The Secretary of State’s Office will be demonstrating new voting machines, starting today. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

One of the toughest lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina was the need for an improved flood protection system. Jeff Palermo reports the federal government reacted by spending 14.5-billion dollars.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging President Trump and Louisiana’s congressional delegation to impose a ten-cent-per-pound inspection fee on all imported seafood. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Starting today, the Secretary of State’s Office will be demonstrating several new potential voting systems as it prepares to select one to replace the outdated system that it’s used for the past 35 years. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says there are six systems the state will be testing, and all of them have a paper element to them.

Cut 4 (10) “…auditability of paper”

Watson says all voting systems being tested and demonstrated are currently being used elsewhere.

Cut 5 (08) “…across the country.”

Watson says in all, there are six voting systems being tested between now and September 18th, and all of them will represent a significant improvement over the state’s current voting system.

Cut 6 (10) “…our elections safe.”

All demonstrations will take place in the old governor’s mansion, and all are open to the public.

____________________________________________

We continue to look back 20 years ago this week when Hurricane Katrina ravaged southeast Louisiana. Katrina’s fierce winds caused extensive damage, but the storm surge that led to breaks in the levee system produced catastrophic flooding. U-S Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Rene Poche says a much better flood protection system in place now.

Cut 7 (12) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”

Two different administrations from two different parties directed Congress to appropriate 14.5-billion dollars to rebuild the levees in metro New Orleans. Poche says the design started in 2007 and construction was finally completed in 2018 on all of the storm barriers, flood walls, levees and pumps.

Cut 8 (08) “…see today.”

Poche says it’s still possible for a strong hurricane to overtop the system, but flooding can still be minimized.

Cut 9 (10)  “…water out”

Poche says work continues on providing even more flood protection as construction is ongoing on a one-billion dollar project to protect the River Parishes.

____________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is renewing his call for President Trump and Louisiana’s Congressional delegation to impose a ten-cent-per-pound seafood inspection fee.

Cut 10 (09) “…imported seafood.”

This is in response to the massive recall of potentially radioactive shrimp imported from Indonesia that was being sold in Walmart stores in 13 states, including Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says shrimp is coming in from overseas infected with antibiotics all the time, and it’s ending up on American’s dinner plates far too often.

Cut 11 (13) “…this seafood.”

Nungesser says this is why Louisiana passed a law that requires restaurants and suppliers to clearly indicate whether their seafood is imported or not.

Cut 12 (10) “…eating Louisiana.”

____________________________________________

The EPA says the fire that resulted from the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland is now 98-percent contained. The Department of Environmental Quality has been continuously monitoring air quality ever since the explosion happened Friday afternoon. Governor Landry told a news conference yesterday afternoon that had it not been for Mother Nature, the surrounding area would never have been covered in soot.

Cut 13 (14)  “…was udderly toxic.”

Governor Landry says people in the affected area should have nothing to worry about at this time.

Cut 14 (12) “…a big mess.”

Smitty’s Supply employed about 450 people at the time of Friday’s explosion; and with their plant now destroyed, they’re now out of work. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says the state is making resources available to them.

Cut 15 (09) “…available to them.”

________________________________________________

LSU was not very successful last season when its defense was tasked with containing mobile quarterbacks. LSU will have to face Cade Klubnick, another dual threat quarterback on Saturday, who can hurt defenses with his legs. Head coach Brian Kelly says that the Tigers have to make sure they limit what Klubnick does.

Cut 16 (17) “…the pocket.”

The LSU offensive line battle has been one of the most important stories leading into the opener versus Clemson. LSU has narrowed down its remaining starting jobs on the offensive line to left guard and right tackle. Kelly says he could see the Tigers playing several guys on the offensive line against Clemson.

Cut 17 (19)  “…for us.”

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker got several experienced players to fit his scheme this season. Head coach Brian Kelly says that he sees a big difference in the defense this season. Kelly says that the confidence is standing out from a unit that has lots of experience.

Cut 18 (14) “…at football.”

_______________________

The Saints started to make cuts to its squad to get down to the 53-man roster before the season begins. Veteran running back Cam Akers was part of the first cuts after showing promise in preseason camp. Head coach Kellen Moore says it was a tough move, but he likes the depth the Saints have at running back.

Cut 19 (19) “…group there.”

The New Orleans offensive line injury bug continues to spread after tackle Landon Young injured his ankle in Saturday’s preseason game versus the Broncos. The Saints currently have six offensive linemen that are injured to some capacity. Moore says the Saints will have to overcome the injuries and plan accordingly as the regular season approaches.

Cut 20 (18) “…our team.”

A new state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility is coming in Ruston. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Federal, state and local officials say there are no dangers to human health despite black soot on homes, buildings and vehicles from a massive explosion of the Smitty’s Supply Facility on Friday afternoon in Tangipahoa Parish. D-E-Q says the air quality remains good and officials say 98-percent of the fire is contained.

It’s still hot, but it feels better outside as LSU public health climatologist Barry Keim says the humidity levels are down and the dew point is ten degrees lower thanks to a cold front that’s moved through.

Cut 9 (10)  “…four to five percent.”

Keim says the break from the hot, oppressive summer will last a few days.

LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will wear the number 18 jersey this season, which is awarded to a leader on the team that has great character. Starting center Braelin Moore ….

Cut 8 (05) “…protect him.”

Ninth ranked LSU visits fourth ranked Clemson on Saturday night to kick off the season.

And the Saints still have not made a decision on a starting quarterback. It will be either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough against Arizona in the season opener on September 7^th.

LSU announces that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will wear the coveted No. 18 jersey this season, which is given to a team leader with great character. Nussmeier will be the first quarterback to wear the special number since 2003, when Matt Mauck helped the Tigers win a national championship. Senior defensive end Jack Pyburn says that Nussmeier embodies the right traits to lead the offense.

Cut 7 (12) “…he is a gamer.”

Multiple LSU football players have said that this is the closest team they have ever been a part of, even despite having so many new transfers. Senior wide receiver Zavion Thomas says the players are always hanging out off the field.

Cut 20 (20) “…pick it up.”

Nicholls started its season on Saturday with an impressive win over 4th-ranked Incarnate Word. The defense led the way, holding the Cardinals to 204 total yards while forcing four turnovers in a 20 to 6 win. Ty Marsh scored the first touchdown on a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the first quarter. Marsh says he appreciated the Colonel faithful.

Cut 16 (15) “…hoping to get more.”

The Southern Jaguars started off its season with a 31 to 14 loss to the NC Central. The biggest story from the loss was the bright spot in former LSU running back Trey Holly. The sophomore running back broke free for an 80-yard touchdown in his first game back playing since 2023. Holly says the Jaguars came into the game with too much confidence.

CUT 21 (15): “fell short.”

Ruston will soon be home to a new state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility. Radiance Technologies announced that it is investing more than 370-million dollars to expand its footprint in Louisiana with the new facility. Governor Landry was on hand for the announcement at Louisiana Tech; he said it furthers his commitment for Louisiana’s universities to be incubators for job growth.

Cut 11 (14) “…30 years.”

Landry said the investment will help bolster national security, fuel innovation and drive local economic growth.

The temperature may still be on the high side, but it’s noticeably more comfortable to be outside, thanks to a drop in humidity. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this welcome break will last a few days.

Cut 10 (10) “…while you can.”

This welcome break is due to a cold front that’s moved through the area that’s dropped the dew point ten degrees.

Firefighters in Tangipahoa Parish continue to work on putting out a massive fire at a lubricants plant in Roseland that started Friday when the facility exploded forcing the evacuation of nearly one-thousand people. Black soot can be seen on homes, businesses and cars in the area. Tangipahoa Parish President Robbie Miller says if you’re able to clean the soot off our property, you can do so…

Cut 3 (12) “…that product.”

Miller says the soot is being tested by environmental regulators but the results are not available yet.

LSU announces that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will wear the coveted No. 18 jersey this season, which is given to a team leader with great character.. Senior defensive end Jack Plyburn says that Nussmeier embodies the right traits to lead the offense.

Cut 7 (12) “…he is a gamer.”

Cleanup continues from Friday’s explosion at the chemical plant in Roseland that forced nearly one-thousand people to evacuate from the area. The stench of oil and grease penetrated the air throughout the weekend. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says they’re constantly testing the air quality.

Cut 5 (12) “…has been safe.” (2x) 

Radiance Technologies announced that it’s investing more than 370-million dollars to put up a new microchip packaging facility in Ruston. It’s expected to create 150 new jobs with an average salary of 85-thousand dollars a year. Radiance CEO Bill Bailey says the massive investment is further proof of Louisiana’s commitment to the high-tech industry.

Cut 13 (10)  “…recruitment than Louisiana.”

The Saints are still not ready to name a starting quarterback for the regular season opener against Arizona on September 7th. Andre Champagne has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Speaking of Louisiana quarterbacks, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier will be sporting a new look this year – changing from number 13 to number 18. Number 18 is issued annually to a team leader that exemplifies great character. Nussmeier returned for his fifth season at LSU, because he said he wanted to win a championship.

A portion of the Tangipahoa River is closed as a result of chemicals and oil that have made it into the waterway from Friday afternoon’s chemical plant explosion. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says the cleanup effort is underway.

Cut 4 (12) “…down the river.”

Radiance Technologies announced that it’s investing more than 370-million dollars to put up a new microchip packaging facility in Ruston. Governor Landry said the investment will help bolster national security, fuel innovation and drive local economic growth. And he said it will restore America’s place in the world as a true innovator.

Cut 12 (12) “…of our time.”

The temperature may still be on the high side, but it’s noticeably more comfortable to be outside, thanks to a drop in humidity. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this welcome break will last a few days.

Cut 10 (10) “…while you can.”

This welcome break is due to a cold front that’s moved through the area that’s dropped the dew point ten degrees.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will have a new look this season. Instead of number 13, Nussmeier will now wear number 18. The coveted number goes to a team leader who exemplifies great character. Defensive end Jack Plyburn says Nussmeier is the ultimate competitor…

Cut 7 (12) “…he is a gamer.”

Ruston will soon be home to a new state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility. Radiance Technologies announced that it is investing more than 370-million dollars to expand its footprint in Louisiana with the new facility. Governor Landry was on hand for the announcement at Louisiana Tech; he said it furthers his commitment for Louisiana’s universities to be incubators for job growth.

Cut 11 (14) “…over 30 years.”

The company is expected to create 150 direct new jobs

North and Central Louisiana are getting a new area code.

Cut 29 (04)  “…3-1-8.”

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the 3-1-8 area code has run out of seven-digit numbers and starting today, the area will have to dial their area code plus the other seven digits to make a phone call. Beginning, September 25^th, newly assigned phone numbers in north and central Louisiana will have a 4-5-7 area code.

Firefighters in Tangipahoa Parish continue to work on putting out a massive fire at a lubricants plant in Roseland that started Friday when the facility exploded forcing the evacuation of nearly one-thousand people. Black soot can be seen on homes, businesses and cars in the area. Tangipahoa Parish President Robbie Miller says if you’re able to clean the soot off our property, you can do so…

Cut  3 (12) “…that product”

Miller says the soot is being tested by environmental regulators but the results are not available yet.

Starting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will wear the number 18 jersey this season, which is awarded to a leader on the team that has great character. Starting center Braelin Moore ….

Cut 8 (05) “…protect him.”

Ninth ranked LSU visits fourth ranked Clemson on Saturday night to kick off the season.

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.”

Ruston will soon be home to a new state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility. Radiance Technologies announced that it is investing more than 370-million dollars to expand its footprint in Louisiana with the new facility, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

Crews are busy cleaning out the Tangipahoa River following Friday’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply, as significant amounts of material have been found in that waterway. Area residents have reported oil and ash residue on their homes and vehicles.

It’s still hot, but it feels better outside as LSU public health climatologist Barry Keim says the humidity levels are down and the dew point is ten degrees lower thanks to a cold front that’s moved through.

Cut 9 (10)  “…four to five percent.”

Keim says the break from the hot, oppressive summer will last a few days.

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 the other significant development since Katrina for the New Orleans area is the consolidation of levee boards to two main boards.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will wear the coveted 18 jersey, which goes to a team leader with great character. Receiver Zavion Thomas says not only does Nussmeier command the huddle, but the locker room as well…

Cut 6 (05) “…get going.”

Nussmeier returned for his fifth season at LSU, because he said he wanted to win a championship

The EPA has now taken the lead in the cleanup at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland after Friday’s explosion. State Police Sergeant William Huggins says there were several small explosions in the hours after the initial explosion.

Cut 14 (09) “…at this time.”

Crews are cleaning out the Tangipahoa River as significant amounts of material have been found in that waterway. Area residents have reported oil and ash residue on their homes and vehicles.

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade says the explosion at the Roseland chemical plant should be a wakeup call for the state to pursue other avenues of economic development. Executive Director Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss) says facilities that produce lubricants like Smitty Supply are dangerous to the state.

Cut 3 (14) “…idea that is.”