Hurricane Katrina made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Plaquemines Parish at 6:10 am on this date 20 years ago. She brought widespread flooding and devastation. Saint Bernard Parish had Parish President Louis Pomes (Louie POE-mez) was an employee of the parish at the time. He was amazed at how fast the water rose as a result of breaches in the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.

Cut 8 (12) “…as it was pushing.”

One of the lasting images of the Katrina aftermath was when Lieutenant General Russel Honoré as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina shouted, “weapons down, weapons down, dammit!” to police officers who he says were acting on orders from Governor Blanco to shoot anyone they found looting. Honoré said he told Blanco to rescind that order.

Cut 15 (09) “…can’t do that.”

Governor Kathleen Blanco took a lot of criticism for the state’s response to Katrina. It was a major factor in her decision not to run for re-election. He communications director, Bob Mann says there were failures at all levels of government, but FEMA’s role was to provide federal resources to states dealing with a disaster, and that didn’t happen.

Cut 6 (13) “…sent in.”

This is the lowest gas prices have been for a Labor Day weekend in five years. Triple-A’s Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.79, which is 20 cents lower than a year ago. Redman says motorists are enjoying the lowest price at the pump in five years, despite a slight increase over the last week.

Cut 10 (08) “…Labor Day weekend.”

Redman says once we move into September, he expects prices to decline again.

It’s a somber day as we remember the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the costliest natural disaster in the country’s history, claiming 18-hundred lives. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

People were left stranded for days. Lieutenant General Russel Honoré took charge of the rescue effort as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina.

Cut 13 (12)  “…a real disaster.”

We haven’t seen gas prices this low for Labor Day weekend in five years. Triple-A’s Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is 20 cents lower than a year ago. And he says as long as there is not a disruption in the supply of gasoline, he believes prices will be around $2.50 by the end of September. He says it’s because of the price of crude oil.

Cut 12 (08) “…64 dollars.”

The LSU Tigers leave later today for South Carolina where they’ll play Clemson tomorrow without starting safety AJ Haulcy for the first half of the game. He was suspended for fighting in the fourth quarter of the last game of last year when he was at Houston and since his ejection was the result of fighting, he must miss an entire half of football. LSU was made aware on Wednesday that Haulcy was facing a suspension, and the NCAA upheld its ruling last night.

Hurricane Katrina came ashore 20 years ago today. The rescue efforts in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina were infamously challenging and chaotic. Here’s  Andrew Greenstein

Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Katrina produced catastrophic flooding, not only in New Orleans, but also in Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes. Once the storm passed, the mission was to get thousands of stranded people, some of them living on rooftops, out of the flooded waters and onto dry land. Governor Kathleen Blanco’s communications director at that time, Bob Mann says the federal government was not much help.

Cut 5 (09) “…too late.”

Governor Blanco took a lot of criticism for the state’s response to Katrina and that was a major factor in her decision not to run for re-election.

There is some good news today. This is the lowest gas prices have been for a Labor Day weekend in five years. Triple-A’s Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.79, which is 20 cents lower than a year ago. And he says once we move into September, he expects prices to decline again.

Cut 11 (10) “…rule that out.”

We know what today is. 20 years ago, Katrina made this one of the darkest days in Louisiana history. Bob Mann was the communications director for Governor Kathleen Blanco; and at first, they thought Katrina only produced wind damage. And then the reports starting coming in.

Cut 4 (12) “…somewhere.”

Katrina produced catastrophic flooding, not only in New Orleans.

Katrina made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Plaquemines Parish. Saint Bernard Parish had widespread flooding and devastation, and current Parish President Louis Pomes (Louie POE-mez) was an employee of the parish at the time.

Cut 7 (09) “…of tears.”

Gas prices for this Labor Day weekend are the lowest they’ve been since 2020. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Louisiana Department of Insurance is accepting the next round of grants for fortified roofs beginning Tuesday. This round of grants to assist homeowners with the cost of the roofs that are designed to resist hurricanes is for homeowners in the Coastal Zone which includes Lake Charles, Westlake, and Sulphur. 500 grants will be awarded. Recipents will be chosen by lottery from the registrants.

Today is a somber day. The 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The costliest natural disaster in the country’s history, claiming 18-hundred lives. Jeff Palermo has more on one of Louisiana’s worst days.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Gas prices for this Labor Day weekend are the lowest they’ve been since 2020. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The rescue effort in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was practically nonexistent. Andrew Greenstein spoke with the man who single-handedly brought order to a chaotic situation.

Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today is the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the darkest days in Louisiana history. Bob Mann was the communications director for Governor Kathleen Blanco; and at first, they thought Katrina only produced wind damage. But then, reports came in of rising water.

Cut 4 (12) “…somewhere.”

Katrina produced catastrophic flooding, not only in New Orleans, but also in Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes. Once the storm passed, the mission was to get thousands of stranded people, some of them living on rooftops, out of the flooded waters and onto dry land. Mann says the federal government was not much help.

Cut 5 (09) “…too late.”

Blanco took a lot of criticism for the state’s response to Katrina. It was a major factor in her decision not to run for re-election. Mann says there was certainly failures at all levels of government, but FEMA’s role was to provide federal resources to states dealing with a disaster, but that didn’t happen.

Cut 6 (13) “…sent in.”

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Hurricane Katrina made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Plaquemines Parish at 6:10 in the morning on this date. Katrina produced catastrophic flooding. Saint Bernard Parish had widespread flooding and devastation, and current Parish President Louis Pomes (Louie POE-mez) was an employee of the parish at the time.

Cut 7 (09) “…of tears.”

Pomes was amazed at how fast the water rose as a result of breaches in the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.

Cut 8 (12) “…as it was pushing.”

He says the population of St. Bernard pre-Katrina was 70-thousand, now it’s 48-thousand.

Pomes says St. Bernard wouldn’t be where it is today without the spirit of the parish’s residents and federal money.

Cut 9 (15)  “…billion dollars recovery.”

Pomes credits local leaders for using the federal recovery dollars wisely. Not only rebuilding schools, hospitals and the sewer system, but also providing new amenities for its residents , like a skate park, dog park and bike paths.

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This is the lowest gas prices have been for a Labor Day weekend in five years. Triple-A’s Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.79, which is 20 cents lower than a year ago. Redman says motorists are enjoying the lowest price at the pump in five years, despite a slight increase over the last week.

Cut 10 (08) “…Labor Day weekend.”

Redman says once we move into September, he expects prices to decline again.

Cut 11 (10) “…rule that out.”

Redman says as long as there is not a disruption in the supply of gasoline, he believes gas prices will be around $2.50 or possibly by the end of September. He says the price of crude oil is why the price at the pump is well below three dollars.

Cut 12 (08) “…64 dollars.”

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If you could sum up the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in one word, “chaos” would be quite appropriate. With most of New Orleans underwater, people were left stranded for days, with no indication of when help would arrive. Needing a strong federal response, they designated Lieutenant General Russel Honoré as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, and he immediately took charge of the rescue effort. General Honoré says he does not blame local officials for the initial response.

Cut 13 (12)  “…a real disaster.”

Honoré said he would have liked to have been in New Orleans earlier, but the city had flooded so badly that he and other members of the National Guard had no way of getting into the city – and, in effect, they had no way of getting people out.

Cut 14 (15) “…bus people out.”

One of the lasting images of Honoré during the immediate aftermath of Katrina is of him shouting to police officers, “weapons down, dammit!” Honoré says those officers were acting on orders from Governor Kathleen Blanco to shoot anyone they found looting. Honoré said he told Blanco to rescind that order.

Cut 15 (09) “…can’t do that.”

A three-star general, Honoré retired from the Army in 2008 and continues to serve as a consultant on disaster preparedness.

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LSU junior linebacker Harold Perkins returns to the field after missing most of the 2024 season with a torn ACL. Perkins decided to come back to LSU and build up his stock, playing in the STAR position. Perkins says he likes how the position allows him to showcase his pass rush abilities as well as his pass coverage.

Cut 16 (13) “…my versatility.”

LSU senior wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. returns as the longest tenured receiver on the unit. Hilton’s LSU career has stalled due to multiple injuries, but he says he is thankful to be finally be healthy. Hilton says he is looking forward to showcasing what he is made of this season.

Cut 17 (17)  “…for Saturday.”

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks grew up only an hour away from Clemson, South Carolina but has never been to Clemson’s campus. Weeks says he is looking forward to playing in such a hostile environment.

Cut 18 (12) “…excited to go.”

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UL-Lafayette kicks off its season on Saturday at 7 p.m. against Rice. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says that he wants starting quarterback Walker Howard to play free while trusting his offense.

Cut 19 (17) “….chance to win.”

The Cajuns defense will be tasked with countering a triple option offensive attack from Rice. Desormeaux said Rice’s offensive attack will be a good first test for the Cajuns.

Cut 20 (16) “…are at.”

State Police are looking for the driver who hit and killed a woman walking along an I-10 frontage road in Jefferson Davis Parish. Trooper Peggy Bourque says the incident at around one yesterday afternoon claimed the life of 53-year-old Bonnie Fontenot of Jennings, who had previously been reported missing.

Cut 12 (11) “…at the scene.”

Tomorrow marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina came crashing ashore, altering life in South Louisiana forever. At that time, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was a private citizen who rode out the storm at his home in Plaquemines Parish. Nungesser helped rescue 30 people by airboat.

Cut 7 (13) “…luckily, she did.”

The state department of education will use five million dollars in federal money to tutor more students struggling in literacy or math. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Hearts are heavy at Louisiana Public Broadcasting, as one of its on-air personalities died unexpectedly. Dorothea Wilson, who co-anchored and reported for Louisiana: The State We’re In, passed away Tuesday at the age of 42. Wilson was originally from New Orleans and joined LPB last September to be closer to family.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is excited to showcase a new-look offense full of transfer additions. Some of the weapons that Nussmeier will have on the offensive side are tight ends Bauer Sharp and Trey’Dez Green. Nussmeier says that he believes in both players’ abilities to execute, particularly in the receiving game.

Cut 17 (17)  “…they’re winning.”

The New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver room is set after acquiring Devaughn Vele (VAY-lay) from Denver and Trey Palmer off waivers. Head coach Kellen Moore says that both players bring valuable experience but have some catching up to do.

CUT 29 (14): “for everyone.”

The ULM Warhawks kick off their season tonight as they host Saint Francis. ULM ranked 128^th out of 133 teams in passing offense last season, averaging just over 134 yards in the air. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Aidan Armenta will take control of the Warhawks offense. Vincent says that Armenta has all the attributes needed to help the team go far.

Cut 19 (17) “….do it.”

Northwestern State football looks to get its first win since November of 2022 tonight as it faces Alcorn State at 7 p.m. Head coach Blaine McCorkle enters his second year with the Demons after going winless in his first season. Redshirt freshman Abram Johnston will lead the Demons’ offense at quarterback after starting in three games last season.

Tomorrow is the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall in southeast Louisiana. Among those who rode out the deadly storm was Louisiana’s lieutenant governor….

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

We could have another Republican candidate enter next year’s U-S Senate race. The USA Today Network is reporting St. Tammany Parish Councilwoman Kathy Seiden is likely to challenge incumbent GOP Senator Bill Cassidy. Seiden has hired a pollster affiliated with President Trump to see if there’s support for the mother of four who lives in Mandeville.

A missing Jennings woman has been found dead near I-10 and State Police believes she was the victim of a hit and run. Trooper Pegg Bourque says the search is on for the vehicle that hit 53-year-old Bonnie Fontenot and left her for dead on the Interstate 10 frontage road near U-S Highway 165 in Jefferson Davis Parish. Bourque says the exact circumstances of the crash are unclear…

Cut 13 (07) “….on that further”

The Louisiana Department of Education is taking five million dollars in federal funding and putting it towards the Steve Carter Tutoring Program. Deputy Superintendent Doctor Jenna Chiasson says high dosage tutoring has been a key factor in Louisiana moving from 49^th to 32^nd on The Nation’s Report Card…

Cut 11 (07) “…national model’

Chiasson says this five million dollar investment will provide tutoring to children on a waitlist for the program.

A six-year-old girl is recovering after being shot in Lafayette over the weekend. Lafayette Police Detective Ken Handy says fortunately, the girl will survive.

Cut 3 (05) “…condition has stabilized.”

Two suspects are under arrest. Daylon Andrus was initially arrested and was booked on a charge of attempted second-degree murder. This morning, Ja Andrea Kentrell Willis was arrested in Beaumont, Texas.

State Police are looking for the driver who hit and killed a woman walking along an I-10 frontage road in Jefferson Davis Parish. Trooper Peggy Bourque says the incident at around one yesterday afternoon claimed the life of 53-year-old Bonnie Fontenot of Jennings, who had previously been reported missing.

Cut 12 (11) “…at the scene.”

Bourque says at this time, the exact circumstances of the crash are still unclear.

Back in August of 2005, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was a private citizen who rode out Hurricane Katrina at his home in Plaquemines Parish. Nungesser says what he experienced that day are things he will never forget.

Cut 6 (13) “…would ever see.”

The Louisiana Department of Education is investing five million dollars into the Steve Carter Tutoring program, which will result in more students receiving high dosage tutoring. Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jenna Chiasson says it offers digital vouchers to eligible families who have students in need of high-quality tutoring.

Cut 10 (10) “…our list.”

Now in its third year, the program has a waitlist of eight-thousand students.

The Louisiana Department of Education is investing five million dollars into the Steve Carter Tutoring program, which will result in more students receiving high dosage tutoring. Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Doctor Jenna Chiasson, says the five million dollars from the department of education is on top of the five-million dollars the state legislature appropriated for this school year…

Cut 9 (08)  “…deficit areas.”

Now in its third year, the Steve Carter Tutoring Program has experienced increased demand and has a waitlist of eight thousand students.

Tomorrow is the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser was a private citizen back then and was one of many who conducted their own rescue mission…

Cut 8 (12) “…on for months’

Lafayette Police have charged two people with attempted murder in the shooting of a six-year-old girl. Detective Ken Handy says the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation…

Cut 5 (11) “….of what occurred”

The two people arrested have been identified as Dayon Andrus and Ja Andrea Kentrell Willis. The six-year-old remains hospitalized, in stable condition.

There are two college football games in north Louisiana tonight. ULM begins the second season of the Bryant Vincent era by hosting St. Francis.

Northwestern State is hosting Alcorn State. Second year head coach Blaine McCorkle has a scouting report on the Braves…

Cut 21 (11) “….big up front”

Kick-off is at 7 PM.