Drivers headed to Texas early Saturday morning had some unexpected overhead obstacles to dodge. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Joe Salter, who served as Louisiana’s House Speaker, during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, has died at the age of 82. Jeff Palermo looks back at his life…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is excited about the possibilities Amtrak’s new passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile will bring to the state. The Mardi Gras service will have morning and evening departures from both cities, offering same-day connections daily in both directions. Nungesser says the new passenger rail service is another attraction for international travelers…

Cut 3 (07) “…of New Orleans.”

Nungesser is hopeful the Mardi Gras service leads to an expansion of passenger rail service throughout Louisiana, from Baton Rouge to New Orleans and then Baton Rouge to Shreveport and a train line that crosses north Louisiana along I-20….

Cut 4 (12) “…will be.”

Amtrak reported a record-breaking 32-million passengers in Fiscal year 2024. Nungesser says more people are looking to take the train to get to their destination, so it’s important that Louisiana can provide that option…

Cut 5 (08) “…of Louisiana”

The Mardi Gas service also has stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula, Mississippi. The route clocks in at just under four hours.

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Drivers headed to Texas on I-10 early Saturday morning found themselves having to dodge cables dangling from a construction crane. State Police Trooper Henry Perez says 37-year-old Matthew Vincent of Vinton, for some unknown reason, decided to hop into the idle crane in the median near Highway 108, about eight miles from the Texas state line, and moved the cables over the westbound lanes.

Cut 6 (07) “…and hijacked it.”

In all, four crashes resulted, and two people suffered minor injuries. Trooper Perez says Vincent is now facing several charges.

Cut 7 (12) “…on an Interstate.”

Perez says Vincent left some valuable evidence behind inside the crane, making it very easy for investigators to find their perpetrator.

Cut 8 (07) “…he was barefoot.”

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Former Louisiana House Speaker Joe Salter has died at the age of 82. Salter was an educator from Sabine Parish and spent 22 years in the House. He served as House Speaker from 2004 to 2008 when Kathleen Blanco was governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat remembers Salter as a friendly man…

Cut 9 (12)  “…consoling.”

Salter served as House Speaker during a chaotic time as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita crippled Louisiana. Pinsonat says Blanco leaned on Salter to help create the federally funded Road Home program, re-establish K-through-12 education in New Orleans and push the governor’s initiative to increase teacher pay…

Cut 10 (14) “…the state.”

Salter was known as friendly and even-keeled, he could also be tough. Pinsonat says the Florein native removed Troy Hebert as chairman of the House Insurance Committee after Hebert did not vote to extend a sales tax that Blanco was trying to get passed.

Cut 11 (10) “…your broke.”

Salter died from kidney cancer. He inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2008. Salter also worked in the Secretary of State’s Office, the Department of Education and also served as a board member for the University of Louisiana system.

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Those with seizure disorders now have the option of having an indicator placed on their driver’s licenses. Nick Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) with the Department of Public Safety says eligible residents can now apply to have the designation added to their licenses or ID cards.

Cut 12 (07) “…other first responders.”

Gremillion says it’s open to those who have been diagnosed with a seizure disorder by a qualified medical or mental health professional.

Cut 13 (06)  “…or ID card.”

Gremillion says this is another way to help law enforcement or first responders help those suffering from medical or mental episodes.

Cut 14 (06) “…with seizure disorders.”

Some good news about auto insurance rates. State Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says auto insurers have filed over 20 rate decreases in the Louisiana market…..

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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So how strong is the public corruption case against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell? Jeanne Burns spoke with a legal analyst who says it’s very strong…

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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All Aboard! You can now take the train from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama and back. Andre Champagne has more….

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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In a sign that the auto insurance market might be improving, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says auto insurers have filed over 20 rate decreases since the start of the year. Temple says 14 of those decreases were for more than one percent….

Cut 4 (11) “…accident frequency.”

In this year’s legislative session, state lawmakers approved several legal reform measures that are designed to reduce excessive lawsuits and inflated bodily injury claims. Temple says it will take time for this year’s legal reforms to take effect and make a difference, but it’s a positive sign that insurers are lowering rates because there have been fewer accidents since 2024…

Cut 5 (11) “…accident frenquency.”

All State, Geico, State Farm, Go Auto, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive Security are among the auto insurers who have reduced rates this year on many of their policyholders. Temple says in 2022 and 2023, drivers were seeing double digit auto insurance rate increases, but through July 2025, the average market impact is a rate decrease of two-percent…

Cut 6 (06) “…we’re seeing.”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is facing charges of conspiracy, fraud and obstruction for allegedly trying to cover up a romantic relationship with her bodyguard. Prosecutors say Cantrell and retired NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie cheated the city out of 70-thousand dollars for trips they took together under the premise that Vappie was providing security to Cantrell. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the evidence laid out in the 18-count indictment will be difficult to defend for Cantrell and her lawyers…

Cut 7 (11) “…70-thousand dollars.”

The mayor has previously said her relationship with Vappie was strictly professional.  But prosecutors say they found 15-thousand messages sent through the  What’s App platform that provides evidence of a love affair.

Ciolino says having an affair is not the crime, it’s the using of taxpayer money and then the coverup. He says if Cantrell is found guilty on on most of these charges could result in a federal prison sentence of five to six years…

Cut 8 (11) “…probateable crimes.”

Cantrell has five more months left in office. She’s the first sitting mayor in New Orleans’ history to be indicted. Vappie was indicted last summer on wire fraud charges, accused of filing fraduluent payroll documents and making false statements about his relationship with the mayor.

Ciolino is surprised the indictment against Cantrell didn’t come sooner…

Cut 9 (11)  “…year ago”

Vappie is facing new allegations in Cantrell’s indictment.

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Passenger rail service starts today between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama as Amtrak’s new “Mardi Gras Service” begins twice-daily routes. The service will have morning and evening departures and the train will also make stops along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission Knox Ross says interest is high…

Cut 10 (10) “…by that.”

Ross believes the Mardi Gras Service will bring more visitors to New Orleans and he expects the train will have passengers taking a day trip or weekend trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast or Mobile…

Cut 11 (11) “…the day.”

1996 was the last time there was passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile. Ross says the next step is to connect New Orleans and Baton Rouge with a passenger train…

Cut 12 (11) “…corridor”

Adult coach fares end-to-end for Amtrak’s Marci Gras Service start at 15-dollars each way and the tickets cost less if it’s a shorter distance.

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It was a rough first half to watch, but it was a good ending as Spencer Rattler led the Saints on a game-tying drive in the final minutes and the second preseason game of the year ended in 17-17 tie versus Jacksonville. Coach Kellen Moore liked how Ratter responded from a fourth quarter interception to throw a touchdown with 21 second left…

Cut 13 (17)  “..situation was.”

Rattler threw for 199 yards and he also rushed for 19 yards. Rattler connected with Mason Tipton several times on the game tying drive and Tipton finished with 100 yards receiving. Rattler on his performance…

Cut 14 (14) “…big time today.”

Tyler Shough started and led the offense for four drivers in the first half. Three of the drives ended with punts and one drive ended with a field goal. Moore is not ready to make a decision on a starting quarterback for the season opener, but he was happy with how his team competed on Sunday…

Cut 15 (15) “…was awesome.”

The game ended with rookie safety Jonas Sanker intercepting a pass with no time left.

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LSU football lost four starting offensive linemen to the NFL draft this summer. Head coach Brian Kelly is known for developing and producing top-level talent at the offensive line position. Kelly says even though the Tigers are not as top-heavy as last season, he expects big things from the new group.

Cut 16 (19) “…well together.”

LSU football had one of the worst rush attacks in the SEC last season. The Tigers have been adamant about running the ball all offseason. Head coach Brian Kelly says that running the ball this season is non-negotiable and that the Tigers have to be more physical.

Cut 17 (20)  “…on you.”

The LSU wide receiver room will not lack talent or speed in the slightest bit this season. Senior wideout Zavion Thomas is one of the players who has an ability to hurt defenses with his speed. Head coach Brian Kelly says that the offensive staff hopes to utilize Thomas’s skillset more this upcoming season.

Cut 18 (22) “…even more so.”

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Louisiana Tech’s defense finished 89^th in the country last season in sacks with only 22 on the year. Sophomore Linebacker and Ruston native Jadon Mayfield says he is expecting big things out of the defensive line and linebackers this season.

Cut 19 (17) “…this defense.”

Louisiana Tech has several players on its current roster who are from Ruston. Mayfield says that he and the others being able to play for the hometown team is a dream come true.

Cut 20 (22) “…a powerhouse.”

A federal grand jury has indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on federal corruption charges. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new Gallup poll finds only 54-percent of Americans consume alcohol that’s the lowest percentage in the 90-year history of the survey. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The multi-state Powerball jackpot is up to 565-million dollars for Saturday night’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher (Mayor) says it’s the biggest Powerball jackpot of the year…

Cut 3 (11) “…big one”

Maher says the jackpot has been growing since early June. 2018 was the last time a Louisiana resident won the Powerball grand prize, but Maher says a Carencro man recently became a millionaire because of Powerball

Cut 4 (07) “…winners in Louisiana.”

Maher says expect an increase in sales heading into Saturday night’s drawing at 9:59 PM…

Cut 5 (08) “…that way.”

Tickets sales will stop at 9 PM on Saturday.

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A panel of judges on the U-S 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Louisiana’s legislative district map  violates the federal Voting Rights Act. Political analyst Scott Hughes says the panel and a state judge in Baton Rouge both agree that the map approved in 2022 dilutes the Black vote…

Cut 6 (13) “…fewer black districts”

The ruling from the federal appeals court does not mean that Louisiana lawmakers have to redraw the House and Senate district maps right away. A federal appeals judge not involved in Thursday’s ruling put a pause on the case. But Hughes says the legislative map issue was not going to be resolved, until there is a U-S Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s contested Congressional map…

Cut 7 (11) “…US Supreme Court”

The plaintiffs in the state legislative map case are arguing Blacks and Democrats are not fairly represented in the Louisiana Legislature. Hughes says one-third of the state’s voting population is black, but Republicans have a super majority control in the House and Senate…

Cut 8 (12) “..they are really not” 

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A Gallup poll finds 54-percent of Americans drink alcohol, which is a record low percentage. LSU Health New Orleans physiology professor Nick Gilpin says more Americans are understanding the health hazards that come with consuming one or two drinks a day…

Cut 9 (07)  “…and your body.”

Gilpin says studies from decades ago said it was actually a health benefit to have a drink or two a day, but new research debunks those theories. He says it’s been known that too much alcohol can impact a person’s liver, but we are learning that an overabundance of alcohol consumption can lead to other health problems…

Cut 10 (11) “…cigarettes.”

Gilpen says adults are also finding other alternatives to alcohol…

Cut 11 (06) “…use adults.”

Gilpen says the poll shows that younger adults are at the center of the decline in alcohol consumption.

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly spoke publicly today for the first time since the arrest of freshman running back JT Lindsey. Lindsey is accused of harboring two wanted second-degree murder suspects in his LSU dorm room for several days. There’s also a report of guns found inside the apartment, raising questions on how firearms got inside a university owned building. Kelly says it appears Lindsey was hanging out with the wrong crowd…

Cut 12 (11) “…your circle.”

Lindsey has been suspended from the football team until his criminal case is resolved. Kelly says Lindsey’s story is a lesson for all young student-athletes..

Cut 13 (14)  “…that now.”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on federal corruption charges as prosecutors allege, she defrauded taxpayers out of 70-thousand dollars to conceal a personal relationship with former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie, who served as her bodyguard. Acting US Attorney Michael Simpson…

Cut 14 (14) “…positions”

Cantrell previously said Vappie was part of her security detail and the two traveled together regularly for out-of-state and out-of-country trips. But Simpson says they found messages that show the two used the trips to foster their romantic relationship. He gave an example of a message sent by Vappie to Cantrell after a trip to D-C…

Cut 15 (15) “…physical relationship.”

Cantrell is the first sitting New Orleans mayor to face federal charges. She’s facing conspiracy, wire fraud, obstruction of justice and false statements. Simpson says his office takes allegations of public corruption seriously…

Cut 16 (11) “…own government.”

Funeral services honoring fallen Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Caleb Eisworth will be held Saturday. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill files a lawsuit against the online gaming site Roblox alleging it’s a site where children can easily view sexually explicit material. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The LSU football team is only two Saturdays from starting its season on the road at Clemson and the offensive line is the biggest question. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Caleb Eisworth will be laid to rest Saturday. He is the 13^th Baton Rouge Police Officer to die in the line of duty. In June, the driver of a truck allegedly intentionally hit Sgt Eisworth’s motorcycle. He died in the hospital last Sunday. Baton Rouge Police Chief, T.J. Morse says his injuries were just too severe…

Cut 4 (13) “…hateful person.”

Sgt Eisworth suffered multiple injuries and spent seven weeks in the hospital. Morse says there were moments of hope that he would recover…

Cut 5 (13) “…in the room.”

Sgt. Eisworth was a decorated officer who served 23 years in law enforcement and received the Baton Rouge Police Department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor when he pulled a motorist from a burning car while off duty. Morse says Eisworth says he performed many acts of heroism and impacted many lives.

Cut 6 (05) “…people’s lives.”

Visitation will be held at Istrouma Baptist Church Saturday beginning at 9:00 A.M., followed by his funeral at noon. Sgt. Eisworth will be laid to rest at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

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The first hurricane of the season is expected to form today as Erin is expected to strengthen from tropical storm into a hurricane as it continues to churn in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says this is about the time we usually see our first hurricane

Cut 7 (10) “…mark for that.”

Erin is also expected to become the season’s first major hurricane, but it’s not expected to threaten the coastal United States.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical disturbance over the Bay of Campeche in the southwestern Gulf of America. But Grymes it’s unlikely it will form into a named storm…

Cut 8 (10) “…whatsoever.”

There have been five named storms this year. NOAA’s National Weather Service is predicting 13 to 18 named storms, five to nine hurricanes and two to major hurricanes before the season ends. Grymes says we are entering the part of the season where we have to keep a close eye on the tropics…

Cut 9 (11)  “…tropical system”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has filed a child protection lawsuit against a popular online gaming site that she says is overrun with harmful content and child predators….

Cut 10 (10) “…sex predators.”

Murrill says there are nearly 82 million daily active users and 56-percent of its users are under the age of 16. In the lawsuit, the Louisiana A-G claims Roblox allows for the distribution of child sex abuse material, fails to implement basic safety controls to protect child users and it fails to provide notice to parents and child users of its dangers.

There is no age minimum and requirement to verify age or parental permission to sign-up. Murrill says once registered, a child can find sexually explicit material …

Cut 11 (13) “…for all ages.”

Murrill filed the lawsuit in Livingston Parish. Sheriff Jason Ard says just last month his deputies arrested an individual suspected of possessing child sexual abuse material and the suspect was actively using the online platform Robflox…

Cut 12 (10) “…what he does”

Murrill says Roblox is in violation of Louisiana law and is seeking permanent injunctive relief. In the lawsuit, Roblox would not able allowed to operate in Louisiana if it doesn’t have adequate safety features and they would have to pay restitution to Louisiana, plus attorney fees and civil penalties.

Murrill believes Louisiana is the first state to sue Roblox.

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LSU football is still figuring out who its best eleven are offensively for the opener at Clemson. The Tigers are challenged with having to replace four NFL-level offensive linemen. ESPN Baton Rouge radio host Charles Hanagriff says he expects the starting offensive line to continue to change as the season progresses.

Cut 13 (14)  “…very much.”

The LSU offense has struggled with establishing a run game in the past two seasons. With an offensive line that is not set, the Tigers will have to find ways to be creative. Sophomore Ju’Juan Johnson is taking snaps at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Hanagriff believes he could be a bridge to LSU’s run game foes.

Cut 14 (15) “…with him.”

LSU’s defense has not met its standards for several years up to this season. Head coach Brian Kelly hit the portal heavy while going after players with major experience. Hanagriff says the defensive line depth will help LSU close out games its offense can’t.

Cut 15 (14) “…this year.”

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The New Orleans Saints are battling injuries already this season with key starters expected to miss extended time. Tight end Juwan Johnson has a long injury history in the league and he says he wants to prioritize his health to become more available.

Cut 16 (21) “…and winning.”

The Saints defense did not have much depth at the cornerback position last season. The Saints took multiple defensive backs in the draft including rookie cornerback Quincy Riley out of Louisville. Riley says it has been a surprisingly smooth transition to the pro level.

Cut 17 (21)  “…new so.”

Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor will miss some time at the beginning of the season, so head coach Kellen Moore is looking for someone to step up in the secondary. Riley says he will do whatever is needed from him and is opening to playing anywhere on the field.

Cut 18 (13) “…play it.”

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”