It’s Labor Day, a day off for most Louisiana workers. Jeff Palermo has a look at the state of employment in the Bayou State….

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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For the fifth year in a row, Louisiana will showcase itself in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s Labor Day, so what is the state of labor in Louisiana? Let’s start with the bad news. Economist Loren Scott says the Lafayette metro and the Houma-Thibodaux area are struggling because of a decline in offshore oil and gas activity…

Cut 3 (11) “…active rigs.”

Now here’s the good news. Scott says hiring will pick up in the Monroe area as workers are needed to build Meta’s ten-billion dollar A-I data center in Richland Parish…

Cut 4 (10) “…crazy good.”

Scott also expects job growth in Lake Charles, Baton Rouge and parts of the New Orleans area, because the price of natural gas is cheap….

Cut 5 (09) “…with us.”

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For a fifth year in a row, Louisiana will showcase itself in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. The theme of the 2026 parade is “The Magic in Teamwork,” and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the state’s float, “Gulf to Gumbo,” highlights the teamwork needed to make a delicious pot of a Louisiana staple.

Cut 6 (12) “…pot of gumbo.”

The float itself will feature a shrimp boat and fresh Louisiana seafood, and Nungesser says there will be a larger-than-life chef on top bringing it all together.

Cut 7 (05) “…by a pelican.”

In the past, Louisiana’s floats have featured local musical stars, and Nungesser says this next one will be no exception.

Cut 8 (10) “…is going by.”

The exact song John Foster will be performing hasn’t been determined yet. Construction on the float is currently underway, and the world will watch it make its way down the streets of Pasadena New Year’s Day.

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Postpartum depression is a major issue among new mothers, and health officials say too many mothers and families are not getting the care when they need it. That’s why the Louisiana Department of Health is now offering a new program called TLC Moms. Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says it provides those women with a valuable resource.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to get help.”

Dr. Abraham says there are several reasons why new mothers may experience postpartum depression.

Cut 10 (08) “…a new life.”

Licensed Professional Counselor Stephanie Boudreaux says postpartum depression is the number-one health issue that new mothers face.

Cut 11 (13) “…during birth itself.”

You can get more information on the TLC Moms program on the Louisiana Department of Health’s webpage.

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Ninth-ranked LSU ended its five-game losing streak in season openers with an impressive 17-10 win over Clemson. The Tigers rallied from a touchdown deficit at halftime to beat Clemson in the highly anticipated opener. Coach Brian Kelly says their preparation helped them prevail…

Cut 12 (14) “…cleeshay.”

It was an impressive showing by the defense, as they made it a long night for Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik with constant pressure. The Tigers also shutdown Clemson’s running game in the second half…

Cut 13 (07)  “…the test.”

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Louisiana Tech shutout Southeastern Louisiana 24-0 on Saturday night in Ruston. The Bulldogs only led 3-0 at halftime, but scored three touchdowns in the third quarter to put the game away. Tech starting quarterback Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) threw a touchdown pass and says offensive coordinator Tony Franklin came down from the press box to call plays from the sidelines in the second half…

Cut 14 (14) “…in the second.”

Louisiana Tech is at LSU this Saturday.

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Rough start to the season for the Ragin Cajuns who could only muster one touchdown in a 14-12 loss to Rice at home. Coach Michael Desormeaux expects better from his offense…

Cut 15 (17) “…as one.”

The Cajuns will look to bounce back this Saturday night when they host McNeese.

For the first time in nine years, Shreveport plays host to a regular season football game. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The talking is almost over, LSU and Clemson are set to finally play on Saturday night in a top ten matchup to kickoff the season for both teams. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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It’s happening in a different time of the year; but after a nine-year hiatus, Independence Stadium will once again play host to a marquee matchup as Grambling takes on Langston in the Shreveport Kickoff Classic. Grambling Athletic Director Traevean Scott says Langston University, which is an NAIA school out of Oklahoma, has a rich history with several Louisiana ties.

Cut 3 (11) “…to North Louisiana.”

Scott says he’s looking forward to kicking off the season in style in Shreveport, and he’s inviting all football fans to come out and enjoy the festivities.

Cut 4 (13) “…stands as possible.”

Grambling President Dr. Martin Lemelle says if you need to grab yourself a hot dog, a Coke or some other refreshments, your best bet is to do so BEFORE halftime.

Cut 5 (13) “…post the game.”

This will be the sixth time that Grambling and Langston will face one another; Grambling leads the series, four wins to one. Langston’s lone win over the Tigers came in 1996 by a score of 15-14. Kickoff tomorrow night is seven p-m.

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The new Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women opens in St. Gabriel. Warden Kristen Thomas says it has the capacity to house almost one-thousand inmates and consists of 15 buildings which go far beyond the two main housing units.

Cut 6 (11) “…an intake center.”

Thomas says being that this will be the only prison of its kind in Louisiana, it will house inmates of all types.

Cut 7 (09) “…maximum custody inmates.”

One unique feature of this prison is the academic and career technical educational center. The prison has partnered with Ashland University and Tulane University to offer degree programs, and it also offers training programs so that inmates can get certified in several trades while they serve their sentences. Thomas says this way, it will be easier for them to find jobs once they complete their sentences.

Cut 8 (08) “…many different positions.”

The new LCIW is expected to welcome its first inmates sometime in the next few weeks.

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Twenty years ago, LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center was converted into a makeshift, thousand-bed triage and acute care hospital providing emergency medical care to thousands of people affected by Hurricane Katrina. Sean O’ Keefe was the LSU Chancellor at the time and says it was in the state’s emergency preparedness plan that the PMAC would be a shelter for displaced nursing home residents, but it became much more than that…

Cut 9 (16)  “…the demand.”

More than six thousand patients received medical care at the PMAC for several weeks after the storm hit. O’Keefe says the doctors and nurses came from hospitals that were closed because of Katrina.

Cut 10 (14) “…triage this.”

Not only was the PMAC transformed into a field hospital, the number of people living on and around campus grew exponentially. O’Keefe says students who were from the New Orleans area and going to school at LSU had to take in family members…

Cut 11 (11) “…everything else.”

Legendary musician Fats Domino, who had a home in the New Orleans’ ninth ward, stayed with LSU starting quarterback, JaMarcus Russell for a couple of days. Russell was dating Domino’s granddaughter at the time.

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Fifth year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leads LSU into the other Death Valley tomorrow night as the ninth ranked Tigers take on fourth ranked Clemson. Coach Brian Kelly says they are counting on Nussmeier’s experience, and they are asking him to limit mistakes

Cut 12 (11) “…of  the game.”

With a Heisman candidate at quarterback, LSU attacked the transfer portal to upgrade their defense. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says his offense faces a big challenge on Saturday night…

Cut 13 (13)  “…heck of a matchup.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 6:30.

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For the first time in 1,022 days, the Northwestern State football team is in the win column! In front of their win-starved fans at Turpin Stadium, the Demons beat Alcorn State, 20-10, to snap a 20-game losing streak. After the game, a very relieved second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle said it feels good to finally get a win in Natchitoches.

Cut 14 (17) “…be a-okay.”

McCorkle said the thrill of victory is so much better than the agony of defeat.

Cut 15 (10) “…in the country.”

The Demons, however, should savor the moment while they can. Next Saturday, they go into Big Ten Country to take on Minnesota, who knocked off Buffalo Thursday night, 23-10.

Among those who rode out Katrina 20 years ago was Louisiana’s lieutenant governor – back then, a private citizen. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state department of education will use five million dollars in federal money to tutor more students struggling in literacy or math. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A six-year-old girl is recovering after being shot in Lafayette over the weekend. Lafayette Police Detective Ken Handy says fortunately, the girl will survive.

Cut 3 (05) “…condition has stabilized.”

Detective Handy says one suspect was initially arrested.

Cut 4 (08) “…second-degree murder.”

(The suspect is Daylon Andrus, and he’s charged with attempted second-degree murder). This morning, a second suspect, Ja Andrea Kentrell Willis, was arrested in Beaumont, Texas; he’s awaiting extradition back to Lafayette. Handy says the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.

Cut 5 (11) “…of what occurred.”

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Back in August of 2005, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was a private citizen who rode out Hurricane Katrina at his home in Plaquemines Parish, which was one of the hardest-hit parishes. Nungesser says what he experienced that day are things he will never forget.

Cut 6 (13) “…would ever see.”

Nungesser helped with the rescue effort, and he said he helped rescue 30 people by airboat.

Cut 7 (13) “…luckily, she did.”

But he said he had to leave others behind because they couldn’t fit in the boat. He brought some of the people he rescued to his house; and he said if he had not done that, it’s unclear whether they would have survived. And Nungesser says humans weren’t the only ones he helped rescue.

Cut 8 (12) “…on for months.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education is investing five million dollars into the Steve Carter Tutoring program, which will result in more students receiving high dosage tutoring. Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Doctor Jenna Chiasson, says the five million dollars from the department of education is on top of the five-million dollars the state legislature appropriated for this school year…

Cut 9 (08)  “…deficit areas.”

Now in its third year, the Steve Carter Tutoring Program has experienced increased demand and has a waitlist of eight thousand students. Chiasson says the program offers digital vouchers to eligible families who have students in need of high-quality tutoring in literacy or math….

Cut 10 (10) “…our list.”

Chiasson says Louisiana was one of the first states to leverage high-dosage tutoring statewide to help close pandemic learning gaps. She says the investment has been a key factor in Louisiana from 49th to 32nd on The Nation’s Report Card…

Cut 11 (07) “…national model.”

The five million dollar investment from the Department of Education is actually money that comes from the federal government. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley praises U-S Education Secretary Linda McMahon for giving Louisiana the flexibility to use this money on the Steve Carter Tutoring Program.

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State Police are looking for the driver who hit and killed a woman walking along an I-10 frontage road in Jefferson Davis Parish. Trooper Peggy Bourque says the incident at around one yesterday afternoon claimed the life of 53-year-old Bonnie Fontenot of Jennings, who had previously been reported missing.

Cut 12 (11) “…at the scene.”

Bourque says at this time, the exact circumstances of the crash are still unclear.

Cut 13 (07)  “…on that further.”

At this time, investigators have nothing to work with – no make, model or any other characteristics of the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call State Police.

Another major sporting event is coming to New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Smitty’s Supply in Roseland is facing at least five lawsuits because of last Friday’s explosion and fire at the oil and lubricant plant. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The mayor of Ruston is beaming with pride over the announcement that Radiance Technologies is building a microchip packaging site in the city. Mayor Ronny Walker says the company’s arrival will spur future economic development in the city.

Cut 3 (09) “…components of this.”

The facility is expected to create about 150 jobs with salaries averaging about 85-thousand dollars a year. Mayor Walker says he hopes those jobs will be filled by people not only already in the state, but also by people already attending Louisiana Tech.

Cut 4 (10) “…around our country.”

Mayor Walker says one big challenge with attracting new companies and, in effect, creating hundreds of new jobs is figuring out where those new employees are going to live.

Cut 5 (07) “…more homes built.”

The Radiance facility is expected to be completed by the summer of 2027.

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LIV Golf is coming to New Orleans. Governor Landry was on hand to announce that the South Course at New Orleans’ City Park will host a LIV Golf tournament June 26th through the 28th of next year. During the announcement, Landry said New Orleans was meant to host a golf tournament like the ones LIV Golf puts on.

Cut 6 (10) “…again and again.”

The event announcing the tournament had an atmosphere more akin to WWE wrestling than professional golf, and LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said fans attending the tournament can expect much of the same.

Cut 7 (08) “…it is fun.”

Among the big names expected to play in the tournament is Gulf Coast native Bubba Watson, and he said he can’t wait to play in New Orleans.

Cut 8 (08) “…to get here.”

The three-day tournament will take place at the South Course at New Orleans City Park Bayou Oaks, which will be renovated by former LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman.

Louisiana Economic Development says the event will generate a significant economic impact for the region, support 11-hundred jobs and deliver an estimated 40-million dollars to the local economy.

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A nonprofit organization known as Patient Rights Advocate says a recent study found that only six out of 39 hospitals in Louisiana comply with a 2019 Executive Order calling for greater transparency in pricing and quality of services. Beth Branley is a supporter of Patient-Rights Advocate-dot-org…

Cut 9 (09)  “…but it’s not.”

The American Hospital Association says hospitals and health systems have invested significant time and resources to comply with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule. The A-H-A says according to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, compliance has been growing rapidly and the Patient Rights Advocate report blatantly mischaracterizes hospitals compliance.

But Branley says the report clearly points out that most Louisiana hospitals are failing to comply with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule…

Cut 10 (12) “…many hospitals.”

Branley says if you are getting a surgery at a hospital, get the costs before your visit and that information should be provided to you….

Cut 11 (11) “…procedure.”

A new state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility is coming in Ruston. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints are still not ready to name a starting quarterback for the regular season opener against Arizona on September 7^th. Andre Champagne has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Firefighters in Tangipahoa Parish continue to work on putting out a massive fire at a lubricants plant in Roseland that started Friday when the facility exploded forcing the evacuation of nearly one-thousand people. Black soot can be seen on homes, businesses and cars in the area. Tangipahoa Parish President Robbie Miller says if you’re able to clean the soot off our property, you can do so…

Cut 3 (12) “…that product.”

Miller says the soot is being tested by environmental regulators but the results are not available yet.

A portion of the Tangipahoa River is closed as a result chemicals and oil that have made it into that waterway. Miller says there is a cleanup effort underway

Cut 4 (12) “…down the river.”

Residents in the area can also smell oil and grease. But Miller says they are constantly testing the air quality…

Cut 5 (12) “…has been safe.” (2x) 

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will wear the coveted 18 jersey, which goes to a team leader with great character. Receiver Zavion Thomas says not only does Nussmeier command the huddle, but the locker room as well…

Cut 6 (05) “…get going.”

Nussmeier returned for his fifth season at LSU, because he said he wanted to win a championship. Defensive end Jack Plyburn says Nussmeier is the ultimate competitor…

Cut 7 (12) “…he is a gamer””

Starting center Braelin Moore quickly found out who was the leader of LSU when met with Nussmeier during his recruiting visit as he was looking for his next school after starting the last two seasons at Virginia Tech….

Cut 8 (05) “…protect him.”

Ninth ranked LSU visits fourth ranked Clemson on Saturday night to kick off the season.

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It’s still hot, but it feels better outside as LSU public health climatologist Barry Keim says the humidity levels are down and the dew point is ten degrees lower thanks to a cold front that’s moved through…

Cut 9 (10)  “…four to five percent.”

Keim says the break from the hot, oppressive summer will last a few days.

Cut 10 (10) “…while you can.”

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Ruston will soon be home to a new state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility. Radiance Technologies announced that it is investing more than 370-million dollars to expand its footprint in Louisiana with the new facility. Governor Landry was on hand for the announcement at Louisiana Tech; he said it furthers his commitment for Louisiana’s universities to be incubators for job growth.

Cut 11 (14) “…30 years.”

Landry said the investment will help bolster national security, fuel innovation and drive local economic growth. And he said it will restore America’s place in the world as a true innovator.

Cut 12 (12) “…of our time.”

The facility is expected to create 150 new jobs with an average salary of 85-thousand dollars a year. Radiance CEO Bill Bailey says the massive investment is further proof of Louisiana’s commitment to high-tech industry.

Cut 13 (10)  “…recruitment than Louisiana.”

Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026, and the facility is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

With the State Department of Insurance announcing that 20 auto insurance companies filing rate decreases, the governor is now urging you to do your part in saving money. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints wrap up their preseason Saturday at noon against the Broncos. Andre Champagne has a preview.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A week ago, the Department of Insurance announced that 20 auto insurance companies, including many big-name companies, filed for rate decreases. Whether that’s spurred by tort reform legislation, a decrease in crashes, or both, Governor Landry says to take advantage, you need to do your part.

Cut 3 (05) “…giving rate decreases.”

Landry gave an example of when the husband of a state representative decided to shop his auto insurance premium.

Cut 4 (12) “…down another thousand.”

Landry says while you’re shopping for the best auto insurance rates, you might as well shop for the best homeowners insurance premiums too.

Cut 5 (13) “…I can do.”

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The Saints wrap up their preseason Saturday against the Broncos in the Superdome. The biggest storyline of the preseason has been the battle to become the starting quarterback. At this point, it’s down to second-year man Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. Mike Hoss, the Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio, says at this point, the race is neck-and-neck.

Cut 6 (14) “…a pick-six.”

Starting quarterback isn’t the only unsettled competition. Hoss says there’s battle brewing for backup running back behind Alvin Kamara, who will not play Saturday.

Cut 7 (10) “…situation look like?”

Hoss says the Saints have been busy with trades this pre-season, and there are still many decisions to be made by the time the roster needs to be pared down to 53 by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Cut 8 (16) “…has been injured.”

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Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a teenage boy is killed while riding his bike in his subdivision. Sheriff Jason Ard says the driver who hit the boy was very drunk.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in his system.”

Sheriff Ard says the driver, 31-year-old Juan Chavarria, is from Nicaragua. He fled the scene, but deputies later caught him and arrested him.

Cut 10 (13) “…DWI first offense.”

Ard says given the hour that this happened, visibility was not a factor.

Cut 11 (07) “…main cause here.”

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Louisiana farmers are producing a big corn crop this year, but producers are not getting a great price for that corn. LSU Ag Center Shelly Pate Kerns says the harvest will continue through August because acreage is up significantly…

Cut 12 (14) “…corn.”

Kerns says the crop received plenty of rain, so yields are expected to surpass last year’s 183 bushels per acre and input costs were also down…

Cut 13 (10)  “…constant rainfall.”

But Kerns says bushels of corn has fallen below four dollars, because of an abundance supply of corn on the global markets…

Cut 14 (12) “…shakeout differently.”

Walmart is recalling frozen shrimp sold from its stores after the FDA issues a warning that the shrimp is potentially radioactive. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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And now, a high-“steaks” case out of Livingston Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Walmart is recalling frozen shrimp after the USDA issued a warning about possible radioactive contamination. Federal investigators say the contaminated shrimp is from an Indonesian firm and it was sold at Walmart stores in 13 states. Louisiana Shrimp Association president Acy Cooper is not surprised by the news…

Cut 3 (07) “…screaming it.”

Cooper says the United States fails to test most of the imported shrimp that comes into our country, so who knows if it’s safe. He says shrimp caught by Louisiana shrimpers does not have any banned chemicals

Cut 4 (06) “…lie to you.”

Cooper says radioactive frozen shrimp sold at Walmart could have been avoided if the U-S had a more robust testing protocol as the European Union…

Cut 5 (10) “…our industry.”

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Deputies in Rapides Parish arrest a man after getting a tip from a social media post that a man was trying to talk to kids at a bus stop in neighboring Vernon Parish. Deputies found 65-year-old Clyde Krider asleep at the wheel inside his van in Plainview yesterday and arrested him on a probation violation for being near kids as a level two sex offender. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the call came in at exactly the right time.  

Cut 6 (11) “…with this suspect.”

Carnline says especially with the new school year underway, now is a good time for parents to reset important safety rules with their kids.

Cut 7 (09) “…to their house.”

Carnline says while alerting the public about incidents like this on social media is good, it is not a substitute for contacting law enforcement.

Cut 8 (11) “…call law enforcement.”

Krider is behind bars in the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

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Where’s the beef? It was in his pants! That’s what the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is saying when they arrested 57-year-old Michael Ardoin after finding hundreds of dollars worth of stolen meat products on him. Sheriff Jason Ard says Ardoin stole lean hamburger meat and ribeye steaks from a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Denham Springs.

Cut 9 (10)  “…type of items.”

Sheriff Ard says deputies were able to pull Ardoin over before he was able to get onto I-12 after getting some valuable information from the public.

Cut 10 (10) “…find this individual.”

Ard says even though deputies were able to recover the stolen meat, it does the Walmart no good.

Cut 11 (12) “…to destroy it.”

Ard says investigators are still putting the pieces together, but it appears that Walmart’s total loss could approach one-thousand dollars.

The Public Service Commission could vote today to approve an Entergy plant that would power a Meta data center in northeast Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The good news – smoking is down in Louisiana. The bad news – alternatives are up. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There are only a few days left to purchase a raffle ticket to win season tickets to all of the major sports teams in Louisiana. Andre Champagne has more on the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s Premier Season Ticket raffle.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Public Service Commission may decide today whether to approve a power plant that Entergy is looking to build in northeast Louisiana that would power a massive Meta data center. The project has garnered a fair share of controversy. The Alliance for Affordable Energy is asking the commission to hold off on voting until October. Executive Director Logan Burke says the project will benefit one company, while everyone else gets to pay for it.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

But Commissioner Mike Francis says most stakeholders appear to be on board with the plan, so there’s no sense in delaying the inevitable. Francis says having the Meta data center will benefit everyone in the long run.

Cut 5 (09) “…for Entergy ratepayers.”

Burke says the Entergy power plant for the Meta data center has both short-term and long-term risks.

Cut 6 (14) “…ever asked for.”

Francis says Louisianans already benefit from some of the lowest energy costs in the country.

Cut 7 (08) “…in the country.”

The U.S. Department of Energy says in 2023, data centers consumed just shy of four and a half percent of all energy generated nationwide; it expects that number to jump to as high as 12-percent by 2028.

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Just like across the rest of the country, smoking continues to be on the decline in Louisiana. In 2023, the latest year that data is available, less than 16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted that they smoke. That’s down almost eight points from a decade ago. Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says it’s a sign that messaging about the dangers of smoking is working.

Cut 8 (08) “…across the state.”

Stipe says, however, that while cigarette smoking is down, other tobacco use is on the rise – especially among younger people.

Cut 9 (11)  “…electronic cigarette use.”

Stipe says other smoking alternatives, such as vaping, are also on the rise, so she says the outreach has to continue to evolve and to be aggressive.

Cut 10 (12) “…people stay healthy.”

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Crews are making good progress on the Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish. Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says as of yesterday evening, the 24-hundred-acre fire was just under 60-percent contained.

Cut 11 (11) “…soon be out.”

Caldwell says there are no homes or structures threatened, and no one has been forced to evacuate.

Cut 12 (12) “…within that wilderness.”

Caldwell says fire personnel remain on the scene and are working to achieve full containment.

Cut 13 (13)  “…very good situation.”

The fire started on August 3rd, and it’s believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.

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The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation launched its Premier Season Ticket raffle earlier this summer. The raffle offers one lucky fan the chance to win tickets to over 500 of South Louisiana’s top sporting events. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the proceeds will help the foundation continue to host major events around the state.

Cut 14 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

The grand prize winner will receive two season tickets to 17 different events. The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s unique raffle will help showcase New Orleans as a premier city for world-class sporting events. Cicero says the raffle helps bring so many special sporting moments to the state.

Cut 15 (13) “…to Louisiana.”

Recently, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation hosted successful events including Super Bowl 59, UFC 318, the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics National Championships at the Smoothie King Center and the NOLA Pickle Fest with Drew Brees. Cicero says that the raffle will help continue bring many more events.

Cut 16 (12) “…these

Go to the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s website to purchase a raffle ticket. The winner will be announced on Sunday night.

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LSU football is only ten days away from kicking off its season against Clemson on the East coast. Head coach Brian Kelly is still trying to find out who will be the starting five offensive linemen in the opener. Kelly says the position battle is starting to narrow down after the solidifying of three starters.

Cut 17 (17)  “…right tackle.”

LSU moved freshman offensive lineman Carius Curne over from guard to right tackle this week. The move came as a surprise after Ory Williams had served as the backup to Davis during most of fall camp. Kelly hinted at the possibility of Davis and Curne rotating in at right tackle in the same game.

Cut 18 (19) “…tackle position.”

LSU still has an ongoing position battle at left guard between Paul Mubenga, Coen Echols and DJ Chester. For most of fall camp, Chester took first-team snaps at left guard but recently has been moving around at both center and right tackle. Kelly says to expect more than the same five to rotate in on the entire unit when the season begins.

Cut 19 (19) “…as well.”

____________________________________

Saints head coach Kellen Moore told the media that he is still not ready to make a decision on which quarterback would get the start in week one. Moore says he likes what he saw from both players’ performances against Jacksonville.

Cut 20 (19) “…their responsibilities.”

A Miami-based Bitcoin mining company breaks ground on an A-I data center in West Feliciana Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey will face her alma mater in a game that will be played in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Bitcoin mining company Hut 8 has broken ground on a massive 2.5-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center in West Feliciana Parish. It will consist of two, 450-thousand-square-foot buildings, and it will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Parish President Kenny Havard says this will be an economic game-changer – not just for the parish, but for the entire region.

Cut 3 (09) “…the people here.”

As with all data centers, there is concern about the energy that this one will require to operate. Havard says the parish is well-equipped to handle the demand.

Cut 4 (08) “…some of that.”

Havard says furthermore, the state is well-equipped to handle construction of data centers and other facilities that require high energy usage.

Cut 5 (11) “…on the grid.”

The first of the two buildings of the Hut 8 data center is expected to be completed by the end of the year; the second is set to be completed by the end of 2026.

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Kim Mulkey will face her alma mater this season for the first time since she took the head coaching job at LSU. The Lady Tigers and La Tech will meet on December 13th in the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans in the first game of a doubleheader. Kent Lowe with the LSU Sports Information Department says the Lady Tigers and Lady Techsters are the two most successful women’s basketball programs in the state..

Cut 6 (11) “…college basketball.”

Mulkey won two national championships at Ruston and led LSU to its first national title in women’s basketball in 2023.

This will be the second time that  Mulkey will face her alma mater; the other time coming in 2009 when she led Baylor to a 77-67 win. United Sports Entertainment  helped set up the game and Rhossi Carron (Karen) says they are excited Mulkey agreed to play her alma mater…

Cut 7 (10) “…for everybody involved.”

The second game will be the LSU men taking on SMU. The teams will compete in the Compete 4 Cause Classic. Lowe says the players from all of the teams involved will participate in a community service event in New Orleans with children on December 12th and then LSU fans can watch both the LSU women and men compete on the same day…

Cut 8 (10) “…both programs.”

LSU begins its presale tomorrow morning, and the Smoothie King Center will begin its presale Thursday morning. Tickets to the general public go on sale Friday morning.

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The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is taking public input on a proposal that would prohibit the rehabilitation of injured coyotes. Farmers and ranchers support the rule change because they say coyotes will prey on cattle, but professor of zoological medicine at the LSU Vet school, Doctor Mark Mitchell, says there’s a benefit to taking in an injured coyote, bringing them back to health and releasing them back to the wild…

Cut 9 (10)  “…these animals.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports only six coyote rehabilitations were reported in 2024. It’s believed there are about 50 thousand to 100 thousand coyotes in the state. Over the years there’s been more reports of coyotes in residential neighborhoods. Mitchell

But Mitchell says by rehabilitating the coyotes, we can track how they interact and adapt once they are released back into the wild…

Cut 10 (13) “…wildlife.”

Mitchell also points out that coyotes can rid neighborhoods of unwanted pests…

Cut 11 (13) “…for that reason.”

The public comment on the ban on the practice of rehabilitating what are designated as outlaw quadrupeds in Louisiana is open to October 1^st. It applies to three species, coyotes, armadillos and feral hogs.

The legislature’s massive tax overhaul has now been a part of our lives for more than a half a year. Has it had a positive impact? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU presidential search committee has its first meeting today. Jeff Palermo reports it’s a nationwide search, but there are a few local candidates.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Reaction continues to pour in over the indictment of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pawn) reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The tax overhaul that was passed last fall has now been a part of our lives for more than a half a year. Has it had an effect on our overall financial health? A new study commissioned by RESET Louisiana says for the vast majority, it’s made an improvement. Barry Erwin, the president and CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says the cut in income tax to a flat three-percent has more than offset the slight increase in sales tax.

Cut 4 (09) “…small tax cut.”

Erwin says the state’s long-term goal is to eliminate the income tax altogether to help Louisiana compete with other southern states that have no income tax like Texas, Tennessee or Florida. He says short of that, a flat three-percent income tax is still pretty good.

Cut 5 (10) “…low income tax.”

Erwin says for most people, their combined tax burden will decrease by double digits.

Cut 6 (10) “…little bit higher.”

RESET Louisiana is a collaboration between Better Louisiana and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana.

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LSU’s presidential search committee holds its first meeting today as the 20-member panel begins its work to find a replacement for Dr. William Tate, who left in June to be the president at Rutgers. Piper Hutchinson covers higher education for the Louisiana Illuminator and she says this is a national search, but some local candidates have emerged.

Cut 7 (11) “…strongly considered.”

Hutchinson says interim LSU president Matt Lee is also a candidate.

2020 was the last time LSU was looking for a president, and that search committee had nine women and eight people of color on the 20-member panel. Hutchinson says this search committee only has three women and three people of color.

Cut 8 (12) “…as well.”

Hutchinson says even though Governor Jeff Landry can not pick the next LSU president, his influence will be felt.

Cut 9 (13)  “…to be heard.”

Hutchinson expects the search to name a new president will take months, meaning Lee will likely remain the interim through the calendar year.

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Reaction continues to pour in on the indictment of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. She’s accused in an 18-count federal indictment of bilking the city out of 70-million dollars for trips she took with former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie (VAH-pee) under the guise of security, when prosecutors allege the two were covering up a romantic relationship. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Cantrell pressed her luck a little too far.

Cut 10 (09) “…up with you.”

Nungesser says this is the latest example of Cantrell putting herself ahead of the interests of the city.

Cut 11 (11) “…the trash business.”

Cantrell has five months left in her term, and she cannot run for re-election since she’s term-limited. Nungesser says he does not envision Cantrell resigning at this point, and he hopes the people of New Orleans can elect someone who can serve as a reset at City Hall.

Cut 12 (05) “…of the people.”

Congressman Troy Carter, who represents the City of New Orleans, says in a statement that the news of Cantrell’s indictment is a challenging moment for the city, and that it’s important that the focus remains on unity, stability and the work of serving the people of the city. He urged people not to celebrate anyone’s demise.

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Governor Landry is sending about 135 Louisiana National Guard soldiers to Washington, DC. Lieutenant Colonel Noel (no-ELL) Collins says the soldiers will be in the nation’s capital for at least a month.

Cut 13 (12)  “…through 30 September.”

Lieutenant Colonel Collins says the Governor was acting on a request from President Trump to restore order in the nation’s capital.

Cut 14 (06) “…Guard is doing.”

Collins says the mission for the National Guard soldiers is to restore safety and peace in the nation’s capital.

Cut 15 (06) “…variety of tasks.”

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The Saints had limited success in its offense against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but wide receiver Mason Tipton had the best performance out of any player. Tipton caught 6 passes for 100 yards. Tipton says he is more comfortable playing in his second season in the league as opposed to his rookie season.

Cut 16 (15) “…right now.”

Quarterback Spencer Rattler was able to run a successful two-minute drill to tie the game after throwing a touchdown to Dante Pettis and converting on the two-point conversion. Tipton says he was impressed with how Rattler managed the offense.

Cut 17 (19)  “…some plays.”

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Brian Kelly and the LSU football team are about two weeks from kicking off their season at Clemson. The offensive guard and tackle position battles are still ongoing, but Kelly says Braelin Moore is the definite starter at center. Kelly says that he loves what he’s seen from Moore.

Cut 18 (18) “…into place.”

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Bryant Vincent and the ULM Warhawks wrapped up fall camp with a scrimmage on Saturday. Now, the Warhawks are only a week and a half from their home opener against Saint Francis. Freshman running back D’Shaun Ford came into Monroe as the second highest rated player in ULM history. Vincent says he sees massive improvement from Ford.

Cut 19 (16) “…he’s doing.”

As ULM’s kickoff versus Saint Francis continues to creep up, head coach Bryant Vincent says the Warhawks have a lot to learn from. He says the offense has to execute more consistently and become better disciplined.

Cut 20 (17) “…is critical.”