A Calcasieu Parish jury has found a southwest Louisiana man guilty of murder in the brutal death of 72-year-old Sheila Ortega in 2023. District Attorney Stephen Dwight says it took just over an hour for a jury to convict 43-year-old Christopher Cater of first-degree murder and unlawful disposal of remains….

Cut 10 (12) “…guilty verdict.”

The longtime face of New Orleans Mardi Gras is calling it a career. Arthur Hardy, the longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says after a half century, the 2026 edition will be his last.

Cut 6 (09) “…time as any.”

Hardy launched the Mardi Gras Guide with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules. It’s now published by Georges Media and will continue to bear Hardy’s name.

Drought conditions are starting to develop across Louisiana as the state is in store for another dry weekend. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is starting to test seafood for contamination following last month’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. LDEQ is testing them for heavy metals and petroleum-related chemicals. It’s collecting samples in the Tangipahoa River and Lake Pontchartrain.

The longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine says the 2026 edition will be his last. Arthur Hardy launched the magazine with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules. Hardy says while he always knew it was a great idea, it took a few years for it to really catch on.

Cut 8 (10) “…financial disaster initially.”

The guide is now published by Georges Media and will continue to bear Hardy’s name.

We’re looking at a dry weekend across the state and abnormally dry conditions have developed across south Louisiana and along the Arkansas border. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the dry conditions will likely worsen as we move into fall as La Nina conditions are expected to develop…

Cut 5 (10) “…and spring”

A Calcasieu Parish jury has found a southwest Louisiana man guilty of murder in the brutal death of a 72-year-old woman in 2023. District Attorney Stephen Dwight says after 43-year-old Christopher Cater killed Shelia Ortega, he drove around with the woman’s body for a month.

Cut 9 (07)  “…during the summer.”

It took just over an hour for a jury to convict Cater of first-degree murder and unlawful disposal of remains.

LSU will host Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday before it gets to the meat of its SEC schedule. The Tigers’ mantra for the entire season is to go 1-and-0 every week, and Sophomore linebacker Davhon Keys reiterates focusing on one opponent at a time.

Cut 20 (15) “…the future.”

We are looking at a dry weekend across the state. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says other than a pop up thunderstorm here or there, there’s not a significant chance for rain for several days.

Cut 4 (07) “…for rain.”

Grymes says the dry conditions will likely worsen as we move into fall as La Nina conditions are expected to develop.

The longtime face of New Orleans Mardi Gras has announced his retirement. Arthur Hardy, the longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says after a half century, the 2026 edition will be his last. Hardy says he has lots of post-retirement plans.

Cut 7 (08) “…in Oslo, Norway.”

Hardy launched the Mardi Gras Guide with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada trying to drum up travel back to Louisiana, but he’s finding it difficult. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We are looking at a dry weekend across the state and abnormally dry conditions have developed across south Louisiana and along the Arkansas border. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says nearly half of the state is on the verge of drought conditions according to the Drought Monitor.

Cut 3 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

The longtime face of New Orleans Mardi Gras is calling it a career. Arthur Hardy, the longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says after a half century, the 2026 edition will be his last.

Cut 6 (09) “…time as any.”

Hardy launched the Mardi Gras Guide with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules. It’s now published by Georges Media and will continue to bear Hardy’s name.

With Jefferson Parish receiving a Class Three flood protection rating from FEMA, homeowners in unincorporated parts of the parish will receive an additional 10-percent discount on their flood insurance premiums. Maggie Talley, the parish’s director of floodplain management and hazard mitigation, says the parish has made upgrades in drainage, improved the pumping systems and adopted stronger building codes.

Cut 8 (08) “…flood damages.”

If you’re hoping that the Fed rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again. Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says the interest rates that the Fed sets affect how banks borrow from one another and do not have an immediate direct impact on the interest rates that consumers pay, including mortgages and other types of interest.

Cut 14 (10) “…by credit risk.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada this week with state and local tourism officials trying to promote travel to Louisiana, but he’s finding Canadians are not interested in leisure trips to the United States because of President Trump’s previous statements and actions.

Cut 4 (08) “…the tariffs.”

The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says part of that money would be used to upgrade facilities at the university.

Cut 11 (15) “…as enhance infrastructure.”

The schools haven’t decided how the money will be divided among them yet.

Jefferson Parish is the first parish in Louisiana to receive a Class 3 flood protection rating from FEMA, which means a larger flood insurance premium discount for thousands in unincorporated parts of the parish. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A Florida woman is arrested for allegedly scamming the Terrebonne Parish government out of nearly 130-thousand dollars. Prosecutors say 56-year-old Linh Thuy Ngo (“leen twee nyo”) sent phony invoices posing as a DOTD employee, asking employees to wire transfer money to a Florida bank account.

Homes and businesses located in unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish will get a raise from their current 25 percent to a 35-percent discount on their flood insurance premiums when their policies renew after October 1^st. Director of floodplain management and hazard mitigation Maggie Talley, says it’s because the parish has made upgrades in drainage, improved the pumping systems and adopted stronger building codes.

Cut 8 (08) “…flood damages.”

The Fed cut interest rates by a quarter point and indicated that there may be two more rate cuts by the end of the year. LSU professor of finance, Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an) says they issued the cut in response to weakness in the job market. But he says can be a tough balancing act – while unemployment is up, it becomes a different situation if inflation also rises.

Cut 15 (08) “…rise up.”

The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says that’s over and above the funding the schools received in the previous fiscal year, and part of that money would go towards the Title Three program.

Cut 10 (15) “…and graduate students.”

Funds are being redirected from other grants, mostly the government’s Hispanic-Serving Institution program, which offers grants to colleges and universities where at least a quarter of undergraduates are Hispanic.

Last year an estimated 185-thousand Canadian visitors to Louisiana spent nearly 194-million dollars but Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser who is in Canada promoting to Louisiana says visits are down because President Trump’s talk of making the neighbors to the north the 51^st state has rubbed Canadians the wrong way.

Cut 6 (10) “…in Canada.”

Canada is Louisiana’s largest international tourism market. Last year, they spent nearly 194-million dollars in the Bayou State and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is visiting Canadian cities promoting travel to Louisiana. He says this year, Louisiana has seen a decline in travel by Canadians.

Cut 5 (11) “…we’re battling.”

Joining Nungesser on this trip are representatives of the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana and nine parish tourism partners. They’ve been to Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.

More than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding is being allocated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says part of that money would be used to upgrade facilities at the university.

Cut 11 (15) “…as enhance infrastructure.”

This week, the Fed cut interest rates by a quarter point. What does that mean for consumers like you and me? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Jefferson Parish is one of only 11 communities nationwide to reach Class 3 level in the National Flood Insurance program’s community rating system and that means homes in unincorporated areas of the parish will see their flood insurance discount rise to 35 percent. Director of Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation, Maggie Talley on how they achieved the rating…

Cut 9 (09)  “…class rating.”

The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says money would be used to upgrade facilities and programs to ensure students’ academic success.

Cut 12 (11) “…opportunity to succeed.”

The money is being redirected from other grants, mostly from the government’s Hispanic-Serving Institution program.

The Federal Reserve dropped interest rates by a quarter point this week but that doesn’t mean consumers’ interest rates are dropping. LSU Professor of finance, Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), says the Fed sets the interest rates that impact the rates that banks charge to borrow from one another.

Cut 14 (10) “…by credit risk.”

Jefferson Parish is the first parish in Louisiana to receive a Class 3 flood protection rating from FEMA, which means a larger flood insurance premium discount for thousands in unincorporated parts of the parish. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada this week with state and local tourism officials trying to promote travel to Louisiana, but he’s finding Canadians are not interested in leisure trips to the United States because of President Trump’s previous statements and actions.

Cut 4 (08) “…the tariffs.”

This week, the Fed dropped interest rates by a quarter point and indicated that there may be two more rate cuts by the end of the year. So what does that mean for consumers like you and me? Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says if you’re hoping that the rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the rate cut.”

Homes and businesses located in unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish are receiving a 35-percent discount on their flood insurance premiums when their policies renew after October 1^st. Maggie Talley, Jefferson Parish’s director of floodplain management and hazard mitigation, says thousands of policyholders are receiving this big discount because FEMA has recognized the parish’s flood mitigation efforts.

Cut 7 (07) “…35-percent savings.”

Parish officials say the bigger discount will save residents over 12-million dollars a year.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada trying to drum up travel back to Louisiana, but he’s finding it difficult. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says that’s over and above the funding the schools received in the previous fiscal year, and part of that money would go towards the Title Three program.

Cut 10 (12) “…other services.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada trying to drum up travel back to Louisiana, but he’s finding it difficult. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Jefferson Parish is the first parish in Louisiana to receive a Class 3 flood protection rating from FEMA, which means a larger flood insurance premium discount for thousands in unincorporated parts of the parish. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

This week, the Fed cut interest rates by a quarter point. What does that mean for consumers like you and me? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_________________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada this week with state and local tourism officials trying to promote travel to Louisiana, but he’s finding Canadians are not interested in leisure trips to the United States because of President Trump’s previous statements and actions.

Cut 4 (08) “…the tariffs.”

Canada is Louisiana’s largest international tourism market. In 2024, the state welcomed an estimated 185-thousand visitors from Canada, and Canadians spent nearly 194-million dollars in the Bayou State. But Nungesser says this year, they’ve seen a decline in travel by Canadians to Louisiana.

Cut 5 (11) “…we’re battling.”

Joining Nungesser on this trip are representatives of the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana and nine parish tourism partners. Nungesser says they’ve been to Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City meeting with government and tourism officials, tour operators and media.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51^st state of the United States, but Nungesser that kind of talk has rubbed Canadians the wrong way.

Cut 6 (10) “…in Canada.”

_________________________________________________

Homes and businesses located in unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish will receive a 35-percent discount on their flood insurance premiums when their policies renew after October 1^st. Maggie Talley, Jefferson Parish’s director of floodplain management and hazard mitigation, says thousands of policyholders are receiving this big discount because FEMA has recognized the parish’s flood mitigation efforts.

Cut 7 (07) “…35-percent savings.”

The discount is currently 25-percent, and it’s increasing to 35-percent. Tally says over the years, the parish has made upgrades in drainage, improved the pumping systems and adopted stronger building codes.

Cut 8 (08) “…flood damages.”

Jefferson officials say the bigger discount will save residents over 12-million dollars a year. Talley says Jefferson Parish is one of only 11 communities nationwide to reach the Class 3 level in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System.

Cut 9 (09)  “…class rating.”

___________________________________________

The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says that’s over and above the funding the schools received in the previous fiscal year, and part of that money would go towards the Title Three program.

Cut 10 (15) “…and graduate students.”

Dr. Lemelle says part of that money would be used to upgrade facilities at the university.

Cut 11 (15) “…as enhance infrastructure.”

Lemelle says some of that money could also go towards ensuring students’ academic success.

Cut 12 (11) “…opportunity to succeed.”

The schools haven’t decided how the money will be divided among them yet. The money for the HBCUs is being redirected from other grants, mostly from the government’s Hispanic-Serving Institution program, which offers grants to colleges and universities where at least a quarter of undergraduates are Hispanic.

______________________________________________________

This week, the Fed dropped interest rates by a quarter point and indicated that there may be two more rate cuts by the end of the year. So what does that mean for consumers like you and me? Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says if you’re hoping that the rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the rate cut.”

Narayanan says the interest rates that the Fed sets affect how banks borrow from one another and do not have an immediate direct impact on the interest rates that consumers pay. As such, he says the rate cut will also have no immediate impact on other types of interest.

Cut 14 (10) “…by credit risk.”

Narayanan says the Fed issued the rate cut in response to weakness in the job market. But he says it’s a tough balancing act – while unemployment is up, it becomes a different situation when inflation also rises.

Cut 15 (11) “…spending slow down.”

______________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech played both quarterbacks Trey Kukuk (Q-Kuhk) and Blake Baker in the dominant 49-14 win over New Mexico State. The sophomore Baker threw for 182 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says that the Bulldogs will continue to play both, but he was impressed with Baker’s ability to extend plays with his legs.

Cut 16 (20) “…scramble drill.”

Louisiana Tech’s offensive line struggled to protect the quarterback in the first couple of games, but limited New Mexico State to just one sack last week. Cumbie says he is proud of the growth from the entire unit and says the Bulldogs have to continue getting better with protection as it faces a dangerous Southern Mississippi pass rush on Saturday.

Cut 17 (20)  “…the quarterback.”

__________________________________________________

LSU has been struggling to mesh on the offensive line through the first three games of the season, specifically with creating holes in the run game. The Tigers have sufficed in pass protection, but only average nearly 110 yards a game on the ground. Head coach Brian Kelly says the group is still working to become more technically sound as a unit.

Cut 18 (15) “…tails off.”

Through just the first three games, LSU has only allowed three offensive touchdowns to opposing offenses. The Tigers intercepted D-J Lagway five times and limited Florida’s offense to no second half points. Sophomore linebacker Davhon Keys credited the defense’s early success to being in Blake Baker’s scheme for a second-straight season.

Cut 19 (17) “…having fun.”

LSU will host Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday before it gets to the meat of its SEC schedule. The Tigers’ mantra for the entire season is to go 1-and-0 every week, and Keys reiterates focusing on one opponent at a time.

Cut 20 (15) “…the future.”