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.

Southeastern Louisiana University is the latest school to report strong enrollment numbers. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has a torso injury, but he’ll play on Saturday night against Southeastern Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Southeastern Louisiana University sees its strongest enrollment in 13 years. Southeastern’s enrollment now stands at more than 15-thousand. University President Dr. William Wainwright says that’s nearly an eight-percent increase over last year.

Cut 3 (12) “…jobs in Louisiana.”

In fact, Wainwright says the school is at capacity for on-campus housing and is maintaining a waiting list. He says one reason for the strong enrollment number is the school’s commitment to offer degree programs that will be of good use to students here in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13) “…of MBA graduate.”

Wainwright says 63-thousand of the school’s 80-thousand living alumni live in Louisiana. He says the university will continue to keep a close eye on the industries in Louisiana where the need for talent is greatest.

Cut 5 (07) “…programs as well.”

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An eight-year-old Covington girl is killed in a crash, and State Police say the lack of proper restraint may have made the difference between life and death. Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says it happened as a car was going along Louisiana Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish just before 8:30 yesterday morning.

Cut 6 (04) “…struck a tree.”

(The vehicle, for unknown reasons, veered off the roadway and struck a tree.) Gremillion says the driver was properly restrained and suffered moderate injuries. Eight-year-old Jewel Leger (leh-ZHAY), however, wasn’t as fortunate.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the scene.”

(Jewel was unrestrained in the front seat, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.) Gremillion says the front seat of a vehicle is no place for a child.

Cut 8 (08) “…child safety seat.”

As far as potential charges, Gremillion says the crash remains under investigation.

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier will play Saturday night against Southeastern Louisiana despite a torso injury. It’s an injury Nussmeier suffered during preseason camp and Kelly says Nuss is feeling better…

Cut 9 (08)  “…do that.”

Despite forcing five turnovers on Saturday, LSU’s offense only scored 13 points in the win over Florida. The offense played well against Clemson, but the last two weeks it’s been a struggle. Kelly expects the offense will improve

Cut 10 (09) “…football team.”

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There has been speculation for weeks that GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow could run for U-S Senate and challenge Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy. But during an interview with Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Letlow says she’ll seek re-election next year as a U-S Representative…

Cut 11 (09) “…at hand.”

The 44-year-old Letlow has represented Louisiana’s 5th Congressional district since 2021. Cassidy is already facing three well-known Republican challengers in an April primary, John Fleming, Blake Miguez and Eric Skrmetta.

Governor Landry announces a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the business climate in the state. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is dealing with a torso injury according to coach Brian Kelly. Should he play this Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana? Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A 47-year-old Eunice woman is facing several charges for allegedly setting fire to a home with two juveniles inside. State Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ken Pastorick says the fire happened in May and after an extensive investigation detectives collected enough evidence to arrest Falice Anissa Oglesby…

Cut 3 (09) “…obstruction of justice.”

Pastorick says Oglesby intentionally set fire to a home with two juveniles inside…

Cut 4 (12) “…obstruction of justice.”

Pastorick says the home that was set on fire did not have working smoke detectors, but thankfully no serious injuries…

Cut 5 (12) “…of crimes.”

Authorities are not releasing a possible motive.

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Governor Landry announced four initiatives aimed at strengthening the business climate in Louisiana. The first initiative is the creation of a website called Source Louisiana, which provides an easy platform for local businesses to showcase themselves for potential opportunities. 

Cut 6 (15) “…here in Louisiana.”

The second initiative is the Driving Louisiana Opportunity Tour, in which Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois will meet directly with companies throughout the state. Landry says this won’t be a listening tour, this will be an action tour.

Cut 7 (09) “…this new economy.”

The third initiative is what Landry calls Project Lightning Speed, which is aimed at reducing government red tape which can slow projects down.

Cut 8 (08) “…speed of government.”

The fourth initiative Landry announced is one that promotes and encourages the use of Louisiana businesses in projects that utilize state incentive programs.

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It was expected that the third ranked Tigers would have another explosive offense with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returning for his fifth season, but Coach Brian Kelly said the Heisman candidate is playing through a torso injury. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says it’s an injury Nussmeier has been dealing with this torso injury since preseason camp…

Cut 9 (12)  “…off.”

Through three games this season, Nussmeier has completed 65-percent of his passes for 689 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. LSU’s pass offense ranks 11^th in the SEC and Guilbeau says the injury has prevented Nussmeier from throwing the deep pass…

Cut 10 (09) “…of practice.”

Kelly believes Nussmeier will be able to get over the injury during the bye week following the Ole Miss game on September 27^th. Guilbeau says it seems like LSU has a handle on the injury…

Cut 11 (08) “…tougher games.”

LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday night and then they’ll visit the Rebels the following week.

LSU football scores a major commitment. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Officials broke ground today on a 17-billion dollar liquefied natural gas export facility near Sulphur in Calcasieu Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU scores a major commitment in quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston. He’s currently a junior from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, and ESPN has him as the top pocket passer in the country. Lee Brecheen with Louisiana Football Magazine says Houston has a big-time arm..

Cut 3 (09) “…hard to tackle.”

Brecheen says as good as Houston currently is, he’s only going to get better between now and the time he joins the Tigers.

Cut 4 (12) “…out of Louisiana.”

Brecheen says with LSU scoring a commitment from Houston, he’s going to help LSU recruit some of the best talent in northwest Louisiana.

Cut 5 (11) “…stay in state.”

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Ground was broken today on a massive liquefied natural gas production and export facility in Calcasieu Parish, named Louisiana LNG. Australian energy firm, Woodside Energy Group, is spending 17-point-five billion dollars to build facility. The project will create thousands of construction jobs and thousands more once production begins in 2029. Governor Jeff Landry thanks Woodside Energy for choosing Louisiana…

Cut 6 (08) “…be delivered.”

Louisiana already has four active LNG terminals.

Woodside Energy has been in business for 36 years and they’ve been working on developing this project for more than a decade. CEO Meg O’Neill says an abundant supply of natural gas is one reason why they chose southwest Louisiana, but the reasons do not stop there….

Cut 7 (12) “…confidence.”

Governor Jeff Landry Woodside Energy felt confident in making this huge investment because of new economic development put in place by his administration. He says President  Trump’s America First policy was also critical…

Cut 8 (12) “..once again.”

The LNG facility is expected to become operational in 2029 and employ thousands.

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Late last week, in the wake of the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, someone vandalized the outside of Louisiana Democratic Party headquarters in Baton Rouge. Someone spray-painted the word “murderers” outside the building. Executive Director Dadrius (“darius”) Lanus says the graffiti has been cleaned up, and they have filed a police report.

Cut 9 (07)  “…is also safe.”

Lanus says the Louisiana Democratic Party will never condone any violence against anyone, including its political opponents.

Cut 10 (13) “…harm to anyone.”

Lanus says the Louisiana Democratic Party will not tolerate any political violence.

Cut 11 (10) “…of all people.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly apologizes for going off on a reporter following Saturday night’s 20-10 win over Florida. The Tigers intercepted five passes in the game, but the first question asked to Kelly in the postgame press conference was about the offense’s sluggish start to the season. Kelly says he must handle himself in a better fashion…

Cut 12 (09) “…need to be higher”

Kelly says his first reaction was to defend his players after a great win…

Cut 13 (11)  “…first and foremost.”

Kelly says he apologized to WBRZ-TV sports director Michael Cauble for his outburst…

Cut 14 (06) “…moving forward.”

LSU’s offense ranks last in the SEC in points scored and Kelly revealed today that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is playing through torso which has limited his ability to throw the ball down the field. Kelly expects it will get better after the bye week in two weeks after the Tigers play Southeastern Louisiana and Ole Miss.

It’s been a record-breaking year for whooping (HOOP-ing) cough in Louisiana. Jeanne (“zhahn”) Burns reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Woodside Energy Group breaks ground on the 17.5 billion dollar liquefied natural gas production and export facility it’s building in Calcasieu Parish.  Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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LSU’s defense shuts down Florida and sends a clear message to the rest of the SEC. Andrew Greenstein is at Tiger Stadium with more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s been a record-breaking year for whooping (HOOP-ing) cough, and we still have three and a half months to go. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says through the first eight months of this year, Louisiana has confirmed 379 whooping cough cases.

Cut 4 (13) “…had 214 cases.”

Sokol says 61 people have been hospitalized with whooping cough this year, with 70-percent of them being under the age of one. Sokol says over the last couple months, cases have started to subside.

Cut 5 (15) “…even larger decrease.”

Sokol says part of the reason why we’ve had so many cases of whooping cough this year is because of increased awareness.

Cut 6 (14) “…are being detected.”

Sokol says the best way to prevent whooping cough is for expectant mothers to get vaccinated against the disease with each pregnancy.

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It’s a historic day for southwest Louisiana as state and local officials break ground on a 17.5 billion dollar LNG project that will be built and operated by Woodside Energy Group. The liquified natural gas production and export facility in Calcasieu is called Louisiana L-N-G. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares says Louisiana LNG is expected to generate significant economic growth…

Cut 7 (06) “…good job.”

The state economic development department says the project will support thousands of jobs during the construction phase as well as thousands more once operational. Bares says Calcasieu is ready to supply the workforce…

Cut 8 (12) “…big projects.”

Governor Landry says this is the largest single foreign direct investment in Louisiana history. Once operational in 2029, Louisiana LNG will produce up to 16.5 million metric tons of LNG per year. Louisiana already has four operational LNG export terminals. Barres says southwest Louisiana is the place for LNG because of all of the natural gas pipelines plus location…

Cut 9 (09)  “…already.”

The groundbreaking ceremony will be at around 10 AM.

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Tens of thousands of Louisiana Blue policyholders will soon be getting rebate checks in the mail. Mike Bertaut (BURR-tow), the senior healthcare economist with Louisiana Blue, says Louisiana Blue has been very proactive in holding the line on healthcare costs. 

Cut 10 (07) “…24 and 25.”

And since Louisiana Blue was successful in that regard, Bertaut says Louisiana Blue is required to rebate money back to eligible policyholders.

Cut 11 (10) “…so we are.”

Bertaut says those who are eligible for a rebate are those who buy their policies directly from Louisiana Blue and not through an employer. He says that amounts to more than 113-thousand policyholders.

Cut 12 (08) “…a big number.”

Eligible policyholders should be receiving their explanation letters soon, and their rebates should arrive sometime in the next few weeks.

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Behind a dominant defensive performance, the third-ranked Tigers beat Florida, 20-10, at Tiger Stadium Saturday night to improve to 3-and-0 on the season. Things got off to a shaky start defensively when Whit Weeks was ejected for targeting on LSU’s third defensive play of the game. Later, his brother West left the game with a calf injury. But Coach Brian Kelly said his defense never flinched in the face of adversity.

Cut 13 (12)  “…but he’s game.”

That third Weeks is their freshman brother Zach. The defense stepped up and intercepted Florida quarterback D.J. Lagway five times, including a 58-yard pick-six by Dashawn Spears that gave LSU the 20-10 lead that would hold up the rest of the game. The interception was Spears’ second of the game, and Kelly said his performance was a long time coming.

Cut 14 (06) “…on the field.”

After Kelly opened his postgame news conference by praising his defense who essentially won the game for the Tigers, WBRZ-TV reporter Michael Cauble asked him about his team’s struggles on offense. Kelly was furious and let Cauble have it.

Cut 15 (16) “…tired of it.”

One offensive touchdown, just 10 first downs, 4-for-14 on third downs, and only 51 yards rushing until Caden Durham finally broke free for a 51-yard run with 1.49 left, but LSU coach Brian Kelly was not in the mood in the postgame to talk about the Tigers’ problems on offense.

Cut 16 (15) “…some respect.”

LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday night.

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Louisiana Tech started Conference USA Play with an emphatic 49-14 win over New Mexico State. Redshirt sophomore Blake Baker made his first start and threw for 182 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 103 yards and a score. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says his guys played hard…

Cut 17 (22)  “…played well.”

It was also a good game for the defense as Tech did not allow a score in the second half, limiting New Mexcio State to just 27 yards rushing in the second half. Kam Franklin and Jakari Foster intercepted passes. Cumbie on the play of the defense…

Cut 18 (13) “…control the front.”

Tech hosts Southern Miss this Saturday.

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The Saints are 0-2 for the first time since 2017 after losing to San Francisco 26-21 in the Superdome. San Francisco’s backup quarterback, Mac Jones, threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns. The 49ers were 8-of-15 on third down and converted on several third-and-long situations. Coach Kellen Moore says his team is still a work in progress…

Cut 19 (18) “…go from here”

San Francisco took a 9-0 lead in the second quarter, and the Saints never could catch up. Saints starting quarterback Spencer Rattler completed just one of his first seven passes and he finished the night throwing for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Rattler is still winless as a starting QB

Cut 20 (19) “…changes the game.”