If you got your state tax refund by paper check and have yet to cash it, you have until Friday to do so before that money gets transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU coach Lane Kiffin says he asked his players if they were okay with recruiting fifth-year and former NFL players, and they said yes. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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If you were issued your state tax refund by paper check and have not yet cashed it, you have until Friday to do so before that money gets transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the department sent letters to almost 23-thousand individual and business taxpayers.

Cut 3 (12) “…cash those checks.”

The average refund is more than 750 dollars, and Henderson points out with almost 23-thousand people yet to cash those refund checks, those amounts add up.

Cut 4 (09) “…is 17,145,961 dollars.”

It’s important to note that even if that money does get transferred to the Unclaimed Property Division, the rightful recipients will never forfeit that money, no matter how long it goes unclaimed. Henderson says if that money does go into Unclaimed Property, they can claim it in one of two ways.

Cut 5 (12) “…to the letter.”

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The Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City will host the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball championships for the next three years, starting in February of 2027. Bossier City councilman Brian Hammons says they are excited to welcome the SCAC student-athletes, families and fans…

Cut 6 (12) “…to us.”

Ten NCAA Division three schools belong to the SCAC, including Centenary College in Shreveport. The SCAC is entering the 25th season as a conference and Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry says this is the first time their basketball tournaments will be held at a neutral site…

Cut 7 (08) “…is remarkable.”

The 2027 event will be held February 26th to the 28th. The top six men’s and women’s teams from the SCAC will compete for a conference championship and an automatic berth into the NCAA Division Three Men’s and Women’s Basketball championships.

Hanberry says holding their conference basketball tournament at the Brookshire Grocery Arena is a huge milestone for the league…

Cut 8 (06) “…participate in”

The SCAC says the 2027 championships are expected to generate a 650-thousand dollar impact to the local economy.

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin asked his player leadership council whether they were okay with the Tigers signing returning fifth-year players to the roster this late into the preseason. Quarterback Sam Leavitt says the team leaders wanted their coach to do what he thought could make the team better.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in college.”

Notre Dame transfer defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka and former Ole Miss and NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright are now practicing with the Tigers. Senior linebacker Whit Weeks says they have been valuable additions and the team is not distracted by outside noise.

Cut 10 (12) “…their business.” 

Wright was one of Kiffin’s top pass-catchers at Ole Miss last season, with 635 yards and five touchdowns. Junior tight end Trey’Dez Green says he doesn’t mind the reinforcements to the tight end room.

Cut 11 (12) “…I’m excited.”

Wright, Tuihalamaka and dozens of other athletes have a preliminary injunction hearing tomorrow to determine their eligibility status moving forward.

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With football season getting underway, Governor Jeff Landry is alerting the public about a new state law that makes it a felony to smoke marijuana on a school campus or within two-thousand feet of school property. Landry says anyone convicted of violating the law could face up to one year in prison and a one-thousand-dollar fine…

Cut 12 (09) “…season.” 

Landry adds that claiming you didn’t know you were near a school is NOT a defense. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored the legislation after hearing football fans complaining about smelling marijuana smoke while tailgating…

Cut 13 (09) “…just that.”

An advocacy group is suing the Louisiana Department of Corrections over excessive incarceration. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A judge denies a motion by prosecutors to lengthen the sentence of former DeRidder Mayor Misti Roberts, who was found guilty of having sex with an underage boy. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU is pushing forward with its additions of fifth-year and former NFL football players as they await Thursday’s preliminary injunction hearing. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Tropical Storm Eduard formed last night in the northern Gulf and it’s expected to make landfall later today near the Louisiana-Texas line. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says additional strengthening is expected, but we are NOT looking at hurricane…

Cut 4 (16) “…a vicious monster.”

Keim says heavy rain, gusty winds and a minor storm surge are the main impacts for southwest Louisiana…

Cut 5 (11) “…Iberia Parish line.”

Keim says the heaviest rainfall totals are expected in Texas….

Cut 6 (09) “…start creeping up.”

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An advocacy group is suing the Louisiana Department of Corrections over keeping people behind bars past their scheduled release dates. Promise of Justice Initiative Attorney Cecelia Kappel says prisoners being held past their scheduled release dates is happening far too frequently in Louisiana, and it’s been happening for many years.

Cut 7 (08) “…being held illegally.”

Kappel says the excess time prisoners are spending behind bars varies.

Cut 8 (11) “…to be released.”

Kappel says she has no reason to believe that prisoners are being kept behind bars past their release date on purpose, but that’s no excuse.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to go home.”

Kappel says most of these people being held beyond their release dates are low-level criminals who had short sentences, and their prolonged incarceration has cost them their jobs in some instances. The Louisiana DOC says it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

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Former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts is set to be released from jail this weekend, despite an effort by prosecutors to lengthen her sentence for having sex with a 16-year-old boy while she was the mayor. Pamela Sleezer is covering the case for the American Press and says it was a long shot that Judge Kent Savoie would add on to his original sentence.

Cut 10 (08) “…thinking up here?”

Roberts received a 90-day prison sentence in June and is set to be released on Sunday. The victim’s family is disappointed in the decision. Sleezer says Judge Savoie did admit he was bothered to hear during the victim impact statements that the victim’s family said the teen has “struggled” since the incident.

Cut 11 (12) “…that much weight.”

Sleezer says Judge Savoie admitted his sentence was based on similar cases in Beauregard Parish that resulted in plea deals and acknowledged this was a trial that resulted in Roberts conviction, but that still didn’t change her sentencing.

The Beauregard Parish District Attorney was seeking the maximum sentence, which is ten years. Sleezer says Judge Savoie said that was a little overboard for a first-time offender.

Cut 12 (08) “…opinion on anything.”

Roberts will have to register as a sex offender for the next 15 years.

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A legendary LSU football player from West Monroe has passed away. Former All-American Jerry Stovall, who finished second in the 1962 Heisman Trophy balloting, has died at the age of 85. Stovall’s nickname was “Mr. Everything” because he played four different positions at LSU from 1960 to 1962. In an interview with KNOE-TV in 2009, Stovall said he was able to excel on the football field even though he was not the best athlete.

Cut 13 (09)  “…one of those.”

At six-foot-two, 195 pounds, Stovall was a two-time All-SEC selection and rushed for more than one-thousand yards and had nearly 500 receiving yards in his career. Stovall also held the LSU record for highest punting average for a season, at 42 yards a punt. Stovall also had nearly 700 return yards on special teams and seven interceptions.

He was selected in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals; Stovall played nine years in the NFL and was named an All-Pro twice. In a 2009 interview with KNOE-TV, Stovall credited his upbringing for his success.

Cut 14 (08) “…me hard work.”

Stovall returned to LSU to serve as the Tigers head coach from 1980 to 1983 following the death of Bo Rein. His best season was in 1982 when the Tigers went 8-3-and-1 and made the Orange Bowl.

Stovall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and told KNOE-TV that he never thought such an accomplishment was possible.

Cut 15 (12) “…lot of people.”

Stovall also was Louisiana Tech’s athletic director from 1990 to 1993. He also served as President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation and severed as board of directors for the Louisiana Senior Games.

____________________________________________________

NFL rosters are down to 53 players as the preseason came to a close over the weekend. After a backup Q-B battle between Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson, the Saints decided to keep both on the active roster. Head coach Kellen Moore says they are both Q-B-two level players.

Cut 16 (09) “…really good QBs.”

New Orleans has not named which will be the immediate backup.

Two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson made the team after spending less than one week of training camp in New Orleans. The Saints signed the nine-year vet last week, and he made two field goals and an extra point in the preseason finale versus the Cowboys, including a 53-yarder. Moore says he earned his spot.

Cut 17 (12) “…in this league (2x).”

Charlie Smyth is staying on the team’s practice squad.

____________________________________________

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin says he spoke with the leaders of his team before deciding to pursue former NFL players seeking a return to college for a fifth season of eligibility. Kiffin admitted Monday that he struggled with the decision and wanted to do what was in the best interest of his players.

Cut 18 (13) “…win, bring ’em.”

Kiffin says former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright is now practicing with LSU. Wright spent time in training camp with the Cleveland Browns before he was released on August 22nd.

The Tigers also have a commitment from former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. Harris was cut by the Saints in early August but has not yet practiced with LSU.

Kiffin also confirmed former Notre Dame edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka is practicing with the Tigers. Tuihalamaka did not sign with an NFL team and is seeking eligibility after spending four years at Notre Dame.

Some have questioned whether adding players so close to the season opener could create chaos. Kiffin says a little internal chaos is okay.

Cut 19 (17) “…don’t understand it.”

Yahoo Sports college football reporter Ross Dellenger reports the presidents of the other 15 SEC schools are unhappy that LSU could roster players who participated in NFL training camps. Even if a Baton Rouge judge rules the players are eligible, SEC members could seek to punish LSU by placing the program on probation or barring the Tigers from competing for conference championships.

Kiffin says his only focus is making LSU better.

Cut 20 (17) “…in this room.”

Judge William Jorden is scheduled to hold a preliminary injunction hearing Thursday. He’s expected to decide whether the players are eligible to compete and whether the SEC can enforce its ban on players who signed contracts with NFL, NBA or WNBA teams.

Construction is underway on data centers and LNG facilities in Louisiana. This week ground will be broken on the Hyundai Steel in Ascension Parish and construction begins next year on SpaceX’s Louisiana Starbase. So how will the state fill all these jobs? Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen says many of these jobs are classified as skill base jobs…

Cut 4 (11) “…something like that.”

There are concerns over Space X’s 100-billion rocket launching facility and what it will mean for hunters and fishermen in Vermilion Parish. In an interview with Talk 107-3, Governor Landry expects Louisiana Starbase will enhance Sportsmen’s Paradise as Space X has committed to building up the marshes that are home to a lot of wildlife…

Cut 7 (05) “…that coast.”

——————-

Along with issuing a dual endorsement in the district 6 congressional race, the Louisiana Republican Party has also endorsed Misti Cordell in the district five election. Cordell Chairs the Louisiana Board of Regents, and she says she’s very grateful and worthy of the party’s backing in the crowded field.

Cut 10 (08) “…all my life.”

After months of waiting, LSU officially kicks off the Lane Kiffin era this weekend against Clemson. The two teams faced off in a top-ten matchup last season, but both finished the year 7-and-6. The Advocate’s Jon Blau, who covered Clemson last season, says both Tigers teams are hard to predict.

Cut 14 (13) “…40-plus transfers.”

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 6:30

Governor Landry is making the media rounds discussing the benefits Space X’s rocket launching facility will have on Louisiana’s economy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Along with a dual endorsement in the sixth Congressional district, the Louisiana Republican Party has also made its choice in district five. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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11th-ranked LSU kicks off the 2026 season under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin against Clemson Saturday.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Construction is underway on data centers and LNG facilities in Louisiana, This week ground will be broken on the Hyundai Steel in Ascension Parish and construction begins next year on SpaceX’s Louisiana Starbase. So how will the state fill all these jobs? Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen says many of these jobs are classified as skill base jobs…

Cut 4 (11) “…something like that.”

Schowen says no only do they need workers for Meta, Woodside Energy, Hyundai and SpaceX, there will be job opportunities with businesses that service these mega projects…

Cut 5 (09) “…future.”

Schowen says they expect the workforce to come from young college graduates, people who move into the state for the jobs and more importantly, existing residents who could use a better way of life…

Cut 6 (04) “..at all.”

__________________________________________

There are concerns over Space X’s 100-billion rocket launching facility and what it will mean for hunters and fishermen in Vermilion Parish. In an interview with Talk 107-3, Governor Landry expects Louisiana Starbase will enhance Sportsmen’s Paradise as Space X has committed to building up the marshes that are home to a lot of wildlife…

Cut 7 (05) “…that coast.”

Landry says the current headquarters of SpaceX are located in Starbase, Texas, near Brownsville, Texas. The aerospace company has teamed up with the city to protect more than one-thousand acres of South Texas coastal habitat…

Cut 8 (11) “…that pace.”

Space X in Texas has been accused of violating the Clean Water Act by releasing pollutants in Texas waters. Conservation groups also say the loud noise and rocket vibrations disturb grounds and migratory patterns.

Landry says the Louisiana Starbase could have an economic impact in the billions for the state. He says Cape Canaveral and surrounding Kennedy Center is a perfect example…

Cut 9 (12)  “…Cape Canavarel.”

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Along with issuing a dual endorsement in the district 6 race, the Louisiana Republican Party also gave its endorsement to Misti Cordell in the district five election. Cordell is the chairwoman of the Louisiana Board of Regents, and she says she’s very grateful and very worthy of the party’s backing in the crowded field.

Cut 10 (08) “…all my life.”

Cordell is one of six Republicans vying for the district five seat in the open primary, along with three Democrats. She says this endorsement will be a major shot in the arm.

Cut 11 (07) “…they will now.”

One of Cordell’s Republican opponents is State Representative Gabe Firment, who says he’s surprised that not only Cordell got the endorsement, but also that anyone got an endorsement a little more than two months out from the open primary.

Cut 12 (11) “…a legislator was.”

Firment says while the lack of endorsement from the state Republican party doesn’t matter to him, he does have some questions about the process.

Cut 13 (10)  “…of an endorsement.”

Michael Echols, meanwhile, calls it a sad day for the Louisiana Republican Party. He says his campaign was excluded from the process, just as it had been a week ago, and deals like this will only hurt future Republicans. We also reached out to Stewart Cathey for comment, but he has not responded.

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After months of waiting, LSU officially kicks off the Lane Kiffin era this weekend against Clemson. The two teams faced off in a top-ten matchup last season, but both finished the year 7-and-6. The Advocate’s Jon Blau, who covered Clemson last season, says both Tigers teams are hard to predict.

Cut 14 (13) “…40-plus transfers.”

The biggest question for LSU will be transfer starting quarterback Sam Leavitt. Leavitt led Arizona State to the playoffs two seasons ago, but suffered a season-ending foot injury last year. Blau says it has been hard to get a real read on where he’s at this offseason.

Cut 15 (12) “…look like there.”

Defensively, Blau’s biggest concern is on the line. LSU welcomed two new starting edge rushers, Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross. Blau says transfers Stephiylan Green and Malik Blocton joined Dominick McKinley in the interior along with some highly-rated freshmen.

Cut 16 (09) “…me as well.”

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 6:30

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The Marshall Faulk era at Southern University started with a loss as the Jaguars committed ten penalties in a 30-17 loss to Alabama State. Coach Marshall Faulk’s team had an 11 point lead in the second quarter and let it slip away because of costly mistakes…

Cut 17 (12) “…hard to come back from.”

Southern will now get ready for its home opener this Saturday against Kentucky State. Faulk says he will not tolerate the self-inflicted mistakes..

Cut 18 (12) “…beat themself.”

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McNeese allowed 31 unanswered points in a 38-27 loss to 13th-ranked Stephen F Austin in front of 10-thousand fans at Navarre Stadium on Saturday. Coach Matt Viator says the Lumberjacks are a good team, but the Cowboys could have executed better…

Cut 19 (11) “…that done.”

Starting quarterback Jake Strong injured his shoulder in the first half and did not play in the second half. Backup Devin Lippold replaced Strong and threw for 118 yards and a touchdown; he was also intercepted once. Viator says it was an encouraging performance from Lippold…

Cut 20 (14) “…anyway.”

The severity of Strong’s injury is unknown. McNeese hosts Texas Wesleyan on Saturday.

During an appearance on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Governor Jeff Landry said that the former NFL players suing the NCAA and SEC to return to college football deserve that chance. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana Christian has gained national attention for beating Northwestern State in football. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey have been added as defendants in a Louisiana lawsuit involving more than 30 former college athletes seeking a fifth season of eligibility. Attorneys argue the SEC’s rule preventing former professional athletes from returning to college violates a judge’s previous ruling against the NCAA. Governor Jeff Landry told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that he agrees…

Cut 3 (10) “…college football.”

The lawsuit includes LSU football commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris and former Tiger Jack Pyburn. All three signed NFL contracts but are considering returning to college to play for LSU. Landry said it is unfair to punish the athletes for choosing to sign pro contracts when they thought their eligibility had expired…

Cut 4 (12) “…five-year rule.”

The preliminary injunction hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday, two days before LSU’s season opener against Clemson. The lawsuit is one of several across the country in which players have been granted eligibility. Landry said this chaos could have been avoided if Congress approved the Protect College Sports Act…

Cut 5 (12) “…college sports.”

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With thousands of new jobs coming to Vermilion Parish with the arrival of the SpaceX launch facility, the big question is where to put them all. Luke Bullock, the governmental affairs director of Louisiana Realtors, says SpaceX’s arrival should lead to a new construction boom in what is currently a sparsely-populated parish.

Cut 6 (07) “…stock of homes.”

Bullock says while SpaceX’s arrival will yield a huge economic impact by itself, the resulting influx of new housing will also generate big bucks for Vermilion Parish.

Cut 7 (06) “…that it’s in.”

Bullock urges SpaceX and the state to work with the association to approach this in a sensible way.

Cut 8 (07) “…better than anyone.”

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The federal government has selected the Houma-Terrebonne Airport as one of eight sites nationwide to test how next-generation aircraft can safely integrate into the National Airspace System. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet told Talk 1073 highly automated and electrically powered aircraft will take off and land there…

Cut 9 (07)  “…Gulf Coast.”

Ledet says the airport’s high volume of air traffic provides a real-world setting for evaluating how emerging aircraft can operate safely alongside established helicopters and fixed-wing planes.

Cut 10 (09) “…the U.S..” 

Ledet says Louisiana was chosen because of its strong connection with the energy industry. He says the aircraft that will be used is electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and autonomous heavy-cargo drones…

Cut 11 (08) “…from places.”

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Louisiana Christian in Pineville is celebrating its biggest football win in school history as the Wildcats upset Northwestern State 42 to 37 on Thursday night. It’s the 13^th time an NAIA school has defeated an FCS school. Wildcats Coach Ben McLaughlin’s team trailed by 13 points at halftime, but took the lead in the third quarter by scoring two quick touchdowns…

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of fun.” 

L-C-U outscored the Demons 28 to 10 in the second half to pull off the stunning victory. It’s the first time the Wildcats have defeated a D-1 school. McLaughlin says the national exposure the school has received has been amazing…

Cut 13 (10) “…on that.”

McLaughlin also played football at L-C-U and the reaction from the school’s alumni has been fantastic…

Cut 14 (11) “…together.”

McLaughlin says they can’t celebrate too much, because they have to prepare for their home and conference opener against Langston on September.

Meanwhile the Demons are now 1-24 under third year coach Blaine McCorkle. Northwestern is at Louisiana Tech next Saturday.

_________________

The reward for information leading to a conviction in the killing of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish last December has increased. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The SEC passed a bylaw banning schools from signing former pros made eligible by a temporary restraining order, but the athletes’ attorneys say that rule is illegal. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As the investigation into the killing of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish last December continues, the reward for information leading to a conviction is now up to 20-thousand dollars. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Corporal Stuart Guillory says while tips have come in since the December 5th incident, investigators need additional information.

Cut 3 (09) “…who shot this.”

The biggest chunk of that 20-thousand-dollar reward money comes from the Center of Biological Diversity, which is offering 13-thousand dollars. Corporal Guillory says others have chipped in.

Cut 4 (08) “…35-hundred dollars.”

The rest of the reward money consists of 25-hundred dollars from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and one-thousand dollars from Louisiana Operation Game Thief. Guillory says investigators believe that the bald eagle was deliberately shot.

Cut 5 (13) “…an intentional act.”

Killing a bald eagle is a federal crime, and those who kill bald eagles face one year in jail, a five-thousand dollar fine plus five-thousand dollars in restitution.

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The Board of Regents’ effort to address food insecurity among college students has received a historic one-million-dollar investment from the Louisiana Legislature. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says food is a critical part of a student’s ability to learn…

Cut 6 (08) “…supporting work.”

A recent study found that 23-percent of college students nationwide, which is almost four-million, experience food insecurity. Reed says half of the one-million-dollar allocation from the state legislature will help colleges address barriers to food access…

Cut 7 (12) “…for that.”

Louisiana was one of the first states to establish a Hunger-Free Campus program. The one-million-dollar investment is a significant expansion. Reed says House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland committed to increasing the funding after speaking with a college student who needs food assistance…

Cut 8 (09) “..of this.”

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The attorneys representing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavien Harris plan to fight the SEC’s new rule banning schools from signing former pro players. The SEC approved the ban after a Baton Rouge judge granted 33 athletes a temporary restraining order against the NCAA to return for a fifth season. Attorney Tony Clayton says that ruling also prohibits the SEC from punishing schools and players.

Cut 9 (14)  “…are too.”

Clayton says the SEC cannot retroactively create a rule to circumvent the ruling of a state court. He says the players who signed pro contracts had no other choice at the time and are now being barred from the same fifth year the NCAA has given to every athlete moving forward.

Cut 10 (10) “…advantage of it.” 

The temporary restraining order allowing players to enter the transfer portal and participate in team activities expires tomorrow, and a hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday. Clayton says he expects the plaintiffs to be successful in receiving an injunction.

Cut 11 (12) “…collegiate level.”

The Louisiana Republican Party makes its choice in the sixth congressional district race. Andrew Greenstein reports instead of unity, that’s led to infighting.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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SpaceX announces plans to build its largest rocket launching facility along the coast of Vermilion Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A Baton Rouge judge granted LSU basketball signee RJ Luis a preliminary injunction allowing him to return to college basketball after signing two NBA and G League contracts. One of Luis’ attorneys, Elliot Abrams, told WBRZ in Baton Rouge that with N-I-L and revenue sharing allowing schools to pay athletes directly, the NCAA is now a professional sports league.

Cut 3 (12) “…cries wolf.”

The 2025 Big East Player of the Year, Luis never played in a professional game due to injury. Judge Ronald Johnson ruled he did not technically play professionally. NCAA rules state a player who simply signs a pro contract is not eligible to return. Abrams told WBRZ this decision is not the death of the NCAA.

Cut 4 (11) “…to reason.”

The NCAA is likely to appeal the decision, and the SEC could take action to rule Luis ineligible after commissioner Greg Sankey came out against Luis’s return. For now, the 23-year-old will be allowed to practice with the Tigers. Luis’ other attorney, Tony Clayton, told WBRZ he shared an emotional embrace with him after the ruling.

Cut 5 (07) “…kid’s shoulder.”

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The Louisiana Republican Party makes its pick in the sixth congressional district race, and some within the GOP ranks are not taking too kindly to that. On Sunday, the executive committee endorsed Blake Miguez, who says he’s humbled to have the state party’s backing.

Cut 6 (07) “…congressional district six.”

The party’s endorsement unlocks money from the Republican National Committee, which will come in handy for Miguez, given the crowded field in the open primary.

Cut 7 (09) “…Democrat to Republican.”

Miguez’s most formidable Republican opponent in the district six race, Rick Edmonds, is not taking too kindly to the committee’s Sunday endorsement. Edmonds says the committee acted in defiance of the sixth district central committee, saying he had the backing of more of those members than Miguez.

Cut 8 (07) “…lot of anger.”

Among those angry over the executive committee’s actions is reportedly Governor Landry. Edmonds says despite all that, he’s confident in his campaign.

Cut 9 (05)  “…Democrat or otherwise.”

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Governor Jeff Landry and SpaceX announced plans to build a 100-billion dollar launch facility on Louisiana’s coast in Vermilion Parish that will be capable of supporting thousands of launches annually. SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell says this spaceport will become the largest in the world.,…

Cut 10 (11) “..probably an airport.” 

SpaceX expects the historic project to create at least three-thousand new jobs, if not thousands more. Shotwell says 60 to 80-percent of the new hires at their Texas base are local and they plan to do that in Louisiana as well. Shotwell says a wide variety of skills will be needed….

Cut 11 (12) “…Spaceport.”

SpaceX has partnered with Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program to build the workforce needed.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year. The first rocket launch could happen as soon as 2029.

There are concerns about what this project will mean for the residents of Vermilion Parish. SpaceX says it’s already engaged with LDWF, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and other state agencies to address potential impacts to wildlife, fisheries and their supporting habitats.

Shotwell says they also plan to have an open dialogue with the residents of Vermilion Parish…

Cut 12 (14) “…to build.” 

Governor Landry calls the Space X announcement a pivotal moment for Louisiana….

Cut 13 (10) “…lasting prosperity.”

SpaceX was founded in 2002 and it designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecrafts. The company owned by billionaire Elon Musk operated a global satellite internet network and develops A-I technologies. They also plan to launch rockets that will result with a base on the Moon and settlement on Mars.

Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Roseland and contamination concerns remain. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin responds to the criticism he’s receiving for recruiting a football player that was competing for an NFL roster spot. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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This past weekend marked the year anniversary of the Smitty’s Supply plant explosion in Roseland. The blast released stored motor oils, lubricants and fuel additives into the local environment and the Tangipahoa River. Pat Mashburn lives 35 miles south of the explosion site and told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that wildlife still has not come back…

Cut 3 (08) “…not one.”

It’s been estimated 12 million gallons of oily liquid and industrial chemical waste were released into the local drainage systems and Tangipahoa River. Mashburn tells Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that he’s disappointed in the lack of updates from local leaders…

Cut 4 (09) “…Roseland.”

Smitty’s Supply has been responsible for cleaning its Roseland plant. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality was put in control of operations related to the cleaning of the polluted riverways and ponds. The EPA says millions of gallons of oily runoff have been recovered and containment systems remain active. But Mashburn tells Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that oil is still in the river…

Cut 5 (07) “…a year ago.”

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Louisiana’s Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway and runs through September 7th. State Police Superintendent Frank Besson (beh-SAHN) says there will be extra patrols at both the state and local levels specifically looking for impaired drivers during this campaign.

Cut 6 (10) “…and proactive patrol.”

According to data from the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, 18 people were killed and 271 people were injured in crashes over the Labor Day holiday from 2020 through 2024. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says go out and have a good time this Labor Day weekend, but don’t ruin it by driving home when you’re in no condition to do so.

Cut 7 (13) “…all ideal options.”

LDWF Law Enforcement Division Superintendent Colonel Stephen Clark says not only will patrols on roadways be beefed up, so will patrols on Louisiana’s waterways, which can be just as deadly as highways.

Cut 8 (15) “…fatality boat accidents.”

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LSU received a commitment from former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright to return to college football after being waived by the Browns. Wright would become the first player to ever play in an NFL training camp and return to college football thanks to a ruling by a Baton Rouge judge giving him a fifth season of eligibility. LSU coach Lane Kiffin says this situation is unprecedented and you cannot compare it to previous standards.

Cut 9 (11)  “…unique circumstance.”

The NCAA approved a new five-year eligibility model this summer that opened the door for hundreds of athletes who just finished their eligibility to file lawsuits to get the fifth year many of their teammates and future athletes will now receive. Kiffin says his obligation is to LSU and its fans and to go recruit the best available players.

Cut 10 (13) “…against them.” 

Kiffin says eligibility injunctions are not a new thing, and judges are ruling that student-athletes should have been told about and given a fifth season of eligibility along with their peers. He says he and his staff will continue to do whatever it takes to make LSU better.

Cut 11 (10) “…no matter what.”

LSU also received a commitment from returning fifth-year Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka (TOO-ee-ah-luh-mah-kuh). He did not sign a professional contract.

University Medical Center New Orleans’ expanded cancer center officially opens at 11 this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU basketball commit RJ Luis has a preliminary injunction hearing this afternoon to decide his basketball future. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Amazon Web Services hosts an open house tomorrow at the Shreveport Convention Center to answer the community’s questions about the three data centers they are building in Shreveport-Bossier. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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University Medical Center New Orleans officially opens phase one of its expanded cancer center, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 this morning. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with UMC New Orleans says the additional space will allow cancer patients to be able to be seen quickly for frontline care.

Cut 4 (13) “…patients with cancer.”

Dr. Jernigan says the expansion will help support the needs of oncology patients throughout the entire region.

Cut 5 (15) “…systemic therapy.”

Jernigan says this expansion is possible thanks to federal funding that New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter helped secure.

Cut 6 (10) “…to our community.”

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LSU men’s basketball commit RJ Luis (Lewis) has a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for 1:30 this afternoon that could decide his basketball future. The 23-year-old was the Big East Player of the Year at St. John’s two seasons ago but is not looking to return to college basketball after signing two brief NBA deals. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says LSU knew his chances of making it to campus were slim.

Cut 7 (09) “…gonna happen.”

Luis signed two-way and NBA G League contracts but never appeared in a pro game due to injury. Alabama attempted a similar move from the G League to college hoops last season with three-year pro Charles Bediako. Guilbeau says he does not expect Baton Rouge Judge Ronald R. Johnson to rule in Luis’s favor.

Cut 8 (12) “…Alabama case.”

A key difference, however, is that Bediako played in numerous professional games.

Guilbeau says Luis’s case has nothing to do with the recent rulings giving class of 2022 athletes a fifth season of eligibility, but the courts’ repeated recent support of athletes may give him a chance. Guilbeau still doesn’t think it will go his way.

Cut 9 (11)  “…it’s ridiculous.”

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A new mRNA vaccine to reduce the risk of melanoma returning is showing great promise. Dr. Katherine Chang, an assistant professor of ear, nose and throat surgery at LSU Health Shreveport, says the vaccine being developed by Merck and Moderna works by removing the melanoma tumor, test it for genetic mutation and create an mRNA vaccine specific to that patient’s genetic profile – and that vaccine is taken with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda.

Cut 10 (09) “…it from coming back.”

Dr. Chang says clinical trials of the new vaccine have been very successful.

Cut 11 (11) “…the long term.”

Merck and Moderna plan on filing for approval from regulators within months, although the specific timeline remains unclear. Dr. Chang says if this vaccine does achieve final approval, it could be a game-changer, especially in states like Louisiana.

Cut 12 (10) “…a death sentence.”

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Amazon Web Services will hold an open house tomorrow at the Shreveport Convention Center to discuss the three data centers they are building in the Shreveport-Bossier area. There are concerns about how much water and electricity the facilities will use. AWS Vice President of Economic Development Roger Wehner says the data centers will use water for cooling only when temperatures climb above 85 degrees — which he says is expected to happen less than 13 percent of the year.

Cut 13 (11)  “…load on the grid.”

Watchdog and local advocacy groups have also raised concerns that residential utility customers could end up indirectly paying for major upgrades to the electric grid. But Wehner says Amazon will cover the cost of the energy improvements needed for its data centers.

Cut 14 (12) “…customers.”

Amazon also plans to invest up to 400 million dollars in public water infrastructure. The company is spending 18 billion dollars to build the three data center campuses, which are expected to create more than 700 permanent jobs. Wehner says Amazon will focus on hiring workers from the local community.

Cut 15 (08) “…workforce development.”

And Wehner says you don’t necessarily need a four-year college degree to work at a data center. He says an associate degree will qualify applicants for many of the jobs.

The open house will run from 4 to 8 PM.

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LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is entering his first yar in Baton Rouge but his ninth season working with Lane Kiffin. Weis has spent the last four years as Kiffin’s Ole Miss offensive coordinator, and he says it was their relationship that kept him from taking a head coaching job or staying at Ole Miss.

Cut 16 (16) “…place to be.”

Weis helped bring Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss up to speed in just a summer last season and will look to do the same thing with Sam Leavitt in an injury-shortened offseason. Leavitt and the offense will rely on a group of nine transfer pass catchers. Weis says there have been a few players who have consistently stood out while others have flashed at times.

Cut 17 (20) “…with him.”

Leavitt’s most reliable target this season could end up being a tight end. Junior Trey’Dez Green is a preseason All-American and first-team All-SEC selection, and Weis says he has all of the physical and intangible attributes a coach could dream of.

Cut 18 (17) “…could want.”

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The Saints are back at their training facility in Metairie after finishing their week in California with a brutal 34-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Kellen Moore says a performance like that, even in the preseason, is unacceptable…

Cut 19 (17) “…really frustrating.”

Saints starting quarterback Tyler Shough did not play. His backups, Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson, each threw an interception. The Saints defense gave up 405 yards and New Orleans committed 12 penalties. Moore says they need to learn from their mistakes…

Cut 20 (17) “…game of execution.”

Louisiana is getting ready to hold its first-ever recreational alligator hunting season in October, and the lottery for tags is now open. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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After a child was infected by a brain-eating amoeba while swimming in Lake Claiborne, Louisiana health officials are advising residents to protect themselves when swimming in fresh water. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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For the first time ever, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding a recreational alligator hunting season, and the lottery for tags opened this morning. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says the state is able to open up the harvesting of alligators to recreational hunters thanks to an act of legislature in this year’s session, because the state is being overrun with alligators.

Cut 3 (08) “…has fully recovered.”

Bosworth says there are roughly three-million alligators in the coastal zone alone – that’s about two-thirds of the state’s human population. And he says you will have plenty of chances to score a tag.

Cut 4 (11) “…ten-thousand opportunities statewide.”

Bosworth says if you’re successful in snagging one of those ten-thousand tags, there is a series of rules you will need to abide by.

Cut 5 (11) “…with landowner consent.”

The lottery is open through August 30th, and the season runs throughout the entire month of October. There is a non-refundable 50-dollar application fee, and you may only apply on the LDWF’s licensing website.

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Louisiana public health officials are urging residents to take precautions when swimming in fresh water after a brain-eating amoeba infection in Claiborne Parish. Willis Knighton Health pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor Joseph Bocchini says the infection occurs when water containing the amoeba gets up your nose.

Cut 6 (11) “…brain-eating infection.”

Bocchini says the amoeba is a single-celled organism naturally found in fresh water, and it grows more rapidly when temperatures rise.

Cut 7 (11) “…within it.”

The amoeba is not found in saltwater or properly chlorinated pools.

Bocchini says the only way to get the infection is through nasal exposure. A brain infection cannot occur if the water is swallowed and is not spread person to person. He says take steps to protect yourself when swimming.

Cut 8 (11) “…your nose.”

He also advises using sterile, distilled water or boiling water for at least a minute for nasal rinses.

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The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a former substitute teacher for allegedly triggering false active shooter alerts. Corporal Vincent Jackson says 58-year-old Lytonja (luh-TAHN-jah) Barfield used the school district’s emergency management system to falsely report active shooter alerts at several schools.

Cut 9 (13)  “…out five more.”

Corporal Jackson says it was easy for the school board to determine who was triggering those false active shooter alarms.

Cut 10 (07) “…to those schools.” 

Jackson says while the investigation is ongoing, it’s possible that Barfield may have been seeking retaliation against the school district.

Cut 11 (15) “…the school district.”

Barfield was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center and is facing several counts of menacing.