Fire crews spent the weekend battling the fire that resulted from Friday afternoon’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, in Tangipahoa Parish. As of yesterday evening, Louisiana State Police said the fire is 90-percent contained. Yesterday, crews began removing structural debris and addressing covered hotspots. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says a one-mile evacuation zone remains in effect.

Cut 13 (08)  “…sightseers come by.”

Among those evacuated were former Governor John Bel Edwards and his wife.

The EPA has now taken the lead at the site. They will deal with the collection and disposal of hazardous materials at the site and in area ditches and ponds, and the Tangipahoa River.

This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. As we look back at how the storm changed the state and the lives of so many we see resilience and the rise of new programs. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says since Katrina we’ve seen the rise of charter schools and he says it started in New Orleans with results that are notable.

Cut 4 (11) “…’B’ school district”

Secretary of State Nancy Landry is joining registrars of voters across the state this week to promote Voter Registration Week. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Starting today, residents living in the 3-1-8 area code will have to dial 3-1-8, plus the seven other numbers when making a call to an existing 3-1-8 phone number. It’s because a new 4-5-7 area code will begin next September. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the ten-digit number is necessary to distinguish between the two area codes…

Cut 7 (12) “…number now.”

This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns reports the storm changed some aspects of the state forever.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Secretary of State Nancy Landry is joining registrars of voters across the state this week to promote Voter Registration Week. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Firefighters in Tangipahoa Parish were busy all weekend long fighting the fire that resulted from an explosion at a lubricant manufacturing facility. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. And while that storm certainly changed many facets of the state forever, the state is largely the same as it once was. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says one effect of Katrina’s aftermath was the rise of charter schools throughout the state. Erwin says it all started in New Orleans, and the charter schools have produced tremendous results.

Cut 4 (11) “…’B’ school district”

Erwin says Katrina also led to a consolidation of the levee boards in that part of the state.

Cut 5 (11) “…the levee board.”

Erwin says New Orleans used the occasion of the recovery from Katrina to try to reinvent itself economically, with limited success.

Cut 6 (13) “…didn’t really stick.”

Today, much as it was before Katrina, New Orleans’ biggest economy is in travel and tourism.

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Starting today, residents living in the 3-1-8 area code will have to dial 3-1-8, plus the seven other numbers when making a call to an existing 3-1-8 phone number. It’s because a new 4-5-7 area code will begin next September. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the ten-digit number is necessary to distinguish between the two area codes…

Cut 7 (12) “…number now.”

Starting on September 25^th, newly assigned phone numbers in north and central Louisiana will have a 4-5-7 area code. Campbell says to prepare for this new area code, people with a 3-1-8 area code will need to dial all ten numbers when calling another phone with a 3-1-8 area code…

Cut 8 (08) “…deal with.”

Campbell says the new area code is necessary because they ran out of seven-digit numbers for the 3-1-8 area code…

Cut 9 (04)  “…3-1-8.”

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Secretary of State Nancy Landry is promoting Voter Registration Week this week. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State office says this there are events throughout the state this week.

Cut 10 (10) “…their registration.”

Watson says once you register to vote, you’re registered forever — except in certain conditions.

Cut 11 (13) “…you’re eligible.”

Watson says it is important to make sure voter information is up to date for upcoming elections — and you can do so online or on the Geaux Vote app.

Cut 12 (12) “…and accurate.”

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Fire crews spent the weekend battling the fire that resulted from Friday afternoon’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, in Tangipahoa Parish. As of yesterday evening, Louisiana State Police said the fire is 90-percent contained. Yesterday, crews began removing structural debris and addressing covered hotspots. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says a one-mile evacuation zone remains in effect.

Cut 13 (08)  “…sightseers come by.”

Among those evacuated were former Governor John Bel Edwards and his wife. A family associate says they’re safe and are monitoring the situation. During a news conference Saturday morning, State Police Sergeant William Huggins says there were several small explosions in the hours after the initial explosion.

Cut 14 (09) “…at this time.”

Authorities have been monitoring the air quality around the plant since the explosion first happened and recommend that people avoid contact with any soot from the fire and explosion. President Miller says not only was no one killed, no one was even injured in the blast.

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The preseason is over for the Saints, and now we wait for head coach Kellen Moore to announce who will start at quarterback when the regular season begins on September 7th against Arizona. Spencer Rattler started and Tyler Shough replaced him Rattler midway through the second quarter. Moore says both did good things…

Cut 15 (15) “…good stuff.”

Shough ran for a touchdown and threw for 102 yards, but also lost a fumble. Rattler was 5-of-8 for 43 yards.

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Nicholls started its season on Saturday with an impressive win over 4th-ranked UIW. The defense led the way, holding the Cardinals to 204 total yards in a 20-6 win. Ty Marsh scored the first touchdown on a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the first quarter…

Cut 16 (15) “…hoping to get more.”

It was win number one for new head coach Tommy Rybacki. Rybacki was not surprised to see his team play so well in the season opener…

Cut 17 (12)  “…proud of that.”

Nicholls is back in action this Saturday.

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Disappointing start to the season for the Southern Jaguars as they lost to North Carolina Central 31-14 on Saturday night in Atlanta. The Jaguars only threw for 92 yards and the Southern defense gave up 231 rushing yards. Coach Terrance Graves says the game should be a wake up call for his players…

Cut 18 (14) “…execute.”

Southern is at Mississippi Valley State this Saturday.

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Game week has arrived for the LSU Tigers and the starting five on the offensive line has yet to be decided. Starting center Braelin Moore says the competition has been good…

Cut 19 (15) “…five out there.”

A common theme we’ve heard about this team during the preseason is that it’s a close group, despite a lot of new players. Wide receiver Zavion Thomas says the players are always hanging out away from the field…

Cut 20 (20) “…pick it up.”

Early this morning we got an update on the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland.  Andrew Greenstein has details.

Cut 23 (46) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

We’re told a temporary flight restriction is also in effect for a three mile area.

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Former LSU Tiger and NBA hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal will invest in the proposed new $400 million dollar arena on the LSU campus.  O’Neal has vouched for Oak View Group, the developer that is the sole finalist for the project. You may recall, LSU pressed pause on the deal after Oak View’s CEO stepped down last month after he was indicted on bid-rigging allegations connected to a project in Austin.  If the project does happen, the arena will host LSU sporting events and graduation ceremonies as well as concerts and other entertainment events.

The Saints wrap up preseason play at noon today against the Broncos in the Superdome. Mike Hoss, the Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio says there’s battle brewing for backup running back behind Alvin Kamara, who will not play today.

Cut 7 (10) “…situation look like?”

An update on that explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland yesterday.  The mandatory evacuation for those within a one-mile radius remains in effect as authorities report there were a number of small explosions overnight. In a 10 am news conference Tangipahoa and Louisiana State Police officials say firefighters are still battling an active blaze. Authorities have been monitoring the air quality around the plant since yesterday evening and recommend people avoid contact with any soot from the fire and explosion.  We’re told a temporary flight restriction is also in effect for a three mile radius.

Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a teenage boy is killed while riding his bike in his subdivision. Sheriff Jason Ard says the 31 year old driver who hit the boy was drunk and fled the scene, but deputies later caught him and arrested him.

Cut 10 (13) “…DWI first offense.”

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There’s a lot more corn in Louisiana this year as farmers are producing much more than last year. Shelly Pate Kerns with the LSU Ag Center says the crop received plenty of rain, so yields are expected to surpass last year’s 183 bushels per acre and input costs were also down…

Cut 13 (10)  “…constant rainfall.”

The Saints final pre-season game of the season kicks off at noon today as they host the Denver Broncos. Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio Mike Hoss says the Saints have been busy with trades and there are still many decisions to be made by the time the roster needs to be pared down to 53 by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Cut 8 (11) “…has been injured.”

Former Governor John Bel Edwards and his wife were among those evacuated after that explosion at Smitty’s Supplies is Roseland yesterday.   A family associate reported the governor and his wife are safe and monitoring the situation.  All residents within a mile of the plant were ordered to relocate yesterday just after one.  Smitty’s is a lubricant manufacturing facility with more than 400 employees.  Officials have said there were no injuries reported.  The cause of the blast is still under investigation.

It’s been a week since the Department of Insurance announced that 20 auto insurance companies, including many big-name companies, have filed for rate decreases. Whether that’s spurred by tort reform legislation, a decrease in crashes, or both, Governor Landry says to take advantage, you need to do your part.

Cut 3 (05) “…giving rate decreases.”

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Former LSU basketball player, four-time NBA champion and hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal will invest in the proposed new arena on the LSU campus.  O’Neal vouched for Oak View Group, the developer that is the sole finalist for the project. Oak View’s CEO stepped down last month after he was indicted on bid-rigging allegations connected to a project in Austin.
So far a final deal with LSU to develop the project has not yet been finalized.  O’Neal did not say how much he was planning to invest in the new facility.

The Saints wrap up their preseason at noon today against the Broncos in the Superdome. The biggest storyline is still the battle to become the starting quarterback. At this point, it’s down to second-year man Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. Mike Hoss, the Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio, says at this point, the race is neck-and-neck.

Cut 6 (14) “…a pick-six.”

Tangipahoa Parish officials are trying to figure out what caused the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland that forced mandatory evacuations within a one-mile radius.  It happened yesterday just before one and the evacuation order went out shortly afterword.  Smitty’s is a lubricant manufacturing facility.  Thankfully, no one was injured in the blast.

Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a teenage boy is killed while riding his bike in his subdivision. It happened around seven Thursday evening.  Sheriff Jason Ard says the driver who hit the boy was very drunk.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in his system.”

31 year old Juan Alfredo Chavarria Lezama is facing several charges including Vehicular Homicide and 1^st Offense DWI.  He was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center.

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The Saints wrap up their preseason today at noon against the Broncos. Here’s Andre Champagne.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana farmers are producing a big corn crop this year, but with so much corn, the price is down. LSU Ag Center’s Shelly Pate Kerns.

Cut 14 (12) “…shakeout differently.”

Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a 15-year-old boy is killed while riding his bike in his subdivision. Sheriff Jason Ard says 31-year-old Juan Chavarria had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Sheriff Ard says the Nicaraguan national fled the scene, but deputies caught him and arrested him.

Cut 10 (13) “…DWI first offense.”

Louisiana farmers are producing a big corn crop this year, but producers are not getting a great price for that corn. LSU Ag Center assistant professor Shelly Pate Kerns says bushels of corn have fallen below four dollars, because of an abundant supply of corn on the global markets…

Cut 14 (12) “…shakeout differently.”

The Saints wrap up their preseason Saturday at noon against the Broncos. Andre Champagne has a preview.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The SEC is moving to a nine-game league schedule in football in 2026. Not only will SEC teams play nine conference games starting next year, the league is also requiring each team to play a non-conference game against a school from another Power Four conference or Notre Dame each season.

The Saints wrap up their preseason Saturday against the Broncos in the Superdome. The starting quarterback job is, down to second-year Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. Mike Hoss, the Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio, says the race is still close.

Cut 6 (14) “…a pick-six.”

For the first time in program history, a Nicholls State home football game will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN2. N It will be head coach Tommy Rybacki’s first game as the Colonel’s head coach after Tim Rebowe retired at the end of last season. Athletic director Jonathan Terell says Rybacki was an ideal replacement.

CUT 21 (13): “be successful.”

Nicholls and Incarnate Word kick off Saturday at noon.

LSU Men’s Basketball has announced its 2025 Non-Conference Schedule. The schedule features 13 non-conference games. LSU will tip off its season at home against Tarleton State on Wednesday, November 5^th. The Tigers will make their return to the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Florida, where they will take on Drake on November 28^th. LSU will face either Georgia Tech or DePaul on November 29^th in the second game of the classic. LSU will travel to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, to take on Boston College for the annual SEC and ACC challenge.

The Southern Jaguars begin their season on Saturday in Atlanta, as they face the NC Central Eagles. The Jaguars will be challenged with facing one of the top FCS quarterbacks in Davius Richard. Head coach Terrance Graves says he is taking advantage of all the film he can to stop the dynamic quarterback.

Cut 30 (13): “seen on film”

Southern and NC Central kick off at 6:30 p.m.

There’s a lot more corn in Louisiana this year as farmers are producing much more than last year. Shelly Pate Kerns with the LSU Ag Center says the crop received plenty of rain, so yields are expected to surpass last year’s 183 bushels per acre and input costs were also down…

Cut 13 (10)  “…constant rainfall.”

But Kerns says because of an abundant supply of corn on the global market, prices have fallen.

The Saints wrap up preseason play Saturday in the Dome. Saints’ play-by-play announcer on WWL radio Mike Hoss says the Saints have been busy with trades and there are still many decisions to be made by the time the roster needs to be pared down to 53 by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Cut 8 (11) “…has been injured.”

With the State Department of Insurance announcing that 20 auto insurance companies filing rate decreases, the governor is now urging you to do your part in saving money. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Delays in the construction of the Bucee’s planned for Lafayette have pushed the target date for opening two years later than originally projected. Construction has not yet begun as weather issues have hampered work needed to prepare the site. The new target is 2028 and when the Lafayette Bucee’s opens, it will have 120 gas pumps, 700 parking spaces, and 74,000 feet of retail space.