LSU Associate Professor of coastal meteorology Paul Miller says Louisiana can expect some African visitors this weekend. Kace Kieschnick has the story.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
____________________________________________
A sweeping bill that mandates a series of nutritional reforms is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
____________________________________________
LSU hosts West Virginia this weekend with a trip to the College World Series on the line. Kace Kieschnick has more.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
____________________________________________
If the sky outside seems hazy and brown this weekend, you don’t need to get your eyes checked. It’s the result of dust particles from the Sahara Desert. Associate professor of coastal meteorology at LSU, Paul Miller, says dust plumes are a regular part of the Atlantic climate system.
Cut 4 (10) “…happening here.”
For most, the plume will be nothing more than a bizarre experience, but Miller says its arrival will bring poor air quality conditions, which can be harmful to certain individuals.
Cut 5 (11) “…something like that.”
It’s not all bad though, Miller says the plume can act as a temporary shield from intense storms and even hurricanes. The dust is brought across the Atlantic by hot, dry desert winds.
Cut 6 (10) “…cyclone development.”
Miller says weather systems off the coast of Florida should disperse the dust by Monday.
________________________________________________________
A sweeping bill calling for a series of nutrition reforms is on the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 14, authored by Covington Republican Patrick McMath, unanimously passed both houses of legislature. Major components include banning certain artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools, and forcing food companies to put QR codes on packaging if their products contain certain artificial ingredients. McMath says they’re part of the nationwide Make America Healthy Again movement.
Cut 7 (11) “…change their ingredients.”
Also, restaurants and other food businesses which use seed oils in their cooking will have to clearly indicate such. And McMath says certain medical professionals will be required to take a one-hour course on nutrition and metabolic health every two years.
Cut 8 (16) “…they simply don’t.”
One thing that didn’t make it onto the final bill was banning the use of SNAP benefits to purchase soft drinks. McMath says that’s because Governor Landry made the issue moot.
Cut 9 (11) “…for SNAP recipients.”
McMath acknowledges that change will not happen overnight, and that it will take some time for food companies to change their ingredients. Therefore, the QR codes won’t take effect until January 1st, 2028, while the school meal ingredient requirements go into effect at the start of the 2028-29 school year.
________________________________________________________
Looking for something to do this weekend? How about going fishing! This is the weekend to do it – Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says this is free fishing weekend.
Cut 10 (09) “…sport of fishing.”
Every state has a free fishing weekend, although not necessarily the same weekend. LeBreton says the program has been going on for decades, and it’s been very successful.
Cut 11 (08) “…license after that.”
And LeBreton says fishing licenses are very easy to obtain – and very inexpensive.
Cut 12 (09) “…top of that.”
And the fishing license is good for 365 days following the date of issuance.
_________________________________________________________
The Super Regional between LSU and West Virginia kicks off at Alex Box Stadium tomorrow. The Mountaineers and Tigers have similar records at over 40 wins each. Tiger Rag editor Glen Guilbeau thinks LSU may have the upper hand, but that doesn’t mean this weekend’s series is a sure thing.
Cut 13 (15) “…as well.”
Tigers aces Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson have been a devastating duo on the mound, but Guilbeau says if LSU can’t wrap up the series by Sunday, Monday’s game three could get interesting.
Cut 14 (17) “…off game.”
Guilbeau expects Eyanson to start game one to be available to close out game three if necessary. He thinks coach Jay Johnson will have to save sure-handed righty reliever Casan Evans to start Monday.
Guilbeau believes Johnson will stick with the lineup that secured a Regional championship versus Little Rock.
Cut 15 (14) “…fifth or sixth.”
First pitch tomorrow is set for 1 p.m.
_______________________________________________________
The Louisiana High School Coaches Association named Franklinton native Jessica Barber as its new director. Barber brings nearly two decades of coaching experience at the high school, college and AAU levels. Barber is proud to be the association’s first female director. She says when she got the job, she thought of the deserving women who impacted her as an athlete.
Cut 16 (12) “…high school athletics.”
Barber was most recently an assistant women’s basketball coach at Southern Miss from 2023 to 2025. She also served at ULM, Loyola University New Orleans, Pine High School, Franklinton High School and Edna Karr High School. Barber says she hopes to be a resource for coaches across the state.
Cut 17 (11) “…offering solutions”
Barber identified one of the biggest challenges coaches face as burnout and commitment among high school athletes. As an experienced assistant coach, Barber says building relationships and having fun should always be at the center of athletics.
Cut 18 (12) “…help with.”
___________________________________________
If you check the internet, you can find plenty of trade rumors involving Saints wide receiver Chris Olave. The team’s best receiver has two more years left on the contract that he signed when he was a rookie. Coach Kellen Moore says there’s nothing to the reports that the Black and Gold are looking to deal Olave.
Cut 19 (10) “…in him”
Tight end Foster Moreau is not participating in OTAs because of a knee injury he suffered in Week 18. But Moore is impressed with Moreau’s involvement with the team.
Cut 20 (19) “…we want.”