Entergy says they’ve come up with a way to save on your utility bills. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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A hit and run crash in Slidell has claimed the life of a six-year-old boy who was riding his scooter in his driveway. Jeff Palermo has more on the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Entergy is offering its residential customers the opportunity to receive up to two smart thermostats at no cost. There are no promo codes or rebate forms. Heather Leblanc with Entergy says the smart thermostats efficiently manage energy by learning temperature preferences, usage habits and can be controlled from a smartphone…

Cut 3 (10) “…not home”

Leblanc says the smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust automatically. She says they save energy when you’re away and get your home comfortable before you return…

Cut 4 (10) “…utility bill.”

Leblanc says Go to entergy-solutions-la-dot-com to order your smart thermostat….

Cut 5 (11) “…for free.”

The promotion runs through the end of the month or while supplies last.

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Thirty-thousand solar panels are now providing energy to 18-hundred military homes at Fort Polk. Corvias provided the funding and partnered with the U-S Army to complete the 13-megawatt power generation project. Bartost Wojszyk (Voice-chick), is the President of Energy at Corvias and he says they work with the military to make sure installations are energy resilient…

Cut 6 (06) “…18-hundred houses”

Corvias’ investment was 29-million dollars. Wojszyk says it took them two years to plan and complete construction…

Cut 7 (12) “…Garrison commanders.”

Military bases historically have relied on civilian power grid for their energy, making them vulnerable to natural disasters, cyberattacks, and physical attacks. Wojszyk says this plant is completely independent, moving Fort Polk closer to its goal of readiness..

Cut 8 (12) “..housing” 

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A six-year-old Slidell boy is dead after he has hit by an SUV while riding his scooter. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff deputies say the driver of the SUV kept going and has been charged with vehicular homicide, reckless operation and felony hit and run. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says the child was hit on Northshore Lane near Slidell..

Cut 9 (11)  “…and continued.”

Carboni says the vehicle was located later that night on East Gause Boulevard and the driver, 35-year-old Cody Beaudette was taken into custody.

Cut 10 (09) “…suspended license.”

The boy was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Carboni says Sheriff Randy Smith sends his condolences to the child’s family…

Cut 11 (10) “…neighborhoods.”

There are unanswered questions surrounding the case of suspended LSU running back JT Lindsey, who is accused of harboring two Alexandria teenagers wanted on murder charges. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The state department of transportation is launching a new program that gives businesses an opportunity to get involved in the fight against litter. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Serious infections caused by Flesh eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, are on the rise in Louisiana. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick is disgusted by the allegations that one of her officers was paying prostitutes for sex while on duty in the French Quarter. State Police have charged 56-year-old Terrance Johnson with prostitution and malfeasance in office. Johnson has worked for the NOPD since 1997. Kirkpatrick says an internal investigation is underway to determine how NOPD supervisors were not aware this was going on…

Cut 4 (07) “…and questions.”

The arrest warrant shows that Johnson’s arrest is linked to accused killer and alleged French Quarter prostitute Danette Colbert, who is facing a second-degree murder charge in the overdose death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano in February.

Johnson is not involved in Manzano’s death, but according to the arrest warrant, his contact number was found during the search of Colbert’s seized cellphones.

Kirkpatrick says Johnson’s alleged actions do not represent the New Orleans Police Department…

Cut 5 (12) “…NOPD today.”

Johnson has been charged with two counts of prostitution, three counts of malfeasance in office and two counts of injuring public records. Kirkpatrick is moving forward with the process of terminating Johnson, unless he can prove the allegations are false…

Cut 6 (11) “…that opportunity.”

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Suspended LSU freshman running back JT Lindsey remains on the sidelines following his arrest last week for allegedly harboring two Alexandria teenagers accused of murder in his dorm room a few weeks before the start of preseason camp. WAFB-TV Investigative Reporter Chris Nakamoto broke the story and says investigators are questioning what Lindsey is claiming.

Cut 7 (14) “…for murder.”

Murder suspects Shemell Jacobs and Keldrick Jordon were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in the Riverbend Building of the Nicholson Gateway dorms on Monday August 4^th. Nakamoto says that marshals found an excessive amount of firepower in Lindsey’s room.

Cut 8 (12) “…a glock.”

Lindsey was suspended from the LSU football team after he turned himself in. His accusation is a very serious one as Nakamoto says that there is a possibility that the Alexandria native could face multiple years in prison if he is convicted.

Cut 9 (13)  “…to begin”

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The state department of transportation is starting a new program that will allow businesses to get involved in cleaning up the litter along state highways. It’s called “Sponsor A Highway.” DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says local businesses can sponsor one-mile segments of a highway and the cost of that sponsorship will help pay for litter removal…

Cut 10 (10) “…litter.”

The “Sponsor a Highway” program will start in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport, with the hopes of expanding the program later. Mallett says DOTD spends 13-million dollars a year on litter removal efforts and this a chance for private dollars to go towards that effort…

Cut 11 (11) “…regular basis.”

Mallett says participating businesses will partner with Adopt A Highway Maintenance Corporation. He says A-H-M-C will provide the professional litter removal services a minimum of six times a year…

Cut 12 (10) “…improvements.”

For more information go to adoptahighway.com.

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Louisiana is seeing an increase in the number of people infected with Vibrio vulnificus, commonly called flesh eating bacteria. State epidemiologist, Theresa Sokol says typically, at this time of year, we see less than ten cases but so far this year, 20 people have been hospitalized. She says Vibrio thrives in warm salt and brackish waters.

Cut 13 (10)  “…vibrio infections.”

Not all the infections came from Louisiana waters. Sokol says use caution in all of the warm Gulf waters.

Sokol says vibrio infections are serious. They can lead to amputations or are sometimes fatal. She says you can become infected by eating raw seafood from exposed waters but most people infected were exposed through open wounds. She says if you have a wound stay out of brackish and salt waters.

Cut 14 (09) “…or raw seafood.”

If efforts to avoid exposure fail, immediately wash the wound Thoroughly with soap and water.

Sokol says it’s important to pay attention to symptoms of skin infections like redness, swelling, blisters, and fever and act quickly if you experience them.

Cut 15 (11) “…or raw seafood.”

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LSU cornerback Ashton Stamps enters his junior year with the Tigers as one of the most experienced returners. LSU has had trouble with safety play the past few years, but Stamps the addition of veteran safeties in the portal are already helping the group’s play.  Stamps says it is important to build a bond off the field so that it translates to effective communication on Saturdays.

Cut 16 (20) “…things happen.”

LSU defensive tackle Bernard Gooden is one of the many transfers defensive line coach Kyle Williams added this offseason. Gooden totaled 10 tackles for loss and one sack with South Florida last season. Gooden says that Williams’ past experience can help improve his game.

Cut 17 (15)  “…a blessing.”

Stamps was a part of the past two disappointing defenses LSU put out on the field. A key to improving LSU’s defense is its ability to get pressure to the quarterback. Stamps says the defensive line unit has helped the cornerbacks make more plays by getting consistent pressure.

Cut 18 (18) “…right away.”

________________________________________________________________

ULM football is just two weeks away from its opener at home against Saint Francis. Head coach Bryant Vincent is known for being run-heavy. The Warhawks added South Alabama transfer running back Braylon McReynolds this offseason. McReynolds says even though there’s competition at running back, he brings specific strengths to the room that others may not have.

Cut 19 (21) “…everybody better.”

ULM finished with the 84^th total defense in college football last season, giving up 384 yards a game. Warhawks defensive coordinator Earnest Hill was nominated for the Broyles Award in 2024 after improving his unit significantly from the 2023 season. Hill says he has placed a huge emphasis on the development of his defensive line after bulking up in the spring.

Cut 20 (18) “…pass game.”

There are three well-known Republicans challenging Bill Cassidy in next April’s U-S Senate primary, but we have yet to see a Democrat announce they will challenge the Republican primary winner. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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A New Orleans Police officer has been arrested for allegedly hire sex workers while on duty in the French Quarter. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In 1980, the current homestead exemption of 75-thousand dollars was set. St. Tammany Parish assessor Louis Fitzmorris says in the 1980s and 1990s, you could purchase a home and not pay property taxes. Fitzmorris says in the early 1990s he purchased a home in Abita Springs for 48-thousand dollars…

Cut 3 (05) “…200-thousand dollars”

Fitzmorris says if the homestead exemption kept up with inflation from 1980, many homeowners would not pay property taxes. But he says for that to happen, the legislature would have to quadruple the homestead exemption…

Cut 4 (08) “…300-thousand dollars.”

There was an effort in the last legislative session to increase the homestead exemption. New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard’s bill would have allowed parishes to increase the homestead exemption, but it died on the House floor. Fitzmorris says with homestead exemption holding steady at 75-thousand dollars, it’s been a stealth tax increase on homeowners…

Cut 5 (06) “…fully homestead exempted”

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There are three well-known Republicans challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s U-S Senate race, but will there be a formidable Democratic candidate. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Democrats would like to see former Governor John Bel Edwards run, but that’s unlikely…

Cut 6 (11) “…that happening”

Alford says as it stands now, there’s not an obvious candidate for the Democrats to run against the winner of the Republican Primary. He says former Lt. Governor and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has been mentioned as a possible candidate…

Cut 7 (10) “…that would be.”

Alford says it’s unlikely Democratic U-S Representatives Troy Carter or Cleo Fields would give up a House seat for a chance at representing Louisiana in the U-S Senate.

He says the Louisiana Democratic Party is in rebuilding mode…

Cut 8 (09) “..Republican primary” 

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A Port Allen man is accused of trying to set a home on fire that had four children inside. The incident happened early Tuesday morning in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Fire Department spokesperson Justin Hill says when investigators arrived at home, they saw evidence of a break-in…

Cut 9 (08)  “…nobody was injured”

Hill says thanks to the work of several agencies they apprehended the suspect, 46-year-old Alfred Jarvis. Jarvis had two restraining orders again him and he allegedly threatened the occupants of the home two days before he tried to set it on fire….

Cut 10 (12) “…under control.”

Hill says Jarvis have been charged with four counts of attempted first degree murder…

Cut 11 (12) “…witnesses said.”

There has been a concern ULM was slashing its athletic budget, but KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says that is not the case. Andre Champagne reports…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Starting in January, Louisiana SNAP recipients can no longer purchase soda, energy drinks and candy with their food stamps. Jeff Palermo reports Louisiana’s Surgeon General hopes this leads to healthier children…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The U.S. Supreme Court has set a date to revisit Louisiana’s congressional map and decide whether it violates the 14th and 15th Amendments. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Amtrak’s new passenger train service from New Orleans to Mobile starts Monday and for those who want to take a bus from Baton Rouge to New Orleans to catch the train there’s an easy way to do that. Florian Sitrin with Flix North America says you will not have to buy two different tickets…

Cut 4 (10) “…one trip.”

FlixBus already provides daily bus service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Sitrin says the schedule has been timed up so that you can take the bus from the Capitol City to Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans and catch a train to the Mississippi or Alabama Gulf Coast…

Cut 5 (08) “…too long.”

Sitrin says they have two dedicated buses that you can book at Amtrak or Flix Bus that can connect you to the Mardi Gras Service….

Cut 6 (11) “…beautiful connection.”

________________________________________________________

Since last week’s sudden resignation of athletics director John Hartwell, there’s been speculation ULM is cutting funding to athletics. But KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says he’s seen the budget for this athletic year, and ULM has increased funding by 1.5 million dollars

Cut 7 (09) “…last year.”

Shortly after Hartwell’s resignation, it was reported new ULM president Carrie Castille was imposing a six-to-nine percent cut to the school’s athletic department budget.

ULM is set to spend just over 22-million dollars on athletics this year. That’s one of the smallest budgets among FBS schools and some say the school should drop down to the FCS level.

But Dietrich says the school is getting three-point-seven million dollars to play Alabama and Northwestern, because they are an FBS school…

Cut 8 (06) “…drop down.”

Football coach Bryant Vincent is the interim athletics director. Dietrich says the long-term future for ULM athletics is a little cloudy, but the fanbase is glad Vincent is leading athletics for the time being..

Cut 9 (14)  “…period of time”

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Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports President Trump’s effort to abolish the Department of Education. Brumley says decisions about what’s taught in Louisiana public schools should be made here, not Washington D-C…

Cut 10 (12) “…can be.”

During her visit to Louisiana, U-S Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the Trump Administration would like to move to a block funding model, letting states to decide how to spend federal dollars. Brumley says Louisiana is positioned to benefit from that kind of system…

Cut 11 (09) “…result.”

Louisiana has seen improvement in literacy scores, but Brumley says the job is far from over…

Cut 12 (10) “…getting better.”

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Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham believes preventing SNAP recipients from using their food stamps to purchase soft drinks, energy drinks and candy will make for a healthier Louisiana. That new policy will go into effect in January and Abraham says a good portion of government assistance is going towards the purchase of these items…

Cut 13 (07)  “…will be banned.”

Abraham says the big concern is that SNAP recipients are using their government assistance to buy their children soda and candy…

Cut 14 (11) “…poor child.”

Abraham says candy and soda are high in sugar and too much of it, becomes a bad thing…

Cut 15 (09) “…of the mean.”

Abraham says once you reach a certain level, sugar gets stored as fat.

Last week, USDA Secretary Brooke Collins signed a SNAP waiver for Louisiana that removes soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy as eligible food items. This will go into effect in January.

__________________________________________________________________________

The LSU wide receiving room is one of the deepest position groups on the team after lacking some explosiveness in the room last season. Kentucky transfer Barion brown is one of the multiple receivers the Tigers brought in during the offseason. His rare speed should add to the vertical passing game.  Brown says the room’s talent helps push each other each day.

Cut 16 (18) “…make a play.”

The LSU tight end room has placed a large emphasis on becoming more involved in blocking in the run game. The Tigers added Donovan Green and Bauer Sharp to join Trey’Dez Green in the offseason. Green says Sharp has helped him with his confidence during the summer.

Cut 17 (15)  “…amazing man.”

LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton has played a large role in developing his wideouts, most notably with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Kentucky transfer Barion Brown says Hankton is taking his skills to the next level.

Cut 18 (19) “…better at.”

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UL Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) spoke on his quarterback battle. The quarterback between Daniel Beale, Walker Howard, and Lunch Winfield is still ongoing after the Cajuns first couple of scrimmages. Desormeaux says he likes what he sees out of each player.

Cut 19 (21) “…practice setting.”

The Cajuns have lots of new faces on this team, and head coach Michael Desormeaux wants to get them as much experience as possible. Freshman cornerback Brent Gordon is one freshman who  is sticking out to the Cajuns staff. Desormeaux says he expects the former three-star out of Cecilia to contribute right away.

Cut 20 (18) “…be done.”

A new national survey finds small business optimism rose in July. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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State Police arrested a Caddo Parish deputy for insurance fraud. Joe Gallinaro has the details…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro”

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U-S Secretary of Education Linda McMahon started her “Returning Education to the States” tour in Louisiana because she’s impressed with Louisiana’s improved reading scores. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says it was validation for what is doing in the public classroom…

Cut 3 (08) “…with disabilities”

McMahon toured Jefferson Terrace Academy which has implemented new reading initiatives, including high dosage tutoring and the Baton Rouge school is already seeing results.

Over a five-year period, Louisiana’s reading scores have improved from 49th to the 32nd on a national test called the nation’s report card. Brumley says they went back to the basics…

Cut 4 (10) “…academic excellence.”

McMahon is touring the country to see what each state is doing to improvement student achievement. Brumley says Louisiana’s improved reading scores is why she decided to start her tour by visiting at school in Baton Rouge…

Cut 5 (10) “…our state”

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Optimism is up among small businesses according to a new survey released by the NFIB. NFIB state director Leah Long says federal legislation that makes a 20-percent small business tax deduction permanent gives small business owners more clarity…

Cut 6 (08) “…businesses grow”

Long says in Louisiana small business owners are optimistic that the tort reform legislation approved in the last regular session can help reduce insurance rates over time….

Cut 7 (07) “…for that.”

Long says it’s good to see improving conditions, but labor quality remains is the single most important problem facing small businesses…

Cut 8 (08) “…to hire” 

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A Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy is on administrative leave after he was arrested for insurance fraud. State Police Trooper Eddie Thomas says a months long investigation has determined 50-year-old Frank Launer of Blanchard got into a wreck last April and did not have automobile insurance and then quickly obtained coverage

Cut 9 (11)  “…same day”

Thomas says once investigators had enough evidence to show that Launer filed a claim with his insurance provider after he got into a wreck, an arrest warrant was issued…

Cut 10 (09) “…insurance fraud.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn says his office does not condone the alleged actions attributed to Launer. Thomas says Sheriff Whitehorn supports L-S-P’s investigation into Launer…

Cut 11 (09) “…as well.”

Fortified roofs were the main focus at the annual Louisiana Department of Insurance conference. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A strong effort is ongoing to get the “Little Cajun Saint,” Charlene Richard canonized as a Saint. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A wildlife has burned 15-hundred acres in the Kisatchie National Forest, but Jeff Palermo reports officials are confident they can get fire contained by the end of the week…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Fortified roofs were the main focus of last week’s annual Louisiana Department of Insurance conference. Commissioner Tim Temple says fortified roofs have proven to lower homeowner’s insurance premiums by as much as 50-percent.

Cut 4 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

In the past, the state had grant programs, in which homeowners entered into a lottery to be selected for a discounted fortified roof. Temple says no additional grant programs are currently scheduled, although there may be some coming in the future.

But he says thanks to the legislature this past session, homeowners can receive a higher tax deduction if they pay for fortified roof…

Cut 5 (07) “…now ten-thousand dollars.”

Louisiana issued just 313 fortification certificates prior to 2023, but thanks to the state providing funding for the Fortify Homes Program, 54-hundred properties have been certified as of last February.

Temple says in the future, he would like building codes amended so that all new homes are built with fortified roofs.

Cut 6 (06) “…it’s not fortified”

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The five deep-water ports of the Lower Mississippi River have partnered up to develop a unified marketing strategy. Chairman of the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, Joe Toomy, says this collaboration will allow each port to emphasize their own strength…

Cut 7 (08) “…the world.”

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Port of South Louisiana, Port of New Orleans, Saint Bernard Port and Louisiana Gateway Port make up this strategic initiative. Toomy says the ports have traditionally worked independently, but two years ago discussions began that they should unify…

Cut 8 (09) “…the port.”

Toomy says this united effort between these five lower Mississippi River ports will help increase international trade, drive economic growth and attract new business…

Cut 9 (12)  “…L-N-G.”

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The Vatican is considering The Little Cajun Saint for sainthood as it’s believed she has performed miracles. Charlene Richard from Acadia Parish died in 1959 from leukemia at the age of 12 years old. President of the Charlene Richard Foundation, Nanette Reiners, says Richard knew she would die at a young age, but every day she offered her suffering for other people…

Cut 10 (07) “…everybody else”

Word of Reiner’s deep faith and her passion to help others spread, resulting in many visiting her grave to pray and ask for their prayers to be answered. Reiners says several of those prayers were answered, including a pregnant woman from New York who was told by doctors her fetus had two severe brain abnormalities…

Cut 11 (12) “…the baby.”

The Catholic Church considers someone for sainthood if they have performed at least two documented miracles. Reiners says the Dioceses of Lafayette and Alexandria have submitted evidence of the unexplainable happenings that have occurred as a result of Charlene’s intercession…

Cut 12 (11) “…canonization.”

Richard has been declared a Servant of God. It remains to be seen if she will be declared Venerable, than Blessed and then finally a “Saint.” There are 11 canonized American Saints and Richard would be the first from Louisiana.

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Firefighters hope to have wildlife burning in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish contained by the end of the week. A lighting strike on August 3rd sparked the fire that has burned 15 hundred acres. Kisatchie National Forest spokesperson Jim Caldwell says they are using various methods to extinguish the blaze, and they can use some help from Mother Nature…

Cut 13 (07)  “…a lot.”

There are 110 people from ten states involved in fighting what is called the Backbone Fire. Caldwell says the Kisatchie National Forest has seen its share of wildfires, but this one is difficult to battle because of the terrain…

Cut 14 (11) “…fire in.”

Caldwell says because of the wildlife, the entire Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area is closed….

Cut 15 (09) “…backpacks on.”

Caldwell they are also urging the public to avoid the Longleaf Trail National Scenic Byway because of visibility issues from the smoke. No structures have been damaged and they do not foresee that from happening.

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Blake Baker enters his second season as the LSU defensive coordinator. The Tigers finished 61^st in total defense last season. With Harold Perkins returning from an ACL injury, the LSU defense will be one of the most top-heavy linebacker rooms in the country. Baker says Perkins will be fun to watch this season.

Cut 16 (16) “…this season.”

South Florida transfer defensive tackle Bernard Gooden is one of the key additions that Baker and the staff are high on. Baker says Gooden’s smaller size helps him get off the ball quicker.

Cut 17 (19)  “…the ground.”

LSU not only added an abundance of defensive linemen in the transfer portal, but it also added two experienced safeties. Temarcus Cooley transferred in from NC State and AJ Haulcy transferred in from Houston. Baker says that Haulcy plays with a certain style that will help the entire defense.

Cut 18 (14) “…the communication.”

________________________________________________________________

Tony Franklin returns as Louisiana Tech’s offensive coordinator this year after serving in the same role under Sonny Dykes from 2010-2012. Franklin brings over fifteen years of college coaching to the Bulldogs where he is known for his ability to develop the quarterback position. With a a quarterback battle between Blake Baker, Evan Bullock, and Trey Cook ongoing, Franklin likes what he sees from each player.

Cut 19 (21) “…for us.”

Louisiana Tech struggled for the most part offensively last season, but the Bulldogs return one of the best tight ends in the country in Eli Finley. Finley totaled 314 yards receiving with two touchdowns last season. Franklin says that Finley has the potential to be one of the top tight ends he has ever coached.

Cut 20 (17) “…the country.”

McNeese is helping incoming freshmen adjust to college life. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The preseason AP Top 25 poll was released today and the LSU Tigers are ranked in the top 10. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Freshman year in college can be very daunting –and McNeese is helping freshmen make the adjustment with its new First-Year Experience program. Director Jacqueline Clark says the program offers support to more than one-thousand new students..

Cut 3 (13) “…in college.”

Clark says the traditional two-day Cowboy Camp orientation is a big part of the First-Year Experience.

Cut 4 (12) “…set of friends.”

The First-Year Experience program is funded for five years with a 2.2-million-dollar grant from the Department of Education, and Clark says a portion of that money goes towards hiring student mentors.

Cut 5 (09) “…the students”

Students move in August 21st, and classes begin August 25th.

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The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office releases a report that finds Medicaid paid nearly ten-million dollars to healthcare organizations for 1,072 beneficiaries who were deceased. The report covers February 2019 to March of this year and the review was conducted to further the goals of the Governor’s Fiscal Responsibility Program. State auditor Chris Magee on how they found out these beneficiaries were dead…

Cut 6 (11) “…death master file”

Magee says they have recommended to the Louisiana Department of Health to used third-party data sources in their effort to make sure beneficiaries of Medicaid have not passed away…

Cut 7 (07) “…data basis.”

Magee says L-D-H has accepted their recommendation on how to improve its process in identifying and removing Medicaid coverage for beneficiaries who are deceased…

Cut 8 (05) “…with our recommendation”

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LSU running back JT Lindsey is suspended from the team until his accessory to murder charge is resolved. Lindsey is accused of harboring two murder suspects in his apartment style dorm. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says a Baton Rouge TV station reports U.S. Marshals found multiple guns in his dorm room…

Cut 9 (12)  “…that facility”

Lindsey’s attorney says the former star running back at Alexandria Senior High was unaware the two teenagers staying at his dorm were wanted for murder. In the meantime, Lindsey can not practice with the team and Horne says it’s likely he will not play this season…

Cut 10 (09) “…serious allegation.”

Lindsey’s suspension leaves LSU with just three scholarship running backs on the roster. Horne says a former high school football quarterback from Lafayette Christian could be used as a ball carrier out of the backfield this season…

Cut 11 (08) “…making it better.”

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U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon was in Baton Rouge this morning to kickoff her returning education to states tour. Secretary McMahon visited Jefferson Terrace Academy and participated in a roundtable conversation on Louisiana’s literacy progress. McMahon says she’s impressed with Louisiana’s improvement on the Nation’s Report Card…

Cut 12 (12) “…making it work.”

McMahon believes each state should decide what’s best for them when it comes to improving student achievement in the classroom. She says during her tour she’ll learn about each state’s best policies and programs…

Cut 13 (11)  “…to do.”

Secretary McMahon will also visit Arkansas and Tennessee this week.

After a ten-day delay, inshore shrimp season begins today. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With this month marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a documentary premiering tonight on ESPN takes a look back at the Saints’ return to the Superdome. It was a game that told the world that New Orleans was back. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

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Elmer Chocolate, the 170-year-old Louisiana family-owned chocolate company based in Ponchatoula has sold to a Florida-based family equity firm. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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After a ten-day delay, inshore shrimp season opens today. Louisiana Shrimp Association President Acy Cooper says the later start to the season is actually a very good thing.

Cut 4 (11) “…bit bigger size.”

Cooper says bigger shrimp fetches more money – and given how imports undercut local shrimpers, that’s very important.

Cut 5 (11) “…us to survive.”

Cooper says the 10-day delay in shrimp season yields a very significant difference in the size of the shrimp.

Cut 6 (10) “…25 a pound.”

How much shrimp grows is dependent on water conditions, including temperature, salinity and oxygen content. The delayed start to shrimp season also means the shrimp population will remain stable.

________________________________________________________

With this month marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a new documentary premiering tonight on ESPN takes a look back at the Saints’ first game back in the Superdome. “Above The Tide: 20 Years After Katrina” premiers at six local time tonight on ESPN. It’s directed by Julian Gooden, who says the film features interviews with all the important people who were with the Saints on that magical night in September of 2006.

Cut 7 (12) “…in the film.”

The moment that Gooden was referring to, of course, was Steve Gleason’s blocked punt that gave the Saints an early six to nothing lead, en route to a 23-3 win over Atlanta and a 3-and-0 start to the season that would ultimately culminate with a berth in the NFC Championship Game. Gooden says no one in New Orleans, whether they were inside the Superdome or not, will ever forget where they were when that happened.

Cut 8 (07) “…they could take.”

Gooden says that touchdown, which is immortalized with a statue outside the Superdome, really was the rebirth of the city.

Cut 9 (08)  “…representation of that.”

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Gold brick eggs and heavenly hash eggs from Elmer chocolate are a tradition in Louisiana Easter baskets. Now the 170-year-old Ponchatoula candy company has new owners. Elmer recently sold to Florida based, Hoffman Family of Companies. Geoff Hoffman with HFC says they’re not looking to change Elmer Chocolate and the Nelson Family will continue to run it…

Cut 10 (12) “…avenues of growth.”

Having been a long-time fan of gold brick toppings on his ice cream, Hoffman says he was excited to partner with Elmer and when he toured the facility he knew it was a company they wanted to partner with.

Cut 11 (13) “…best in class.”

Hoffman says it will be business as usual, and he wants to introduce Elmer Chocolates to new areas of the country. Elmer CEO, Robert Nelson says the family wants to grow the company and keep it in Ponchatoula for another 170 years…

Cut 12 (12) “…excited about it.”

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Education Secretary Linda McMahon will be in Baton Rouge this morning as part of her nationwide tour. This morning, Secretary McMahon will be at Jefferson Trace Academy, visiting classrooms and attending a roundtable discussion on Louisiana’s literacy progress. In a video announcing her nationwide tour, McMahon said she will highlight what happens when local communities lead.

Cut 13 (08)  “…our local leaders.”

McMahon’s tour comes as President Trump seeks to dismantle the Department of Education at the federal level.

Cut 14 (15) “…future they deserve.”

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The Saints dropped their preseason opener to the Chargers 27 to 13 in Los Angeles yesterday. Spencer Rattler started at quarterback and in his five offensive drives, failed to put up any points. Tyler Shough led the Saints to a field goal at the end of the half, but threw a pick six in the third quarter, only to bounce back and throw a touchdown pass on the next drive. Coach Kellen Moore on Shough’s performance…

Cut 15 (12) “…really, really good.”

Shough threw for 165 yards and a touchdown and an interception. Rattler was just seven for 11 for 53 yards with zero touchdowns, zero interceptions and he lost a fumble. Rattler is not pleased with his performance…

Cut 16 (16) “…throughout the game.”

The highlight of the game for the Saints was Shough’s 54-yard touchdown pass to Mason Tipton. Tipton is in his second season out of Yale and Moore likes what he sees from the wide out…

Cut 17 (10)  “…with us.”

The Saints will practice this week in Irvine, California and will return home later in the week to host Jacksonville on Sunday.

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Joe Sloan enters his second year as the offensive coordinator for LSU. Sloan is known for his ability to develop the quarterback position, most notably with 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. As Garrett Nussmeier transitions into his second year starting, Sloan says his quarterback’s improvements are coming from SEC experience.

Cut 18 (19) “…his growth.”

One of LSU’s strongest groups on the team is its deep and talented wide receiver room. The Tigers weren’t much of a vertical threat last season in the pass game, but with the help of fifth-year senior Chris Hilton, Sloan says the Tigers are able to add another element to its offense.

Cut 19 (19) “…good football.”

With fall camp through its first week of work, LSU is still trying to find its starting five on the offensive line. The Tigers are looking to replace the production of four key departures in the offensive line room. Sloan says the competition and position battle bring the best out of each player.

Cut 20 (15) “…is nice.”

A new school year has arrived. The head of the state department of education talked about a couple of new priorities this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With the new school year about to begin, Andrew Greenstein has some tips for kids to get to and from school safely.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new school year gets underway this week and an emphasis this year for the Louisiana Department of Education is to expand work-based learning opportunities for high school students. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means more high school students will participate in internships…

Cut 3 (11) “…this year.”

According to Leaders for a Better Louisiana, just over two-thousand of about 42-thousand high school students graduated with an internship credit, or about five-percent of the graduating class.

Brumley says another emphasis this year is more structured physical education classes…

Cut 4 (10) “…thoughtful than that.’”

Brumley says structured P-E classes will complement mandatory recess time for students between kindergarten and fifth grade.

Cut 5 (11) “…too long.”

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With school starting up again, now is the time to start to pay extra close attention on the roadways. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says you can start by giving yourself a little extra time to get to and from work.

Cut 6 (12) “…at those times.”

Fischer says kids who walk to and from school should be focused solely on that single task and doing everything they can to stay safe.

Cut 7 (11) “…way as possible.”

Fischer says if it’s absolutely necessary for kids to cross the street, they should only do so at crosswalks and nowhere else.

Cut 8 (10) “…on their phones.”

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A 1.4-million-dollar grant from NASA will support a three-year research collaboration between LSU, Southern and Louisiana Tech. Dr. Andrew Peters, a professor of chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech, says the money will be used to research ways to construct and fix large space structures without relying on bolts, screws or glue.

Cut 9 (09)  “…kind of stuff.”

While LSU will get the bulk of that money, Louisiana Tech will receive more than 360-thousand dollars. Dr. Peters says the research team will be focused on developing a new generation of materials called vitrimers.

Cut 10 (10) “…techniques they need.”

Peters says Louisiana is the perfect place to do this research, with the plastics industry being very robust in this state.

Cut 11 (07) “…and manufacturing capabilities.”

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Starting in January, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their food stamp benefits to purchase soda, energy drinks and candy. Governor Jeff Landry asked the federal government to prohibit these foods from being purchased by SNAP benefits because they contribute to poor health outcomes…

Cut 12 (06) “…chronic diseases.”

Landry talked about the upcoming changes to the SNAP program on his “Diner Days” podcast he recorded at a restaurant in Broussard.

The governor was joined by Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (Green-steen) who says the state’s SNAP program costs the federal government one-point-nine billion dollars and SNAP recipients use their benefits to purchase about 350-million dollars in soda every year…

Cut 13 (11)  “…dairy products.”

SNAP recipients can still purchase soda candy, but they’ll have to use their own money.

Greenstein says the waiver also allows the 800-thousand SNAP recipients in the state to use their benefits to buy a hot rotisserie chicken…

Cut 14 (11) “…and pop.”

We’re hearing from the representative who helped get the ban on handling cell phones while driving into law. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A study from Bankrate finds Louisiana’s housing market is cool and New Orleans and Shreveport are among the coldest in the country for their market size. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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We’re now hearing from the representative who helped get a ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving across the finish line in the legislature and into law. Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso says it was a long time coming.

Cut 3 (09) “…matters and issues.”

The new law makes handling a cell phone while driving a secondary offense. That means an officer will not pull you over just for handling your cell phone while driving; but if the officer observed you doing so while committing another moving violation, that would add an additional fine to your citation. Glorioso says he wrote his bill that way after prior attempts to make it a primary offense failed.

Cut 4 (09) “…pretextual stop issue.”

Glorioso says while the law is now in effect, there is a grace period.

Cut 5 (08) “…until January 1st.”

Handling a cell phone while driving, however, is a primary offense in school zones and construction zones for a while – and it has been for quite some time.

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Researchers determined the 2025 Gulf of Mexico dead zone is about the size of Connecticut. The zone represents an area of low to no oxygen, unable to support marine life. LSU Oceanography Professor Nancy Rabalais says the zone is caused by high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways.

Cut 6 (10) “…the oxygen.”

The most common way these nutrients make it to the Gulf is through runoff from fertilizers used throughout the Midwest. Rabalais says many farmers are aware of the issue, and their efforts can help.

Cut 7 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

Rabalais says the Gulf has two layers of water: a warmer, fresher top layer, with a colder, saltier one beneath. She says this leads to the dead zone along the ocean floor.

Cut 8 (13) “…doesn’t diffuse.”

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A new study from Bankrate finds Louisiana has a cool housing market and New Orleans and Shreveport are among the coldest for their market size in the country. Data analyst Bankrate Alex Gailey says high homeowners’ insurance rates is one reason why it’s tough to sell a home in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (08)  “…housing costs.”

Gailey says the Bankrate Housing Heat Index looks at data from a variety of sources and Louisiana ranks below average in every category…

Cut 10 (08) “…population growth.”

Gailey says they also found many Louisiana residents can not afford to own a home…

Cut 11 (12) “….buy a home”

Gailey says on the flip side, a cool housing market is good for buyers as it means more options, you can negotiate more and get concessions from the seller.

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LSU was ranked ninth in the US LBM preseason Coaches Poll. Head coach Brian Kelly has seen a motivated group of players, especially in the trenches. He says ongoing position battles and a competitive culture make for great practices.

Cut 12 (10) “…those traits.”

Wide Receiver Aaron Anderson has missed most of fall camp with nagging knee inflammation stemming from his time at Alabama. Kelly says it was reaggravated in his offseason work, but he felt good today.

Cut 13 (12)  “…on the field.”

The Tigers volunteered at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank on their off day yesterday. The team supplied nearly 40-thousand meals across 11 parishes in just one hour. Kelly says all it took was telling them they could go home when they finished.

Cut 14 (08) “…of work.”