SEC moves to a nine-game schedule in 2026. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says the battle between the Tigers and the Tide is usually one of the most watched college football games of the season…

Cut 9 (09)  “…Top Ten games.”

LSU and Alabama have met in every regular season from 1964 and will play this season on November eighth. The Tigers’ three permanent opponents will be Arkansas, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Guilbeau believes LSU is catching a scheduling break…

Cut 10 (08) “…made it.”

The Tigers will still play Alabama on a regular basis, but not every season. They will play the Tide in Tuscaloosa and in Baton Rouge between 2026 to 2029, but during two of those seasons, Bama will be off the schedule. Guilbeau says Auburn and Tennessee are rivals for Alabama, so if LSU was the third permanent opponent that would have been tough…

Cut 11 (09) “…three tough ones.”

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It’s been quite a while since much of Louisiana has seen any significant rainfall. While that’s made for an easier time enjoying outdoor chores and activities, it’s also greatly increasing the risk of wildfires. In fact, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says wildfire activity greatly ramped up over the weekend.

Cut 12 (15) “…11 fires”

As of yesterday, six parishes – Allen, Acadia, Evangeline, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Washington – were under burn bans, and more parishes could soon follow suit. Strain says it’s important that you obey those burn bans, because it’s not Mother Nature who’s causing these wildfires.

Cut 13 (07)  “…initiating these fires.”

Shreveport is getting a new pickleball park; but as Andrew Greenstein reports, this won’t be just any pickleball park.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Australian based Woodside Energy will be a major employer for southwest Louisiana for decades to come. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Wednesday marks another 20th anniversary of a hurricane that devastated Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new pickleball park is coming in southeastern Caddo Parish. Stacey Brown, the executive director of Visit Shreveport-Bossier, says pickleball is very popular in the area, and the new park is designed to attract pickleball tournaments.

Cut 4 (10) “…had the courts.”

Brown says even before construction starts, organizations are already making travel plans to Shreveport to hold pickleball tournaments. 

Cut 5 (10) “…ready to come.”

Brown says the pickleball park will be designed to be able to host large-scale tournaments.

Cut 6 (10) “…do those right.”

The project is not without controversy – several residents spoke out against it, and three of the nine commissioners voted against it. But Brown says with the tourism dollars that will come with this pickleball park, it will pay for itself.

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Australian-based Woodside Energy says it wants to be an outstanding community partner as it builds a 17-point-five billion dollar liquefied natural gas facility in Calcasieu Parish near Sulphur. Chief Operating Officer Daniel Kalms says Louisiana L-N-G will be a huge contributor to U-S L-N-G exports, which will strengthen global energy security and generate billions of dollars in local and national revenues…

Cut 7 (09) “…community.”

Construction is already underway. The project calls for the construction of three LNG trains with the first one scheduled to be completed in 2029. Kalms says they already have nine-hundred people working at the site and the construction workforce will grow to 44-hundred. He says they are also working with local contractors…

Cut 8 (07) “…130 businesses.”

Woodside Energy made its final investment decision last April. It’s their first L-N-G plant in America and it will Louisiana’s fifth operating L-N-G facility. Demand for U-S natural from Europe and Asia has grown since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Kalms says they expect global demand for LNG to grow and southwest Louisiana is the place to produce it…

Cut 9 (11)  “…liquefied natural gas.”

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Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of another devastating hurricane – Hurricane Rita. The storm reached the maximum intensity of Category Five before weakening to Category Three when it made landfall in Johnson’s Bayou, near the Texas border, on September 24th, 2005. J.C. Falcon was an air personality on KTDY-FM in Lafayette at the time – he says two of his brothers had major water damage in their homes.

Cut 10 (11) “…in his home.”

Falcon says the one thing that made him realize how bad of a storm Rita was, was what he saw eight miles in from Vermilion Bay.

Cut 11 (11) “…storm surge was.”

Falcon says while many people, including his brothers, were determined to stay in the area because that’s their home, others ended up moving out permanently. As such, some areas have never recovered.

Cut 12 (12) “…used to be.”

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The outcome of the game was never in doubt – as expected, LSU crushed Southeastern Louisiana, 56-10, at Tiger Stadium Saturday night. LSU made it look easy – they scored touchdowns on eight straight possessions. Along the way, LSU went for it on fourth down three times and converted on all of them. After the game, Head Coach Brian Kelly said that’s something they wanted to work on, with the meat of the SEC schedule looming.

Cut 13 (14)  “…need moving forward.”

Of course, the biggest storyline going into the game was the health of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who had been battling a torso injury suffered during preseason camp. Nussmeier, who went 25 for 31 for 273 yards and three touchdowns, was very evasive when asked about his injury after the game.

Cut 14 (10) “…for all year.”

But Kelly said for all intents and purposes, Nussmeier is 100-percent healthy.

Cut 15 (16) “…of the year.”

LSU turned in another stellar defensive performance, giving up only 204 yards in total offense and one touchdown on a 14-yard pass in the third quarter. LSU has given up four touchdowns all season long – one in each game. Linebacker Whit Weeks says watch out – the defense still hasn’t played to its full potential yet.

Cut 16 (06) “…can be yet.”

LSU’s next game is next Saturday afternoon on the road at Ole Miss. Kickoff is at 2:30; and unless you’re planning on schlepping to Oxford, you can watch the game on ABC.

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The Saints first road trip was a disaster as New Orleans fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter and went on to lose 44-13 to Seattle. The Seahawks scored on all of their drives through the first three quarters and Seattle also scored a touchdown on a punt return and a blocked punt set up another score. Coach Kellen Moore says they never game themselves a chance…

Cut 17 (16)  “…we respond.”

New Orleans is 0-3 for the first time since 2016 and they are at Buffalo on Sunday.

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Louisiana Tech is 3-and-1 for the first time since 2019 after beating rival Southern Miss 30-20. Bulldogs tight end Eli Finley had a career high 155 yards receiving, and Kolbe Fields returned an interception for a touchdown. Coach Sonny Cumbie discussed both players, beginning with Finley…

Cut 18 (20) “…part of it.”

Tech will visit UTEP on Saturday night.

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ULM improved to 2-and-1 on the season with a road win at UTEP 31-25. The Warhawks led 31-7 in the third quarter and needed two interceptions in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Coach Bryant Vincent frustrated his guys let the Miners back in the game…

Cut 19 (15) “…continue to grow.”

The Warhawks rushed for 250 yards and held UTEP 33 yards on the ground. Braylon McReynolds rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown. Vincent says it’s a good sign for the direction of the program to get a road win like this one…

Cut 20 (09) “…this program.”

ULM hosts Arkansas State this Saturday for homecoming in the Sun Belt opener.

Drought conditions are starting to develop across Louisiana as the state is in store for another dry weekend. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The longtime voice of New Orleans Mardi Gras is calling it a career. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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We are looking at a dry weekend across the state and abnormally dry conditions have developed across south Louisiana and along the Arkansas border. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says nearly half of the state is on the verge of drought conditions according to the Drought Monitor…

Cut 3 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

Grymes says other than a pop up thunderstorm here or there, there’s not a significant chance for rain for several days…

Cut 4 (07) “…for rain.”

Grymes says the dry conditions will likely worsen as we move into fall as La Nina conditions are expected to develop…

Cut 5 (10) “…and spring”

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The longtime face of New Orleans Mardi Gras is calling it a career. Arthur Hardy, the longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says after a half century, the 2026 edition will be his last.

Cut 6 (09) “…time as any.”

Hardy says he’s at peace with his decision, and he has lots of post-retirement plans.

Cut 7 (08) “…in Oslo, Norway.”

Hardy launched the Mardi Gras Guide with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules. He says while he always knew it was a great idea, it took a few years for it to really catch on.

Cut 8 (10) “…financial disaster initially.”

The Mardi Gras Guide is now published by Georges Media and will continue to bear Hardy’s name.

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A Calcasieu Parish jury has found a southwest Louisiana man guilty of murder in the brutal death of a 72-year-old woman in 2023. District Attorney Stephen Dwight says after 43-year-old Christopher Cater killed Sheila Ortega, he drove around with the woman’s body for a month…

Cut 9 (07)  “…during the summer.”

It took just over an hour for a jury to convict Cater of first-degree murder and unlawful disposal of remains….

Cut 10 (12) “…guilty verdict.”

Prosecutors say Cater killed Ortega while he was intoxicated and her death was caused by blunt force trauma. An LSU forensic expert testified Ortega’s injuries included bone fractures to her spine, neck and face. Dwight says Cater was renting a room from Ortega…

Cut 11 (12) “…estate dry.”

Cater was also found guilty of identity theft and he’ll be officially sentenced on October 7^th. When deputies arrested him, Cater admitted to opening up loans in her name.

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is good to go on Saturday as the Tigers host Southeastern Louisiana. Nussmeier has been dealing with a torso injury, but head coach Brian Kelly says that he showed no signs of being hurt in practice this week.

Cut 12 (10) “…he’s comfortable”

Since LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been dealing with the torso injury, he has had to adjust to playing in a different way than he normally does. Now that Nussmeier is feeling more like himself, Kelly says that the offense will benefit greatly.

Cut 13 (13)  “…and comfortably..”

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The Saints hit the road for the first time this season as New Orleans takes on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Lumen Field is one of the hardest places to play in the NFL, but defensive end Cam Jordan says that outside distractions are the least of the team’s worries this weekend.

Cut 14 (12) “…a win.”

Defensive tackle Cameron Jordan will play in his 229^th career game as a Saint on Sunday against Seattle. He will surpass quarterback Drew Brees for most games played in franchise history. Jordan says that he is thankful that he has been able to play so many games.

Cut 15 (15) “…and thirty-one.”

New Orleans’ quest to host the Super Bowl in 2031 is in jeopardy, but all hope is not lost. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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We could be just a few short weeks away from being out of hurricane danger for 2025 and we can thank a Bermuda High. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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New Orleans’ chances of hosting the Super Bowl in 2031 are in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state have missed a key deadline to bid on hosting the game that year, which is the earliest that the Super Bowl can return to the city – sites for the next three Super Bowls have already been established, and the Super Bowl in 2030 conflicts with Mardi Gras. Greg Bensel with the Saints says the big holdup has been the ongoing negotiations on a lease extension for the state-owned Superdome.

Cut 3 (10) “…is very close.”

The reason the team needs to resolve the lease before bidding on the Super Bowl is that the current lease expires at the end of 2030, Bensel says it would be in everyone’s best interest to get a deal done, since the partnership has been, in every way, a public-private one.

Cut 4 (09) “…for the state.”

Bensel says the team, the city and the state want to bring the Super Bowl back to New Orleans — and the feeling is shared by the NFL.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the NFL.”

Bensel says if New Orleans fails to land the 2031 Super Bowl, the next opportunity to land the game would not come until 2038.

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Tropical Storm Gabrielle formed yesterday in the Eastern Atlantic, and it’s forecast to become just the second hurricane of 2025. Like the first one, Erin, it’s expected to stay well clear of the U.S. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s because of what’s known as the “Bermuda High.” 

Cut 6 (12) “…the East Coast.”

Keim says this year’s hurricane season is very reminiscent of the hurricane seasons of 1951 and 1952.

Cut 7 (11) “…the northern Gulf.”

Keim says the Bermuda High this year is weak, which is good for the Gulf Coast…

Cut 8 (12) “..Atlantic Ocean.”

2015 was the last time the U-S did not have hurricane make landfall along its coast.

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A major milestone for the I-20 project in Bossier City, as the project marks two years since reconstruction got underway. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchahan says the roadway had not been rebuilt since it was first constructed in the 1960s and had outlived its usefulness.

Cut 9 (08)  “…all with new.”

Buchanan says she understands drivers’ frustrations with the long-term construction zone; but the good news is, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Cut 10 (12) “…early next year.”

Buchanan says in the months left in the project, there are still a few major things left to do.

Cut 11 (10) “…currently being paved.”

The last thing in the project is to put in the striping.