There has been a concern ULM was slashing its athletic budget, but KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says that is not the case. Andre Champagne reports…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Starting in January, Louisiana SNAP recipients can no longer purchase soda, energy drinks and candy with their food stamps. Jeff Palermo reports Louisiana’s Surgeon General hopes this leads to healthier children…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The U.S. Supreme Court has set a date to revisit Louisiana’s congressional map and decide whether it violates the 14th and 15th Amendments. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Amtrak’s new passenger train service from New Orleans to Mobile starts Monday and for those who want to take a bus from Baton Rouge to New Orleans to catch the train there’s an easy way to do that. Florian Sitrin with Flix North America says you will not have to buy two different tickets…

Cut 4 (10) “…one trip.”

FlixBus already provides daily bus service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Sitrin says the schedule has been timed up so that you can take the bus from the Capitol City to Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans and catch a train to the Mississippi or Alabama Gulf Coast…

Cut 5 (08) “…too long.”

Sitrin says they have two dedicated buses that you can book at Amtrak or Flix Bus that can connect you to the Mardi Gras Service….

Cut 6 (11) “…beautiful connection.”

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Since last week’s sudden resignation of athletics director John Hartwell, there’s been speculation ULM is cutting funding to athletics. But KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says he’s seen the budget for this athletic year, and ULM has increased funding by 1.5 million dollars

Cut 7 (09) “…last year.”

Shortly after Hartwell’s resignation, it was reported new ULM president Carrie Castille was imposing a six-to-nine percent cut to the school’s athletic department budget.

ULM is set to spend just over 22-million dollars on athletics this year. That’s one of the smallest budgets among FBS schools and some say the school should drop down to the FCS level.

But Dietrich says the school is getting three-point-seven million dollars to play Alabama and Northwestern, because they are an FBS school…

Cut 8 (06) “…drop down.”

Football coach Bryant Vincent is the interim athletics director. Dietrich says the long-term future for ULM athletics is a little cloudy, but the fanbase is glad Vincent is leading athletics for the time being..

Cut 9 (14)  “…period of time”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports President Trump’s effort to abolish the Department of Education. Brumley says decisions about what’s taught in Louisiana public schools should be made here, not Washington D-C…

Cut 10 (12) “…can be.”

During her visit to Louisiana, U-S Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the Trump Administration would like to move to a block funding model, letting states to decide how to spend federal dollars. Brumley says Louisiana is positioned to benefit from that kind of system…

Cut 11 (09) “…result.”

Louisiana has seen improvement in literacy scores, but Brumley says the job is far from over…

Cut 12 (10) “…getting better.”

_______________________________________________________

Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham believes preventing SNAP recipients from using their food stamps to purchase soft drinks, energy drinks and candy will make for a healthier Louisiana. That new policy will go into effect in January and Abraham says a good portion of government assistance is going towards the purchase of these items…

Cut 13 (07)  “…will be banned.”

Abraham says the big concern is that SNAP recipients are using their government assistance to buy their children soda and candy…

Cut 14 (11) “…poor child.”

Abraham says candy and soda are high in sugar and too much of it, becomes a bad thing…

Cut 15 (09) “…of the mean.”

Abraham says once you reach a certain level, sugar gets stored as fat.

Last week, USDA Secretary Brooke Collins signed a SNAP waiver for Louisiana that removes soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy as eligible food items. This will go into effect in January.

__________________________________________________________________________

The LSU wide receiving room is one of the deepest position groups on the team after lacking some explosiveness in the room last season. Kentucky transfer Barion brown is one of the multiple receivers the Tigers brought in during the offseason. His rare speed should add to the vertical passing game.  Brown says the room’s talent helps push each other each day.

Cut 16 (18) “…make a play.”

The LSU tight end room has placed a large emphasis on becoming more involved in blocking in the run game. The Tigers added Donovan Green and Bauer Sharp to join Trey’Dez Green in the offseason. Green says Sharp has helped him with his confidence during the summer.

Cut 17 (15)  “…amazing man.”

LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton has played a large role in developing his wideouts, most notably with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Kentucky transfer Barion Brown says Hankton is taking his skills to the next level.

Cut 18 (19) “…better at.”

________________________________________________________________

UL Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) spoke on his quarterback battle. The quarterback between Daniel Beale, Walker Howard, and Lunch Winfield is still ongoing after the Cajuns first couple of scrimmages. Desormeaux says he likes what he sees out of each player.

Cut 19 (21) “…practice setting.”

The Cajuns have lots of new faces on this team, and head coach Michael Desormeaux wants to get them as much experience as possible. Freshman cornerback Brent Gordon is one freshman who  is sticking out to the Cajuns staff. Desormeaux says he expects the former three-star out of Cecilia to contribute right away.

Cut 20 (18) “…be done.”

A new national survey finds small business optimism rose in July. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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State Police arrested a Caddo Parish deputy for insurance fraud. Joe Gallinaro has the details…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro”

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U-S Secretary of Education Linda McMahon started her “Returning Education to the States” tour in Louisiana because she’s impressed with Louisiana’s improved reading scores. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says it was validation for what is doing in the public classroom…

Cut 3 (08) “…with disabilities”

McMahon toured Jefferson Terrace Academy which has implemented new reading initiatives, including high dosage tutoring and the Baton Rouge school is already seeing results.

Over a five-year period, Louisiana’s reading scores have improved from 49th to the 32nd on a national test called the nation’s report card. Brumley says they went back to the basics…

Cut 4 (10) “…academic excellence.”

McMahon is touring the country to see what each state is doing to improvement student achievement. Brumley says Louisiana’s improved reading scores is why she decided to start her tour by visiting at school in Baton Rouge…

Cut 5 (10) “…our state”

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Optimism is up among small businesses according to a new survey released by the NFIB. NFIB state director Leah Long says federal legislation that makes a 20-percent small business tax deduction permanent gives small business owners more clarity…

Cut 6 (08) “…businesses grow”

Long says in Louisiana small business owners are optimistic that the tort reform legislation approved in the last regular session can help reduce insurance rates over time….

Cut 7 (07) “…for that.”

Long says it’s good to see improving conditions, but labor quality remains is the single most important problem facing small businesses…

Cut 8 (08) “…to hire” 

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A Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy is on administrative leave after he was arrested for insurance fraud. State Police Trooper Eddie Thomas says a months long investigation has determined 50-year-old Frank Launer of Blanchard got into a wreck last April and did not have automobile insurance and then quickly obtained coverage

Cut 9 (11)  “…same day”

Thomas says once investigators had enough evidence to show that Launer filed a claim with his insurance provider after he got into a wreck, an arrest warrant was issued…

Cut 10 (09) “…insurance fraud.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn says his office does not condone the alleged actions attributed to Launer. Thomas says Sheriff Whitehorn supports L-S-P’s investigation into Launer…

Cut 11 (09) “…as well.”

Fortified roofs were the main focus at the annual Louisiana Department of Insurance conference. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A strong effort is ongoing to get the “Little Cajun Saint,” Charlene Richard canonized as a Saint. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A wildlife has burned 15-hundred acres in the Kisatchie National Forest, but Jeff Palermo reports officials are confident they can get fire contained by the end of the week…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Fortified roofs were the main focus of last week’s annual Louisiana Department of Insurance conference. Commissioner Tim Temple says fortified roofs have proven to lower homeowner’s insurance premiums by as much as 50-percent.

Cut 4 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

In the past, the state had grant programs, in which homeowners entered into a lottery to be selected for a discounted fortified roof. Temple says no additional grant programs are currently scheduled, although there may be some coming in the future.

But he says thanks to the legislature this past session, homeowners can receive a higher tax deduction if they pay for fortified roof…

Cut 5 (07) “…now ten-thousand dollars.”

Louisiana issued just 313 fortification certificates prior to 2023, but thanks to the state providing funding for the Fortify Homes Program, 54-hundred properties have been certified as of last February.

Temple says in the future, he would like building codes amended so that all new homes are built with fortified roofs.

Cut 6 (06) “…it’s not fortified”

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The five deep-water ports of the Lower Mississippi River have partnered up to develop a unified marketing strategy. Chairman of the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, Joe Toomy, says this collaboration will allow each port to emphasize their own strength…

Cut 7 (08) “…the world.”

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Port of South Louisiana, Port of New Orleans, Saint Bernard Port and Louisiana Gateway Port make up this strategic initiative. Toomy says the ports have traditionally worked independently, but two years ago discussions began that they should unify…

Cut 8 (09) “…the port.”

Toomy says this united effort between these five lower Mississippi River ports will help increase international trade, drive economic growth and attract new business…

Cut 9 (12)  “…L-N-G.”

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The Vatican is considering The Little Cajun Saint for sainthood as it’s believed she has performed miracles. Charlene Richard from Acadia Parish died in 1959 from leukemia at the age of 12 years old. President of the Charlene Richard Foundation, Nanette Reiners, says Richard knew she would die at a young age, but every day she offered her suffering for other people…

Cut 10 (07) “…everybody else”

Word of Reiner’s deep faith and her passion to help others spread, resulting in many visiting her grave to pray and ask for their prayers to be answered. Reiners says several of those prayers were answered, including a pregnant woman from New York who was told by doctors her fetus had two severe brain abnormalities…

Cut 11 (12) “…the baby.”

The Catholic Church considers someone for sainthood if they have performed at least two documented miracles. Reiners says the Dioceses of Lafayette and Alexandria have submitted evidence of the unexplainable happenings that have occurred as a result of Charlene’s intercession…

Cut 12 (11) “…canonization.”

Richard has been declared a Servant of God. It remains to be seen if she will be declared Venerable, than Blessed and then finally a “Saint.” There are 11 canonized American Saints and Richard would be the first from Louisiana.

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Firefighters hope to have wildlife burning in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish contained by the end of the week. A lighting strike on August 3rd sparked the fire that has burned 15 hundred acres. Kisatchie National Forest spokesperson Jim Caldwell says they are using various methods to extinguish the blaze, and they can use some help from Mother Nature…

Cut 13 (07)  “…a lot.”

There are 110 people from ten states involved in fighting what is called the Backbone Fire. Caldwell says the Kisatchie National Forest has seen its share of wildfires, but this one is difficult to battle because of the terrain…

Cut 14 (11) “…fire in.”

Caldwell says because of the wildlife, the entire Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area is closed….

Cut 15 (09) “…backpacks on.”

Caldwell they are also urging the public to avoid the Longleaf Trail National Scenic Byway because of visibility issues from the smoke. No structures have been damaged and they do not foresee that from happening.

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Blake Baker enters his second season as the LSU defensive coordinator. The Tigers finished 61^st in total defense last season. With Harold Perkins returning from an ACL injury, the LSU defense will be one of the most top-heavy linebacker rooms in the country. Baker says Perkins will be fun to watch this season.

Cut 16 (16) “…this season.”

South Florida transfer defensive tackle Bernard Gooden is one of the key additions that Baker and the staff are high on. Baker says Gooden’s smaller size helps him get off the ball quicker.

Cut 17 (19)  “…the ground.”

LSU not only added an abundance of defensive linemen in the transfer portal, but it also added two experienced safeties. Temarcus Cooley transferred in from NC State and AJ Haulcy transferred in from Houston. Baker says that Haulcy plays with a certain style that will help the entire defense.

Cut 18 (14) “…the communication.”

________________________________________________________________

Tony Franklin returns as Louisiana Tech’s offensive coordinator this year after serving in the same role under Sonny Dykes from 2010-2012. Franklin brings over fifteen years of college coaching to the Bulldogs where he is known for his ability to develop the quarterback position. With a a quarterback battle between Blake Baker, Evan Bullock, and Trey Cook ongoing, Franklin likes what he sees from each player.

Cut 19 (21) “…for us.”

Louisiana Tech struggled for the most part offensively last season, but the Bulldogs return one of the best tight ends in the country in Eli Finley. Finley totaled 314 yards receiving with two touchdowns last season. Franklin says that Finley has the potential to be one of the top tight ends he has ever coached.

Cut 20 (17) “…the country.”

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 3 (13) “…in college.”

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

Cut 4 (12) “…set of friends.”

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

Cut 5 (09) “…the students”

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

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

Cut 6 (11) “…death master file”

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

Cut 7 (07) “…data basis.”

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

Cut 8 (05) “…with our recommendation”

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

Cut 9 (12)  “…that facility”

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

Cut 10 (09) “…serious allegation.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “…making it better.”

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

Cut 12 (12) “…making it work.”

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

Cut 13 (11)  “…to do.”

Secretary McMahon will also visit Arkansas and Tennessee this week.

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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

Cut 4 (11) “…bit bigger size.”

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

Cut 5 (11) “…us to survive.”

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

Cut 6 (10) “…25 a pound.”

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

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

Cut 7 (12) “…in the film.”

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

Cut 8 (07) “…they could take.”

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

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

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

Cut 10 (12) “…avenues of growth.”

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

Cut 11 (13) “…best in class.”

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

Cut 12 (12) “…excited about it.”

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

Cut 13 (08)  “…our local leaders.”

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

Cut 14 (15) “…future they deserve.”

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

Cut 15 (12) “…really, really good.”

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

Cut 16 (16) “…throughout the game.”

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

Cut 17 (10)  “…with us.”

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

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

Cut 18 (19) “…his growth.”

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

Cut 19 (19) “…good football.”

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

Cut 20 (15) “…is nice.”

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (11) “…this year.”

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

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

Cut 4 (10) “…thoughtful than that.’”

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

Cut 5 (11) “…too long.”

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

Cut 6 (12) “…at those times.”

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

Cut 7 (11) “…way as possible.”

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

Cut 8 (10) “…on their phones.”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “…kind of stuff.”

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

Cut 10 (10) “…techniques they need.”

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

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

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

Cut 12 (06) “…chronic diseases.”

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

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

Cut 13 (11)  “…dairy products.”

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

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

Cut 14 (11) “…and pop.”

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 3 (09) “…matters and issues.”

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

Cut 4 (09) “…pretextual stop issue.”

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

Cut 5 (08) “…until January 1st.”

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

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

Cut 6 (10) “…the oxygen.”

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

Cut 7 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

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

Cut 8 (13) “…doesn’t diffuse.”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “…housing costs.”

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

Cut 10 (08) “…population growth.”

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

Cut 11 (12) “….buy a home”

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

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

Cut 12 (10) “…those traits.”

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

Cut 13 (12)  “…on the field.”

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

Cut 14 (08) “…of work.”

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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

Cut 4 (08) “…to respond timely.”

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

Cut 5 (10) “…first response world.”

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

Cut 6 (12) “…per hour worked.”

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

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (08) “…of this year.”

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

Cut 8 (11) “…over year.”

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

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

Cut 9 (09)  “…outdoors in Louisiana.”

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

Cut 10 (09) “…the right heroes”

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

Cut 11 (14) “…the outdoors.”

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

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

Cut 12 (11) “…is the President.”

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

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

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

Cut 14 (05) “…them get released”

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

Cut 15 (07) “…singled him out.”

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

Cut 16 (18) “…really well.”

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

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

Cut 17 (18)  “…special for us.”

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

Cut 18 (14) “…make plays.”

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

Cut 19 (19) “…Q-B.”

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

Cut 20 (16) “…the place.”

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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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

Cut 3 (05) “…and other crawfish.”

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

Cut 4 (10) “…frankly years ago.”

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

Cut 5 (06) “…the same light.”

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

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

Cut 6 (07) “…injury to the people.”

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

Cut 7 (09) “…move over.”

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

Cut 8 (07) “…get ticketed.”

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

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

Cut 9 (12)  “…those days.”

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

Cut 10 (11) “…that billing.”

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

Cut 11 (12) “…couldn’t survive.”

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

Cut 12 (16) “…all of us.”

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

Cut 13 (15)  “…gender ideology.”

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

Cut 14 (09) “…all of us.”

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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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

Cut 3 (10) “…so proud.”

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

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

Cut 4 (08) “…was building.”

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

Cut 5 (07) “…back of everything.”

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

Cut 6 (09) “…things like that.”

Cristina says that money will come in very handy.

Cut 7 (11) “…all of us”

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

Cut 8 (14) “…that many students.”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “…in the brain.”

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

Cut 10 (07) “…does help.”

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

Cut 11 (14) “…regulatory scheme.”

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

Cut 12 (07) “…us stay cooler.”

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

Cut 13 (05)  “…get those exemptions.”

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

Cut 14 (08) “…to be done.”