New data from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission shows crash injuries fell to a record low last year, but DWI fatalities increased. Joe Gallinaro has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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LSU and Ole Miss meet Saturday in a Top-10 showdown, but a new study suggests the country is overwhelmingly siding with one team. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A new report shows just how much New Orleans schools have improved over the last 20 years. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is crediting record-high seat belt use for a record-low number of crash injuries in 2025. LSU data shows 54-thousand people were injured in motor vehicle crashes last year — the lowest number since the state began keeping detailed records. Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says seat belt use also reached a record high of 88 percent.

Cut 4 (06) “…seat belt usage”

But not all the numbers are positive.

The state recorded 766 motor vehicle fatalities in 2025, up from 753 the previous year. Fischer says that increase coincides with an 11-percent rise in DWI fatalities.

Cut 5 (12) “…as well.”

Fischer says more needs to be done to educate drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Cut 6 (11) “…2026.”

Motorcycle fatalities also increased significantly — from 69 in 2024 to 96 last year. Fischer says that total includes e-bike riders who died in crashes.

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It’s LSU against the world, according to research done by Bet-Online Sports and Casino. The sportsbook tracked tweets, hashtags and key phrases from fans across the country on which team fans are rooting for when LSU faces Ole Miss on Saturday. Josh Barton with Bet-Online Sports and Casino says Louisiana is the only state pulling for LSU and that’s because of the Tigers’ new head coach.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the moment.”

The study collected over one million tweets searching for key phrases like “Ole Miss better upset LSU” and “We’re all rooting against Kiffin.” Barton says Kiffin has helped make LSU the villains of college football.

Cut 8 (13) “…against him.”

Barton says here are some perks to being one of the most hated teams in America, and Kiffin certainly isn’t doing anything to stop the attention, even if it’s negative.

Cut 9 (09)  “…good thing.”

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AAA finds it now costs more than one-thousand dollars a month to own a new car. According to the report, drivers will, on average, spend about $1,071 per month. AAA spokesman Don Redman says the big cost drivers are the depreciation of a vehicle and the finance charges…

Cut 10 (12) “…just last year.”

The estimate looks at fuel costs, maintenance, repairs, tires, insurance, licensing, registration, taxes depreciation and finance charges. Redman says electric vehicle are the most expensive to own…

Cut 11 (12) “…68-cents per mile.”

Redman says electric vehicle owners will save on gas costs, but those savings are offset by higher depreciation, fees and finance charges…

Cut 12 (08) “…immediately.”

Redman says the biggest ownership cost is not gasoline or monthly loan payments, but vehicle depreciation and it goes down faster for an electric vehicle, because of the cost to replace the battery.

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana say New Orleans students are showing the fastest academic growth in the nation, according to a study out of Stanford University. That’s a dramatic turnaround from before Hurricane Katrina, when more than 60 percent of New Orleans schools were considered academically unacceptable. Nearly every school in the city is now operated as a charter. Education reform advocate Leslie Jacobs says charter schools alone don’t explain the academic gains…

Cut 13 (09)  “…organizations” 

Jacobs says the autonomy given to charter schools has helped attract and retain talented leaders.

Cut 14 (08) “…innovation.”

The study finds New Orleans students learned nearly 34 percent more in a school year than the national average between 2022 and 2025.

New Orleans operates primarily as an all-charter school district, and Jacobs says the schools share a common vision for student achievement…

Cut 15 (07) “…the building.”

Jacobs also says the improvement in student achievement has contributed to a decline in crime in New Orleans.

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LSU’s defensive starters have yet to allow a touchdown this season, and the Tigers have allowed fewer yards than any other team in the country. Their dominant front seven has limited teams to just 18-and-a-half rushing yards per game and racked up 12 sacks. 2007 national champion LSU linebacker Darry Beckwith says this defense plays with a speed he hasn’t seen at LSU in recent years.

Cut 16 (12) “…can run.”

Former Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery leads the Bayou Bandits with 14 tackles, while ex-Rebels defensive end Princewill Umanmielen leads the nation with five sacks. Beckwith says the LSU defense has stars everywhere but nobody tries to make a play when they aren’t supposed to.

Cut 17 (16) “…just impressed.”

Stopping eighth-ranked Ole Miss will be a new level of challenge for the Tigers this weekend. Beckwith says LSU will need to sell out to pressure Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and contain his mobility, but he’s less worried about star running back Kewan Lacy replicating his success last year without Lane Kiffin.

Cut 18 (18) “…stopping the run.”

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The Saints hit the road to face the Ravens this weekend. Baltimore running back Derrick Henry opened the year with 144 yards and three touchdowns against the Colts last week. The 32-year-oldhas rushed for over one-thousand yards in seven of the last eight seasons, and Saints head coach Kellen Moore says he isn’t slowing down.

Cut 19 (19) “…gonna take.”

The Saints could have a prolific veteran back of their own returning as Alvin Kamara made a full return to practice yesterday. Kamara returned from an MCL sprain last week, and Moore says the team played it safe against Detroit, but he feels good about Kamara playing this weekend. Quarterback Tyler Shough says that’s huge for the offense.

Cut 20 (16) “…the backfield.”

As if Saturday’s game between LSU and Ole Miss needed any more drama, another legal wrinkle was added yesterday. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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While four-year universities nationwide struggle to grow their enrollment, LSUA welcomed its biggest fall class ever. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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LSU defensive end Princewill Umanmielen was served court documents in Ole Miss’s lawsuit against him and offensive lineman Devin Harper outside the LSU football facility yesterday. The lawsuit seeking nearly one-million-dollars from the athletes for breaking their Ole Miss revenue-sharing contracts was filed in July, and legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the timing is not a coincidence

Cut 3 (12) “…for the course.”

Umanmielen and Harper transferred to LSU after signing revenue-sharing deals to stay at Ole Miss this season, and the lawsuit says those agreements include penalties for breaking the contracts within a 90-day window. Borghardt says it will come down to what money has already exchanged hands.

Cut 4 (13) “…to anything.”

Ole Miss officials previously stated the lawsuit intended to force LSU to pay the buyouts for the players like how professional teams often do, but LSU responded that it is not party to the broken contracts. Borghardt says it will take time before anything is resolved, but the lawsuit will not affect Umanmielen and Harper’s eligibility

Cut 5 (09) “…to be seen.”

The Tigers and Rebels kick off at 6:30 in Oxford Saturday.

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Frymaster, which produces commercial frying equipment, is expanding its operations in Shreveport which will create nearly 50 direct jobs. Frymaster’s Vice President of Business Development and Product Management, Wendell Hays, says this investment is an important step in supporting the continued growth of their business and the customers who depend on them…

Cut 6 (07) “…year after year.”

Frymaster began manufacturing in Shreveport in 1935. Major foodservice operators from around the world are their customers. Hayes says Frymaster is investing 11 million dollars to expand their operations…

Cut 7 (10) “…around the world.”

Hayes says by expanding their operational capacity, they are creating greater flexibility to meet future demand…

Cut 8 (08) “..their needs.”

Hayes says go to frymaster.com if you are interested in working for Frymaster.

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The 86-hundred students LSUA welcomed this fall represent the largest enrollment in university history and a nearly 12-percent increase from last year. LSUA Chancellor Dr. Elizabeth Beard says that the university offers a personal and impactful education.

Cut 9 (12)  “…by name.”

Online enrollment grew over 10-percent while dual enrollment saw a 45 percent jump. Four-year institutions nationwide have seen just a 1.4-percent enrollment increase over the last year, but Dr. Beard says LSUA’s outreach has helped reverse that trend in Alexandria.

Cut 10 (08) “…opportunities are not.” 

LSUA serves thousands of adult learners, rural residents, and military-connected students who traditionally do not have easy access to higher education. Dr. Beard says keeping meaningful degrees affordable is vital to the university’s mission.

Cut 11 (12) “…accessible and attainable.”

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A manhunt is underway in northwest Louisiana for a Caddo Correctional Center inmate who escaped Monday night. Authorities say 24-year-old Tre’Veon Jackson escaped custody after being transported to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn says Jackson evaded capture, carjacked a vehicle and crashed that vehicle near Highway 80 and Interstate 220.

Cut 12 (13) “…to custody.” 

Jackson has charges including murder, armed robbery, and battery dating back to 2021. Whitehorn says he is considered armed and dangerous and encourages citizens not to try to engage him.

Cut 13 (10) “…trained officers.”

Jackson was last seen in a white shirt, green shorts and white shoes. Whitehorn says if you see him and are able to report the sighting to 911, try to provide the location, what direction he is heading and a description of any clothes he is wearing or the vehicle he is in.

The rapid rise in diesel prices is showing no signs of slowing down. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The 47-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing four people at a residence in Houma is facing four counts of first-degree murder. Joe Gallinaro has the latest…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Already record-high diesel prices continue to go up with no end in sight. According to Gas-Buddy, the statewide price for a gallon of diesel gasoline is $5.83. A month ago, diesel prices were around five dollars a gallon. Gas-Buddy’s Patrick DeHaan says Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russia’s diesel-producing refineries is the reason why diesel prices are rising …

Cut 3 (08) “…anymore.”

DeHaan says this is bad news for our wallets, because when diesel prices go up, so does the price on nearly everything we buy….

Cut 4 (08) “…runs on diesel.”

President Trump has called on Ukraine to stop targeting Russian refineries. The president has also predicted gas prices will fall after the midterm elections. But DeHaan says consumers will not see any real relief until military conflicts cease in Iran and between Ukraine and Russia…

Cut 5 (07) “…get addresed.”

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LSU special assistant and former head football coach Ed Orgeron has been sidelined since mid-August with an undisclosed health issue. He missed both of the Tigers’ first games but head coach Lane Kiffin says his health is improving.

Cut 6 (10) “…through a lot.”

Kiffin and Orgeron worked together under Pete Carroll at USC in the early 2000s, and Kiffin also hired him to his staff at Tennessee and USC.

Kiffin says Coach O has been back in the building during the day but couldn’t confirm whether he’ll make the trip to Oxford this weekend.

Cut 7 (12) “…thing to follow.”

Both Orgeron and Kiffin were previously head coaches of the Rebels

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LSU and Ole Miss are preparing for a top-10 SEC showdown this weekend. The matchup of course, has extra juice after LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s messy departure from Ole Miss last season. Rebels coach Pete Golding says none of his players have said they are treating this game differently because their former coach is on the other sideline.

Cut 8 (12) “…exactly the same”

Kiffin and the Tigers are walking into the most hostile environment they’ll face all season. The city of Oxford is beefing up police presence, and Kiffin said security measures are being taken. Golding says Oxford is known for its great people and tells fans not to ruin that reputation for a football game.

Cut 9 (11)  “…respect piece.”

Kickoff Saturday is at 6:30.

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The 47-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing four people on the property of a residence in Houma is facing four counts of first-degree murder. Lt. Blake Tabor with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says Kaegan Solet is also facing one count of Attempted First-Degree murder for severely injuring a child…

Cut 10 (10) “…this investigation.” 

Tabor says the injured child continues to recover. He says Solet was also injured in the attack and is at an undisclosed hospital that’s not in the area. Tabor says upon Solet’s medical discharge, he will be transferred directly into the custody of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office…

Cut 11 (08) “…all charges.”

Tabor says deputies will main constant supervision of Solet throughout his hospitalization…..

Cut 12 (12) “…during the booking procedures.” 

Anyone with information related to this quadruple homicide is encouraged to contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Louisiana is making strides in reducing the absenteeism rate of public-school students. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Commercial property owners who have Louisiana Citizens have an opportunity to lower their insurance costs. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Lane Kiffin and the Tigers face off against Ole Miss in a top ten return for the former Rebels coach this weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana is making strides in improving the absenteeism rate of public-school students. Executive director of attendance strategy for the Department of Education, Misty Davis, says last year the state launched a campaign to increase attendance, and it called for schools to take proactive measures to reduce the absenteeism and truancy rate…

Cut 4 (10) “…attendance issues.”

Davis says it’s not about punishing students who keep missing school, they’ve found it to be more beneficial if you reward students for good attendance

Cut 5 (08) “…good attendance.”

Davis says the Power of Presence campaign they launched last year calls for schools to encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, because that will motivate students to attend school.

According to the state department of Education, nearly 22-percent of public-school students were counted as chronically absent during the last school year. Davis says that’s’ down from 28-percent in 2021, but it is still four percentage points higher than it was before the COVID pandemic….

Cut 6 (09) “…the past.”

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A Minden man faces a second-degree murder charge for allegedly killing his uncle in a domestic dispute. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says 21-year-old Luther David Hair was arrested for the shooting of his 58-year-old uncle, Daniel Hair, at a home in the 34-hundred block of Dorcheat Road.

Cut 7 (12) “…in the head.”

Parker says Daniel Hair went to the home to ask his sister, the shooter’s mother, for a ride to Walmart. When she was not ready, a verbal dispute began and escalated quickly.

Cut 8 (13) “…at the time.”

Parker says he believes the shooting was uncalled for.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in my opinion.”

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Commercial property owners who have Louisiana Citizens Insurance will have a chance to get coverage from a private insurer. Governor Jeff Landry says all commercial policies are slated to move from the state-backed insurer of last resort to the private market…

Cut 10 (10) “…Louisiana Citizens.”

The private insurance provider is Property Insurance Company of America, which is based in Mississippi and in December of 2024 they were licensed as an admitted insurer in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance says there are 51-hundred commercial policies in Louisiana. Landry says nearly all of them will be offered quotes from PICA.

Cut 11 (11) “…PICA.”

Landry says the potential savings for Louisiana Citizens commercial policyholders is significant…

Cut 12 (10) “…40 percent reduction.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this should help homeowners who have Citizens Insurance. Temple says moving commercial policies out of Citizens will lower the insurer of last resort’s exposure and reinsurance costs, improving its financial condition and helping to put downward pressure on premiums for Citizens policyholders.

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LSU coach Lane Kiffin makes his long-awaited return to Ole Miss as the seventh-ranked Tigers and eighth-ranked Rebels face off on Saturday. Both fan bases have circled the Magnolia Bowl since Kiffin left Oxford for LSU as Ole Miss prepared for the playoffs. He says he knows a lot of hate is coming his way.

Cut 13 (10)  “…any touchdowns.” 

“College GameDay” will be on campus as Kiffin and the Tigers return to the center of the college football world, but Kiffin wants to keep his focus on the field. He says the team has experience blocking out the noise after the Clemson game.

Cut 14 (11) “…on game day.”

More than 30 staff members and players have switched schools since last year’s matchup between Ole Miss and LSU. Kiffin says the coaching staffs are very familiar with one another, but Ole Miss coach Pete Golding will have more intel on him than he does on his former defensive coordinator.

Cut 15 (08) “…play against.”

LSU and Ole Miss kick off in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at 6:30 on Saturday.

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The Saints came up short in their 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions, but there were a lot of positives to take away on both sides of the ball. Seven different players recorded 30-plus scrimmage yards, and four different players found the end zone. Head coach Kellen Moore says the offense is versatile.

Cut 16 (14) “…take this.”

New Orleans has another tough matchup this weekend as they prepare to head to Baltimore. Moore says work to develop the team does not stop once the season kicks off.

Cut 17 (17) “…improve.”

The Saints gave up 156 rushing yards to Jahmyr Gibbs and will face Derrick Henry this Sunday. Moore says a player of Gibbs’ caliber is expected to break off a few big plays but the defense needs to be more consistent against the run.

Cut 18 (15) “…direction there.”

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After losing to LSU 45-14 on Saturday, Louisiana Tech has another big road challenge against Baylor this weekend. The Bulldogs may be without quarterback Blake Baker, who fractured his hand in the loss to the Tigers. Coach Sonny Cumbie says whoever is at quarterback needs to make smart decisions on early downs against the Bears’ defense.

Cut 19 (15) “…overcome those.”

The Bulldogs held the Tigers to just ten points in the first half and returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. The defense ranks second in the nation in tackles for loss, twelfth in sacks and ninth in takeaways. Cumbie says they aren’t afraid of anybody.

Cut 20 (14) “…the sacks.”

President Trump wants to give every American Adult a five-thousand dollar check if the GOP maintains control of the House and Senate after the midterm elections. Joe Galinaro has reaction from the U-S House Speaker…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The Saints opened the season with a 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions, but seven points were left off the board thanks to a controversial officiating decision. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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President Trump has said the federal government will send every American adult a five-thousand check if the Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate after the midterm elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson was a guest on KEEL Radio in Shreveport and says the proposal will need Congressional approval…

Cut 3 (09) “…part of the discussion.”

Democratic New York Congressman Dan Goldman called the pledge corrupt and blatantly illegal. The top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, says called the proposal a political bribe. Johnson pushed back on the idea that it is a bribe…

Cut 4 (11) “…proposed goal.”

There are some Republicans who do not support the five-thousand dollar dividend check, because the country faces 40-trillion dollars in debt and the checks could lead to more inflation. Johnson’s argument to those concerns is that the Republican-led Congress has taken steps to reduce spending…

Cut 5 (09) “…government spending.”

The payments would cost more about one-point-two trillion dollars.

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One man was killed in a shooting in Tangipahoa Parish near Independence early this morning. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker was on the scene on Louisiana Highway 40 between I-55 and Old Highway 51.

Cut 6 (14) “…to survive.”

The victims’ identities are unknown as the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office assists the town of Independence with the investigation. Sticker says the investigation is in its early stages.

Cut 7 (10) “…this crime.”

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The Saints were unable to complete a 21-point comeback and lost to the Lions 31-30 in overtime. During a scoreless first half for the Black and Gold, defensive end Chase Young strip sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff, and safety Jonas Sankey scooped it and scored. The fumble was controversially overturned despite Goff’s pass going backwards, but head coach Kellen Moore says the team has to live with it.

Cut 8 (12) “…outcome for us.”

Young said that he had never seen anything like it but that he and the defense just moved on to the next play. Linebacker Kaden Elliss says the team had the rule explained by the referee.

Cut 9 (11)  “…it’s OK.”

The Saints forced a fumble on the following drive and allowed just 18 yards the rest of the second quarter.

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A ten-year-old boy suffering from significant stab wounds is expected to survive after he survived a horrific stabbing attack by a 47-year-old man who killed four adults in Houma. Lt. Blake Tabor, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, says the child fled to a neighbor’s house to get help.

Cut 10 (10) “…hospital.” 

The suspect has been identified as Kaegan Solet. He was arrested Sunday morning after an overnight manhunt. Tabor says three women and one man ranging from middle-aged to elderly were killed across two separate residences on the same property, but at least the young boy got away from Solet and ran to a neighbor’s house…

Cut 11 (09) “…at that point.”

A relative and family advocate for the victims, Brandon Thiel, tells Fox 8 TV in New Orleans that Solet fathered a child with one of the victims killed. Tabor says law enforcement is not ready to discuss Solet’s relationship with the victims, but the public should know there is not an existing threat…

Cut 12 (09) “…commit murder.” 

A fundraiser is raising money to cover the funeral expenses and help the family. More than 52-thousand dollars has been raised.

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The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry enforcement agents arrest a 38-year-old Colfax man for allegedly starting a wildlife in Rapides Parish. Commissioner Mike Strain says last week firefighters responded to a wildfire near 418 Cabra Hill Road and during their response Brian Middleton fled the scene, but was arrested later that day….

Cut 13 (08) “…of charges.”

Strain says his office takes these incidents seriously…

Cut 14 (09) “…at risk.”

Strain reminds the public that fires can quickly spread and cause significant damage to forests and property, so don’t light that match…

Cut 15 (09) “…these wildfires”

If you have plans to head to the OMV Monday, don’t bother. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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25 years ago today, Barksdale Air Force Base played a key role in the aftermath of the terror attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you’re planning on schlepping to the OMV Monday, save yourself the trip – all offices statewide will be closed. Over the weekend, the office will be installing new systems to handle driver’s license and reinstatement transactions. OMV Commissioner Keith Neal says those who had booked appointments for Monday already know not to show up.

Cut 3 (08) “…and to reschedule.”

Neal says while walk-ins will still be welcome, you will be unable to book an appointment in advance for next week.

Cut 4 (11) “…we go live.”

Neal says furthermore, the OMV’s website and L-A Wallet will be inaccessible starting Saturday, and all Public Tag Agents and Auto Title Companies will also be unable to provide driver’s license, reinstatement, registration or title transactions this weekend.

Cut 5 (10) “…this massive cutover.”

The new systems to handle registrations and title transactions will be installed about a year from now.

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25 years ago, Barksdale Air Force Base played a key role in the immediate aftermath of the terror attacks in New York City and the Pentagon. It was there where President George W. Bush flew to after leaving a Sarasota, Florida, elementary school. The current commander of Barksdale Air Force Base, Colonel Chris Cain, says with the nation under attack, Barksdale Air Force Base was the ideal place for him to head to.

Cut 6 (14) “…address the nation.”

Barksdale was chosen because they needed a high-security military installation immediately amid reports of threats and potential targeting of Air Force One. Colonel Cain says while the staff at Barksdale did not anticipate accommodating the President that day, they were prepared for it.

Cut 7 (13) “…on that day.”

Bush recorded an address from Barksdale early that afternoon, and it was shown to the American people about a half hour later. Cain says while that day is one of the darkest days in American history, Barksdale embraces the role it played that day.

Cut 8 (12) “…the American people.”

After recording his address, Bush and his staff flew to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska before returning to Washington, DC.

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Louisiana child care providers say rising costs and staffing shortages are putting increasing pressure on their ability to stay open and serve families. A new poll from the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children found more than 600 early childhood education providers are absorbing higher costs, but Chief of Research and Policy Heather Cope says that’s not sustainable long term…

Cut 9 (08)  “…viable.”

Cope says nearly three-fourths of child care providers said they were worried about being able to afford to operate over the next six months.

She says rising costs are putting providers under financial strain, but rather than raise tuition on familiies, providers are absorbing the costs themselves, but they can’t do that indefinitely…

Cut 10 (09) “…increasing costs.” 

Cope says staffing is also a challenge, because the average annual pay for lead teachers is just under 29-thousand dollars. She says this survey makes it clear that Louisiana needs sustained investments in early childhood programs and educators in order to allow parents to work, businesses to operate and children to thrive…

Cut 11 (11) “…for families”

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Number-eight LSU hosts Louisiana Tech tomorrow at 6:30. The Tigers beat the Bulldogs 23-7 last year, but both teams look a lot different this time around. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin says they need to be prepared for their best.

Cut 12 (13) “…next year.” 

LSU is 20-1 all-time versus Tech, with the only loss coming in 1904 in Ruston. Both teams are coming off of blowout wins in their season openers. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says the experience playing in Death Valley last year will help, and there is little room for error.

Cut 13 (10) “…into it.”

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The Saints kick off the season against the Lions on Sunday. Veteran running back Alvin Kamara is questionable to play after being limited in practice all week with an MCL sprain. Second-year head coach Kellen Moore says he had a great training camp and brought the same intensity to his recovery.

Cut 14 (13) “…ready to go.”

Defensive end Cameron Jordan, rookie tight end Oscar Delp and running back Audric Estime are all out.

Detroit’s aggressive defense will be a big test for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Shough went 5-and-4 as the starter last season but did not beat a team with a winning record. Moore says Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson will be a tough opponent.

Cut 15 (12) “…goes every down.”

Hutchinson finished last season with a team-high 14-and-a-half- sacks and 14 T-F-Ls

LSU finalized its football roster without former NFL signees Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, but that may not be the end of their saga. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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There is a lot of purple and gold in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2027. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU filled its final two available roster spots last night, seemingly ending its recruitment of players who spent time in NFL training camps. The decision has de-escalated tensions between LSU and the SEC, and this afternoon’s hearing in the lawsuit has been postponed. Attorney Tony Clayton represents the athletes and says it was his clients who sued the NCAA and SEC, not LSU.

Cut 3 (11) “…and the law.”

SEC presidents and chancellors scheduled a vote on whether to expel LSU from the conference on Thursday. The lawsuit alleges that LSU’s coordinated effort to recruit players in NFL training camps violates the conference’s First Amendment right to govern itself, but Clayton says LSU never rostered the players and broke any SEC rules.

Cut 4 (09) “…is made of.”

The lawsuit claims that LSU coach Lane Kiffin was involved in coordinating and encouraging the athletes’ lawsuit against the NCAA, but Clayton says there is no evidence of that. He says his clients made their own decisions, and he has never even met Kiffin.

Cut 5 (09) “…and the SEC.”

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The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy is launching a massive effort to plug and clean up orphaned oil and gas well sites. Spokesman Patrick Courreges (KOO-rezh) says the department will use 30-million dollars in federal funding to clean up the sites in north Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…per dollar spent.”

The department will use state funding to clean up orphaned well sites in south Louisiana. Courreges says it’s important to get these orphaned well sites plugged and cleaned so that they don’t cause any problems down the road.

Cut 7 (10) “…use of it.”

Courreges says the Monroe and Shreveport districts contain more than 42-hundred of the state’s roughly 64-hundred orphaned wells.

Cut 8 (08) “…well heads behind.”

Lafayette-based Lemoine Disaster Recovery and Houston-based Garner Environmental Services will lead the first phase. The overall effort will take three to five years to complete.

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Two of LSU’s best football players during this century, running back Leonard Fournette and cornerback Patrick Peterson, highlight the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2027.  Chairman Doug Ireland says Fournette earned All-American honors as a sophomore at LSU, rushing for nearly two-thousand yards, a school record.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Billy Cannon .”

Fournette also broke the school single-record for most games in a game when he had 284 yards on 16 carries in a 38-21 win over Ole Miss. Fournette went on to play seven seasons in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.

In 2010, Peterson won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender and the Thorpe Award as the top defensive back, becoming the first LSU player to win those two prestigious awards. Ireland says after LSU, Peterson played 13 seasons in the NFL and made the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons.

Cut 10 (09) “…Hall of Fame.” 

The 2027 class also features former LSU baseball stars Ryan Theriot and Aaron Hill. Ireland says one of the state’s most successful high school football coach, Hank Tierney, is also a member of the 2027 class.

Cut 11 (11) “…Archbishop Shaw.”

Tierney has won two state titles at Shaw.

The 2027 class also includes two-time Triple Crown winning jockey Robby Albarado, former Northwestern State baseball coach Jim Wells, former ULM women’s basketball star Lisa Ingram and former LSU defensive tackle standout Henry Thomas, who helped LSU win an SEC title in 1988 and then played 14 seasons in the NFL.

The induction ceremony will take place in Natchitoches from June 24th to the 26th.

Louisiana is making great strides in getting the upper hand on opioid-related deaths. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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When forecasters said this year’s hurricane season was going to be below average, they weren’t kidding. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The Department of Insurance says Louisiana drivers are paying 400-million dollars less for private passenger auto insurance. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Opioid deaths in Louisiana are significantly down, declining 59-percent since 2022. That compares to just over a 46-percent decline nationally. Louisiana Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says there are a couple factors behind the significant drop.

Cut 4 (13) “…treatment for addiction.”

Dr. Croughan says another factor behind the steep drop is the fact that in 2022, Louisiana was one of the nation’s leaders in opioid-related deaths.

Cut 5 (10) “…get that decline.”

Dr. Croughan says obviously, even one opioid-related death is too many, so there’s still work to do to keep the momentum going to get that number down even more.

Cut 6 (10) “…interested in that.”

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When forecasters said this hurricane season would be quieter than normal, they weren’t kidding! LSU Health Secretary Barry Keim says we’re coming up on the middle of September, and we haven’t had one Atlantic hurricane yet – only tropical storms.

Cut 7 (15) “…in the season.”

Keim says there are a couple reasons why hurricane season has been exceptionally quiet in the Atlantic this year.

Cut 8 (11) “…of storms down.”

The record for the latest in the year without a hurricane is September 11th, accomplished in 2002 and 2013; and with no tropical cyclone activity expected in the Atlantic in the next seven days, we will certainly break that record. Keim says there have been years with no recorded hurricanes at all, but those deserve asterisks.

Cut 9 (15)  “…satellites back then.”

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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the state continues to be in an insurance crisis because premiums are unaffordable for many, but there are positive signs. Temple says thanks to changes in state law, including a measure that gives providers more flexibility to raise or decrease rates, has helped bring premiums down for many.

Cut 10 (08) “…private passenger auto.”

Temple continues to urge policyholders to shop around before renewing with their current provider.

Cut 11 (10) “…to keep fighting.”

Temple says fewer accidents on the road have helped reduce auto insurance premiums. He says the total savings have been 400-million dollars.

Cut 12 (12) “…to insurance companies.”

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A federal court in Alabama will hold a hearing this afternoon in the SEC’s lawsuit that attemps to stop LSU from adding players who were on NFL rosters during training camp. The SEC amended the lawsuit to name Attorney General Liz Murrill as a defendant. Murrill says the SEC is suing LSU for violating its First Amendment rights, but it was the athletes, not LSU, that filed the lawsuit against the NCAA and SEC.

Cut 13 (13)  “…evidence of that.” 

The SEC’s lawsuit seeks to block the preliminary injunction granted in Baton Rouge last week that prevents the SEC from enforcing any pro-player punishments on returning fifth-year athletes or schools. Murrill says the NCAA’s exclusion of class of 2022 athletes in its five-year eligibility model was unfair, and that is why judges are siding with former college athletes.

Cut 14 (14) “…couldn’t do it.”

The SEC has also threatened to kick LSU out of the league. A vote by the member schools is scheduled for Thursday and it would require 11 votes.

But it appears LSU is backing down. On Tuesday night it was reported that instead of adding Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who were on NFL rosters last month, to LSU’s roster. The Tigers added injured players Aiden Anding and Gabriel Reliford, which completes their roster at 105 players.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says if the SEC tries to kick out LSU, the federal government will come down on the league hard.

Cut 15 (10) “…ham sandwich.”

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Louisiana Tech is set to visit LSU this weekend. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says he was proud of how his players performed in their 80-6 win over Northwestern State in the season opener. He says there is a lot of good to take with them to Baton Rouge against a tougher opponent.

Cut 16 (15) “…protect the football.”

Tech gained 528 yards of offense and held the Demons to just 129 yards. It will be a bigger challenge containing LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, who Cumbie says impressed him with his arm strength and athleticism in the Tigers’ win over Clemson.

Cut 17 (15) “…in the country.”

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Ole Miss transfer wide receiver Winnie Watkins led the Tigers with seven catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in his LSU debut. The 51-10 win over Clemson was an electric performance for the sophomore and the entire LSU offense, but Watkins says the receivers are still building chemistry with quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Cut 18 (16) “…do every day.”

LSU put on a show in front of a sold-out Tiger Stadium in Lane Kiffin’s first game as coach. Watkins says the team can handle the excitement because Kiffin prepares his team better than any coach in the country.

Cut 19 (20) “…with our preparation.”

Watkins played for Kiffin at Ole Miss as a freshman last season and was one of four former Rebels to transfer to LSU this offseason. He says LSU has been everything it was advertised to be.

Cut 20 (19) “…everything they say.”

The Southeastern Conference is threatening to boot LSU out of the league for attempting to roster players who were on NFL rosters last month. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A routine trip to the grocery store for two elderly women in Acadia Parish turns into a harrowing experience. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Bill Cassidy has less than four months remaining in the U.S. Senate, and he’s using that time to push his plan to ensure Social Security remains solvent. He outlined his plan in an appearance on NewsNation.

Cut 3 (10) “…on Social Security.”

Cassidy said all risk would be borne by the investment fund, and that would pay 65-percent of the unfunded accrued liability of Social Security.

Cassidy tells NewsNation the first step in solving the issue is actually being allowed to put the proposals before Congress.

Cut 4 (09) “…put them forward.”

In an appearance on NewsNation, Cassidy accused his colleagues in the Senate of sitting on this issue and not taking it seriously.

Cut 5 (10) “…not be considered.”

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Many are mourning the death of longtime sports radio host Mike Detillier, who passed away on Sunday at 65 from a brief bout with pancreatic cancer. His longtime radio partner on WWL Radio, former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert, says Detillier was well respected for his football opinion and more importantly he was very kind…

Cut 6 (07) “…is a jerk.”

Detillier’s spent 40-plus years of his life as a pro and college football analyst on WWL. His M-and-D draft report was staple for any football fan as it was 200 pages, filled with in-depth profiles of the players. Hebert says you better pack a lunch if you were going to talk football with Detillier…

Cut 7 (11) “…draft guru.”

Hebert and Detillier hosted the popular second guess show on WWL radio on Monday nights during the football season for two decades. Hebert says he can’t believe Mike D is gone…

Cut 8 (11) “…on sobbing”

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The SEC has amended its federal lawsuit against LSU, seeking the authority to expel the school from the conference. SEC CEOs are scheduled to meet Thursday to decide whether to terminate LSU as a member institution. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he thinks cooler heads will prevail before Thursday.

Cut 9 (13)  “…and angry.”

Guilbeau pointed out that LSU never actually broke the SEC’s rule and other schools are still in the conference after actual violations.

The federal lawsuit was filed last week in northern Alabama, alleging that LSU’s recruitment of Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who both signed NFL contracts this summer, violated the SEC’s First Amendment right to govern itself. The players did win a preliminary injunction to return without penalties, but LSU did not list them on its roster for the Clemson game, per the SEC’s rule. LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry told Guaranty Media in an interview before the injunction ruling that the program has no intention of breaking SEC rules.

Cut 10 (09) “…have to do it” 

Attorney General Liz Murrill and LSU’s entire board of supervisors were added as defendants in the lawsuit alongside Ausberry, president Wade Rousse and football coach Lane Kiffin. Murrill filed an amicus brief supporting the athletes’ return in the preliminary injunction hearing last week but says she has no idea what claim they could be making against her or her office.

Cut 11 (13) “…sure why.”

Guilbeau says numerous programs have violated SEC bylaws over the years and not been expelled. He says last year Alabama basketball welcomed back center Charles Bediako for five games after he played 83 games in the G League.

Cut 12 (12) “…last week.” 

Bediako was allowed to play in a ruling by an Alabama judge who then reversed the ruling. The SEC’s punishments for schools who roster ex-pros were not yet in place.

A two-thirds vote is required to remove LSU from the conference.

The SEC says today’s filing is necessary to defend that right and preserve the Conference’s ability to govern competition among its members.

This year’s second wave of lovebugs has arrived. Kace Kieschnick has why that may not matter too much to you but could affect your vehicle.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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On this Labor Day, Louisiana Works says the state of labor in the state is very positive. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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If you think you’re seeing more lovebugs than usual, you’re not imagining it. The end of summer is their second mating season of the year. LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says it is a normal part of their life cycle, but there are more lovebugs this year than in previous years.

Cut 3 (11) “…their populations.”

Ashbrook says lovebugs are harmless to humans, but their blood can degrade car paint.

Cut 4 (11) “…on the vehicle.”

He recommends getting your car cleaned at a car wash or using dryer sheets to wipe them off.

Ashbrook says lovebugs are more commonly found near areas with more moisture and decaying matter, like  marshes, swamps and forested areas. He says lovebug larvae help break down and recycle organic materials.

Cut 5 (08) “…time of year.”

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On this Labor Day, the state of Labor in Louisiana is looking promising. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says more people in Louisiana are working than ever before, with more than 2.01-million people working.

Cut 6 (09) “…our labor force.”

Schowen says the scores of economic development projects happening in Louisiana are driving a lot of the job growth.

Cut 7 (09) “…do with infrastructure.”

Schowen says those projects are putting a lot of people to work.

Cut 8 (13) “…from those projects.”

Schowen says the state is even diversifying its white-collar industries, with significant job growth in sectors like financial services. She says wages have increased more than six-percent over the last year, making Louisiana one of a select number of states where wage growth is outpacing inflation.

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Hyundai is ready to begin construction on a five-point-eight billion dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish. A final air pollution permit is needed from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The facility is expected to produce 13-hundred permanent jobs and another 41-hundred indirect jobs. Landry says an economic development trip to South Korea in October of 2024 helped bring this steel mill project to Donaldsonville…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the world.”

Landry has secured over 250-billion dollars in new capital investment. The governor says that’s 85-billion more than Texas. Landry says companies like Hyundai are choosing Louisiana because the state has what it takes to make it happen…

Cut 10 (08) “…are people.”

The Hyundai-Posco steel plant will produce about two-point-eight million metric tons of ultra-low-carbon automative-grade steel annually. Undersecretary for International Trade in the Department of Commerce, William Kimmitt, says the facility will supply domestic steel to Hyundai Motor Group vehicle assembly operations and other U-S automakers…

Cut 11 (13) “…critical industires.”

The plant is scheduled to open in 2029.

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Saturday is a day LSU fans will not forget as the long-awaited debut of Lane Kiffin delivered a dominating 51-10 victory over the Clemson Tigers. Despite scoring an early field goal, Clemson never had a chance. The 102-thousand in attendance made sure LSU would win. Linebacker Whit Weeks felt the energy…

Cut 12 (14) “…special.”

What happened Saturday night in Tiger Stadium was a complete 180-degree turn from what occurred versus Texas A&M, the second half debacle that led to Brian Kelly’s firing. The LSU fan base was broken, the 2019 season seemed like a distant memory, but Kiffin’s arrival has brought the passion and bravado back…

Cut 13 (13)  “..started there.”

There were thoughts LSU could be distracted by the ongoing drama surrounding the college eligibility of two players, who were on NFL rosters last month. But Kiffin said before the game it would not be a distraction and he was right…

Cut 14 (12) “…by it.”

During his introductory press conference, Kiffin spoke about how difficult it was for an opponent to come into Tiger Stadium and win and how he was looking forward to being on the other side of the sideline where the fans had your back. He said it was great to finally experience it…

Cut 15 (09) “…pretty cool.”

LSU is home again this Saturday as the Tigers host Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs won their season opener over Northwestern State 80 to 6.