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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (13) “…in college.”

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

Cut 4 (12) “…set of friends.”

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

Cut 5 (09) “…the students”

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

________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (11) “…death master file”

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

Cut 7 (07) “…data basis.”

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

Cut 8 (05) “…with our recommendation”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (12)  “…that facility”

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

Cut 10 (09) “…serious allegation.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “…making it better.”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 12 (12) “…making it work.”

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

Cut 13 (11)  “…to do.”

Secretary McMahon will also visit Arkansas and Tennessee this week.

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 4 (11) “…bit bigger size.”

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

Cut 5 (11) “…us to survive.”

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

Cut 6 (10) “…25 a pound.”

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

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (12) “…in the film.”

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

Cut 8 (07) “…they could take.”

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

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

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (12) “…avenues of growth.”

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

Cut 11 (13) “…best in class.”

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

Cut 12 (12) “…excited about it.”

_______________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (08)  “…our local leaders.”

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

Cut 14 (15) “…future they deserve.”

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 15 (12) “…really, really good.”

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

Cut 16 (16) “…throughout the game.”

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

Cut 17 (10)  “…with us.”

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

______________________________________________

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

Cut 18 (19) “…his growth.”

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

Cut 19 (19) “…good football.”

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

Cut 20 (15) “…is nice.”

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (11) “…this year.”

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

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

Cut 4 (10) “…thoughtful than that.’”

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

Cut 5 (11) “…too long.”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (12) “…at those times.”

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

Cut 7 (11) “…way as possible.”

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

Cut 8 (10) “…on their phones.”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (09)  “…kind of stuff.”

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

Cut 10 (10) “…techniques they need.”

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

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

________________________________________________

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

Cut 12 (06) “…chronic diseases.”

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

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

Cut 13 (11)  “…dairy products.”

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

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

Cut 14 (11) “…and pop.”

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (09) “…matters and issues.”

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

Cut 4 (09) “…pretextual stop issue.”

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

Cut 5 (08) “…until January 1st.”

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

________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (10) “…the oxygen.”

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

Cut 7 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

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

Cut 8 (13) “…doesn’t diffuse.”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (08)  “…housing costs.”

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

Cut 10 (08) “…population growth.”

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

Cut 11 (12) “….buy a home”

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

________________________________________________

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

Cut 12 (10) “…those traits.”

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

Cut 13 (12)  “…on the field.”

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

Cut 14 (08) “…of work.”

If you’re interested in a career investigating child abuse cases, the Department of Children and Families wants to hear from you. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A study from the Cenla economic dashboard reports steady growth for the Central Louisiana economy. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Still plenty of controversy over Speaker Mike Johnson sending the House home for summer recess instead of holding a vote to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

____________________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services needs second shift Child Protective Services investigators. DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris says they need workers in the second shift because child maltreatment does not happen just between the hours of 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.

Cut 4 (08) “…to respond timely.”

Harris says they’re looking to hire 53 people to work four, 10-hour shifts per week. And she says you do not need a college degree or any special licenses.

Cut 5 (10) “…first response world.”

Harris while those who work second shift will be required to work weekends, they will get every other weekend off. But working second shift does have its advantages, like additional pay.

Cut 6 (12) “…per hour worked.”

Those hired would start their new jobs as early as September 15th.

________________________________________________________

Central Louisiana is showing steady economic growth, according to a study from the Cenla Economic Dashboard. The Alexandria metropolitan area has gained 707 jobs since May, and the dashboard’s author, LSUA Professor Randall Dupont, says Natchitoches is recovering from the April closure of its International Paper plant.

Cut 7 (08) “…of this year.”

Consumer spending has also been on the rise. Dupont says the dashboard measures sales tax revenue to track spending rates. He says a successful job market leads to a fruitful local economy.

Cut 8 (11) “…over year.”

Alexandria and Pineville each recorded quarterly growth of four to five percent, and Natchitoches posted an eight percent quarterly gain.

________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announces honorably discharged military veteran residents can purchase a recreational hunting and fishing combination license for $20, a reduction of $80 for the Sportsman’s Paradise license. Republican Lafayette Senator Brach Myers authored the legislation that resulted in a big discount for military veterans.

Cut 9 (09)  “…outdoors in Louisiana.”

LDWF operates mostly on license fees, but Senator Myers says giving our veterans the ability to hunt and fish in Louisiana at a reduced cost is a small token of our appreciation for their selfless service to our country.

Cut 10 (09) “…the right heroes”

Myers says the law was a result of collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and The Boot, an organization seeking to incentivize military veterans to make Louisiana their home once their service has ended.

Cut 11 (14) “…the outdoors.”

Applications for the combo license can be found on the LDWF’s website.

_______________________________________________________

Still plenty of controversy – even among Republicans – over Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to send the House home early for its summer recess rather than hold a vote to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Johnson says he’s committed to getting to the bottom of who was responsible for the sexual abuse of the women and teenage girls at the hands of Epstein and his associates.

Cut 12 (11) “…is the President.”

But Johnson says he only wants to do so after all files are completely pored over and all names of victims are redacted. 

Cut 13 (07)  “…be permanently destroyed.”

Among the Republicans criticizing Johnson is Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick, who went as far as issuing a statement condemning his move. McCormick says in his statement, he was defending fellow Republican Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored a resolution with Democrat Ro Khanna to force the release of those files. 

Cut 14 (05) “…them get released”

McCormick says Johnson was wrong for calling out Massie, even though he’s the main Republican sponsoring the resolution.

Cut 15 (07) “…singled him out.”

________________________________________________________

Fall camp is underway in Lafayette as the Ragin’ Cajuns prepare to defend their Sun Belt West title. The headline of camp will be the three-way quarterback battle between redshirt junior Walker Howard, redshirt freshman Daniel Beale and redshirt sophomore Lunch Winfield. Head coach Michael Desormeaux says they don’t have much college experience, but…

Cut 16 (18) “…really well.”

Howard committed to Ole Miss as a five-star out of Lafayette in 2022, and Beale appeared in three games for the Cajuns last season including the 31-3 loss to Marshall in the sun Belt championship.

The Cajuns will rely on a dynamic running back duo of sophomore Bill Davis and junior Zylon Perry. The tandem posted nearly 800 and 700 rushing yards last season, respectively, and Desormeaux says he expects improvement this season.

Cut 17 (18)  “…special for us.”

______________________________________________

The LSU Tigers begin the first full week of preseason camp today after taking Sunday off. On Saturday, Ju’Juan Johnson was  at running back. Johnson was a record-breaking quarterback at Lafayette Chrisitan. Johnson started at LSU as a defensive back, but moved to running back during his freshman season. He took snaps at quarterback in the spring but on Saturday he was back at running back. Offensive tackle Tyree Adams believes Johnson can be a playmaker for the offense…

Cut 18 (14) “…make plays.”

The defense has shown it can compete with LSU’s explosive offense during the first few days of fall camp. Linebacker West Weeks says the defensive playbook is bigger this year with Blake Baker in his second year as defensive coordinator…

Cut 19 (19) “…Q-B.”

LSU is less than a month away from its season opener against Clemson. The Tigers are looking for their first win in week one since 2019. Defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory has been at LSU in 2020 and wants to start 1-0….

Cut 20 (16) “…the place.”

If you are driving slower than the speed limit in the left lane of a highway and holding back traffic, you can receive a 150-dollar ticket because of a new law that went into effect on Friday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

The Superdome will celebrate  50 years as the iconic center of downtown New Orleans Sunday.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

Congressmen Cleo Fields and Clay Higgins are teaming up on the Fisheries Modernization Act. Fields says it would expand fishery disaster relief programs.

Cut 3 (05) “…and other crawfish.”

Fields says wild-caught crawfishermen are currently not eligible for fishery disaster assistance under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and he says that’s not right.

Cut 4 (10) “…frankly years ago.”

Fields says the USDA has helped other industries affected by droughts; he says it’s time to include the crawfish industry, which is vital to Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 5 (06) “…the same light.”

Fields says this legislation was needed following the historic drought of 2023, which significantly resulted in low yields of crawfish in 2024.

________________________________________________

Dozens of new state laws went into effect today including a measure that could result in a motorist receiving a ticket for traveling below the speed limit in the left lane on a highway. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau hopes his legislation will reduce road rage and accidents…

Cut 6 (07) “…injury to the people.”

Luneau’s legislation was approved in this year’s legislative session, receiving overwhelming support in the House and Senate. The longtime legislator says the public also strongly supports this measure…

Cut 7 (09) “…move over.”

The previous law said that drivers travelling in the left lane ten miles per hour or below the speed limit could receive a ticket. Luneau’s legislation changes the law so that a ticket can be issued if a motorist is not going at least the speed limit….

Cut 8 (07) “…get ticketed.”

The first offense could result in a 150-dollar ticket, second offense a 250-dollar ticket and third offense 350-dollars. Three or more offenses in a year could result in jail time.

________________________________________________

The Superdome is celebrating its 50th anniversary Sunday. From the Rolling Stones to Muhammad Ali, the venue has brought legends and fans from all over the world to the Crescent City. Vice President of ASM Global, the company that manages the stadium, Doug Thornton, says its impact on downtown New Orleans has been immeasurable.

Cut 9 (12)  “…those days.”

Opened August 3, 1975, the Superdome’s convention and meeting rooms, turned club lounges, and enormous unobstructed space were unheard of in its time. Thornton says the founding fathers of the Superdome knew what it could mean to the city.

Cut 10 (11) “…that billing.”

The Superdome houses two million square feet of space, twice the size of the Astrodome when it was built. Thornton says it was an engineering marvel ahead of its time, and its massive footprint has allowed it to be reinvented over the years.

Cut 11 (12) “…couldn’t survive.”

________________________________________________

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy launched his re-election campaign during a press event in Metairie in front of a room full of supporters. The 67-year-old Republican is seeking a third term in the Senate…

Cut 12 (16) “…all of us.”

Cassidy has drawn three well-known challengers from his own party, state treasurer John Fleming, state senator Blake Miguez and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. His challengers claim Cassidy is not a true conservative, but Cassidy says that’s a false allegation

Cut 13 (15)  “…gender ideology.”

Despite having nine million dollars in cash on hand, political analysts say Cassidy faces a tough re-election big, because of his vote to impeach President Trump in 2021. But Cassidy maintains he has a productive working relationship with President Trump…

Cut 14 (09) “…all of us.”

Governor Jeff Landry announces his father, Al Landry, has passed away. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

The statewide ban on the herbal supplement kratom goes into effect tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry is mourning the death of his father, Al Landry, who passed away Wednesday. In a social media post, Landry said “Go rest my weary servant your task on earth is done. The governor described his father as the silent foundation of their family. Former state senator Fred Mills says many people in St. Martin Parish loved Al Landry and he loved his family…

Cut 3 (10) “…so proud.”

Governor Landry says his father is now re-united with his mother Edna, who passed away in 2019. They were high school sweethearts in St. Martinville and got married after graduating from the University of Southwest Louisiana. They had four children.

Al Landry was an architect and Mills says Al Landry’s fingerprints are on many public buildings in St. Martin Parish….

Cut 4 (08) “…was building.”

Governor Jeff Landry said in his social media post that “the trumpets of heaven sound for Al and Edna Landry are together again. The governor said his father was a ship without a rudder or compass since his wife’s passing. Mills says Al and Edna had great chemistry…

Cut 5 (07) “…back of everything.”

________________________________________________

The LSU Student Food Pantry has reaped the benefits of Tigers fans indulging in Jello shots at Rocco’s during the College World Series. The food pantry received a check from Rocco’s for $52,390 – one dollar for each Jello shot LSU fans scarfed down during Rocco’s Jello Shot Challenge during the College World Series – which, as you know by now, LSU won. Campus Life Manager Jennifer Cristina says it was exciting to see the tote board go into the stratosphere like it did two years ago.

Cut 6 (09) “…things like that.”

Cristina says that money will come in very handy.

Cut 7 (11) “…all of us”

Cristina says you may not realize this, but the need for food pantries at college campuses is tremendous during these times.

Cut 8 (14) “…that many students.”

________________________________________________

The herbal supplement kratom becomes illegal in Louisiana tomorrow, thanks to Act 41 approved in the last legislative session. Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia and can cause psychosis at high doses. The bill’s author, Republican West Monroe Senator Jay Morris, says Kratom has the addictive qualities of opioids.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in the brain.”

Louisiana is not the only state to ban the substance, but it will be one of the first. Morris does have concerns about its return through states where it is legal, but starting Friday it can no longer be sold in gas stations and convenience stores.

Cut 10 (07) “…does help.”

Some use kratom to treat pain, anxiety or drug dependence and argue it has beneficial qualities. Morris says potential addiction and devastation outweigh any benefits.

Cut 11 (14) “…regulatory scheme.”

________________________________________________

Starting tomorrow, you can show off more of a dark side as you cruise down the highway. That’s because a new law goes into effect allowing for your front windows to be tinted darker – 25-percent light transmission, down from the previous standard of 40-percent. The bill was written by Marksville Republican Representative Daryl Deshotel, who says tinted windows are needed for Louisiana’s climate.

Cut 12 (07) “…us stay cooler.”

Deshotel says before, only certain people were permitted to have dark-tinted front windows, and that caused great confusion among people, especially law enforcement.

Cut 13 (05)  “…get those exemptions.”

Deshotel says of all the bills he got passed in this session, this one was the most popular.

Cut 14 (08) “…to be done.”

A helicopter pilot is killed in a crash in Thibodaux this morning. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

Deputies in Ouachita Parish are looking for a man who they say kidnapped a nine-year-old boy who was eventually found safe. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A helicopter pilot is killed in a crash in Thibodaux this morning. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says it happened at around 6:30 this morning.

Cut 3 (04) “…later pronounced dead.”

The pilot has been identified as Stanley Hebert of Abbeville. Captain Matherne says the crash happened in an agricultural field.

Cut 4 (09) “…field and crashed.”

Matherne says no one on the ground was hurt, and no property on the ground was damaged.

Cut 5 (05) “…the closest residence.”

The FAA and the NTSB have been notified and will be investigating.

________________________________________________

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who they say kidnapped a nine-year-old boy. Deputy Amanda Lyon says the boy was riding ATVs with 40-year-old Rickey Knotts yesterday, but Knotts kept the boy captive overnight until a family member found him safe this morning. 

Cut 6 (07) “…a nearby field.”

Deputy Lyon says Knotts is charged with simple kidnapping, cruelty to a juvenile and false imprisonment.

Cut 7 (08) “…throughout the night.”

Lyon says Knotts has several prior arrests.

Cut 8 (04) “…battery and theft.”

________________________________________________

A new poll by JMC Analytics and Polling commissioned by the John Fleming Senate campaign shows not only good news for the Fleming campaign, but also some very bad news for the incumbent he’s looking to unseat. Founder John Couvillon says in a head-to-head matchup, Fleming has a sizable lead over Senator Bill Cassidy.

Cut 9 (15)  “…a Republican primary.”

The polls show Cassidy leading in both a three way race with Senator Blake Miguez added in, as well as a four-way race with Miguez and potential candidate Julia Letlow. However, Couvillon says in all polls, Cassidy is polling very low for an incumbent.

Cut 10 (11) “…of the vote.”

As such, if the election was to be held tomorrow instead of next April, Cassidy would be extended to a runoff – and Couvillon says based on the current polling numbers, that would spell big trouble for Cassidy.

Cut 11 (08) “…a political standpoint.”

Couvillon says the fact that Cassidy has a huge lead in fundraising means nothing. He notes that when Cassidy unseated Mary Landrieu in 2014, Landrieu had boatloads more money than Cassidy had, and it did her no good in her re-election bid.

________________________________________________

Former Union Parish football star Trey Holly has enrolled at Southern University as a walk-on as he’s not allowed to play at LSU, because he faces felony charges from shooting. Holly is Louisiana’s all-time leading high school rusher and committed to the Tigers in 2022, but he has not seen the field since three games his freshman season. Jaguars head coach Terrence Graves says Holly is read to go.

Cut 12 (11) “…our program.”

Holly has been suspended from the LSU football team since a February 2024 shooting in his hometown of Farmerville. He was originally charged with attempted murder, but those charges have been dropped. Holly still faces charges charges of aggravated criminal damage and illegal use of a weapon. Since those are pending felony charges, Holly can not suit up for LSU.

Holly has maintained his innocence. He is still awaiting trial after numerous delays Graves says Southern will give him a fresh start.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that he is.”

Thanks to legislation approved by state lawmakers, regulations are now in place for Earned Wage Access, which allows workers to access a portion of their paycheck before payday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

As back-to-school shopping gets set to ramp up, Andrew Greenstein has some money-saving tips. 

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Two New Orleans Saints icons announced their retirement. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana is the 11^th state to put regulations in place for earned wage access, which allows a worker to access wages earned prior to their pay day. Franklin Representative Vinney St. Blanc authored the Louisiana Earned Wage Access Services Act.

Cut 4 (11) “…ATM.”

St. Blanc says about 80-thousand workers in Louisiana have access to E-W-A services. It allows a worker to access the money for the hours they work and do not have to wait until pay day. He says it’s a great feature for those who encounter an emergency and need money, and there’s only a small fee.

Cut 5 (06) “…working people.”

E-W-A has been around for the last decade, but St. Blanc’s legislation puts in place guarantees that Louisiana workers have protections in place to access their earned wages. St. Blanc says if your employer doesn’t offer this service, there are third party providers who do.

Cut 6 (09) “…requirements are.”

St. Blanc says now that there are guardrails in place for EWA, he hopes more employers will offer it and workers will take advantage of it. He says some companies use EWA as a retention tool, especially in the health care field, because many workers like getting a portion of their paycheck early.

________________________________________________________

The new school year is right around the corner; and as such, back-to-school shopping will soon be in full swing. A survey from Bankrate shows almost half of back-to-school shoppers say they are looking for ways to save money. Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman says one way you can do so is to stack discounts.

Cut 7 (09) “…online shopping portal.”

Rossman also suggests that if you already have it, don’t buy it.

Cut 8 (10) “…already have it.”

Rossman says families can also use the occasion of back-to-school shopping to teach their kids about financial literacy – specifically, teaching them how to budget their money.

Cut 9 (11)  “…back in another.”

Rossman also suggests not to buy everything all at once if it’s not necessary. He notes that a lot of items go on sale after Labor Day.

________________________________________________________

Saints training camp begins today. With new head coach Kellen Moore and the retirement of quarterback Derek Carr, it will be a fresh start in New Orleans, but GM Mickey Loomis says there’s always an opportunity to be successful.

Cut 10 (12) “…excited about that.”

The talk of the preseason will be the battle for the starting quarterback spot which Loomis emphasized will be a three-way fight between returners Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler and second-round pick Tyler Shough (“shuck”). Moore says he’ll try to give each an equal opportunity to compete.

Cut 11 (12) “…the consistency.”

Moore and Loomis were both excited to see revamped offensive and defensive line units put on the pads for the first time. The Saints selected left tackle Kelvin Banks ninth overall and moved former first-round picks Taliese Fuaga to right tackle and Trevor Penning to left guard. Loomis is eager to see how the group shakes out.

Cut 12 (11) “…we’ll see.”

________________________________________________________

A New Orleans non-profit is doing its part to help restore Louisiana’s coastline. Ricky Ostry with Glass Half Full says the organization is collecting glass and recycling it into sand to rebuild parts of the Louisiana coast.

Cut 13 (10)  “…sort of thing”

Ostry says believe it or not, glass can be crushed so fine that it’s softer and more comfortable to walk on than beach sand in Pensacola.

Cut 14 (07) “…than native sediment.”

Ostry says Glass Half Full is working with many businesses to collect all types of glass.

Cut 15 (15) “…amounts of glass.”

They can collect everything from beer and wine bottles to old stemware, glass jars and framing glass. While stained glass is okay, coated glass like auto glass is not.

________________________________________________________

Sun Belt Media Days began with the West Division in New Orleans yesterday. UL-Lafayette was picked to win the West in the conference preseason poll. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) is looking to return to the Sun Belt championship after falling short last year.

Cut 16 (15) “…really want.”

The Cajuns went 10-and-4 in Desormeaux’s third season as head coach, his best mark by far. He says this year’s roster has the most depth of any team during his time as head coach.

Cut 17 (18)  “…gonna be.”

The Cajuns open the season August 30 against Rice.

Sun Belt commissioner Keith Gill said when Louisiana Tech officially makes the move is still an open question as the Bulldogs negotiate their departure with Conference USA. ULM head coach Bryant Vincent says he heard about the ULM-Louisiana Tech rivalry as soon as he stepped on campus.

Cut 18 (20) “…everybody wants.”

______________________________________________

Louisiana Tech Head Coach Sonny Cumbie spoke at Conference USA Media Day yesterday. The Bulldogs are coming off a 5-and-8 season, in which they were able to back their way into a bowl game. Cumbie says it was most of the players’ first bowl experience.

Cut 19 (16) “…to another one.”

The Bulldogs are welcoming new defensive coordinator Luke Olson after Jeremiah Johnson left for Coastal Carolina after one season in Ruston. Louisiana Tech ranked 12th in the nation in total defense last season and has a strong linebacker corps and secondary returning. Cumbie says eight of their 13 defensive lineman, though, are new.

Cut 20 (17) “…that as well.”

If you’re working outside this week, you’ll want to take extra precautions given the hot conditions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

It was a banner year for the State Treasury in its campaign to reunite unclaimed cash with its rightful owners. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

In case you haven’t already noticed, it’s a scorcher outside, and it’s going to remain that way for the rest of the week. If you have to work outside, make sure you’re taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Evan Canzoneri, a safety service consultant with LWCC, says you should begin the day by drinking two glasses of water – and make sure it’s water.

Cut 3 (08) “…in your body.”

Canzoneri says there are things you should avoid eating when working outside in brutally hot conditions.

Cut 4 (11) “…up digesting that.”

When working outside in these conditions, Canzoneri says dress accordingly.

Cut 5 (12) “…head is vital.”

________________________________________________

Hood Container announced a nearly 120-million-dollar modernization project at its historic St. Francisville paper mill. The project will center around upgrading the mill’s primary paper machine to increase production capacity by 80-thousand tons per year. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard says Hood’s success is the community’s success.

Cut 6 (13) “…come with it.”

The mill was first opened in the late 1950s, and since taking ownership in 2015, Hood Container has invested more than 160-million-dollars in the facility. Havard says the project will help retain 295 jobs in the parish.

Cut 7 (12) “…community partner.”

Upgrades will begin in late 2026, and phase two of the project will be completed during the mill’s annual outage in May of 2027. The state offered the company an incentive package including an 8-hundred-thousand-dollar tax credit to secure the project. Havard hopes this won’t be the last investment that comes to the area.

Cut 8 (13) “…open for business.”

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Treasury paid out almost 70-million dollars in unclaimed property funds to both current and former residents in the 2025 fiscal year. That’s the second highest annual amount in the program’s history, just a tad less than the amount paid four years ago. State Treasurer John Fleming says it’s surprising how many people are owed money.

Cut 9 (08)  “…1.2-billion dollars.”

Fleming says claiming money that’s owed to you is very easy.

Cut 10 (10) “…it right there.” (Website: LaCashClaim.org)

Fleming says many people who claimed money owed to them had no idea that they had that money that rightfully belonged to them. He says they found out about it through the department’s outreach efforts.

Cut 11 (09) “…were owed money.”

The unclaimed property is in the form of payroll checks, old bank accounts, utility deposits and interest payments. Money that continues to go unclaimed does not go into the state’s general fund; it is socked away until it’s claimed by the rightful owner.

________________________________________________

Coca-Cola announced today it will release a new version of its classic soda sweetened with U-S sugar, which could benefit Louisiana’s sugarcane industry. Louisiana ranks second in the country in sugar cane produced, nearly 14-million tons of sugarcane each year. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is excited about the news…

Cut 12 (07) “…cane sugar.”

President Trump said last week he spoke with Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar in Coke in the United States. Coke products sold in the U-K and Mexico already use cane sugar. U-S Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Junior says cane sugar is healthier than corn syrup. Strain says Coca-Cola’s decision to use cane syrup could have a big impact on Louisiana…

Cut 13 (08)  “…few days.”

__________________________________________________________

Sun Belt Football Media Days kicked off in New Orleans today. ULM started 5-and-1 under first-year head coach Bryant Vincent last season before dropping their last six straight and failing to reach a bowl game. Vincent says phase one of rebuilding the Warhawks was establishing culture. Phase two was holding on to players despite the growing pains.

Cut 14 (12) “…role in that.”

The Warhawks are led by quarterback Aidan Armenta. The redshirt sophomore followed Vincent from New Mexico to Monroe and took over the starting role midway through the season. Vincent says it’s a big deal to have a returning starting quarterback.

Cut 15 (14) “…about him.”

Armenta passed for nearly 13-hundred yards, 9 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight starts last season. ULM will start the season hosting St. Francis in a Thursday night game August 28.