CSRA in Bossier City is setting up a call center to connect Harvey victims to recovery resources. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A statewide blood drive is being held today in the hopes of replenishing a short supply following Hurricane Harvey. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana’s two US senators were among the 80 who voted to support federal funding for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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In the coming weeks and months, Harvey victims will need help navigating the red tape to getting federal aid, and Louisianans are coming to the rescue. CSRA was enlisted by the feds to establish a call center for helping disaster victims. Spokesperson Mimi Hedgcock says 500 of those call agents will be based in Bossier City.

Cut 4  (09) “within FEMA”

A $95 million grant will fund the temporary call center. Hedgcock says CSRA hosted a job fair at the Bossier City location to fill the part-time and full-time positions. She says they were shocked at the incredible turnout.

Cut 5  (10)  “Louisiana”

Hedgcock says the call center will open early next week after the new agents receive the proper training. She says this facility will be vitally important to affected families who are trying to put their lives back together.

Cut 6 (09) “as possible”

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The Governor’s Office is holding a statewide blood drive today amid a supply shortage following Hurricane Harvey. Tina Martinez with LifeShare Blood Centers says because of the hurricane’s destruction, many communities have not been able to donate blood to support the medical needs of local patients.

Cut 7 (07)  “donations daily”

Blood drive locations have been set up in all the major Louisiana cities, and donors can also go by any LifeShare location to donate. Martinez says this is a great way for people to help those affected by the storm, and it doesn’t cost a thing.

Cut 8 (11) “to someone”

Martinez notes there’s no other source for blood. It can’t be manufactured, so it has to be donated. She says about 40 percent of the population is eligible to donate, and all blood types are needed.

Cut 9 (11)  “the process”

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Both of Louisiana’s US Senators voted to appropriate 15-billion dollars in disaster aid for victims of Harvey, which nearly doubles what President Donald Trump requested. Junior Senator John Kennedy says this federal funding will help our neighbors grapple with the destruction Harvey left behind.

Cut 10 (09) “happened to em”

Kennedy says without this federal support, many disaster victims won’t be able to rebuild their homes and businesses. He says unfortunately, many Louisianans can relate to the hopeless feeling that comes from losing everything in a disaster. He has a message for those struggling to find hope.

Cut 11 (10) “think you won’t”

Kennedy says although it hasn’t always been the case, FEMA is doing a good job lately, especially with Administrator Brock Long at the helm. He says the rest will be up to them, since his job ends with providing the funds.

Cut 12 (08) “different”

The vote was 80-17 in the Senate and now heads to the House for their approval.

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Louisiana Tech is gearing up for a big home game this Saturday as the Bulldogs will host Mississippi State from the SEC. The last time these two teams met in Ruston, Tech defeated State 22-14 in 2008. Coach Skip Holtz says hosting an SEC team is a great opportunity for their football team, but this game does not make their season….

Cut 13 (11) “after this one”

Both teams won their season openers. Tech handled in state foe Northwestern State 52-24, while Mississippi State crushed Charleston Southern 49-0.  Holtz is very impressed with how State won its season opener…

Cut 14 (11) “college football”

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12th ranked LSU is coming off a dominating performance over BYU and will host Chattanooga at 6:30 in the home opener for the Tigers. LSU is a heavy favorite to beat the FCS School, but Head Coach Ed Orgeron says they have a great deal of respect for the Mocs

Cut 15 (08) “but a battle”

In the Tigers shutout win over BYU in the season opener, LSU allowed just 97 total yards and held BYU to negative five rushing yards. Linebacker Devin White led the team in tackles that night and expects more dominate performances…

Cut 16  (14)  “need to be”

LSU graduates have higher early- and mid-career earnings than other grads, according to a new report. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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For the first time in nearly a decade, three hurricanes are moving through the Atlantic Basin at the same time. Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A recent report finds LSU graduates have higher early- and mid-career earnings than graduates of other Louisiana universities. Among the 50 flagship universities in the country, LSU ranks 21^st in early career earnings and 18^th for mid-career earnings. President F. King Alexander credits the hard work of the University for getting students ready for the workforce.

Cut 3 (10) “career ready”

Alexander says LSU students are leaders who aren’t afraid of hard work. When looking at public SEC peers, LSU is third behind only Texas A&M and Florida for early career earnings and the Baton Rouge school ranks fourth in mid-career earnings. He notes many of the universities below LSU on the list charge higher tuition and have more student debt.

Cut 4  (12) “LSU degree”

LSU grads have early career earnings of more than $52,000 and mid-career earnings of over $100,000. Alexander says this is a testament to the value of an LSU degree. He hopes this report will encourage more Louisiana students to choose LSU for their degree and attract more out of state students.

Cut 5  (11)  “worth it”

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Cleco and Entergy are teaming up to increase reliability to customers in southeast Louisiana. Cleco Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says construction is already underway for a new storm-hardened transmission line from Gray to Patterson that can withstand winds of 150 miles per hour.

Cut 6 (10)”restoration times”

It’s expected the project will be completed by the fall of 2018. Cahill says this is a great example of two utility companies working together to benefit customers. She says Cleco and Entergy are splitting the cost and Entergy expects to spend 65-million dollars on 24 miles of the project.

Cut 7 (09)  “dollars”

Cahill says this project and partnership are so important because the first thing customers want after a storm is to have their power restored.

Cut 8 (08) “Louisiana”

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Three hurricanes are churning in the Atlantic Basin. Hurricane Irma, which is expected to hit Florida on Sunday, Jose is trailing Irma in the central Atlantic, and Katia is a hurricane in the southwestern Gulf. State climatologist Barry Keim says having three hurricanes simultaneously is definitely unusual, but it’s not unprecedented or record-breaking.

Cut 9 (11)  “1998”

Keim says the Atlantic hurricane season is off to a roaring start this year. He says we’ve already seen 11 named storms, and we haven’t reached the peak of the season.

Cut 10 (09) “right now”

Keim says although we’ve seen two storms make landfall, the state has been pretty luck so far this season. He says Tropical Storms Cindy and Harvey both landed in Louisiana, but they didn’t do much damage in the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (08) “unscathed”

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The state Department of Transportation has started a major project on Arkansas Road in Ouachita Parish. DOTD Secretary Dr. Shawn Wilson says with a big boom in residents in West Monroe, there is a serious need for a wider road. He says this construction will increase the traffic capacity in the area.

Cut 12 (10) “signals”

The project is expected to cost about 33-million dollars. Wilson says sidewalks will also be installed along the road so pedestrians can travel safely. He says West Monroe is growing and this project will eliminate huge congestion problems.

Cut 13 (10) “this corridor “

Over 18-thousand vehicles pass through this stretch of Arkansas Road from North 7^th Street to Caldwell Road every day. Wilson says the project is expected to take about three years and will be finished in the spring of 2020. He says it will be slightly uncomfortable during construction but…

Cut 14 (09) “Louisiana”

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The TOPS Task Force met for the first time today to discuss the future of the scholarship program. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (25) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing for changes in the federal disaster grant program. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today the TOPS Task Force met for the first time, as state leaders take a closer look at the scholarship program. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish authored the legislation that created the group. He says almost no changes have been made to TOPS in the past 20 years, but a lot has changed in higher education…:

Cut 3 (11) “and we do now”

Morrish says they want to see where TOPS is going, what needs to be done, and what the legislative intent is of the scholarship program. He says the goal is to collect all the information available on TOPS so lawmakers can make decisions about the future of the program.

Cut 4  (07) “on it”

The task force will meet twice a month for the next four months before issuing their report in February. Morrish says the purpose of today’s meeting is to get a general overview of the taxpayer funded scholarship program.

Cut 5  (12)  “costing us”

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The National Hurricane Center says the eye of Cat-5 Irma is closing in on the Virgin Islands, but most models still show it shifting east and staying away from Louisiana. NHC Meteorologist David Zelinsky says the 5 day cone of probability currently shows Irma impacting Florida…:

Cut 6 (11)”does shift”

Zelinsky says encourages people not to focus on the exact forecast track, especially at longer ranges. He says there is a mid-level trough that is causing Irma to turn…:

Cut 7 (04)  “actually occur”

Zelinsky says atmospheric conditions and sea surface temperatures will likely keep the storm a major hurricane as it heads towards the Bahamas and southern Florida. He says Irma is going to hit Puerto Rico this afternoon or tonight:

Cut 8 (10) “and The Keys”

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Major refineries in Texas are starting to come back online, and gas prices across the nation are finally starting to level off. Senior Petroleum Analyst with GasBuddy.com, Patrick Dehaan says, the Bayou State saw a 16 cent increase at the pump over the last week. The current statewide average is $2.39. He says we can blame this spike on Hurricane Harvey.

Cut 9 (11)  “higher”

Dehaan says it seems like gas prices have begun to peak and Louisiana is already seeing subtle decreases.

Cut 10 (05) “plateau”

Dehaan says Louisiana’s average, although it has increased by 16 cents, it’s lower than the national average of a 21 cent jump.

Cut 11 (10) “unscathed”

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In the wake of devastating storms with more on the way, Governor John Bel Edwards hopes to change the way disaster grants are awarded to impacted homeowners. Richard Carbo with the governor’s office says SBA loans are the only funding available immediately after a disaster, but they may not be the best option.

Cut 12 (11) “Restore Louisiana program”

Carbo says a provision called a “duplication of benefits” prohibits families who took out loans from receiving any federal funding. He says the problem is FEMA almost insists that homeowners apply for these loans without telling them what that will mean down the road.

Cut 13 (08) “to pay back”

Carbo says the governor is pushing to end that provision and allow disaster victims to receive any assistance that’s available. He says the loan program isn’t fair to homeowners because they can be punished for taking out a loan, whether or not they use it.

Cut 14 (13) “just approved for”

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Lafayette Sheriff Mark Garber’s daughter and babysitter were found safe this morning following an all-night search for the missing girls. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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State Officials got together today to discuss Louisiana’s response plan should another storm hit us, while our neighbors are recovering. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The daughter and babysitter of Lafayette Sheriff Mark Garber have been found safe after the two went missing in a canoe overnight. John Mowell with the sheriff’s office says the 21-year-old Juliana Brooks took 7-year-old Cora Garber canoeing in the sheriff’s pond, which is adjacent to a swamp.

Cut 3 (10) “right now”

Mowell says when the sheriff saw the babysitter’s phone and car at his home and no sight of the girls, he immediately deployed search and rescue teams. He says local law enforcement agencies joined in the effort, along with volunteers in canoes who searched throughout the night before finding the girls in the Lake Martin area near an oil well.

Cut 4  (11) “precautionary measure”

Mowell says the girls used mud from the swamp to protect themselves from mosquitos. He says the babysitter is a skilled kayaker with survival skills, which came in handy during the long night in the swamp.

Cut 5  (11)  “good judgement”

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State Officials got together today to discuss Louisiana’s response plan should another storm hit us while portions of the Gulf Coast region are still recovering from prior events. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says we are still in the heart of hurricane season, and resources in Louisiana could be strained:

Cut 6 (09) “Houston and in Texas”

Steele says Texas has historically been one of our strongest allies during an emergency, but much of that support may not be available now while their Hurricane Harvey recovery begins…:

Cut 7 (08)  “things in place”

Steele says not only is the state dealing with it’s own recovery from Harvey impacts, there are many Louisiana residents still living in temporary housing from the 2016 floods. He says even if Irma doesn’t hit Louisiana, there are other storms already starting to stack up…:

Cut 8 (11) “headed your way”

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Hurricane Irma is a potentially catastrophic Category 5 storm heading toward the Leeward Islands. National Hurricane Center Forecaster Chris Landsea says Irma will reach the Lesser Antilles today…

Cut 9 (12)  “south Florida”

The models show Irma turning north once it reaches south Florida and not impacting Louisiana, but Landsea says Louisiana should not let it’s guard down….

Cut 10 (08) “premature”

Landsea says Irma is the strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record with maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour….

Cut 11 (09) “gonna produce”

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CEOWORLD magazine ranks UL-Lafayette’s petroleum engineering department the seventh best in the nation and thirteenth in the world. Department Head Dr. Fathi Boukadi (Fah-tee Boo-kah-dee) says this is the result of years of hard work by students, faculty, and staff. He says it’s an honor for the program to be ranked among the best in the world, and he hopes to continue to improve the department.

Cut 12 (09) “our students”

Job placement rate and recruiter feedback were key factors in the report. Boukadi says his students aren’t having much trouble finding work. He notes even in the face of a struggling oil and gas industry, UL-Lafayette students are holding down jobs in the field.

Cut 13 (08) “during the downturn”

Boukadi says students in his department get lots of hands on experience from the local oil and gas sector, which makes UL-Lafayette students even more competitive in the sector. He hopes this ranking and a rebounding oil market helps attract more students to the program.

Cut 14 (10) “in the South”

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A report from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the nation. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Many are asking what they can do to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Halen Doughty has the answer from the Red Cross…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Baton Rouge doctor is one of the first in the nation to perform a new stroke prevention procedure. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the country, according to a report from Trust for America’s Health. President and CEO John Auerbach says that doesn’t come as a big surprise because the Bayou State is more or less where it’s been for the past few years in terms of the obesity rate.

Cut 4  (10) “same level”

Louisiana is one of just five states with an obesity rate over 35 percent. Auerbach says that’s concerning because being overweight is linked to a plethora of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and certain cancers.

Cut 5  (11)  “associated with that”

Perhaps even more troubling is the finding that Louisiana ranks fourth in the country for childhood obesity of 10- to 17-year-olds, at 21 percent. Auerbach says that growing rate can be addressed with policy changes in schools, like providing healthy lunch options and limiting access to junk food.

Cut 6 (10) “empty calories”

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Relief efforts are ongoing amid the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey, and many are asking how they can help those affected. Chairman of the Board for the Greater Baton Rouge Red Cross, Desiree Lemoine says donating money is the easiest way to give because the Red Cross can buy in bulk.

Cut 7 (11)  “them monetarily”

Some have questioned how they will know what efforts their dollars will support. Lemoine says Red Cross always honors the donor’s intent. She says those who wish to donate can specify what they want their donation to go towards.

Cut 8 (09) “to Harvey relief”

Lemoine says the Red Cross delivers 91 cents of every dollar donated to the charity. She says another way to give back is to become a Red Cross volunteer. She says they have a skilled team of volunteers from all over the country.

Cut 9 (09)  “who volunteer”

To donate or volunteer, go online to RedCross.org.

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A Monroe-native is launching a new streaming TV network next month. Ro Wright says CONGO TV launches online on October 1. He says the network will be available through a variety of streaming options, which he calls the future of broadcast because so many people are turning away from cable.

Cut 10 (09) “streaming devices”

Wright says he hopes to help local actors showcase their talent in feature films. He says the network will also feature local program based on where users log in, as well as original films and reality shows. He says they’re already racking up submissions.

Cut 11 (09) “our network”

Wright says one show in the works is set to be filmed in Louisiana. He says the show will follow a group of black students who have decided not to attend HBCUs because they don’t see the importance of them in this day and age.

Cut 12 (11) “our own state”

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A Baton Rouge General Doctor is one of the first physicians in the country to perform a successful new stoke prevention procedure. Dr. Vince Weaver says this is a minimally invasive procedure that reverses the blood flow through the brain to divert blood clots and plaque away from the brain to prevent blockage and stroke.

Cut 13 (10) “it heals”

Three procedures have already been successful and several more are scheduled. Weaver says the previous procedure for high risk patients involved open surgery, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. He says this treatment option is significantly safer…

Cut 14 (11) “dislodged”

Weaver says the surgery is an hour long and patients are released the next day. He says certain criteria must be met before the procedure can be done…

Cut 15 (09) “both sides”

It’s Labor Day, so what is the state of employment in Louisiana? Jeff Palermo spoke with LSU economist Loren Scott…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House is celebrating 50 years in business this month. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Elmer’s Island will get a face lift this month, as a team of volunteers is set to clean up the 2.5 mile stretch of beach on September 16th. The event is hosted in-part by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary or BTNEP. Spokeswoman Alma Robichaux says the event is in coordination with the international coastal cleanup that happens every year in September…:

Cut 3 (10) “Saturday the 16”

Volunteers will keep track of the kinds of trash that is collected. Robichaux says they’ll record what they find to sue for education awareness, which can hopefully put an end to the littering problem on the island. She says the idea is to find the source of the pollution…:

Cut 4  (12) “marine debris”

The event, which is also hosted by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Nicholls State, takes place from 10am-1pm. Robichaux says people who wish to volunteer can visit btnep.org and they’re hopeful for a great turnout…:

Cut 5  (11)  “waste drain”

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One of the most popular things do to on Labor Day is gather with family and friends for an outdoor Barbecue. CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says consumers can expect to see sales here and there on meat products, but the beef industry views this holiday as the last big high-demand time for their commodity until at least Christmas…:

Cut 6 (09) “we get to December”

Foster says when it comes to the impact on the beef industry from Hurricane Harvey, they’re seeing many restaurants and grocery stores placing orders for meat way ahead of the time they normally do….:

Cut 7 (08)  “that stuff”

Foster says if there does become any shortage in beef but they already know stores have prepared for that by stocking up in advance, he hopes the marketplace doesn’t take advantage of that…:

Cut 8 (09) “what happens”

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Based on the latest data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, one-point-nine million people are holding down a job in this state. That’s an increase of 12-thousand from this time last year. LSU economist Doctor Loren Scott says because of an industrial boom in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge, the construction sector continues to do well…

Cut 9 (10)  “right now”

The state workforce commission says 155-thousand people work in construction, which is an all-time high for Louisiana. But Scott anticipates a lag in employment next year…

Cut 10 (09) “coming back again”

Scott says the employment situation has improved in the oil and gas industry areas like Lafayette and Houma, but job losses are still continuing. But he says employment gains continue in two other areas….

Cut 11 (11) “of the state”

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Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says the company is in great shape, and he’s looking forward to another 50 years. He says Johnny Huntsman founded the company in Monroe after discovering his love for pizza while attending college in Iowa.

Cut 12 (10) “in this area”

DeLacerda says when Johnny opened his first store across from what was then Northeast Louisiana University, he had to sell other food too because people were not familiar with pizza. He says Johnny served hamburgers and spaghetti to keep the doors open, and he had other gimmicks as well.

Cut 13 (09) “popular spot”

DeLacerda says today Johnny’s has 44 locations spanning multiple states. He says not only did Johnny start a pizza restaurant, he also gave back to the community. He says it’s a tradition he plans to continue in the company.

Cut 14 (12) “continue to operate”

Johnny passed away in June after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

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The 2017 season is off to a good start for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals blanked BYU 27-0 as the Tigers outgained the Cougars 479-to-97. Derrius Guice rushed for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Danny Etling was 14-of-17 for 173 yards. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says offensive coordinator Matt Canada did a fantastic job calling plays…

Cut 15 (17) “offensive staff”

On the defensive side of the football, LSU held BYU to 97 total yards, negative five rushing yards. It’s the first time the Tigers have shutout an opponent since 2014 and first opening game shutout since the 2007 national championship team. Orgeron says it was a great performance…

Cut 16  (14)  “fantastic”

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Not much defense was played last Saturday in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns outlasted Southeastern Louisiana 51-48. The Lions rushed for 343 yards. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says they were over pursuing on defense…

Cut 17 (17)  “next week”

Cajuns QB Jordan Davis was 12-of-23 for 162 yards and a touchdown in his first career start. Hudspeth says Davis had an effective performance…

Cut 18 (20) “week two” 

Louisiana Congressman and Air Force major Ralph Abraham is flying Harvey missions over Texas. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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The Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve decided to open a second mega-shelter in the state for flood victims in Texas. Michelle Southern  reports…:

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham is taking to the skies and flying Harvey missions with the US Air Force. Abraham is a major in the Air Force Auxiliary and says his assignment began Thursday. He says he flew over Beaumont and Port Arthur.

Cut 3 (11) “right now”

Abraham says flying these missions is his small way of giving back. He says that’s what we do in the Bayou State, which is why he is so proud to be a Louisianan.

Cut 4  (10) “giving back”

Abraham got practice flying this kind of operation during last year’s floods in Louisiana. He says it’s unclear how long these missions will be necessary. He says it depends on what they find and who requests certain air assets and follow-up groundwork.

Cut 5  (09)  “some tasks”

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The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Irma, which is way out in the Atlantic Ocean, will remain a powerful hurricane for days. Forecaster Eric Blake says Irma is about 15-hundred miles east of the Leeward Islands…

Cut 6 (10) “five days”

Most of the models show Irma steering clear of the Gulf of Mexico, but Blake says the Gulf Coast shouldn’t let their guard down…

Cut 7 (08)  “prediction”

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According to the property management company TurnKey Vacation Rentals, Louisiana residents’ favorite place to travel for the Labor Day Holiday is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Spokesman TJ Clark says they used Google search activity for the study, to look at the top 250 vacation destinations..:

Cut 8 (10) “was number three”

Clark says this is the least popular of the three summer travel holidays; Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, but that also means there are great deals out there. He says Louisiana wasn’t alone in loving Gatlinburg and Chatanooga…:

Cut 9 (09)  “and nationally”

Clark says it’s not surprising that folks in the state looking to leave the scorching hot late summer heat for Gatlinburg…:

Cut 10 (08) “activities there”

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The Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve decided to open a second mega-shelter in the state for flood victims in Texas, this time in Shreveport. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’re also taking care of nearly 2000 Lone Star State residents in Alexandria…:

Cut 11 (10) “prescriptions”

Walters says they are nearing capacity in Alexandria so the doors are opening to the massive shelter in Shreveport which can take well over 2,000 people. She says there are several more shelters ready to go in north Louisiana that were designed open in the event New Orleans had to be evacuated again..:

Cut 12 (11) “of their own”

Walters says it’s too early in the process to say how long these shelters will be open. She says they know that people always want to be as close to home as possible…:

Cut 13 (11) “back in place”

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The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is this Labor Day weekend. Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Katara Williams says this is an effort to curtail drunk driving during the holiday weekend, which is one of the deadliest weekends in the year.

Cut 14 (10) “drunk driving”

Williams says if you’ve had anything to drink at all, you do not need to get behind the wheel. She encourages motorists to get a game plan and designate a driver beforehand. She says there are too many other options for anyone to drive drunk.

Cut 15 (08) “smart options”

But she says one option people should not consider is getting behind the wheel after drinking. In Louisiana, about 47 percent of vehicle fatalities involve drunk driving. Williams says she wants people to celebrate the holiday, but they need to do so safely.

Cut 16  (12)  “Louisiana highways”

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Please note the reporter change on voicer one:

Drivers can expect to see higher prices at the pump as Texas refineries cope with storm damage. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Hodges Garden State Park in Sabine Parish is closing amid ongoing budget constraints. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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It’s going to be a busy weekend in New Orleans now that the LSU-BYU game has been moved to the Superdome. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Prices at the pump jumped 6 cents overnight as storm-impacted refineries shut down in Texas. Don Redman with AAA says the statewide average is about $2.27 a gallon,which is 13 cents higher than the week before…:

Cut 4  (08) “ironed out”

Redman says prices could reach up to $2.40 a gallon in the coming weeks before the refineries reopen. But he says once they do, there’s an ample supply of gasoline for plants to distribute.

Cut 5  (09)  “calmed down again”

Redman cautions drivers to be aware they may be travelling in evacuation routes, which could create an additional burden on the existing supply and longer lines at service stations.

Cut 6 (10) “coming weeks”

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This weekend Louisiana hunters can enjoy a tax break on their guns and ammo during the 2^nd Amendment sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state department of revenue says eligible items will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent of the state sales tax.

Cut 7 (09)  “other things”

The sales tax holiday runs this Friday through Sunday throughout the state. Byron says it’s an annual discount the state offers around this time every year.

Cut 8 (08) “season starts”

Henderson says a wide range of guns, ammo, and hunting accessories are eligible for the sales tax exemption. But he says that does not include everything hunting-related.

Cut 9 (12)  “in the regulations”

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The original owners of the Hodges Garden State Park are taking back the 948-acre recreation area in Sabine Parish because the state department of tourism can’t afford to maintain the facility. The assistant secretary in charge of the state park system, Robert Braham, says the state is transferring Hodges back to the Hodges Foundation, effective the last day of September.

Cut 10 (10) “Hodges Foundation”

The state took over the park in 2007. Barham says there have been issues with upkeep due to continued budget cuts for Louisiana’s state parks. He says in the last 10 years, the department has seen a 40 percent reduction in funding.

Cut 11 (07) “like to do”

Barham says some park components have not been adequately maintained, which is why the Hodges Foundation is stepping in. He is hopeful the foundation will continue to make a portion or all of the park available to the public.

Cut 12 (09) “beautiful place”

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The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is gearing up for a busy weekend as the LSU-BYU season opener takes at the Mercedes Benz Superdome at 8:30 p.m Saturday. Kristian Sonnier with the CVB says even though the game was relocated last minute due to Harvey, they are expecting a big crowd. He says the Decadence Festival will be underway at the same time.

Cut 13 (10) “come Saturday”

Sonnier expects about 50,000 people will be in the Crescent City for the game that they were not anticipating.

Cut 14 (08) “and gold”

Sonnier says come Saturday, there should be no threat of flooding in New Orleans for fans to be concerned about, especially after the disaster Harvey left in Houston. He says everyone in the Big Easy is excited for the game and welcomes the unexpected visitors.

Cut 15 (11) “be gone”

________________________________________________________

The first Saturday of college football features three matchups involving intrastate teams. At 6 PM in Ruston, Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. The Demons are coming off a 1-10 season, but Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz sees a more talented Northwestern team this year…:

Cut 16  (21)  “extremely hard”

Louisiana Tech is coming off a 9-5 campaign. J’Mar Smith replaces Ryan Higgins at quarterback and the Bulldogs must replace two talented wide receivers, Trent Taylor and Corey Henderson. Holtz says on the production he anticipates from his wide outs…

Cut 17 (20)  “to this point”

In Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns begin the season by hosting Southeastern Louisiana. UL Lafayette was inconsistent on offense last season and Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes that’s not the case this season, despite some new faces…

Cut 18 (20) “good players” 

Hudspeth says the key to beating the Lions is stopping their running game…

Cut 19 (14) “back end”

The other intrastate matchup will happen at Yulman Stadium as Grambling visits Tulane. Coach Broderick Fobbs says they look forward to the challenge…

Cut 20 (19)  “gonna go” 

Drivers can expect to see higher prices at the pump as Texas refineries cope with storm damage. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Hodges Garden State Park in Sabine Parish is closing amid ongoing budget constraints. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

It’s going to be a busy weekend in New Orleans now that the LSU-BYU game has been moved to the Superdome. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________________________

Prices at the pump jumped 6 cents overnight as storm-impacted refineries shut down in Texas. Don Redman with AAA says the statewide average is about $2.27 a gallon,which is 13 cents higher than the week before…:

Cut 4  (08) “ironed out”

Redman says prices could reach up to $2.40 a gallon in the coming weeks before the refineries reopen. But he says once they do, there’s an ample supply of gasoline for plants to distribute.

Cut 5  (09)  “calmed down again”

Redman cautions drivers to be aware they may be travelling in evacuation routes, which could create an additional burden on the existing supply and longer lines at service stations.

Cut 6 (10) “coming weeks”

________________________________________________________

This weekend Louisiana hunters can enjoy a tax break on their guns and ammo during the 2^nd Amendment sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state department of revenue says eligible items will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent of the state sales tax.

Cut 7 (09)  “other things”

The sales tax holiday runs this Friday through Sunday throughout the state. Byron says it’s an annual discount the state offers around this time every year.

Cut 8 (08) “season starts”

Henderson says a wide range of guns, ammo, and hunting accessories are eligible for the sales tax exemption. But he says that does not include everything hunting-related.

Cut 9 (12)  “in the regulations”

____________________________________________________

The original owners of the Hodges Garden State Park are taking back the 948-acre recreation area in Sabine Parish because the state department of tourism can’t afford to maintain the facility. The assistant secretary in charge of the state park system, Robert Braham, says the state is transferring Hodges back to the Hodges Foundation, effective the last day of September.

Cut 10 (10) “Hodges Foundation”

The state took over the park in 2007. Barham says there have been issues with upkeep due to continued budget cuts for Louisiana’s state parks. He says in the last 10 years, the department has seen a 40 percent reduction in funding.

Cut 11 (07) “like to do”

Barham says some park components have not been adequately maintained, which is why the Hodges Foundation is stepping in. He is hopeful the foundation will continue to make a portion or all of the park available to the public.

Cut 12 (09) “beautiful place”

____________________________________________________

The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is gearing up for a busy weekend as the LSU-BYU season opener takes at the Mercedes Benz Superdome at 8:30 p.m Saturday. Kristian Sonnier with the CVB says even though the game was relocated last minute due to Harvey, they are expecting a big crowd. He says the Decadence Festival will be underway at the same time.

Cut 13 (10) “come Saturday”

Sonnier expects about 50,000 people will be in the Crescent City for the game that they were not anticipating.

Cut 14 (08) “and gold”

Sonnier says come Saturday, there should be no threat of flooding in New Orleans for fans to be concerned about, especially after the disaster Harvey left in Houston. He says everyone in the Big Easy is excited for the game and welcomes the unexpected visitors.

Cut 15 (11) “be gone”

________________________________________________________

The first Saturday of college football features three matchups involving intrastate teams. At 6 PM in Ruston, Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. The Demons are coming off a 1-10 season, but Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz sees a more talented Northwestern team this year…:

Cut 16  (21)  “extremely hard”

Louisiana Tech is coming off a 9-5 campaign. J’Mar Smith replaces Ryan Higgins at quarterback and the Bulldogs must replace two talented wide receivers, Trent Taylor and Corey Henderson. Holtz says on the production he anticipates from his wide outs…

Cut 17 (20)  “to this point”

In Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns begin the season by hosting Southeastern Louisiana. UL Lafayette was inconsistent on offense last season and Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes that’s not the case this season, despite some new faces…

Cut 18 (20) “good players” 

Hudspeth says the key to beating the Lions is stopping their running game…

Cut 19 (14) “back end”

The other intrastate matchup will happen at Yulman Stadium as Grambling visits Tulane. Coach Broderick Fobbs says they look forward to the challenge…

Cut 20 (19)  “gonna go” 

Drivers can expect to see higher prices at the pump as Texas refineries cope with storm damage. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Hodges Garden State Park in Sabine Parish is closing amid ongoing budget constraints. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

It’s going to be a busy weekend in New Orleans now that the LSU-BYU game has been moved to the Superdome. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________________________

Prices at the pump jumped three cents overnight as storm-impacted refineries shut down in Texas. Don Redman with AAA says the statewide average is about $2.22 a gallon, up from $2.14 a week ago.

Cut 4  (08) “ironed out”

Redman says prices could reach up to $2.40 a gallon in the coming weeks before the refineries reopen. But he says once they do, there’s an ample supply of gasoline for plants to distribute.

Cut 5  (09)  “calmed down again”

Redman cautions drivers to be aware they may be travelling in evacuation routes, which could create an additional burden on the existing supply and longer lines at service stations.

Cut 6 (10) “coming weeks”

________________________________________________________

This weekend Louisiana hunters can enjoy a tax break on their guns and ammo during the 2^nd Amendment sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state department of revenue says eligible items will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent of the state sales tax.

Cut 7 (09)  “other things”

The sales tax holiday runs this Friday through Sunday throughout the state. Byron says it’s an annual discount the state offers around this time every year.

Cut 8 (08) “season starts”

Henderson says a wide range of guns, ammo, and hunting accessories are eligible for the sales tax exemption. But he says that does not include everything hunting-related.

Cut 9 (12)  “in the regulations”

____________________________________________________

The original owners of the Hodges Garden State Park are taking back the 948-acre recreation area in Sabine Parish because the state department of tourism can’t afford to maintain the facility. The assistant secretary in charge of the state park system, Robert Braham, says the state is transferring Hodges back to the Hodges Foundation, effective the last day of September.

Cut 10 (10) “Hodges Foundation”

The state took over the park in 2007. Barham says there have been issues with upkeep due to continued budget cuts for Louisiana’s state parks. He says in the last 10 years, the department has seen a 40 percent reduction in funding.

Cut 11 (07) “like to do”

Barham says some park components have not been adequately maintained, which is why the Hodges Foundation is stepping in. He is hopeful the foundation will continue to make a portion or all of the park available to the public.

Cut 12 (09) “beautiful place”

____________________________________________________

The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is gearing up for a busy weekend as the LSU-BYU season opener takes at the Mercedes Benz Superdome at 8:30 p.m Saturday. Kristian Sonnier with the CVB says even though the game was relocated last minute due to Harvey, they are expecting a big crowd. He says the Decadence Festival will be underway at the same time.

Cut 13 (10) “come Saturday”

Sonnier expects about 50,000 people will be in the Crescent City for the game that they were not anticipating.

Cut 14 (08) “and gold”

Sonnier says come Saturday, there should be no threat of flooding in New Orleans for fans to be concerned about, especially after the disaster Harvey left in Houston. He says everyone in the Big Easy is excited for the game and welcomes the unexpected visitors.

Cut 15 (11) “be gone”

________________________________________________________

The first Saturday of college football features three matchups involving intrastate teams. At 6 PM in Ruston, Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. The Demons are coming off a 1-10 season, but Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz sees a more talented Northwestern team this year…:

Cut 16  (21)  “extremely hard”

Louisiana Tech is coming off a 9-5 campaign. J’Mar Smith replaces Ryan Higgins at quarterback and the Bulldogs must replace two talented wide receivers, Trent Taylor and Corey Henderson. Holtz says on the production he anticipates from his wide outs…

Cut 17 (20)  “to this point”

In Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns begin the season by hosting Southeastern Louisiana. UL Lafayette was inconsistent on offense last season and Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes that’s not the case this season, despite some new faces…

Cut 18 (20) “good players” 

Hudspeth says the key to beating the Lions is stopping their running game…

Cut 19 (14) “back end”

The other intrastate matchup will happen at Yulman Stadium as Grambling visits Tulane. Coach Broderick Fobbs says they look forward to the challenge…

Cut 20 (19)  “gonna go”