Burn bans are now in effect in 19 parishes throughout the state. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is urging parents and teachers to talk to kids about the dangers of vaping. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Burn bans are now in effect in 19 parishes throughout the state. Most are in north Louisiana, along with Jefferson Davis, East Feliciana, St. Helena (hu-LEE-nah), Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes in south Louisiana. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says conditions outside are not conducive to burning anything.

Cut 3 (09) “…firefighters to control.”

Strain says more burn bans could be forthcoming, and they’re always issued at the local level.

Cut 4 (13) “…a burn ban.”

Strain says if you live in a parish where there’s not a burn ban in effect at the present time, still use extreme caution, and never leave a fire unattended.

Cut 5 (13) “…that it causes.”

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Now more than ever, be on the lookout for stalled vehicles on the shoulder of the roadway. That’s because the state’s long-standing “move over” law has now expanded. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says whereas the old law applied to emergency vehicles such as police units, fire trucks and ambulances, the new law now includes all types of vehicles, including private passenger vehicles and even motorcycles.

Cut 6 (10) “…broken down, stranded.”

Now, whenever you approach any vehicle on the shoulder, you are required to move to the next lane over as you pass it. Wallace says there is an allowance if that’s impossible given traffic conditions.

Cut 7 (15) “…with extreme caution.”

Wallace says the objective of the expansion of the move over law is to keep everyone safe in case, for example, someone ends up walking into the lane immediately adjacent to the shoulder as he or she is swapping out a flat tire.

Cut 8 (10) “…safe out there.”

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Saints running back Alvin Kamara will miss the start of the regular season with an MCL Sprain suffered during a joint practice with the Cowboys yesterday. The 31-year-old took a pay cut to stay in New Orleans alongside free agent back Travis Etienne this offseason. Locked On Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says his availability was one of the reasons he took that cut.

Cut 9 (11)  “…state level.”

Kamara missed the final six weeks of last season with a similar knee injury. He has not played in every regular season game since his rookie year.

Jackson says with Kamara out and an injury to running back Audric Estime in the first preseason game, there will be more opportunities for others in the room. He says 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller and 2025 sixth-rounder Devin Neal both returned form injury yesterday.

Cut 10 (12) “…stay on the field.” 

Cornerback Quincy Riley left practice early with a groin injury, and the severity of his injury is unknown. Jackson says it could be a big loss for the Saints if the second-year starter is unable to return.

Cut 11 (09) “…for New Orleans.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health says youth vaping remains a critical public health crisis in the state, and it’s urging parents and teachers to talk to kids about the dangers of vaping. Taylor Reine (“renn”), who oversees the division of chronic disease prevention at LDH, says kids need to know that vaping is no safer than smoking cigarettes.

Cut 12 (13) “…for lifelong addiction.” 

According to the 2023 Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey, 30-percent of high school students vape, making Louisiana the third highest state in the nation for high school vaping. In addition, the survey shows 18-percent of middle school students vape – nearly one out of every five. Reine says two factors which contribute to those high numbers are the marketing of vape products to teens and their ease of availability.

Cut 13 (08) “…and retail stores.”

Reine says there are resources available for teens who want to quit vaping.

Cut 14 (09) “…counseling quit support.”

Teens can enroll in Live Vape Free by texting “VAPEFREE” to 873373.

A Louisiana nonprofit had a very successful year transitioning servicemembers into civilian life. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Authorities are hopeful that they’ve found the remains of 15-year-old Je’Darrius Minnieweather in a 400-acre landfill in East Baton Rouge Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Amazon Web Services announces it’s increasing its investment in the Shreveport-Bossier area and will build a third data center. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Thanks to the efforts of Louisiana nonprofit The Boot, 255 service members transitioned into post-military careers during the 2025-26 fiscal year. That’s more than twice as much as the prior fiscal year’s total. CEO Benjamin Armstrong says the vast majority – 72-percent – came from Louisiana bases, including Fort Polk, JRB New Orleans and Barksdale Air Force Base. 

Cut 4 (10) “…back home here.”

Armstrong says the careers that the servicemembers pursue after their military careers end usually relate in some way to the training they received while serving their country.

Cut 5 (15) “…is another one.”

Armstrong says the leadership skills these servicemembers build come in very handy in their post-military careers.

Cut 6 (11) “…their new careers.”

Since launching in 2024, The Boot has placed 366 service members into careers and has grown its employer network to 371 partners throughout the state. It says it has contributed an overall economic impact of more than 28-million dollars to Louisiana.

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The Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association is hailing the latest offshore lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico, in which 12 companies submitted 69 bids totaling almost 100-million dollars. President Tommy Faucheux says that’s a very impressive number.

Cut 7 (08) “…bids for leases.”

Faucheux says this third lease sale was more or less a rebound from the previous lease sale, which took on a more targeted approach months after the initial lease sale, which drew bids totaling nearly 300-million dollars.

Cut 8 (11) “…in the Gulf.”

Faucheux says these lease sales have underscored the U.S.’ commitment to energy dominance.

Cut 9 (13)  “…to see return.”

__________________________________________

Authorities believe they have found the remains of 15-year-old Je’Darrius Minnieweather at the East Baton Rouge Parish landfill, ending a 36-day search for the teenager who was reported missing June fifth. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says DNA testing will be conducted to confirm the remains.

Cut 10 (08) “…very, very hopeful.”

Fifty-one-year-old Maurice Parms is charged with killing Minnieweather. Investigators say Parms beat the teen to death during an argument over Parms’ treatment of a 16-year-old girl Minnieweather knew.

Detectives say Parms dumped the teen’s body in a trash can that was picked up and taken to the landfill June 22nd. Video of the body being dumped helped investigators pinpoint where to search.

Over five weeks, crews sifted through four-thousand tons of material and found more than four-thousand animal bones before discovering what they believe are Minnieweather’s remains.

East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor Sid Edwards says the odds were stacked against them.

Cut 11 (12) “…didn’t count that.”

District Attorney Hillar Moore says a photo of Minnieweather at the search site helped motivate crews.

Cut 12 (14) “…doing this for.”

Chief Morse says DNA testing could take one or more days, and crews will continue searching the area for additional evidence.

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Amazon Web Services, which announced plans in February to build two data centers in northwest Louisiana, says it’s adding a third at Resilient Technology Park in west Shreveport. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the additional investment shows Amazon’s confidence in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (15)  “…want to tell.”

Amazon has already started construction on a data center in Bossier Parish near Benton and another one in Caddo Parish near Blanchard. All three data centers are expected to create 750 permanent jobs and 22-hundred temporary construction jobs.

Bourgeois says Amazon has promised to protect natural resources and invest in infrastructure as it constructs these three data centers.

Cut 14 (05) “…hardening the grid.”

Bourgeois says the facilities will rely on air cooling most of the year, using water for cooling only when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. She says Amazon also plans to invest up to 400-million dollars in public water infrastructure. And L-E-D says Amazon is working with SWEPCO to fully fund the new energy infrastructure.

Bourgeois says these plans align with Louisiana’s broader strategy to responsibly support large-scale A-I and digital infrastructure investments.

Cut 15 (13) “…in that regard.”

____________________________________________

ULM and Louisiana Tech announced the new Radiance Technologies I-20 Showdown Rivalry Series between the two schools just 30 minutes apart. As the Bulldogs enter the Sun Belt, Tech Athletic Director Ryan Ivey says the championship spotlights a historic, heated rivalry.

Cut 16 (19) “…critical for us.”

The series includes competitions across 12 sports, with points awarded for wins in head-to-head games and season series and conference standings for non-head-to-head sports. Ivey says each sport is weighted equally.

Cut 17 (19) “…to do that.”

Ivey says giving athletes and fans official bragging rights and a trophy will make each game mean more. He says the universities are designing a trophy now, and fans should look out for their chance to weigh in.

Cut 18 (18) “…the next year.”

The tie-breaker goes to whichever school won that year’s football game.

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For the first time since 2013, the LHSAA will hold a cheer and dance team state championship event. Joe Gallinaro has the story

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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LSU was ranked number 11 in the preseason AP Poll, but head coach Lane Kiffin is not buying much stock in that ranking. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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One of the objectives of new LSU system president Dr. Wade Rousse is to make the university system more accessible to more students. One way he’s working to accomplish this is by creating a more connected system through its regional campuses.

Cut 3 (13) “…very, very happy.”

Those regional campuses also provide a good starting point for students who might not initially meet the standards for the Baton Rouge campus. And while many of those regional campuses have their own athletic departments, only the flagship campus in Baton Rouge has a football team, and Rousse has put in a program to offer those students an opportunity to attend some of their games.

Cut 4 (08) “…at every campus.”

Rousse says he plans on making extensive use of LSU athletics to promote the university to prospective students nationwide, saying the athletic department drives the school’s brand.

Cut 5 (11) “…a medical doctor.”

___________________________________________

For the first time in more than a decade the LHSAA will hold Cheer and Dance team state championships.  Louisiana High School Coaches Association Director Jessica Barber says they are giving cheer and dance teams a chance to compete on a championship stage…

Cut 6 (09) “…to do.”

Cheer and Dance will remain a non-sanctioned activity, which means they will not operate under the same eligibility requirements and competition guidelines that LHSAA sanctioned sports must follow.

Barber says the 2026 Louisiana High School Cheer and Dance Championships will take place November 30^th and December 1^st at the Lake Charles Event Center, featuring competitions across multiple styles…

Cut 7 (12) “..as well”

2013 was last time the LHSAA organized cheer and dance championships. Barber says the 2026 championships are expected to feature more than 100 cheer and dance teams from across Louisiana. She says the level of interest in this event among the spirit community is amazing…

Cut 8 (07) “..their athletes.”

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LDWF closed the private recreational Red Snapper season in state and federal waters off the Louisiana coast earlier this month, but there is a hope there will be another Red Snapper fishing opportunity again this summer.  LDWF assistant secretary Ryan Montague says the season had to close because Louisiana is approaching its statewide quota, but LA creel is still counting what was caught during the first week of August…

Cut 9 (04)  “…Labor Day weekend.”

There is disappointment among some anglers the Red Snapper season ended in August, but Montague says this year’s Red Snapper season has been a great success thanks to active state management through LA Creel…

Cut 10 (06) “…of fish.” 

Montague says last year’s Red Snapper season did not end until November, but red snapper was overfished last year, so that lowered the quota to 882-thousand pounds of Red Snapper that were allowed to be harvested this year. He says it’s hard to predict when the red snapper season will end, there are a lot of variables…

Cut 11 (08) “…very often.”

LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth adds that anglers showed up and showed for the two 5-fish holiday weekend limits.

Remembrances continue to pour in for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman, who passed away Friday morning at the age of 88. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges president Richard Nelson has a plan to expand opportunities for students seeking an associate’s degree to meet Louisiana’s growing workforce needs. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Entergy Vice President of Business Operations Laura Beauchamp says Meta’s Richland Parish investment will be felt across the Bayou state. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Skip Bertman is being remembered as a man who was much more than a championship baseball coach. The former LSU head baseball coach and athletic director passed away early Friday morning at the age of 88. Ryan Theriot, who won a College World Series title while playing for Bertman in 2000, says the hard work that Bertman did in building the LSU baseball program basically from nothing rubbed off on the entire Baton Rouge community.

Cut 4 (09) “…baseball for us.”

Theriot says Bertman’s influence on him went far beyond the baseball field, including his eight-year Major League career that included two World Series titles.

Cut 5 (11) “…that you’re running.”

Dan Canevari, who served on Bertman’s coaching staff at LSU, says Bertman was an incredible influence on so many people, whether they were baseball players or not.

Cut 6 (08) “…I’ve ever known.”

Before joining Bertman’s staff, Canevari played for Bertman at the University of Miami when Bertman was the pitching coach. Canevari says Bertman was much more than a coach; he was a mentor.

Cut 7 (10) “…a better worker.”

__________________________________________

Louisiana Community and Technical and College System President Richard Nelson has laid out a plan designed to meet Louisiana’s growing workforce needs. Nelson says one of the initiatives is to provide more transparency to prospective students on the types of jobs they can get with an associate’s degree by visiting their website…

Cut 8 (11) “…an hour.”

There are about 125-thousand students attending their 12 schools. Nelson has identified several ways they can boost enrollment and that’s by providing students with strong advising, childcare, transportation and ways to reduce student debt…

Cut 9 (11)  “…close all these gaps.”

In the last academic year, LCTC awarded nearly 53-thousand credentials to 41-thousand completers with nearly 20-thousand graduates entering high-demand occupations. Nelson, who has been on the job for the less than a year, says one of his priorities is to align programs with Louisiana’s workforce needs…

Cut 10 (12) “…they need.”

The average student who attends one of Louisiana’s 12 community and technical colleges is 26. They hope to lower that age, which would result in more adults in their 20s joining the workforce and receiving a good pay check.

_______________________________________________________________________

Entergy Vice President of Business Operations Laura Beauchamp says Meta’s Richland Parish data center will help fund improvements to the Entergy power grid across the state. She says the investment is already being felt locally.

Cut 11 (13) “…in Monroe.”

ULM’s construction management enrollment has increased 37-percent.

To power the data center, Entergy is building 10 new power plants funded by Meta. Six will be near the Richland Parish facility while four will be built in St. Charles and Pointe Coupee Parishes. Beauchamp says the project could actually save customers billions of dollars over the next 20 years.

Cut 12 (12) “…because of Meta.”

Beauchamp says Louisiana construction job opportunities are nearing their peak with massive projects across the state. She says nearly all of Entergy’s work is done by Louisiana contractors, and they’ve asked Meta to make that a priority as well.

Cut 13 (13)  “…local families.”

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Ten years after median barriers trapped flood waters on I-12, stranding drivers for hours, DOTD will soon begin work to retrofit those barriers. Brooke Goodrich with DOTD says the 6.4-million-dollar project will involve modifying sections of the existing concrete barrier system.

Cut 14 (12) “…a federal roadway.”

Goodrich says work will begin late next month at the Amite River, which serves as the line between East Baton Rouge Parish and Livingston Parish, and it will extend throughout Livingston Parish.

Cut 15 (10) “…sections of those.”

Goodrich says with I-12 carrying about 90-thousand vehicles per day, work will not be done during daytime hours.

Cut 16 (13) “…of the day.”

The project is funded in part by a 21-million-dollar settlement for the faulty design. Work is expected to be completed by late 2027.

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LSU defensive coordinator says he chose to join Lane Kiffin’s LSU coaching staff to win a national championship. True freshmen defensive linemen Lamar Brown, Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson will look to help achieve that goal. Baker says he hasn’t been around a more talented trio of freshmen.

Cut 17 (18) “…on the field.”

The Tigers could see two new starting safeties in Baker’s secondary. Boise State transfer Ty Benefield will take over for AJ Haulcy and redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas is challenging Tamarcus Cooley for his starting spot. Baker says the group was a concern heading into camp, but they have grown a lot.

Cut 18 (19) “..two weeks ago.”

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The Saints lost their preseason opener to Jacksonville on Saturday 24-20, but 27-year-old Zach Wilson made a case that he should be the backup quarterback to Tyler Shough. The former number two pick, who is entering his sixth season and has played in 38 games, threw for 145 yards and a touchdown…

Cut 19 (13) “…happens, happens.”

Meanwhile, Shough’s primary backup, Spencer Rattler, threw for only 42 yards, was sacked twice and lost a fumble.

Preseason games are for the undrafted rookies to make an impression, and that’s what defensive end Michael Heldman did. The former Central Michigan standout had six tackles, three tackles for a loss, and two sacks. Heldman says he was excited for Saturday’s game after struggling in a joint practice on Thursday against the Jaguars…

Cut 20 (17) “…super cool.”

The Saints leave for California today. They will have a joint practice with the Cowboys in Oxnard tomorrow and another joint practice with the Rams on Thursday. New Orleans will finish the week playing the Rams in a preseason game on Saturday.

Legendary LSU baseball coach and Athletic Director Skip Bertman died at the age of 88 early this morning. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The Attorney General’s office launched a new website with resources for athletes, agents, schools and families on the state’s new N-I-L and athlete agent laws. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU legend Skip Bertman passed away early this morning at the age of 88. Bertman led LSU Baseball to five College World Series titles and 11 trips to Omaha and hired four national championship-winning coaches as Athletic Director. Former LSU pitcher Ben McDonald says Bertman transformed LSU into the greatest baseball program in the country.

Cut 3 (10) “…game of baseball.”

McDonald says Bertman was years ahead of his peers in every facet of the game. He was a master tactician, marketer and motivator. McDonald, who played for Bertman from 1986 to 1989, says he didn’t appreciate his greatness as an 18-year-old, but he does now.

Cut 4 (13) “…he was best at.”

Bertman’s reign as LSU baseball coach began in 1986 and lasted 18 seasons. He holds the highest winning percentage in SEC history and was a six-time national coach of the year. Tiger Rag Editor and author of Bertman’s biography Glenn Guilbeau says it’s been 25 years since Bertman coached a game, but he is still revered by college baseball fans.

Cut 5 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

Guilbeau says Bertman had the Midas touch as Athletic Director from 2001 to 2008, revolutionizing LSU athletics fundraising and ticket sales. As a coach, he cared deeply about his players. Guilbeau says ex-LSU outfielder Rich Cordani confirmed just that.

Cut 6 (10) “…were his sons.”

Bertman produced 41 players who reached Major League Baseball. One of them was Todd Walker, who ended up in the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Walker remembers he was a little intimidated by Bertman when he showed up on campus as a freshman after LSU won the 1991 national championship and never knew his relationship with Skip would grow immensely…

Cut 7 (15) “..just incredible”

Walker says Bertman was the ultimate motivator and fondly remembers his pre-game talks in front of the whole team…

Cut 8 (11) “..play like champions.”

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This could be the hottest weekend of the summer. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico will drive up temperatures and humidity levels.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the next week.”

And when you add those high temperatures and those humidity levels, Keim says those are going to yield some outrageous heat indexes which are going to linger for days with no relief in sight.

Cut 10 (09) “…110 and 115.” 

As for the tropics, we’re now approaching the peak of hurricane season, although the current El Nino weather pattern will point to a below-average season. Keim says forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are keeping an eye on a pair of disturbances in the Atlantic, but neither one is expected to impact us here.

Cut 11 (11) “…at this moment.”

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Louisiana’s new N-I-L and athlete agents website is live. It provides information for athletes, families, schools and agents on the state’s new NIL and athlete agents laws. Attorney General Liz Murrill says Act 895 requires agents to register with the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…integrity and character.” 

Agents in existing representation agreements were required to register by August 1.

The portal is the most significant regulation included in Act 895. Murrill says the new law extended existing athlete agent oversight to N-I-L agents and gave student-athletes the power to sue agents for damages, attorney fees and other compensation.

Cut 13 (08) …interests at heart.”

Murrill says lawmakers collaborated with the LHSAA and its member schools to help protect high school athletes. She says once students are adults, they can represent themselves.

Cut 14 (11) “…for everybody.”

Visit A-G-Liz-Murrill-dot-com-slash-page-slash-athlete-agents.

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission heard from several citizens this week concerned their energy bills will go up as a result of Meta’s 50-billion dollar AI data center in Richland Parish. Governor Jeff Landry was a guest on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says Meta is paying for its own power use, and their investment will improve the electric grid’s resiliency…

Cut 15 (11) “…what it is.”

Landry says the data center being built in Richland Parish is part of the biggest construction boom the state has ever seen, and he says these jobs are here to stay…

Cut 16 (12) “…coming to Louisiana”

The Louisiana Public Service Commission will not require Meta to provide exact numbers on how many people will work at the AI data center in Richland Parish and how much energy it will use. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Former LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels feels disrespected that another LSU player will wear the number five jersey this season. Joe Gallinaro reports a cease-and-desist letter has been sent to the university asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A former police officer who was allegedly plotting a mass shooting at Jazz Fest earlier this year quietly had the charges against him dropped back in June. A grand jury in Louisiana declined to indict 45-year-old Christopher Gillum for terrorizing, after he was found at a Florida hotel in April with a handgun and several rounds of ammunition. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says a grand jury proceeding is not a trial.

Cut 3 (13) “…crime of terrorizing.”

Ciolino says in contrast to a trial, where the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard in a grand jury proceeding is very low.

Cut 4 (14) “…support a prosecution.”

Gillum had been held without bond but was released on June 30th after Attorney General Liz Murrill dropped the charges against him. Ciolino says while Gillum is off the hook for now, that doesn’t mean he’s completely out of the woods.

Cut 5 (13) “…jury for reconsideration.”

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On a three to one vote, the Louisiana Public Service Commission votes not to follow a judge’s recommendation that Meta should be required to provide exact job numbers and how much energy it plans to use for its massive data center in Richland Parish. Several members of the public urged the P-S-C to require Meta to release this information, including Sixth District Congressional candidate and Democrat Rubia Garcia…

Cut 6 (06) “…people of Louisiana”

But Republican PSC Member JP Coussan of Lafayette says there have been multiple media reports on the jobs that Meta is expected to create, not only during the construction phase, but also when the data center is operational…

Cut 7 (06) “…to manufacturing”

As far as energy usage goes, both Meta and Entergy say that the tech giant will pay for its own power and it will not lead to higher electric bills for residents and businesses in Louisiana. But there are many in the public who are not convinced, including James Hyatt of Lake Charles

Cut 8 (10) “…greater harm.”

It was a party line vote, with the three Republicans on the Commission voting to override the judge’s recommendation and the lone Democrat, Davante Lewis, voted to have Meta release this information.

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An attorney for LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness after the Tigers issued his number-five jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Pickett is the first Tiger to be issued the number of the 2023 Heisman winner.

Cut 9 (11)  “…strong argument.”

Coach Lane Kiffin said Pickett was promised the number five by the  previous coaching staff during his recruitment, and he wanted to honor that promise. Guilbeau says Daniels did not approve of Pickett wearing the number, but he understands why Kiffin allowed it.

Cut 10 (10) “…about it (x2).” 

The letter informs LSU that it can no longer use Daniels’ name, image or likeness. Guilbeau says it is a bad look for the university and although it may not be entirely Kiffin’s fault, this is just another controversy for a coach steeped in it.

Cut 11 (12) “…for his player.”

A spokesperson for Daniels told ESPN his family is “deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected” by the situation. The letter was sent to LSU AD Verge Ausberry August 5, the first day of LSU fall practice.

Kiffin spoke with reporters today and had no additional comments to what he said last week, which was Pickett was promised the number five jersey during his recruitment and LSU should honor that commitment.

Pickett was made available to the media today and had a brief statement on the controversy…

Cut 12 (10) “…that’s all .” 

There has been growing opposition to license plate-reading Flock Safety cameras, but Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse says they are nothing new. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A new school year is underway, and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley is optimistic the recent gains in student achievement will continue. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The state is in for another brutally hot weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the humidity is going to make it unbearable to be outside.

Cut 3 (10) “…into the weekend.”

Grymes says while parts of the state have seen some rain this week, today will likely be the last day we’ll see any rain for quite some time.

Cut 4 (10) “…into the weekend.”

As for the tropics, Tropical Storm Christobal has formed way out in the central Atlantic but will be no threat to the U.S. coast since, just like Jim Marshall in 1964, it’s going the wrong way. And there’s a disturbance that has a good chance of becoming Tropical Storm Dolly, but Grymes says don’t count on being able to say, “Hello, Dolly.”

Cut 5 (15) “…it could dissipate.”

Another disturbance is right behind it, but Grymes does not expect that one to be a threat to Louisiana either.

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State representative Danny McCormick has proposed a ban on all AI-powered Flock cameras in Louisiana. He says their recording of vehicle details and license plates violates citizens’ privacy, but Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse says that is not true.

Cut 6 (13) “…public roadways.”

Morse says the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that there is no expectation of privacy in a public space.

Flock Safety cameras have been used in millions of cases across the country. Morse says the images are invaluable when looking for missing persons and tracking down criminals.

Cut 7 (10) “…these cameras.”

Despite their utility to law enforcement, there has been growing opposition to Flock cameras nationwide. But Morse says any abuse of the technology has been due to misuse by law enforcement, not the cameras themselves.

Cut 8 (10) “…abuse it.”

Morse says anyone with access to the Flock database must go through a certification process.

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A new school year is underway, and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants to keep the momentum going in student achievement. According to the latest Education Scorecard, Louisiana public school students rank first in the nation in reading growth and second in math growth. Brumley says one reason for the improvement is teachers getting back to the basics of education…

Cut 9 (05)  “…next in life.”

Brumley says classroom discipline will also be a major focus this school year. He’s urging local school leaders not to tolerate disruptive behavior that interferes with other students’ ability to learn…

Cut 10 (06) “…can learn.” 

Brumley says nearly 90 percent of the teachers who taught last year have returned for the new school year. He says teacher vacancies have also dropped, from about 2,500 a few years ago to roughly 1,000 today.

Brumley says teacher morale appears to be improving as well…

Cut 11 (10) “…paperwork.”

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The LSU women’s basketball schedule is out. The Lady Tigers tip off the season against Southeastern Louisiana on November 2^nd.   SEC play begins December 31^st at Auburn, and The Advocate’s Reed Darcy says Kim Mulkey’s squad could go undefeated in January.

Cut 12 (12) “…postseason after that.” 

LSU ends the regular season with South Carolina, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

Darcy says the Lady Tigers have a difficult non-conference slate, a rarity under Mulkey. LSU plays powerhouse UConn in Nashville December 20th and also has matchups with UNC, NC State and Villanova.

Cut 13 (12) “…Kim Mulkey.”

Darcy says Mulkey has had to rebuild her squad after their heartbreaking loss to Duke in the Sweet 16, but this year’s team is poised to compete for a deep tournament run again.

Cut 14 (12) “…transfer portal.”

A 17-year-old girl in Tangipahoa Parish died due to injuries from a reckless driving incident two weeks ago. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Another huge economic development win for central Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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One of the most destructive floods in Louisiana’s history happened ten years ago this week. Jeff Palermo has a look back at the Great Flood of 2016.

Cut 3 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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An 18-year-old is facing a negligent homicide charge, and a 17-year-old is dead as a result of a dangerous driving stunt in Tangipahoa Parish. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says Josean (ho-ZAY-in) Martinez was driving his truck recklessly while Dulce (DUL-chay) Rudas was sitting outside the passenger window and another 20-year-old was standing in the bed of the vehicle. He says this is a tragedy with a sobering lesson.

Cut 4 (11) “…go home again.”

Sticker says Martinez drove away from the scene and tried to hide his truck, leaving the two passengers injured in the street. Rudas passed away in the hospital Sunday, a week after the incident. Sticker has a message for young drivers.

Cut 5 (14) “…onboard that vehicle.”

Sticker says parents need to teach their children the importance of driving safely and taking that responsibility seriously.

Cut 6 (09) “…have been made.”

Martinez is facing up to ten years in prison. He is also charged with negligent injury, failure to seek assistance, obstruction of justice, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and driving with no license.

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Alexandria is having a Coke and a smile. The Coca-Cola Bottling Company has announced that it’s investing more than 100-million dollars to modernize and expand its warehouse and distribution operations in Alexandria. Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill says while Coca-Cola was looking at multiple locations in several states, they found that their best option was to stay put and add on to their existing facility.

Cut 7 (15) “…of their work.”

Masingill says this expansion underscores Coca-Cola’s commitment to its longtime home for decades to come

Cut 8 (13) “…they have here.”

Along with retaining the more than 21-hundred current positions, the expansion will result in 75 direct new jobs with an average salary of 65-thousand dollars a year. In all, it will result in more than 130 total new jobs when the indirect jobs are factored in. Masingill says in the long run, it made all the sense in the world for Coca-Cola to remain in central Louisiana.

Cut 9 (08)  “…and Rapides Parish.”

Construction is expected to begin in February, with completion slated for October of 2028.

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Here we go again – the Powerball jackpot has once again hit ten figures. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says be sure to buy your tickets for tonight’s billion-dollar drawing.

Cut 10 (05) “…a billion dollars.”

If it seems as if billion-dollar jackpots are happening more frequently in Powerball, you’re right. That’s due in large part to a change that happened in 2015, in which they added ten white balls and removed nine red balls, reducing the odds from less than one in 175-million to less than one in 292-million. Maher says no wonder no one has won the jackpot in quite a while.

Cut 11 (06) “…of this run.”

Maher says even if you don’t win the billion-dollar prize, you can still win a seven-figure prize by matching all five white balls, as evidenced by a certain drawing back in April.

Cut 12 (08) “…here in Louisiana.”

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Ten years ago today, thousands of lives were changed when a slow-moving weather system dumped torrential rain across south Louisiana, causing catastrophic flooding from the Lafayette area to southeast Louisiana. Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry remembers planning a meeting for the morning of August 12th, only to have it cancelled because the water was rising.

Cut 13 (05)  “…inches of water.”

More than 25 inches of rain fell in parts of Livingston Parish within hours, sending the Amite River in Denham Springs to a record crest of more than 46 feet. About 30-thousand people had to be rescued as rivers across the region overflowed their banks.

Landry says many flood victims were rescued by civilian volunteers called the Cajun Navy.

Cut 14 (09) “…help other people.”

Landry says 78-percent of homes in Denham Springs had at least 18 inches of water inside, yet only about one in four residents had flood insurance.

Cut 15 (09) “…it’s never enough.”

The storm was later known as the Great Flood of 2016. In its aftermath, billions of dollars in federal aid were sent to south Louisiana to rebuild homes and businesses, elevate houses and improve flood-control systems.

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Louisiana Tech head coach has a kicking battle on his hands in Ruston. Redshirt freshman Kaegan Kent and redshirt junior Hunter Rioux are looking to take over after the Bulldogs finished bottom 12 in the country last year, hitting field goals at just a 60-percent clip. Kent closed out the season perfect on field goals and extra points.

Cut 16 (20) “…fall camp.”

Redshirt senior offensive guard Ashanti Cole will look to lead an offensive line that lost a lot of veteran leadership and production. The Bulldogs have leaned on their O-line play and stout rushing attack. Cumbie says Cole is the guy he wants commanding the trenches.

Cut 17 (20) “…young man.”

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Boise State transfer Ty Benefield is expected to be a difference maker in LSU’s defensive secondary. He’s six-foot-three, close to 210 pounds and registered over 100 tackles last season for the Broncos. His size allows him to disrupt passing lanes. Benefield is expected to be an early-round selection in the 2027 NFL draft after what could be a big season in Baton Rouge…

Cut 18 (19) “..things like that.”

After three seasons at Boise State, Benefield entered the transfer portal and he was the first defensive player to commit to the Tigers. The California native felt like LSU was the place for him…

Cut 19 (13) “…is amazing.”

Benefield says he can’t wait to play in Tiger Stadium. He got his welcome to LSU moment earlier this summer when he met Tyrann Mathieu…

Cut 20 (17) “…rest of my life.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is warning you of an active season involving a flesh-eating bacteria. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Small Business Administration is encouraging Louisianians to apply for low-interest disaster loans if they need financial help to repair damages caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt spoke to members of the media for the first time as a Tiger. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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Governor Jeff Landry is defending the use of non-disclosure agreements that employees in the governor’s office signed as part of the negotiations with Meta that resulted in the tech giant building a 50-billion-dollar A-I data center in Richland Parish. Landry says confidentiality is critical when state government talks with private companies about mega projects.

Cut 4 (07) “…close the deal.”

But transparency advocates and legal experts say NDAs can create a culture of fear and it keeps the public in the dark about how deals are reached and its impact to the taxpayer. Landry pushes back on the idea that his office is trying to hide critical information.

Cut 5 (09) “…the public domain.”

According to the Gulf States Newsroom and Type Investigations, more than 50 elected officials have signed nondisclosure agreements with Louisiana Economic Development from the time Landry took office.

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If statistics are any indication, Steve Scalise should have the easiest path to re-election among Republicans in the state. Based on voter registration, the first district – which includes St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, Lafourche and portions of Terrebonne and Tangipahoa parishes – is the most heavily Republican district in the state. Scalise says he’s proud of his record on job creation.

Cut 6 (08) “…in south Louisiana.”

Scalise says the job growth in south Louisiana has reversed the population trend in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (12) “…in this state.”

The massive partisan voter disparity is not stopping Democrat Lauren Jewett from her quest to unseat Scalise, though. During qualifying last week, Jewett took state lawmakers to task for putting their own interests ahead of everyone else’s.

Cut 8 (15) “…that’s a strategy.”

Jewett says state lawmakers are counting on Democrats to quit, but that’s not how she rolls.

Cut 9 (10)  “…is too important.”

Scalise and Jewett will be joined on the open primary ballot by Republican Randall Arrington and no party candidate Liddy Glass.

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The Louisiana Department of Health is warning you of a rise in cases of vibrio vulnificus infections. Vibrio is a flesh-eating bacteria that lives in warm coastal waters. Over the last ten years, Louisiana averages seven cases and one death. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says this year has already exceeded that total, and we’re not halfway through August yet.

Cut 10 (11) “…lost their life.”

While people can be infected with vibrio by eating raw seafood, especially raw Gulf oysters, all nine cases this year are related to wounds exposed to sea water, and Greenstein says all nine patients had underlying health conditions. He says certain people are at greater risk of infection.

Cut 11 (15) “…undergone stomach surgery.”

Greenstein says if you fall into one of the groups who are at highest risk of severe complications, pay very close attention to symptoms of vibrio infection.

Cut 12 (08) “…drainage or discharge.”

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The Small Business Administration is encouraging residents and business owners who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur to apply for low-interest disaster loans. SBA spokeswoman Michelle Genovese (jen-oh-VEESE) says four-million dollars in loans have already been approved.

Cut 13 (10)  “…helps rebuild communities.”

Genovese says homeowners, renters and businesses in Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes may qualify if they suffered storm damage between June 17th and 24th.

Cut 14 (07) “…physical damage loan.”

Interest rates on disaster loans can be as low as 2.87-percent for homeowners and renters. Payments don’t begin until 12 months after the first loan disbursement.

Genovese says homeowners may qualify for up to 500-thousand dollars to repair their primary residence, and collateral is not required for smaller loans.

Cut 15 (08) “…50-thousand dollars.”

Small businesses and private nonprofits may also qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to two-million dollars if they suffered financial losses because of Tropical Storm Arthur.

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt made his first media appearance since moving to Baton Rouge yesterday. The Oregon native said Louisiana wasn’t a real place to him growing up, but now that he’s here, he’s embraced every part of the Bayou State – even the humidity.

Cut 16 (14) “…being out here.”

The big question for most of the offseason has been Leavitt’s recovery from season-ending Lisfranc surgery. The mobile passer says it hasn’t affected his play, and he has felt great for months.

Cut 17 (17) “…question for me.”

Leavitt said one of the reasons he chose to come to LSU was to improve as a quarterback. He said he gets to play against great players in practice and is coached by great offensive minds like Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr.

Cut 18 (14) “…what it’s been.”

Blake Miguez ends the speculation with just hours to go until the end of qualifying – he’s running in the sixth district. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana’s cyclosporiasis cases continue to climb. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new report shows Presidents Trump’s approval rating in Louisiana has fallen below 50 percent. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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With just hours left to qualify, Republican Blake Miguez ended the speculation entering the race for the Baton Rouge-area sixth district. Miguez represents the New Iberia area in the state senate, which is not within the sixth district’s boundaries. Throughout qualifying, the question was whether Miguez would run in the fifth or the sixth district. 

Cut 4 (12) “…freshman at LSU.”

Miguez’s announcement came two days after his Republican state senate colleague, Rick Edmonds, qualified and took aim at Miguez for not living in the district. In a statement, Edmonds said he’s glad Miguez finally decided on the district to run in and that, in his words, he and his out-of-state supporters have been panicked since losing President Trump’s endorsement. Miguez addressed that after qualifying.

Cut 5 (11) “…this new race.”

As for where Miguez lives – he acknowledged that his primary residence is in New Iberia based on his homestead exemption, but he also accuses Edmonds of being absent from the district he aims to represent.

Cut 6 (07) “…to do that.”

Miguez and Edmonds are among ten candidates on the open primary ballot in district six – six Republicans, three Democrats and one Libertarian.

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The number of cyclosporiasis cases continues to go up across the country, including here in Louisiana. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says while Louisiana’s number pales in comparison to the hardest-hit state, Michigan, the cases here continue to rise.

Cut 7 (10) “…happily no deaths.”

State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the most recent cases involve two clusters of six cases, and investigators determined that romaine lettuce was the culprit.

Cut 8 (11) “…was romaine lettuce.”

The FDA is currently working to determine what the source of that lettuce is. Up until now, contaminated lettuce that has caused cyclosporiasis had been traced to Mexico.

Greenstein says with cyclospora causing severe dehydration, it’s important to take extra precautions these days when handling not only lettuce, but any fresh produce.

Cut 9 (13)  “…and market withdrawals.”

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Legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees delivered a deeply emotional, humble and grateful speech as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. His former head coach in New Orleans, Sean Payton, was his presenter, and Brees spoke about how Payton pushed him to his full potential…

Cut 10 (14) “…be great.”

Brees spent his first five seasons in the NFL in San Diego. He arrived in New Orleans as a free agent, months after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Brees’ play lifted NOLA’s spirit and took the Saints franchise to new heights, including a Super Bowl Championship in 2009. Brees gave an emotional thank you to New Orleans…

Cut 11 (11) “…that calling.”  (cheering)

Brees thanked many people who were part of his journey, including the late Saints owner Tom Benson, current owner Gayle Benson, general manager Mickey Loomis and his family. He gave a blanket thank you to the hundreds of players he played with during his 20-year career. Brees says it was them that kept him going and carried him to Canton…

Cut 12 (13) “…of my teammates.”

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A majority of Louisiana voters have supported President Donald Trump during his two terms in office. But his approval rating in the state has now fallen below 50 percent. That’s according to The World Population Review, which has Trump’s approval rating in Louisiana at 49 percent — down nine points from five months ago.

U-L-M political science professor Pearson Cross says presidential approval ratings typically fall when the economy struggles…

Cut 13 (09)  “…in Iran.”

According to The Economist, Trump’s national approval rating is even lower, at 35 percent.

Cross says that could be a warning sign for Republicans heading into the midterm elections…

Cut 14 (10) “…mid-term election.”

Cross says it’s not unusual for a president’s popularity to decline while in office. But he believes it could be difficult for Trump to reverse the trend…

Cut 15 (16) “…he can do.”

Trump won 60 percent of the vote in Louisiana in the 2024 presidential election.

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ULM is renaming Malone Stadium to FMOL Health St. Francis Stadium as part of an expanded partnership with the healthcare ministry. Warhawks Athletics Director SJ Tuohy says that the partnership will help balance the athletics budget and provide opportunities for student-athletes moving forward.

Cut 16 (16) “…future with them.”

St. Francis will continue to be the “Official Medical Partner” of ULM athletics, and Tuohy says it was important to partner with a local organization committed to building the Northeast Louisiana community.

Cut 17 (19) “…need to improve.”

ULM also agreed to a deal to rename its basketball arena to B1Bank Fant Coliseum. Tuohy says the corporate partnerships are an exciting opportunity that spans across the athletics department.

Cut 18 (18) “…involved with us.”

ULM will honor coach James Malone, who the football stadium was previously named after, with a new installation at the home entrance.