The Louisiana Republican Party makes its choice in the sixth congressional district race. Andrew Greenstein reports instead of unity, that’s led to infighting.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

SpaceX announces plans to build its largest rocket launching facility along the coast of Vermilion Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A Baton Rouge judge granted LSU basketball signee RJ Luis a preliminary injunction allowing him to return to college basketball after signing two NBA and G League contracts. One of Luis’ attorneys, Elliot Abrams, told WBRZ in Baton Rouge that with N-I-L and revenue sharing allowing schools to pay athletes directly, the NCAA is now a professional sports league.

Cut 3 (12) “…cries wolf.”

The 2025 Big East Player of the Year, Luis never played in a professional game due to injury. Judge Ronald Johnson ruled he did not technically play professionally. NCAA rules state a player who simply signs a pro contract is not eligible to return. Abrams told WBRZ this decision is not the death of the NCAA.

Cut 4 (11) “…to reason.”

The NCAA is likely to appeal the decision, and the SEC could take action to rule Luis ineligible after commissioner Greg Sankey came out against Luis’s return. For now, the 23-year-old will be allowed to practice with the Tigers. Luis’ other attorney, Tony Clayton, told WBRZ he shared an emotional embrace with him after the ruling.

Cut 5 (07) “…kid’s shoulder.”

___________________________________________

The Louisiana Republican Party makes its pick in the sixth congressional district race, and some within the GOP ranks are not taking too kindly to that. On Sunday, the executive committee endorsed Blake Miguez, who says he’s humbled to have the state party’s backing.

Cut 6 (07) “…congressional district six.”

The party’s endorsement unlocks money from the Republican National Committee, which will come in handy for Miguez, given the crowded field in the open primary.

Cut 7 (09) “…Democrat to Republican.”

Miguez’s most formidable Republican opponent in the district six race, Rick Edmonds, is not taking too kindly to the committee’s Sunday endorsement. Edmonds says the committee acted in defiance of the sixth district central committee, saying he had the backing of more of those members than Miguez.

Cut 8 (07) “…lot of anger.”

Among those angry over the executive committee’s actions is reportedly Governor Landry. Edmonds says despite all that, he’s confident in his campaign.

Cut 9 (05)  “…Democrat or otherwise.”

___________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry and SpaceX announced plans to build a 100-billion dollar launch facility on Louisiana’s coast in Vermilion Parish that will be capable of supporting thousands of launches annually. SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell says this spaceport will become the largest in the world.,…

Cut 10 (11) “..probably an airport.” 

SpaceX expects the historic project to create at least three-thousand new jobs, if not thousands more. Shotwell says 60 to 80-percent of the new hires at their Texas base are local and they plan to do that in Louisiana as well. Shotwell says a wide variety of skills will be needed….

Cut 11 (12) “…Spaceport.”

SpaceX has partnered with Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program to build the workforce needed.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year. The first rocket launch could happen as soon as 2029.

There are concerns about what this project will mean for the residents of Vermilion Parish. SpaceX says it’s already engaged with LDWF, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and other state agencies to address potential impacts to wildlife, fisheries and their supporting habitats.

Shotwell says they also plan to have an open dialogue with the residents of Vermilion Parish…

Cut 12 (14) “…to build.” 

Governor Landry calls the Space X announcement a pivotal moment for Louisiana….

Cut 13 (10) “…lasting prosperity.”

SpaceX was founded in 2002 and it designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecrafts. The company owned by billionaire Elon Musk operated a global satellite internet network and develops A-I technologies. They also plan to launch rockets that will result with a base on the Moon and settlement on Mars.

Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Roseland and contamination concerns remain. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin responds to the criticism he’s receiving for recruiting a football player that was competing for an NFL roster spot. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

This past weekend marked the year anniversary of the Smitty’s Supply plant explosion in Roseland. The blast released stored motor oils, lubricants and fuel additives into the local environment and the Tangipahoa River. Pat Mashburn lives 35 miles south of the explosion site and told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that wildlife still has not come back…

Cut 3 (08) “…not one.”

It’s been estimated 12 million gallons of oily liquid and industrial chemical waste were released into the local drainage systems and Tangipahoa River. Mashburn tells Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that he’s disappointed in the lack of updates from local leaders…

Cut 4 (09) “…Roseland.”

Smitty’s Supply has been responsible for cleaning its Roseland plant. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality was put in control of operations related to the cleaning of the polluted riverways and ponds. The EPA says millions of gallons of oily runoff have been recovered and containment systems remain active. But Mashburn tells Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that oil is still in the river…

Cut 5 (07) “…a year ago.”

___________________________________________

Louisiana’s Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway and runs through September 7th. State Police Superintendent Frank Besson (beh-SAHN) says there will be extra patrols at both the state and local levels specifically looking for impaired drivers during this campaign.

Cut 6 (10) “…and proactive patrol.”

According to data from the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, 18 people were killed and 271 people were injured in crashes over the Labor Day holiday from 2020 through 2024. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says go out and have a good time this Labor Day weekend, but don’t ruin it by driving home when you’re in no condition to do so.

Cut 7 (13) “…all ideal options.”

LDWF Law Enforcement Division Superintendent Colonel Stephen Clark says not only will patrols on roadways be beefed up, so will patrols on Louisiana’s waterways, which can be just as deadly as highways.

Cut 8 (15) “…fatality boat accidents.”

____________________________________________

LSU received a commitment from former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright to return to college football after being waived by the Browns. Wright would become the first player to ever play in an NFL training camp and return to college football thanks to a ruling by a Baton Rouge judge giving him a fifth season of eligibility. LSU coach Lane Kiffin says this situation is unprecedented and you cannot compare it to previous standards.

Cut 9 (11)  “…unique circumstance.”

The NCAA approved a new five-year eligibility model this summer that opened the door for hundreds of athletes who just finished their eligibility to file lawsuits to get the fifth year many of their teammates and future athletes will now receive. Kiffin says his obligation is to LSU and its fans and to go recruit the best available players.

Cut 10 (13) “…against them.” 

Kiffin says eligibility injunctions are not a new thing, and judges are ruling that student-athletes should have been told about and given a fifth season of eligibility along with their peers. He says he and his staff will continue to do whatever it takes to make LSU better.

Cut 11 (10) “…no matter what.”

LSU also received a commitment from returning fifth-year Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka (TOO-ee-ah-luh-mah-kuh). He did not sign a professional contract.

University Medical Center New Orleans’ expanded cancer center officially opens at 11 this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

LSU basketball commit RJ Luis has a preliminary injunction hearing this afternoon to decide his basketball future. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Amazon Web Services hosts an open house tomorrow at the Shreveport Convention Center to answer the community’s questions about the three data centers they are building in Shreveport-Bossier. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

University Medical Center New Orleans officially opens phase one of its expanded cancer center, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 this morning. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with UMC New Orleans says the additional space will allow cancer patients to be able to be seen quickly for frontline care.

Cut 4 (13) “…patients with cancer.”

Dr. Jernigan says the expansion will help support the needs of oncology patients throughout the entire region.

Cut 5 (15) “…systemic therapy.”

Jernigan says this expansion is possible thanks to federal funding that New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter helped secure.

Cut 6 (10) “…to our community.”

__________________________________________

LSU men’s basketball commit RJ Luis (Lewis) has a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for 1:30 this afternoon that could decide his basketball future. The 23-year-old was the Big East Player of the Year at St. John’s two seasons ago but is not looking to return to college basketball after signing two brief NBA deals. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says LSU knew his chances of making it to campus were slim.

Cut 7 (09) “…gonna happen.”

Luis signed two-way and NBA G League contracts but never appeared in a pro game due to injury. Alabama attempted a similar move from the G League to college hoops last season with three-year pro Charles Bediako. Guilbeau says he does not expect Baton Rouge Judge Ronald R. Johnson to rule in Luis’s favor.

Cut 8 (12) “…Alabama case.”

A key difference, however, is that Bediako played in numerous professional games.

Guilbeau says Luis’s case has nothing to do with the recent rulings giving class of 2022 athletes a fifth season of eligibility, but the courts’ repeated recent support of athletes may give him a chance. Guilbeau still doesn’t think it will go his way.

Cut 9 (11)  “…it’s ridiculous.”

__________________________________________

A new mRNA vaccine to reduce the risk of melanoma returning is showing great promise. Dr. Katherine Chang, an assistant professor of ear, nose and throat surgery at LSU Health Shreveport, says the vaccine being developed by Merck and Moderna works by removing the melanoma tumor, test it for genetic mutation and create an mRNA vaccine specific to that patient’s genetic profile – and that vaccine is taken with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda.

Cut 10 (09) “…it from coming back.”

Dr. Chang says clinical trials of the new vaccine have been very successful.

Cut 11 (11) “…the long term.”

Merck and Moderna plan on filing for approval from regulators within months, although the specific timeline remains unclear. Dr. Chang says if this vaccine does achieve final approval, it could be a game-changer, especially in states like Louisiana.

Cut 12 (10) “…a death sentence.”

________________________________________________

Amazon Web Services will hold an open house tomorrow at the Shreveport Convention Center to discuss the three data centers they are building in the Shreveport-Bossier area. There are concerns about how much water and electricity the facilities will use. AWS Vice President of Economic Development Roger Wehner says the data centers will use water for cooling only when temperatures climb above 85 degrees — which he says is expected to happen less than 13 percent of the year.

Cut 13 (11)  “…load on the grid.”

Watchdog and local advocacy groups have also raised concerns that residential utility customers could end up indirectly paying for major upgrades to the electric grid. But Wehner says Amazon will cover the cost of the energy improvements needed for its data centers.

Cut 14 (12) “…customers.”

Amazon also plans to invest up to 400 million dollars in public water infrastructure. The company is spending 18 billion dollars to build the three data center campuses, which are expected to create more than 700 permanent jobs. Wehner says Amazon will focus on hiring workers from the local community.

Cut 15 (08) “…workforce development.”

And Wehner says you don’t necessarily need a four-year college degree to work at a data center. He says an associate degree will qualify applicants for many of the jobs.

The open house will run from 4 to 8 PM.

____________________________________________

LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is entering his first yar in Baton Rouge but his ninth season working with Lane Kiffin. Weis has spent the last four years as Kiffin’s Ole Miss offensive coordinator, and he says it was their relationship that kept him from taking a head coaching job or staying at Ole Miss.

Cut 16 (16) “…place to be.”

Weis helped bring Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss up to speed in just a summer last season and will look to do the same thing with Sam Leavitt in an injury-shortened offseason. Leavitt and the offense will rely on a group of nine transfer pass catchers. Weis says there have been a few players who have consistently stood out while others have flashed at times.

Cut 17 (20) “…with him.”

Leavitt’s most reliable target this season could end up being a tight end. Junior Trey’Dez Green is a preseason All-American and first-team All-SEC selection, and Weis says he has all of the physical and intangible attributes a coach could dream of.

Cut 18 (17) “…could want.”

_________________________________________

The Saints are back at their training facility in Metairie after finishing their week in California with a brutal 34-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Kellen Moore says a performance like that, even in the preseason, is unacceptable…

Cut 19 (17) “…really frustrating.”

Saints starting quarterback Tyler Shough did not play. His backups, Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson, each threw an interception. The Saints defense gave up 405 yards and New Orleans committed 12 penalties. Moore says they need to learn from their mistakes…

Cut 20 (17) “…game of execution.”

Louisiana is getting ready to hold its first-ever recreational alligator hunting season in October, and the lottery for tags is now open. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

After a child was infected by a brain-eating amoeba while swimming in Lake Claiborne, Louisiana health officials are advising residents to protect themselves when swimming in fresh water. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

For the first time ever, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding a recreational alligator hunting season, and the lottery for tags opened this morning. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says the state is able to open up the harvesting of alligators to recreational hunters thanks to an act of legislature in this year’s session, because the state is being overrun with alligators.

Cut 3 (08) “…has fully recovered.”

Bosworth says there are roughly three-million alligators in the coastal zone alone – that’s about two-thirds of the state’s human population. And he says you will have plenty of chances to score a tag.

Cut 4 (11) “…ten-thousand opportunities statewide.”

Bosworth says if you’re successful in snagging one of those ten-thousand tags, there is a series of rules you will need to abide by.

Cut 5 (11) “…with landowner consent.”

The lottery is open through August 30th, and the season runs throughout the entire month of October. There is a non-refundable 50-dollar application fee, and you may only apply on the LDWF’s licensing website.

___________________________________________

Louisiana public health officials are urging residents to take precautions when swimming in fresh water after a brain-eating amoeba infection in Claiborne Parish. Willis Knighton Health pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor Joseph Bocchini says the infection occurs when water containing the amoeba gets up your nose.

Cut 6 (11) “…brain-eating infection.”

Bocchini says the amoeba is a single-celled organism naturally found in fresh water, and it grows more rapidly when temperatures rise.

Cut 7 (11) “…within it.”

The amoeba is not found in saltwater or properly chlorinated pools.

Bocchini says the only way to get the infection is through nasal exposure. A brain infection cannot occur if the water is swallowed and is not spread person to person. He says take steps to protect yourself when swimming.

Cut 8 (11) “…your nose.”

He also advises using sterile, distilled water or boiling water for at least a minute for nasal rinses.

____________________________________________

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a former substitute teacher for allegedly triggering false active shooter alerts. Corporal Vincent Jackson says 58-year-old Lytonja (luh-TAHN-jah) Barfield used the school district’s emergency management system to falsely report active shooter alerts at several schools.

Cut 9 (13)  “…out five more.”

Corporal Jackson says it was easy for the school board to determine who was triggering those false active shooter alarms.

Cut 10 (07) “…to those schools.” 

Jackson says while the investigation is ongoing, it’s possible that Barfield may have been seeking retaliation against the school district.

Cut 11 (15) “…the school district.”

Barfield was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center and is facing several counts of menacing.

Burn bans are now in effect in 19 parishes throughout the state. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging parents and teachers to talk to kids about the dangers of vaping. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Burn bans are now in effect in 19 parishes throughout the state. Most are in north Louisiana, along with Jefferson Davis, East Feliciana, St. Helena (hu-LEE-nah), Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes in south Louisiana. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says conditions outside are not conducive to burning anything.

Cut 3 (09) “…firefighters to control.”

Strain says more burn bans could be forthcoming, and they’re always issued at the local level.

Cut 4 (13) “…a burn ban.”

Strain says if you live in a parish where there’s not a burn ban in effect at the present time, still use extreme caution, and never leave a fire unattended.

Cut 5 (13) “…that it causes.”

___________________________________________

Now more than ever, be on the lookout for stalled vehicles on the shoulder of the roadway. That’s because the state’s long-standing “move over” law has now expanded. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says whereas the old law applied to emergency vehicles such as police units, fire trucks and ambulances, the new law now includes all types of vehicles, including private passenger vehicles and even motorcycles.

Cut 6 (10) “…broken down, stranded.”

Now, whenever you approach any vehicle on the shoulder, you are required to move to the next lane over as you pass it. Wallace says there is an allowance if that’s impossible given traffic conditions.

Cut 7 (15) “…with extreme caution.”

Wallace says the objective of the expansion of the move over law is to keep everyone safe in case, for example, someone ends up walking into the lane immediately adjacent to the shoulder as he or she is swapping out a flat tire.

Cut 8 (10) “…safe out there.”

____________________________________________

Saints running back Alvin Kamara will miss the start of the regular season with an MCL Sprain suffered during a joint practice with the Cowboys yesterday. The 31-year-old took a pay cut to stay in New Orleans alongside free agent back Travis Etienne this offseason. Locked On Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says his availability was one of the reasons he took that cut.

Cut 9 (11)  “…state level.”

Kamara missed the final six weeks of last season with a similar knee injury. He has not played in every regular season game since his rookie year.

Jackson says with Kamara out and an injury to running back Audric Estime in the first preseason game, there will be more opportunities for others in the room. He says 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller and 2025 sixth-rounder Devin Neal both returned form injury yesterday.

Cut 10 (12) “…stay on the field.” 

Cornerback Quincy Riley left practice early with a groin injury, and the severity of his injury is unknown. Jackson says it could be a big loss for the Saints if the second-year starter is unable to return.

Cut 11 (09) “…for New Orleans.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health says youth vaping remains a critical public health crisis in the state, and it’s urging parents and teachers to talk to kids about the dangers of vaping. Taylor Reine (“renn”), who oversees the division of chronic disease prevention at LDH, says kids need to know that vaping is no safer than smoking cigarettes.

Cut 12 (13) “…for lifelong addiction.” 

According to the 2023 Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey, 30-percent of high school students vape, making Louisiana the third highest state in the nation for high school vaping. In addition, the survey shows 18-percent of middle school students vape – nearly one out of every five. Reine says two factors which contribute to those high numbers are the marketing of vape products to teens and their ease of availability.

Cut 13 (08) “…and retail stores.”

Reine says there are resources available for teens who want to quit vaping.

Cut 14 (09) “…counseling quit support.”

Teens can enroll in Live Vape Free by texting “VAPEFREE” to 873373.

A Louisiana nonprofit had a very successful year transitioning servicemembers into civilian life. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Authorities are hopeful that they’ve found the remains of 15-year-old Je’Darrius Minnieweather in a 400-acre landfill in East Baton Rouge Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Amazon Web Services announces it’s increasing its investment in the Shreveport-Bossier area and will build a third data center. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

___________________________________________________

Thanks to the efforts of Louisiana nonprofit The Boot, 255 service members transitioned into post-military careers during the 2025-26 fiscal year. That’s more than twice as much as the prior fiscal year’s total. CEO Benjamin Armstrong says the vast majority – 72-percent – came from Louisiana bases, including Fort Polk, JRB New Orleans and Barksdale Air Force Base. 

Cut 4 (10) “…back home here.”

Armstrong says the careers that the servicemembers pursue after their military careers end usually relate in some way to the training they received while serving their country.

Cut 5 (15) “…is another one.”

Armstrong says the leadership skills these servicemembers build come in very handy in their post-military careers.

Cut 6 (11) “…their new careers.”

Since launching in 2024, The Boot has placed 366 service members into careers and has grown its employer network to 371 partners throughout the state. It says it has contributed an overall economic impact of more than 28-million dollars to Louisiana.

__________________________________________

The Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association is hailing the latest offshore lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico, in which 12 companies submitted 69 bids totaling almost 100-million dollars. President Tommy Faucheux says that’s a very impressive number.

Cut 7 (08) “…bids for leases.”

Faucheux says this third lease sale was more or less a rebound from the previous lease sale, which took on a more targeted approach months after the initial lease sale, which drew bids totaling nearly 300-million dollars.

Cut 8 (11) “…in the Gulf.”

Faucheux says these lease sales have underscored the U.S.’ commitment to energy dominance.

Cut 9 (13)  “…to see return.”

__________________________________________

Authorities believe they have found the remains of 15-year-old Je’Darrius Minnieweather at the East Baton Rouge Parish landfill, ending a 36-day search for the teenager who was reported missing June fifth. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says DNA testing will be conducted to confirm the remains.

Cut 10 (08) “…very, very hopeful.”

Fifty-one-year-old Maurice Parms is charged with killing Minnieweather. Investigators say Parms beat the teen to death during an argument over Parms’ treatment of a 16-year-old girl Minnieweather knew.

Detectives say Parms dumped the teen’s body in a trash can that was picked up and taken to the landfill June 22nd. Video of the body being dumped helped investigators pinpoint where to search.

Over five weeks, crews sifted through four-thousand tons of material and found more than four-thousand animal bones before discovering what they believe are Minnieweather’s remains.

East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor Sid Edwards says the odds were stacked against them.

Cut 11 (12) “…didn’t count that.”

District Attorney Hillar Moore says a photo of Minnieweather at the search site helped motivate crews.

Cut 12 (14) “…doing this for.”

Chief Morse says DNA testing could take one or more days, and crews will continue searching the area for additional evidence.

________________________________________________

Amazon Web Services, which announced plans in February to build two data centers in northwest Louisiana, says it’s adding a third at Resilient Technology Park in west Shreveport. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the additional investment shows Amazon’s confidence in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (15)  “…want to tell.”

Amazon has already started construction on a data center in Bossier Parish near Benton and another one in Caddo Parish near Blanchard. All three data centers are expected to create 750 permanent jobs and 22-hundred temporary construction jobs.

Bourgeois says Amazon has promised to protect natural resources and invest in infrastructure as it constructs these three data centers.

Cut 14 (05) “…hardening the grid.”

Bourgeois says the facilities will rely on air cooling most of the year, using water for cooling only when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. She says Amazon also plans to invest up to 400-million dollars in public water infrastructure. And L-E-D says Amazon is working with SWEPCO to fully fund the new energy infrastructure.

Bourgeois says these plans align with Louisiana’s broader strategy to responsibly support large-scale A-I and digital infrastructure investments.

Cut 15 (13) “…in that regard.”

____________________________________________

ULM and Louisiana Tech announced the new Radiance Technologies I-20 Showdown Rivalry Series between the two schools just 30 minutes apart. As the Bulldogs enter the Sun Belt, Tech Athletic Director Ryan Ivey says the championship spotlights a historic, heated rivalry.

Cut 16 (19) “…critical for us.”

The series includes competitions across 12 sports, with points awarded for wins in head-to-head games and season series and conference standings for non-head-to-head sports. Ivey says each sport is weighted equally.

Cut 17 (19) “…to do that.”

Ivey says giving athletes and fans official bragging rights and a trophy will make each game mean more. He says the universities are designing a trophy now, and fans should look out for their chance to weigh in.

Cut 18 (18) “…the next year.”

The tie-breaker goes to whichever school won that year’s football game.

_________________________________________

For the first time since 2013, the LHSAA will hold a cheer and dance team state championship event. Joe Gallinaro has the story

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

LSU was ranked number 11 in the preseason AP Poll, but head coach Lane Kiffin is not buying much stock in that ranking. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

One of the objectives of new LSU system president Dr. Wade Rousse is to make the university system more accessible to more students. One way he’s working to accomplish this is by creating a more connected system through its regional campuses.

Cut 3 (13) “…very, very happy.”

Those regional campuses also provide a good starting point for students who might not initially meet the standards for the Baton Rouge campus. And while many of those regional campuses have their own athletic departments, only the flagship campus in Baton Rouge has a football team, and Rousse has put in a program to offer those students an opportunity to attend some of their games.

Cut 4 (08) “…at every campus.”

Rousse says he plans on making extensive use of LSU athletics to promote the university to prospective students nationwide, saying the athletic department drives the school’s brand.

Cut 5 (11) “…a medical doctor.”

___________________________________________

For the first time in more than a decade the LHSAA will hold Cheer and Dance team state championships.  Louisiana High School Coaches Association Director Jessica Barber says they are giving cheer and dance teams a chance to compete on a championship stage…

Cut 6 (09) “…to do.”

Cheer and Dance will remain a non-sanctioned activity, which means they will not operate under the same eligibility requirements and competition guidelines that LHSAA sanctioned sports must follow.

Barber says the 2026 Louisiana High School Cheer and Dance Championships will take place November 30^th and December 1^st at the Lake Charles Event Center, featuring competitions across multiple styles…

Cut 7 (12) “..as well”

2013 was last time the LHSAA organized cheer and dance championships. Barber says the 2026 championships are expected to feature more than 100 cheer and dance teams from across Louisiana. She says the level of interest in this event among the spirit community is amazing…

Cut 8 (07) “..their athletes.”

____________________________________________

LDWF closed the private recreational Red Snapper season in state and federal waters off the Louisiana coast earlier this month, but there is a hope there will be another Red Snapper fishing opportunity again this summer.  LDWF assistant secretary Ryan Montague says the season had to close because Louisiana is approaching its statewide quota, but LA creel is still counting what was caught during the first week of August…

Cut 9 (04)  “…Labor Day weekend.”

There is disappointment among some anglers the Red Snapper season ended in August, but Montague says this year’s Red Snapper season has been a great success thanks to active state management through LA Creel…

Cut 10 (06) “…of fish.” 

Montague says last year’s Red Snapper season did not end until November, but red snapper was overfished last year, so that lowered the quota to 882-thousand pounds of Red Snapper that were allowed to be harvested this year. He says it’s hard to predict when the red snapper season will end, there are a lot of variables…

Cut 11 (08) “…very often.”

LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth adds that anglers showed up and showed for the two 5-fish holiday weekend limits.

Remembrances continue to pour in for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman, who passed away Friday morning at the age of 88. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges president Richard Nelson has a plan to expand opportunities for students seeking an associate’s degree to meet Louisiana’s growing workforce needs. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

____________________________________________

Entergy Vice President of Business Operations Laura Beauchamp says Meta’s Richland Parish investment will be felt across the Bayou state. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

Skip Bertman is being remembered as a man who was much more than a championship baseball coach. The former LSU head baseball coach and athletic director passed away early Friday morning at the age of 88. Ryan Theriot, who won a College World Series title while playing for Bertman in 2000, says the hard work that Bertman did in building the LSU baseball program basically from nothing rubbed off on the entire Baton Rouge community.

Cut 4 (09) “…baseball for us.”

Theriot says Bertman’s influence on him went far beyond the baseball field, including his eight-year Major League career that included two World Series titles.

Cut 5 (11) “…that you’re running.”

Dan Canevari, who served on Bertman’s coaching staff at LSU, says Bertman was an incredible influence on so many people, whether they were baseball players or not.

Cut 6 (08) “…I’ve ever known.”

Before joining Bertman’s staff, Canevari played for Bertman at the University of Miami when Bertman was the pitching coach. Canevari says Bertman was much more than a coach; he was a mentor.

Cut 7 (10) “…a better worker.”

__________________________________________

Louisiana Community and Technical and College System President Richard Nelson has laid out a plan designed to meet Louisiana’s growing workforce needs. Nelson says one of the initiatives is to provide more transparency to prospective students on the types of jobs they can get with an associate’s degree by visiting their website…

Cut 8 (11) “…an hour.”

There are about 125-thousand students attending their 12 schools. Nelson has identified several ways they can boost enrollment and that’s by providing students with strong advising, childcare, transportation and ways to reduce student debt…

Cut 9 (11)  “…close all these gaps.”

In the last academic year, LCTC awarded nearly 53-thousand credentials to 41-thousand completers with nearly 20-thousand graduates entering high-demand occupations. Nelson, who has been on the job for the less than a year, says one of his priorities is to align programs with Louisiana’s workforce needs…

Cut 10 (12) “…they need.”

The average student who attends one of Louisiana’s 12 community and technical colleges is 26. They hope to lower that age, which would result in more adults in their 20s joining the workforce and receiving a good pay check.

_______________________________________________________________________

Entergy Vice President of Business Operations Laura Beauchamp says Meta’s Richland Parish data center will help fund improvements to the Entergy power grid across the state. She says the investment is already being felt locally.

Cut 11 (13) “…in Monroe.”

ULM’s construction management enrollment has increased 37-percent.

To power the data center, Entergy is building 10 new power plants funded by Meta. Six will be near the Richland Parish facility while four will be built in St. Charles and Pointe Coupee Parishes. Beauchamp says the project could actually save customers billions of dollars over the next 20 years.

Cut 12 (12) “…because of Meta.”

Beauchamp says Louisiana construction job opportunities are nearing their peak with massive projects across the state. She says nearly all of Entergy’s work is done by Louisiana contractors, and they’ve asked Meta to make that a priority as well.

Cut 13 (13)  “…local families.”

________________________________________________

Ten years after median barriers trapped flood waters on I-12, stranding drivers for hours, DOTD will soon begin work to retrofit those barriers. Brooke Goodrich with DOTD says the 6.4-million-dollar project will involve modifying sections of the existing concrete barrier system.

Cut 14 (12) “…a federal roadway.”

Goodrich says work will begin late next month at the Amite River, which serves as the line between East Baton Rouge Parish and Livingston Parish, and it will extend throughout Livingston Parish.

Cut 15 (10) “…sections of those.”

Goodrich says with I-12 carrying about 90-thousand vehicles per day, work will not be done during daytime hours.

Cut 16 (13) “…of the day.”

The project is funded in part by a 21-million-dollar settlement for the faulty design. Work is expected to be completed by late 2027.

____________________________________________

LSU defensive coordinator says he chose to join Lane Kiffin’s LSU coaching staff to win a national championship. True freshmen defensive linemen Lamar Brown, Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson will look to help achieve that goal. Baker says he hasn’t been around a more talented trio of freshmen.

Cut 17 (18) “…on the field.”

The Tigers could see two new starting safeties in Baker’s secondary. Boise State transfer Ty Benefield will take over for AJ Haulcy and redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas is challenging Tamarcus Cooley for his starting spot. Baker says the group was a concern heading into camp, but they have grown a lot.

Cut 18 (19) “..two weeks ago.”

___________________________________________________

The Saints lost their preseason opener to Jacksonville on Saturday 24-20, but 27-year-old Zach Wilson made a case that he should be the backup quarterback to Tyler Shough. The former number two pick, who is entering his sixth season and has played in 38 games, threw for 145 yards and a touchdown…

Cut 19 (13) “…happens, happens.”

Meanwhile, Shough’s primary backup, Spencer Rattler, threw for only 42 yards, was sacked twice and lost a fumble.

Preseason games are for the undrafted rookies to make an impression, and that’s what defensive end Michael Heldman did. The former Central Michigan standout had six tackles, three tackles for a loss, and two sacks. Heldman says he was excited for Saturday’s game after struggling in a joint practice on Thursday against the Jaguars…

Cut 20 (17) “…super cool.”

The Saints leave for California today. They will have a joint practice with the Cowboys in Oxnard tomorrow and another joint practice with the Rams on Thursday. New Orleans will finish the week playing the Rams in a preseason game on Saturday.

Legendary LSU baseball coach and Athletic Director Skip Bertman died at the age of 88 early this morning. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

The Attorney General’s office launched a new website with resources for athletes, agents, schools and families on the state’s new N-I-L and athlete agent laws. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

LSU legend Skip Bertman passed away early this morning at the age of 88. Bertman led LSU Baseball to five College World Series titles and 11 trips to Omaha and hired four national championship-winning coaches as Athletic Director. Former LSU pitcher Ben McDonald says Bertman transformed LSU into the greatest baseball program in the country.

Cut 3 (10) “…game of baseball.”

McDonald says Bertman was years ahead of his peers in every facet of the game. He was a master tactician, marketer and motivator. McDonald, who played for Bertman from 1986 to 1989, says he didn’t appreciate his greatness as an 18-year-old, but he does now.

Cut 4 (13) “…he was best at.”

Bertman’s reign as LSU baseball coach began in 1986 and lasted 18 seasons. He holds the highest winning percentage in SEC history and was a six-time national coach of the year. Tiger Rag Editor and author of Bertman’s biography Glenn Guilbeau says it’s been 25 years since Bertman coached a game, but he is still revered by college baseball fans.

Cut 5 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

Guilbeau says Bertman had the Midas touch as Athletic Director from 2001 to 2008, revolutionizing LSU athletics fundraising and ticket sales. As a coach, he cared deeply about his players. Guilbeau says ex-LSU outfielder Rich Cordani confirmed just that.

Cut 6 (10) “…were his sons.”

Bertman produced 41 players who reached Major League Baseball. One of them was Todd Walker, who ended up in the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Walker remembers he was a little intimidated by Bertman when he showed up on campus as a freshman after LSU won the 1991 national championship and never knew his relationship with Skip would grow immensely…

Cut 7 (15) “..just incredible”

Walker says Bertman was the ultimate motivator and fondly remembers his pre-game talks in front of the whole team…

Cut 8 (11) “..play like champions.”

____________________________________________

This could be the hottest weekend of the summer. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico will drive up temperatures and humidity levels.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the next week.”

And when you add those high temperatures and those humidity levels, Keim says those are going to yield some outrageous heat indexes which are going to linger for days with no relief in sight.

Cut 10 (09) “…110 and 115.” 

As for the tropics, we’re now approaching the peak of hurricane season, although the current El Nino weather pattern will point to a below-average season. Keim says forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are keeping an eye on a pair of disturbances in the Atlantic, but neither one is expected to impact us here.

Cut 11 (11) “…at this moment.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana’s new N-I-L and athlete agents website is live. It provides information for athletes, families, schools and agents on the state’s new NIL and athlete agents laws. Attorney General Liz Murrill says Act 895 requires agents to register with the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…integrity and character.” 

Agents in existing representation agreements were required to register by August 1.

The portal is the most significant regulation included in Act 895. Murrill says the new law extended existing athlete agent oversight to N-I-L agents and gave student-athletes the power to sue agents for damages, attorney fees and other compensation.

Cut 13 (08) …interests at heart.”

Murrill says lawmakers collaborated with the LHSAA and its member schools to help protect high school athletes. She says once students are adults, they can represent themselves.

Cut 14 (11) “…for everybody.”

Visit A-G-Liz-Murrill-dot-com-slash-page-slash-athlete-agents.

______________________________________________

The Louisiana Public Service Commission heard from several citizens this week concerned their energy bills will go up as a result of Meta’s 50-billion dollar AI data center in Richland Parish. Governor Jeff Landry was a guest on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says Meta is paying for its own power use, and their investment will improve the electric grid’s resiliency…

Cut 15 (11) “…what it is.”

Landry says the data center being built in Richland Parish is part of the biggest construction boom the state has ever seen, and he says these jobs are here to stay…

Cut 16 (12) “…coming to Louisiana”

The Louisiana Public Service Commission will not require Meta to provide exact numbers on how many people will work at the AI data center in Richland Parish and how much energy it will use. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Former LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels feels disrespected that another LSU player will wear the number five jersey this season. Joe Gallinaro reports a cease-and-desist letter has been sent to the university asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

A former police officer who was allegedly plotting a mass shooting at Jazz Fest earlier this year quietly had the charges against him dropped back in June. A grand jury in Louisiana declined to indict 45-year-old Christopher Gillum for terrorizing, after he was found at a Florida hotel in April with a handgun and several rounds of ammunition. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says a grand jury proceeding is not a trial.

Cut 3 (13) “…crime of terrorizing.”

Ciolino says in contrast to a trial, where the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard in a grand jury proceeding is very low.

Cut 4 (14) “…support a prosecution.”

Gillum had been held without bond but was released on June 30th after Attorney General Liz Murrill dropped the charges against him. Ciolino says while Gillum is off the hook for now, that doesn’t mean he’s completely out of the woods.

Cut 5 (13) “…jury for reconsideration.”

____________________________________________

On a three to one vote, the Louisiana Public Service Commission votes not to follow a judge’s recommendation that Meta should be required to provide exact job numbers and how much energy it plans to use for its massive data center in Richland Parish. Several members of the public urged the P-S-C to require Meta to release this information, including Sixth District Congressional candidate and Democrat Rubia Garcia…

Cut 6 (06) “…people of Louisiana”

But Republican PSC Member JP Coussan of Lafayette says there have been multiple media reports on the jobs that Meta is expected to create, not only during the construction phase, but also when the data center is operational…

Cut 7 (06) “…to manufacturing”

As far as energy usage goes, both Meta and Entergy say that the tech giant will pay for its own power and it will not lead to higher electric bills for residents and businesses in Louisiana. But there are many in the public who are not convinced, including James Hyatt of Lake Charles

Cut 8 (10) “…greater harm.”

It was a party line vote, with the three Republicans on the Commission voting to override the judge’s recommendation and the lone Democrat, Davante Lewis, voted to have Meta release this information.

____________________________________________

An attorney for LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness after the Tigers issued his number-five jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Pickett is the first Tiger to be issued the number of the 2023 Heisman winner.

Cut 9 (11)  “…strong argument.”

Coach Lane Kiffin said Pickett was promised the number five by the  previous coaching staff during his recruitment, and he wanted to honor that promise. Guilbeau says Daniels did not approve of Pickett wearing the number, but he understands why Kiffin allowed it.

Cut 10 (10) “…about it (x2).” 

The letter informs LSU that it can no longer use Daniels’ name, image or likeness. Guilbeau says it is a bad look for the university and although it may not be entirely Kiffin’s fault, this is just another controversy for a coach steeped in it.

Cut 11 (12) “…for his player.”

A spokesperson for Daniels told ESPN his family is “deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected” by the situation. The letter was sent to LSU AD Verge Ausberry August 5, the first day of LSU fall practice.

Kiffin spoke with reporters today and had no additional comments to what he said last week, which was Pickett was promised the number five jersey during his recruitment and LSU should honor that commitment.

Pickett was made available to the media today and had a brief statement on the controversy…

Cut 12 (10) “…that’s all .”