Millions of Americans are getting ready to watch the first solar eclipse to pass over the country since 1979. LSU astronomy professor Michael Cherry says the total eclipse will be visible in a 70 mile wide path from Oregon to South Carolina.

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The eclipse starts in Louisiana at 11:54 am and ends at 2:54 pm.

A NASA-based program of LSU students called the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium will broadcast the first ever live view of a solar eclipse from a high-altitude balloon in Illinois. Associate Chair of the LSU Physics and Astronomy Department Dana Browne says we will be able to see the eclipse in a way we’ve never seen it before.

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The Greater Baton Rouge Industrial Alliance expects industrial plant workers will be in high demand through 2018. Executive Director Connie Fabre says last year changes were made to the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which benefits plans and attracts projects to Louisiana.

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Last year the governor gave local governments a say in whether the exemptions were granted.

Voter registration week begins today, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler urges residents to take advantage of one of the many ways to register to vote.

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You can register online at sos.la.gov.

LSU students are partaking in the first ever live broadcast of a solar eclipse from a high altitude balloon. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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Voter registration week begins today, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler is encouraging citizens to take part….:
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You can do that, and register online at sos.la.gov.

What can Louisianians expect to see today during the eclipse? LSU astronomy professor Michael Cherry says the best time for us to view will be between 1pm and 2pm. He says we’ll see close to 80% of the sun blocked, but there are many, including him, who are going to a state in the path of totality:
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He says this is the first time since 1979 a solar eclipse has been visible from the US.

On the first day of the fall 2017 semester at LSU, Mike VII officially began his reign today, according to his attending veterinarian, Dr. David Baker. “Harvey” arrived on campus August 15th was kept in the night house of the tiger habitat. The 11-month-old, Siberian-Bengal, male tiger was quarantined and observed by LSU veterinarians to ensure that he was healthy and a good fit for LSU. Dr. Baker told LSU that he’s officially Mike the Tiger around 7:30 this morning, and he was released into his outdoor habitat.

Today is the day of the long-awaited solar eclipse. Halen Doughty has more on what Louisianians can expect. Halen Doughty has more…:
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It’s the first day of school for LSU students, and also the first day out and about for the school’s new mascot. University officials announced via Twitter this morning that 11-month-old Harvey is now Mike VII. Dr. Baker, Mike’s veterinarian, said Harvey arrived on campus August 15th and would be monitored in a night house until they determined he’d be a good fit for LSU. Mike VII was released into his newly renovated habitat this morning.

Voter registration week in Louisiana kicks off today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says you can register online at sos.la.gov, and the secure registration portal will walk you through the steps…:
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Schedler says voters must register by September 13 to vote in the October 14 election.

There is good economic news for the state as the Greater Baton Rouge Industrial Alliance says it expects a big need for plant workers in the area through 2018. Executive Director Connie Fabre says industrial crafts in most demand are things like pipe fitting, welding and electrical and instrument technicians…:
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The big story of the day around the country is this afternoon’s solar eclipse. A NASA based program of LSU students will be the first ever to broadcast the historic event live from a high-altitude balloon. Associate Chair of the LSU Physics and Astronomy Department Dr. Dana Browne says by hanging an HD video camera underneath a weather balloon, they will be able to see the shadow of the moon crossing over the earth’s surface…:
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That will take place in Illinois.

LSU astronomy professor Michael Cherry says the best time to view in Louisiana today will be between 1 and 2pm…:
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Cherry says most of the state will see about 80 percent of the sun blocked during the eclipse.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is reminding citizens to register to vote, as voter registration week begins today…:
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Slidell Police say a 2-year-old girl drowned in a family pool over the weekend. They say cops were called to a home where witnesses reported the toddler was out of site for just a few seconds when she apparently fell into the pool. Desperate attempts were made to revive the child by both family members and medical personnel. Unfortunately, the young girl was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital later Saturday evening.

Millions of Americans are getting ready to watch today’s total solar eclipse. LSU astronomy professor Michael Cherry says this is the first time since 1979 a solar eclipse has been visible from the US. He says the total eclipse will be visible in a path about 70 miles wide from Oregon to South Carolina…:
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He says the best time to view it will be between 1 and 2 p.m.

Voter registration week begins today, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler is encouraging citizens to take part. He says new voters and those who have just moved back into the state should register…:
Cut 4 (12) “just go online”
That site is sos.la.gov.

It’s expected there will be a big need for industrial plant workers in Baton Rouge through 2018. Greater Baton Rouge Industrial Alliance Executive Director Connie Fabre says the demand for skilled employees will be so high because of all the new facilities that will be coming online over the next couple of years…:
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She says ongoing investment in a plant is a key driver of economic development for the state.

They did it without Drew Brees, Mark Ingram or Adrian Peterson, but the Saints saw an incredible performance last night from Alvin Kamara. The rookie running back had a 50 yard touchdown run on New Orleans’ first offensive snap in a 13-7 preseason victory over the Charges.

The state department of transportation has redesigned the concrete barriers on interstates amid allegations the wall worsened flooding in Livingston Parish last year. Michelle Southern has more…

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On Monday, millions of Americans will watch the first solar eclipse to pass over the US since 1979. Optometrists urge viewers to use eye protection or risk permanent damage to the retina. A list of approved vendors of eclipse glasses is available on the American Astronomical Society’s website.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says he will not push to remove any more confederate monuments. But he says taking down four confederate era statues was the right thing to do. He adds the recent violence in Charlottesville proves how important it was to have security during their removal.

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Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is up to a whopping $535 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison reminds players it only takes one ticket to win, so play responsibly. Get your ticket by 9 pm tonight for your chance to win big.

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This is the fifth largest jackpot in Powerball history.

No more confederate statues will come down in New Orleans, according to Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Landrieu says taking down the statues of Robert E. Lee, P.G.T. Beauregard, and Jefferson Davis were the right thing to do but removing Andrew Jackson is a step too far.

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Landrieu says the Andrew Jackson statue was put in place for all the right reasons.

The state department of transportation has redesigned the concrete walls on new interstate projects. Secretary Shawn Wilson says two inch tall openings will be put in the walls every so many feet to allow water to flow though. Three projects currently underway will feature the new design.

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The homeowner assistance program for flood victims has been expanded by the Restore Louisiana Task Force. Office of Community Development executive director Pat Forbes says this means all homeowners impacted by the flood now qualify for assistance.

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Members of the board approved the changes recommended by Governor John Bel Edwards without objection.

The 96^th Louisiana State Police Cadet Class begins the Training Academy this Sunday. Sgt. Jared Sandifer says 36 men and women will begin a 20 week intensive training regime.

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After graduating, the new troopers will complete a 10 to 14 week field training program.

State Police announces its 96th Cadet Class will begin at the LSP Training Academy this Sunday. Emelie Gunn reports…

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Louisianan’s unemployment rate is falling. According to the AP, the jobless rate dipped to 5.3 percent in June from 6.2 percent a year ago. One hundred ten thousand people in Louisiana are unemployed, down from 115,000 in July. The Bayou State’s unemployment rate is still the third highest in the country.

The concrete barriers on new interstate construction projects will feature two inch tall openings to allow flood waters to pass through. State transportation secretary Shawn Wilson says the 24 inch wide holes will not compromise the integrity of the barriers.

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Wilson notes the cost of adding the openings is minimal.

Powerball players need to get their tickets by 9 p.m. tonight for a shot at the $535 million jackpot. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says this is the fifth largest jackpot in the history of the game.

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The cash payout value is $340 million.