Today is the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a storm that absolutely devasted southeastern Louisiana and killed 18-hundred people. Greater New Orleans Inc President Michael Hecht says Katrina exposed deep flaws in the region’s infrastructure and emergency response, leading to a long and difficult recovery…

cut 4 (12) “…were lost”

Unfortunately, in Louisiana we always have to be prepared for the next storm. That’s why Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging residents to learn more about Louisiana’s Fortified Roof program…

Cut 26 (13) “…not enough”

That’s one major reason why the state still has ten-million dollars left over from the first year of its fortified roof program.

Nearly 43-thousand Louisiana seniors on Medicare prescription drug plans stand to save money starting next year. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says that’s because a new out-of-pocket prescription drug cap contained in the Inflation Reduction Act goes into effect January 1st.

Cut 8 (09) “…across the country.”

So starting January 1^st, Medicare recipients will no longer pay more than two-thousand dollars a year in out of pocket prescription drug costs.

The run of dry weather will allow Louisiana corn producers to complete their harvest this week, and yields are way up over last year when the state suffered through a historic drought. LSU AgCenter Corn and Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says unfortunately, an increase in yields, plus slightly lower input costs, will not result in more money for farmers…

Cut 24 (10) “…this year.”

19 years ago today, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. Its powerful storm surge led to a failure in the levee system which resulted in flooding of 80-percent of New Orleans. Greater New Orleans Inc president Michael Hecht says the city better protected now…

Cut 5 (08) “….risk of flooding”

And we saw that three-years ago today, when Hurricane Ida made landfall in southeast Louisiana. There was extensive wind damage in Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles and Tangipahoa Parishes and parts of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. But New Orleans did not flood.

Tuesday marked the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura, which caused 23-billion dollars in damage in Louisiana and Texas. Lake Charles was ground zero. Mayor Nic Hunter….

Cut 7 (06) “….miraculous”

Hunter says there are still too many blue tarps on roofs in the city and he’s continuing his work to bring small businesses back.

Nearly 43-thousand Louisiana seniors on Medicare prescription drug plans stand to save money starting next year. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.” 

The Department of Revenue says there are thousands of taxpayers who have yet to claim a tax refund they are owed from the state.

Cut 13 (09) “…by September 6^th”

L-D-R spokesperson Byron Henderson if the refund goes unclaimed, it will be sent to the unclaimed property division of the state treasurer’s office.

Today marks the 19^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the third anniversary of Hurricane Ida and Tuesday was the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Laura. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (36) “…. I’m Sean Richardson

Two parked planes at England Air Park in Alexandria collided with each other when a microburst of wind lifted and spun a plane around, causing it to hit another. No injuries were reported, and no flights were impacted. The National Weather Service recorded a 90-mile per hour wind when the microburst hit.

Licensed hunters can start applying today for one of the ten permits that are available for the state’s first bear hunting season since 1987. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says there is a fee to apply….

Cut 11 (17) “…black bear accounts”

The hunting season will take place for about two weeks in December in select parishes in northeast Louisiana. Go to Louisiana-outdoors-dot-com to apply.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue is putting out another reminder that there is nine-point-three million dollars in unclaimed state tax refunds, and they’ve alerted nearly 19-thousand taxpayers that they have their money. L-D-R spokesperson Byron Henderson says If it’s not claimed by September sixth, the money will go to Unclaimed Property….

Cut 15 (13) “…State Treasurer’s office”

As Louisiana remembers the anniversaries of Hurricane Katrina and Laura this week, residents and officials reflect on the resilience shown in the face of such disasters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Nearly 43-thousand Louisiana seniors on Medicare prescription drug plans stand to save a lot of money starting next year. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.” 

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LSU star offensive tackle Will Campbell has made his intentions known on what he’ll do when he gets to Las Vegas for Sunday’s game against USC. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The anniversaries of hurricanes Katrina and Laura mark significant moments of reflection for Louisiana, commemorating two of the most destructive storms in U-S history. Hurricane Katrina, which struck on August 29, 2005, devastated New Orleans leading to 1,833 deaths and widespread destruction due to catastrophic levee failures. Greater New Orleans Inc. president Michael Hecht says Katrina exposed deep flaws in the region’s infrastructure and emergency response, leading to a long and difficult recovery.

Cut 4 (12) “…lives that were lost.”

In the years since Katrina, Hecht says New Orleans has undergone extensive rebuilding efforts, with improvements to the levee system and flood defenses.

Cut 5 (08) “…risk of flooding.”

Fifteen years later, on August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana as a Category 4 storm, bringing 150 mph winds and massive destruction, particularly in Lake Charles and surrounding areas. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says the affected communities have worked tirelessly to rebuild, though the recovery has been slow…

Cut 6 (11) “…community.”

Laura caused billions of dollars in damage and claimed at least 30 lives and though the recovery is slow he is hopeful.  Hunter says there is still work to be done…

Cut 7 (06) “…miraculous.”

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Nearly 43-thousand Louisiana seniors on Medicare prescription drug plans stand to save a lot of money starting next year. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says that’s because a new out-of-pocket prescription drug cap contained in the Inflation Reduction Act goes into effect January 1st.

Cut 8 (09) “…across the country.”

Muhl says that annual two-thousand-dollar out-of-pocket cap will save Medicare recipients a lot of money.

Cut 9 (11)  “…four-thousand a year.”

Muhl says this new cap will be very beneficial, since certain life-saving drugs can be very expensive.

Cut 10 (12) “…thousands very quickly.”

Even for those patients whose prescription drug costs are less than two-thousand dollars annually, they can still benefit since the law allows the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to negotiate lower drug prices in general.

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As we reported earlier this week, the State of Louisiana is set to hold its first Black Bear hunt since 1987 — and today, licensed hunters can start applying for one of ten permits that will be awarded. Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan says there is a fee to apply.

Cut 11 (17) “…black bear accounts.”

There are three types of permits to be awarded — Wildlife Management Area tags, private landowner tags and general public tags.

Cut 12 (09) “…per person.”

The lucky ten selected will need to go through a training course either on November 2nd or November 14th. The hunt will take place December 7th through the 22nd in Bear Management Area 4 in northeast Louisiana, which includes Tensas, Madison, East Carroll and West Carroll parishes.

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If you’re due a refund on your state taxes, you have until September 6th to claim the money before it goes into the Unclaimed Property Division of the state treasurer’s office. Byron Henderson with the Department of Revenue says there’s a lot of outstanding refunds to be claimed.

Cut 13 (09) “…by September 6th.” 

Henderson says the office has sent notice of unclaimed property letters to more than 18-thousand individual and business taxpayers.

Cut  14 (14) “…million dollars left.”

Henderson says it’s important to note that money unclaimed by the deadline is NOT forfeited.

Cut 15 (13) “…State Treasurer’s Office.”

If you received a notice of unclaimed property, there’s a link on the state Department of Revenue’s website that you can go to to provide the requested information, or you can complete the attached voucher and mail it in.

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College football has a new 12-team playoff this season, but there are many analysts who do not see the LSU Tigers among the 12 teams who will play in the expanded postseason tournament. Offensive tackle Will Campbell says they will be begin to prove the doubters wrong on Sunday when they take on USC…

Cut  16 (18)   “…we expected.”

Campbell is entering his third season as the starter at left tackle and will block for a new quarterback in Garrett Nussmeier. The Monroe native has all the confidence in the world in Nuss…

Cut 17 (15) “…come his way.”

LSU has lost its last four season openers. Campbell says it’s time to end that streak…

Cut 18 (16)  “…knows that.”

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A new era of ULM football begins tonight as the Warhawks host Jackson State to begin Bryant Vincent era. Vincent will look to rebuild a program that has not reached a bowl game since 2012. He says it’s time to start winning football games in Monroe…

Cut 19 (19) “….as a team”

Vincent wants to see a packed Malone Stadium tonight. Oklahoma transfer General Booty will start at quarterback. The redshirt junior was a three-star recruit out of high school and attended Tyler Junior College before joining the Sooners. Vincent has been impressed with his consistency and football IQ…

Cut 20 (15) “…those times.”

The run of dry weather will allow for Louisiana corn producers to complete their harvest this week and yields are way up over last year when the state suffered through a historic drought. LSU AgCenter Corn and Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says production is higher this year…
Cut 3 (10) “…I’ve heard.”
But according to Trading Economics, corn prices have decreased 23-percent since the start of this year.

For the fourth year in a row Louisiana will once again have a float in January’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser made the announcement at the Louisiana Travel Summit in Shreveport. Nungesser says the parade’s theme this year will be…
Cut 6 (06) “…Louisiana Saturday Night.”
The 2025 Louisiana Rose Parade float features a Louisiana alligator adorned with beads, and will have a Cajun dance hall on its back.

Louisiana’s Fortified Roof Grant Program, aimed at helping homeowners strengthen their roofs against hurricanes, is facing scrutiny as it carries over millions in unspent funds due to homeowners withdrawing due to out-of-pocket costs.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU says it is not altering its pregame routine, despite a request from Governor Landry to do so. Landry posted on X that universities out to strip scholarships from athletes who are not on the field or the court during the playing of the national anthem. Collegiate athletes are usually not present during the playing of the anthem, and LSU says there are no plans to change that protocol.

Since 2021, when the NCAA launched its Name, Image and Likeness policy, power programs have clamored for innovative solutions to recruit the country’s top prospects. Oklahoma State made headlines this offseason after unveiling QR codes linked to the team’s NIL collective displayed on the back of their helmets. LSU’s Brian Kelly is not a big fan…

Cut 10 (06) “…collegiate to me.”

Kelly says the collegiate feeling- the bands, students, and traditions- is what makes the game special.

LSU announced today that long-time color analyst on the LSU radio broadcasts, Doug Moreau, will not be in the booth with the voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, this season. Moreau is recovering from a recent surgery. Jacob Hester will take Moreau’s place.

Former LSU star Paul Skenes pitched today and gave up three runs in five innings. The Pirates went on to blow a seven run lead and lost to the Chicago Cubs 14-10.

The Saints made a trade with the Washington Commanders today as the Black and Gold are acquiring third-year defensive tackle John Ridgeway and a seventh round pick in 2025. The Saints will send Washington a sixth-round pick. Ridgeway was a fifth round pick by the Cowboys in 2022 and he’s played in 32 games and recorded 55 tackles.

The Saints have been busy filling out their practice squad and former Ragin Cajuns running back Jacob Kibodi was added to the practice squad today. He rushed for two touchdowns in Sunday’s preseason finale.

ULM takes the field tomorrow night as the Warhawks will host Jackson State. Junior running back Hunter Smith is expected to lead ULM’s ground attack after rushing for more than 500 yards last season. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent expects to use multiple ball carriers…

Cut 16 (15) “…strengths”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

For the fourth year in a row Louisiana will once again have a float in January’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the float’s theme is “Louisiana Saturday Night,” and it will once again feature a local artist.
Cut 8 (9) “…and coming performer.”
Timothy Wayne signed with UMG Nashville earlier this year and is working on his first studio album.

Louisiana’s Fortified Roof Grant Program is facing scrutiny as it carries over millions in unspent funds due to homeowners withdrawing due to cost. Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner, Tim Temple, says possible reasons for this could lack of awareness about the program, the complexities involved in applying for the grants, and out-of-pocket costs that the grant doesn’t cover
Cut 13 (12) “…not enough.”
The carryover of these funds could mean missed opportunities for homeowners to secure their properties against future storms.

The run of dry weather will allow for Louisiana corn producers to complete their harvest this week and yields are way up over last year when the state suffered through a historic drought. LSU AgCenter Corn and Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says while the dry weather has helped corn producers compete their harvest, cotton producers could use some rain…
Cut 5 (11) “…fruit shed.”
South Louisiana will start to see higher rain chances tomorrow.

A Beauregard Parish student is learning the hard way that making threatening posts on social media has serious consequences. DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard says the student posted something about an active shooter at DeRidder High School. Richard says there was no active shooter, no shots were fired, and no gun was found. The student is in custody; no word on the charges that student may be facing.

Louisiana’s Fortified Roof Grant Program, aimed at helping homeowners strengthen their roofs against hurricanes, is facing scrutiny as it carries over millions in unspent funds due to homeowners withdrawing due to cost. Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner, Tim Temple, tells homeowners the program is worth the investment.
Cut 12 (12) “…came into the system.”
Temple says possible reasons for this could lack of awareness about the program, the complexities involved in applying for the grants, and out-of-pocket cost that the grant doesn’t cover.

Some frustrating times for people headed towards Lafayette on westbound I-10 this morning. Traffic ground to a complete halt on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge in St. Martin Parish due to multiple crashes involving four 18-wheelers. The standstill lasted several hours before traffic started moving again.

Since 2021, when the NCAA launched its Name, Image and Likeness policy, power programs have clamored for innovative solutions to recruit the country’s top prospects. Oklahoma State made headlines this offseason after unveiling QR codes linked to the team’s NIL collective displayed on the back of their helmets.
Cut 10 (06) “…collegiate to me.”
Kelly says the collegiate feeling- the bands, students, and traditions- is what makes the game special.

LSU isn’t just Baton Rouge’s team, it’s the entire state’s team. That’s evident, as Allegiant Air has added additional flights from Shreveport to Las Vegas and back for the Tigers’ season opener against USC. Shreveport Regional Airport says Allegiant’s regularly scheduled flights between the two cities quickly sold out.

The run of dry weather will allow for Louisiana corn producers to complete their harvest this week, and yields are way up over last year when the state suffered through a historic drought. LSU AgCenter Corn and Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says unfortunately, an increase in yields, plus slightly lower input costs, will not not result in more money for farmers…
Cut 4 (10) “…this year.”
South Louisiana will start to see higher rain chances tomorrow.

For the fourth year in a row Louisiana will have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The parade’s theme is “Best Day Ever,” and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says they picked the theme “Louisiana Saturday Night” for the float because that’s the best day ever.
Cut 7 (09) “…all over Louisiana.”
Local country artist Timothy Wayne will be performing onboard.

In 2021, the NCAA’s Name Image and Likeness policy began allowing collegiate athletes to profit from their identities. Since then, power programs have clamored for innovative NIL solutions to recruit the nation’s top prospects, but LSU football coach Brian Kelly says there’s a line he won’t let NIL fundraising cross.
Cut 9 (13) “…gameday atmosphere .”
The Tigers have helped lead the charge in NIL innovations, unveiling a first of its kind collaboration between the Tiger Athletic Foundation and the team’s Bayou Collective earlier this summer.