DOTD is once again launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest, which runs through October 31st. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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With a new academic year underway at LSU, the school is launching its Tiger Nation Challenge for 2026. Jeff Palermo reports.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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On the heels of the success of the Love The Boot initiative comes Love Our Waterways. Joe Gallinaro reports.
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”
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The Louisiana Democratic Party is opposing constitutional amendment four on the November third ballot. The proposed amendment would prevent a governor from serving another term after already serving two terms and sitting out at least four years. Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines says if a former two-term governor wants to run again, voters should decide whether that person deserves a third term.
Cut 4 (04) “…for whatever reason.”
Chalmette Republican Mike Bayham authored the proposed amendment. He says the change would bring new ideas to the governor’s office and prevent former governors from using their fundraising advantages against first-time candidates.
But Gaines says the amendment would take away a choice from Louisiana voters.
Cut 5 (05) “…lead the state.”
If a simple majority approves the amendment on November third, former Republican Governor Bobby Jindal and former Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards would be barred from running for governor again.
Democrats believe the proposal is designed specifically to prevent Edwards from making another run for governor. Gaines says he believes that argument has merit.
Cut 6 (04) “…intent is obvious.”
Bayham told the Louisiana Illuminator that the amendment is nonpartisan and is not aimed at Edwards.
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DOTD is launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest for 2026. High school students are invited to create videos highlighting the importance of wearing seatbelts and avoiding distractions like cell phones when behind the wheel. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says last year, distracted driving was blamed for nearly 22-percent of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana.
Cut 7 (11) “…of those crashes.”
Mallett says the lack of seatbelt use is an even bigger factor in traffic fatalities.
Cut 8 (07) “…who are unrestrained.”
Mallett says while the video contest is in its second year in Louisiana, the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Challenge is actually a national initiative that’s been going on for years.
Cut 9 (05) “…started in Missouri.”
There are prizes for the best videos – five-thousand dollars for first place, 35-hundred dollars for second place and 15-hundred dollars for third place. The contest runs through October 31st.
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As another LSU school year gets underway, the LSU Alumni Association is launching its Tiger Nation Challenge for 2026. Vice President of Development Lauren Griffin says the annual fundraising drive plays a crucial role.
Cut 10 (12) “…to the university.”
Griffin says this year, in honor of LSU’s big game against Clemson in Death Valley, they’re having a friendly competition with Clemson’s alumni association to see which one can raise more money.
Cut 11 (08) “…can get involved.”
Griffin says the best part is, you don’t even need to be an LSU alum to give to the alumni association and to take part in this contest.
Cut 12 (10) “…welcome for sure.”
You can donate by going to lsualumni.org/tigernationchallenge. There are prizes available, including two tickets to every LSU home game for the 2026 season. As for which school wins the challenge, whether it be LSU or Clemson, Griffin says since it’s a friendly competition, that school will merely get the satisfaction of winning.
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The long-anticipated spin-off of Love The Boot is now underway as Love Our Waterways is going on throughout the entire month of September. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says while Love The Boot focuses on cleaning up litter on land, Love Our Waterways focuses on cleaning up litter in the state’s waterways, which is just as much an issue.
Cut 13 (08) “…litter you see.”
Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says even if you don’t have a boat, you can still participate in the cleanup effort through Love Our Waterways.
Cut 14 (11) “…lakes and bayous.”
Two-hundred events are already registered; and Nungesser says if you’d like to participate, you can get information at LoveLAWaterways.org.
Cut 15 (09) “…get involved in.”
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Louisiana Tech opens the season at home against Northwestern State on Saturday. Tight end Eli Finley is back for his senior season with the Bulldogs after leading the team with 38 catches for 444 yards last year. He says he expects their offense to be exciting this year.
Cut 16 (20) “…no matter what.”
Tech also welcomes back graduate linebacker Kolbe Fields. Fields was the preseason CUSA Defensive Player of the Year last season and dominated through the first five games before a season-ending ACL injury. He says he’s had opportunities to go to other schools, but he isn’t interested in a one-year deal, and nothing can replace the relationships he’s built in three years in Ruston.
Cut 17 (15) “…get older.”
Kickoff is at 6:30.
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There’s been so much talk about new LSU starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, we finally get to see him play on Saturday night when the 13th ranked Tigers host 23rd ranked Clemson. When Leavitt played at Arizona State last season, the Sun Devils averaged 54-thousand fans for their home games. The crowd for Saturday night’s game will be nearly twice that and he’s fired up for it…
Cut 18 (18) “…focus up.”
Leavitt led Arizona State to an unexpected Big 12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2024. That season he totaled 33-hundred yards and 28 touchdowns. His 2025 season was cut short by a foot injury and entered the transfer portal in January and signed with LSU after visiting Kentucky, Tennessee and Miami as well. Leavitt is excited about his new home…
Cut 19 (17) “…growing and growing.”
Leavitt was limited during spring practice because of a Lisfranc injury and it was not until the summer offseason workouts until he was a full-go.
Cut 20 (16) “…our whole offense.”