WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million dollar expansion at its paper mill in Hodge. The paper mill has been a major employer in Jackson Parish for 90 years as it’s responsible for 450 direct jobs. State Representative Jack McFarland says the facility is also a driver of economic activity for surrounding parishes…:

CUT 03(11)      “…wood chip community.”

Construction is expected to continue into 2024.

With the NFL regular season starting just over a week from now, New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye has been arrested; accused of a road rage incident in which he allegedly brandished a pistol at a carload of young girls. He faces multiple counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Maye’s attorney says Maye (quote) “vehemently denies the allegation” and “looks forward to defending himself when all the facts come out.”

Morgan City’s Shrimp and Petroleum Festival begins today, and organizers are excited it’s back after a two-year absence…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

We have this year’s “D Storm”, but it poses no threat to the Gulf Coast. Tropical Storm Danielle is in the mid-Atlantic; several hundred miles off the East Coast. Our weekend looks to be rainy, but hurricane-free.

WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million-dollar expansion in Jackson Parish. The governor’s office says the company is expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program. State Representative Jack McFarland thanks WestRock for securing jobs and supporting contractors who rely on the paper mill.

Cut 5  (11) “…as well”

Morgan City’s Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is back and Carrie Stansbury, Executive Director of the Cajun Coast Visitor’s Bureau says the oldest charted harvest festival in the state began as an event to pay homage to shrimpers with the blessing of their boats and has grown to also honor the oil & gas industry.

Cut 8 (06) “…gas industry.”

There’s also plenty of music, food, arts and crafts, and fireworks.

The first week of college football kicks off tonight and that also means a boon to sports betting in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says in the first half of this year one-point-four billion dollars in legal sports bets were made, which has generated 16.5 million dollars in tax revenue for the state.

Cut 11 (12)  “…that goal.”

Johns says most sports bets are made on a person’s phone or computer, with mobile sports betting accounting for 80 percent of the sports betting business.

And Tropical Storm Danielle has formed in the Atlantic and it’s expected to strengthen into the first hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic season. It’s not expected to impact Louisiana whatsoever and poses no immediate threat to land. Last month was the first August without a named storm in the Atlantic since 1997.

The first week of the college football season kicks off tonight and two new sports betting parlors open today in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says there’s the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and the DraftKings sportsbook at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. He says the L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge is expected to open its Barstool sportsbook soon.

Cut 10 (10) “..their market” 

The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City kicks off today. Carrie Stansbury, Executive Director of the Cajun Coast Visitor’s Bureau says the annual event includes continuous music, plenty of seafood, along with arts and crafts. She says Sunday however is their traditional day.

Cut 7 (07) “…fireworks at night.” 

It’s the oldest charted harvest festival in the state.

There’s big economic news to report for a rural part of north Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The first week of the college football season kicks off tonight and two new sports betting parlors open today in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says there’s the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and last night he toured the DraftKings sportsbook at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles…

Cut 9 (10)  “…it’s huge.”

And L’Auberge in Baton Rouge is expected to open its Barstool sportsbook soon.

WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million-dollar expansion at its paper mill in Hodge. State Representative Jack McFarland says Jackson Parish mill will expand and modernize the facility which produces high-quality containerboard used in manufacturing containers…

Cut 4  (05) “…decade or two.”

The mill began operations in 1928.

Morgan City is gearing up for the first Shrimp and Petroleum Festival since 2019. The festival was canceled the last two years due to the pandemic and Ida. Carrie Stansbury, Executive Director of the Cajun Coast Visitor’s Bureau says the annual event celebrates two of the state’s largest industries.

Cut 6 (07) “…culture of our community.” 

The five-day event, which kicks off today and wraps up Labor Day.

The Ad Council and the U.S Department of veteran affairs launches the “Don’t Wait Reach Out” campaign to assist veterans with mental health issues. Veteran’s Affairs executive director Lisa Kearney says normalizing the discussion of suicide is the objective of the campaign the website VA.gov forward slash reach offers instant support.  

Cut 12 (11) “…to get to us.” 

WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million-dollar expansion at its paper mill in Hodge. The paper mill has been a major employer in Jackson Parish for 90 years as its responsible for 450 direct jobs. State Representative Jack McFarland says the facility is also a driver of economic activity for surrounding parishes

Cut 3 (11) “…wood chip community” 

McFarland says the 97-million dollars will expand and modernize the facility.

The University of Louisiana – Lafayette embarks on two new projects that will create a “biopharmaceutical corridor” in the state and advances in medicine. ULL President Dr. Joe Savoie (SAV-wah) says the projects are the result of a $50-million investment made by the Legislature and Governor Edwards…:

Cut 7 (06) “…the economy for Louisiana.”

An LSU study of how football players reacted to COVID indicates their immune system fared better compared to older adults with co-morbidities. And LSU’s School of Kinesiology Associate Professor Guillaume (gee-um) Spielman says the research continues, in addition to comparing immune system responses of older adults now, they are looking at the responses of sedentary adults and athletes.

Cut 14 (06)  “…non-athletes.”

The Ad Council and the U.S Department of veteran affairs have collaborated, creating a “Don’t Wait Reach Out” campaign that assists veterans with mental health issues.  Veteran’s Affairs executive director Lisa Kearney says veterans will gain support in numerous ways.  

Cut 10 (09) “…connect to support .”

For more information visit  VA.Gov/reach  

Louisiana is donating up to 300 travel trailers, originally acquired for Hurricane Ida to assist flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky.  GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle, says the trailers are ones that have been returned to the state by Louisiana residents and some displaced individuals are working directly with FEMA on temporary housing in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…recovery process.”

An LSU study of how football players reacted to COVID shows their immune system fared better compared to older adults with co-morbidities. LSU’s School of Kinesiology Associate Professor Guillaume (gee-um) Spielman says early studies indicated an increased risk of myocarditis in athletes with COVID, but extended research proved otherwise.

Cut 15 (10)  “…athletic populations.”

UL-Lafayette embarks on two projects to establish it as part of a biopharmaceutical corridor in Louisiana. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

During an event in Alexandria where federal, state, local and community leaders were on hand for the Broadband Solutions Summit, Governor John Bel Edwards announced over 35-million dollars in grants will help bring affordable high-speed internet within the next two years to nearly 15-thousand locations in Vernon and LaSalle Parishes

Louisiana is donating up to 300 travel trailers to eastern Kentucky, which is suffering from severe flooding. They were used by residents who suffered severe damage to their homes from Hurricane Ida. Kentucky is paying for the transportation. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says the state still has a good supply of travel trailers if another hurricane hits Louisiana…
cut 6 (11) “….need them”

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces plans to invest 50-million dollars in state money to create a biopharmaceutical corridor. 25-million dollars will go towards a creating a Level 3 biosafety Lab at the New Iberia Research Center and U-L-L President Doctor Joe Savoie says the other 25-million is for the construction of the Iberia Bio-Innovation Accelerator…
cut 9 (13) “…out of Louisiana”

WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million dollar expansion of its paper mill in Hodge. The governor’s office says the company is expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program to expand and modernize the facility which is responsible for more than 450 direct jobs in Jackson Parish.

September is national suicide prevention awareness month and the U-S Department of Veterans Affairs has a website where vets can get instant support at V-A-dot-gov-slash reach…
cut 3 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas”

Up to 300 travel trailers that the state purchased for residents that lost their homes in Ida are headed to Kentucky. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

During an event in Alexandria where federal, state, local and community leaders were on hand for the Broadband Solutions Summit, Governor John Bel Edwards announced over 35-million dollars in grants will help bring affordable high speed internet within the next two years to nearly 15-thousand locations in Vernon and LaSalle Parishes.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces plans to create a biopharmaceutical corridor in Iberia Parish. The plans call for the expansion of the school’s New Iberia Research Center…
cut 8 (11) “….can be developed”
That’s university president Doctor Joe Savoie who says a Level 3 biosafety lab will have global implications on infectious diseases.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and unfortunately military veterans are more at risk. Executive Director of the Veterans Crisis Line, Doctor Lisa Kearney, wants veterans to know there is a website where they can get help, it’s v-a-dot-gov-slash reach…
cut 11 (09) “….all in one place”
Kearney is encouraging veterans to reach out before a crisis happens.

Louisiana is donating up to 300 travel trailers, originally acquired for Hurricane Ida to assist flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky. GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle, says the trailers are ones that have been returned to the state by Louisiana residents who now have permanent housing.
Cut 4 (11) “…and Ida.”
The state acquired these trailers to speed up the process for those who lost their homes after Ida.

An LSU study of how football players reacted to COVID indicates their immune system fared better compared to older adults with co-morbidities. LSU’s School of Kinesiology Associate Professor Guillaume (gee-um) Spielman says the findings were reassuring that the players were healthy after the CDC-recommended isolation period.
Cut 13 (10) “…from COVID-19.”

UL-Lafayette embarks on two projects to establish a biopharmaceutical corridor in Louisiana. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Up to 300 travel trailers that the state purchased for residents that lost their homes in Ida are headed to Kentucky. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

UL-Lafayette embarks on two projects to establish it as part of a biopharmaceutical corridor in Louisiana. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

The U.S Department of veterans affairs is working hard to create resources for veterans at high risk of suicide. More from Whitney Thomas…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

________________________________________________

Louisiana is donating up to 300 travel trailers, originally acquired for Hurricane Ida to assist flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky.  GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle, says the trailers are ones that have been returned to the state by Louisiana residents who’ve acquired permanent housing.

Cut 4 (11)  “…and Ida.”

These are trailers that the state purchased to speed up the process for those who lost their homes after Ida, and FEMA then reimbursed the state. Tingle says there are some individuals who are working directly with FEMA on temporary housing in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…recovery process.”

Kentucky is paying for transportation of the trailers to the Blue Grass State and as we enter the height of hurricane season, even though it’s been quiet so far, Tingle says an adequate number of trailers will remain in Louisiana just in case.

Cut 6 (11)  “…need them.”

In late July, 39 people died in the Eastern Kentucky floods and thousands of families lost their homes and possessions. ________________________________________________

The University of Louisiana – Lafayette embarks on two new projects that will create a “biopharmaceutical corridor” in the state and advances in medicine. ULL President Dr. Joe Savoie (SAV-wah) says the projects are the result of a $50-million investment made by the Legislature and Governor Edwards…:

Cut 7 (06) “…the economy for Louisiana.”

Part of the money will be invested in expanding ULL’s New Iberia Research Center; the largest primate research facility of its kind in the country. Savoie says major research that led to the mRNA science behind the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was done there, and the investment will mean a large upgrade…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…can be developed.”

The other part will involve construction of the Iberia Bio-Innovation Accelerator. Dr. Savoie explains what that will do…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…out of Louisiana.”

Savoie says this combined $50-million investment is another major step forward in establishing UL-Lafayette as a research & development university…and it will create over 500 new career-based jobs. _______________________________________________

The Ad Council and the U.S Department of veteran affairs have collaborated, creating a “Don’t Wait Reach Out” campaign that assists veterans with mental health issues.  

The campaign will be showcased all September in honor of suicide prevention. The goal is to elude veterans away from self-harm by creating a vulnerable environment for them to have critical conversations. Lisa Kearney, the veteran’s affair executive director says veterans will gain support in numerous ways.  

Cut 10 (09) “…connect to support .”

Suicide reaches all communities, but veterans are more at risk. Karney says suicide can stem from everyday stress or medical conditions. She creates transparency by integrating care and connecting veterans to proper advocates for help.  

Cut  11 (09)  “…all in one place.” 

Realizing and normalizing discussions of suicide is the objective of the campaign. Kearney and other officials want to create a community of instant support and availability on their website VA.Gov/reach  

Cut 12 (11) “…to get to us.” 

Officials are encouraging veterans to reach out before a crisis happens. _______________________________________________

An LSU study of how football players reacted to COVID indicates their immune system fared better compared to older adults with co-morbidities. LSU’s School of Kinesiology Associate Professor Guillaume (gee-um) Spielman says the findings were reassuring that the players were healthy after the CDC-recommended isolation period.

Cut 13 (10) “…from COVID-19.”

And the research continues, Spielman says and in addition to comparing immune system responses of older adults now, they are looking at the responses of sedentary adults.

Cut 14 (06)  “…non-athletes.”

Spielman says when the study began there was no previous research on COVID-19 and it appears that the original 14-day CDC-recommended isolation period proved to be ideal. Early findings in the pandemic indicated an increased risk of myocarditis in athletes with COVID.  However, Spielman says that extended research proved otherwise.

Cut 15 (10)  “…athletic populations.” ________________________________________________

TCU transfer Matthew Downing will get the start tomorrow night at quarterback when Louisiana Tech kicks off the season at Missouri. Head Coach Sonny Cumbie says Downing faced a Power Five team in 2020 when Cumbie was the offensive coordinator for the Horned Frogs…

Cut 16 (16)  “…take over.” 

Missouri is expected to start Brady Cook at quarterback. He has a talented freshman wide receiver in Luther Burden. The Bulldogs had one of the best pass defenses in Conference USA last season. Cumbie is expected a big season from safety BeeJay Williamson…

Cut 17 (15) “..fall camp.” 

Tech returns eight starters on defense headlined by two-time All-Conference USA linebacker Tyler Grubbs. Cumbie feels good about his defense heading into the season…

Cut  18 (16)“…production standpoint.”

Tech has 13 transfers on defense. Kick-off is at 7 PM on ESPN U. _____________________________________________________________

BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye, and Mike Jones Junior have been named team captains for LSU this season. Coach Brian Kelly says they were selected based on a vote by the team…

Cut 19 (18) “…weigh in.”

Kelly says a player on offense each week will also be nominated to be a co-captain. Florida State rushed for 406 yards in its season-opening 47-7 win over Duquense. Senior defensive end Ali Gaye doesn’t expect the Seminoles to have much success on Sunday…

Cut 20 (08) “ …will stop that team.”