Today marks the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura’s devastating landfall in southwest Louisiana.  Sean Richardson reports four years later we are looking at a quiet tropics…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It’s the first black bear hunt in Louisiana since 1987, and you’ll have your chance to secure a permit starting Thursday. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.” 

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While the national spotlight will be on Louisiana Sunday night, Louisiana Economic Development will be working to attract talent to the Bayou State. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Today marks the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana has experienced some of its most destructive hurricanes during the last week of August

Cut 4 (07) “…up and coming.”

Keim says the other major Hurricanes to hit Louisiana between now and September first are Katrina, Gustav, and Ida.

Cut 5 (07) “…ravaged the state.”

So far it’s been a quiet hurricane season for Louisiana, but Keim says expect a busy September.  But for now, nothing is in the forecast.

Cut 6 (08) “…immediate future.”

Keim is keeping a close eye on weather patterns during this critical week, urging residents to stay alert and prepared.

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New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez is challenging UL Lafayette over its recent decision to establish a one-thousand-foot gun-free zone around off-campus locations. Miguez has asked Attorney General Liz Murrell to issue a legal opinion regarding the university’s position that the three sites be kept gun-free. Miguez says UL Lafayette…

Cut 7 (12) “…gun-free zone.”

Miguez, a strong advocate for gun rights, argues that the university’s move infringes on Second Amendment rights and state laws that permit the carrying of firearms in public spaces.

The controversy centers on the university’s authority to impose these restrictions outside its main campus. Miguez argues that the gun-free zones could leave students and the public more vulnerable by disarming law-abiding citizens in areas that are not technically on university property.

Cut 8 (11) “…self-defense.”

UL Lafayette officials maintain that gun-free zones are necessary to ensure safety, particularly in densely populated areas where students and faculty frequently gather.  Miguez says to be considered school property, they would have to own the property.

Cut 9 (11)  “…of their campus.”

Attorney General Liz Murrell has previously said that she does not believe the museum to qualify as a gun-free zone, but she has not commented on the two hotels.

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If you want to participate in Louisiana’s first black bear hunt in 37 years, you’ll have your chance starting Thursday. That’s when the lottery will open to all licensed hunters. The state banned black bear hunting in 1988; and four years later, black bears were added to the endangered species list. Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan notes that black bears were removed from the list in 2016.

Cut 10 (12) “…a hunting season.”

Sheahan says there will only be ten permits issued through this lottery, and they will consist of three types.

Cut 11 (12) “…general public tags.”

Sheahan says the application fee is 50 dollars, which will go back into the Louisiana black bear account.

Cut 12 (10) “…black bear account.”

Those selected in the lottery will be required to attend a training course on November 2nd or November 14th. The season will run 16 days, from December 7th through the 22nd.

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Louisiana Economic Development is taking advantage of the National Spotlight to attract an experienced mid-level workforce back to Louisiana. LED Secretary, Susan Bourgeois says, During Sunday night’s LSU-USC football game on ABC…

Cut 13 (10)  “…coming home.”

Bourgeois says, many people leave Louisiana for opportunities in other states after they graduate from college and never return because they don’t realize there are opportunities here…

Cut 14 (08)  “…opportunity is here.”

Bourgeois says Louisiana businesses need a qualified mid-level workforce and LED is working to put the businesses and workforce together…

Cut 15 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

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Ben Wooldridge is named the starting quarterback for the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns to begin the 2024 campaign. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says it was a tough competition between the redshirt senior and Chandler Fields.

Cut 16 (11) “…for each other.” 

Coach Desormeaux says in the end, Wooldridge had the upper hand.

Cut 17 (09) “…and day out.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns get their season underway Saturday night at home against Grambling. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

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The third season of the Brian Kelly era will begin Sunday when the 13th ranked Tigers host 23rd ranked USC. LSU lost some big-time players off of last year’s team, like Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Junior and three of team’s top defensive tackles. But Kelly likes the experience that’s returning…

Cut 18 (16)  “…darn close.”

LSU has lost four straight season openers. The Tigers traditionally play another ranked opponent to begin the season, but with an expanded college football playoff now in place, these tough season openers might not happen every year…

Cut 19 (20) “….like this”

LSU is scheduled to open the 2025 and 2026 seasons against Clemson.

The Tigers defense is the big question mark heading into 2024 after a rough 2023 campaign. Kelly has confidence his front seven can get the job done…

Cut 20 (16) “…going to be fine.”

Soon, automakers may be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles, as Congress continues debating the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says in many areas, AM radio is the only resource available during emergencies.
Cut 7 (6) “…that people need.”
The bill comes as some automakers, including Tesla, are starting to omit AM radio from their vehicles.

Governor Landry signs an executive order that seeks to protect election integrity by preventing non-citizens from voting. Landry says the constitution is clear.
Cut 9 (09) “…for American citizens.”
The executive order instructs federal and state agencies who offer individuals the ability to register to vote, to also provide a disclaimer that tells a person that he or she can not vote if that person is not a U-S Citizen.

The price of gas is falling. AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Louisiana is $2.98 — nearly 40 cents a gallon cheaper than this time last year.
Cut 1 (32) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Former LSU baseball star Dylan Crews makes his Major League debut tonight when he suits up for the Washington Nationals as they host the New York Yankees. Washington selected Crews with the number two overall pick last year, and the centerfielder quickly made it through the minor leagues to the bigs.

A New Orleans 15-year-old old boy who was sleeping in his bed Saturday night is now in intensive care after authorities says an SUV plowed through a fence then into the bedroom around 4:00 AM. When the crash awakened his grandmother, she ran to find Jamal Jackson, Jr under the SUV driven by 54-year-old Cedrick Marshall. NOPD says after Marshall failed a sobriety test, he was arrested and booked on First Degree of Vehicular Negligent Injury and Reckless Operation.

Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order today to protect election integrity by preventing non-citizens from voting. Any state agency that provides assistance to an individual is also required to offer that person the opportunity to register to vote. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says this executive order says the agency must also inform the person they can’t vote if they are not a legal citizen

Cut 11 (11) ” ….other benefits”

Gas prices are down to an average of $2.98 for a gallon of regular reports AAA. Fuel Analyst Don Redman says that’s a slight decrease compared to previous weeks, offering some relief to drivers amid a fluctuating fuel market…

Cut 3 (12) “…break at the pump.”

Former LSU baseball star Dylan Crews makes his major league baseball debut tonight with the Washington Nationals as they host the New York Yankees. Washington selected Crews with the number two overall pick last year and the centerfielder quickly made it through the minor leagues to the bigs…

Cut 12 (10) “…here.”

It’s finally game week for the 13th ranked LSU football team and they have one major injury concern heading into Sunday’s season opener against 23rd ranked USC. Starting wide receiver Chris Hilton is suffering from a bone bruise and is listed as questionable for the season opener. Coach Brian Kelly says if Hilton can’t play, they have options…
Cut 13 (14) “..what we are doing.”
Kick-off is on Sunday at 6:30 on ABC.

Former LSU baseball star Dylan Crews will make his major league baseball debut tonight when he suits up for the Washington Nationals as they host the New York Yankees tonight. Washington selected Crews with the number two overall pick last year and the centerfielder quickly made it through the minor leagues to the bigs…
Cut 12 (10) “…here.”
Crews hit .270 in the minor leagues this season with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs.

Ben Wooldridge is named the starting quarterback for the Ragin’ Cajuns to begin the 2024 campaign. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says it was a tough competition between the redshirt senior and Chandler Fields.
Cut 16 (11) “…for each other.”
Woolridge started the first three games of the season last year, before a foot injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. The California native has appeared in 13 games for the Cajuns and thrown four touchdown passes.

Last year’s leading rusher for U-L Lafayette, Jacob Kibodi, rushed for two touchdowns in the Saints preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Baton Rouge native says it was thrill to finally play in a game in the Superdome…
cut 18 (08) “….good showing”
Kibodi now waits to see if he’s done enough to make the team. Cut down day throughout the NFL is tomorrow.

Soon, automakers may be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles, as Congress continues debating the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or GOHSEP, says AM radio is an invaluable source for information during emergencies.

Cut 6 (10) “…out for everyone.”

Steele says in many areas, AM radio is the only resource available during emergencies.

AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is 40 cents per gallon cheaper than this time last year but Fuel Analyst Don Redman cautions, while prices may stabilize or decrease slightly in the short term, the overall trend remains unpredictable, with potential spikes depending on global conflicts.

Cut 5 (10)  “…continue to fly”

Drivers are advised to stay informed and consider strategies to conserve fuel as they navigate these fluctuations.

Governor Jeff Landry signs an executive order that puts an extra protection in place to prevent non-citizens from voting in Louisiana elections. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

It’s game week for the 13th ranked LSU football team… one major injury concern heading into Sunday’s season opener against 23rd ranked USC is Starting wide receiver Chris Hilton is listed as questionable, suffering from a bone bruise. Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 13 (14) “..what we are doing.” 

AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $2.98.  Nearly 40-cents a gallon cheaper than this time last year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Governor Jeff Landry signs an executive order that puts an extra protection in place to prevent non-citizens from voting in Louisiana elections. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $2.98. Fuel Analyst Don Redman says this reflects a slight decrease in fuel costs compared to previous weeks, offering some relief to drivers amid a fluctuating fuel market…

Cut 3 (12) “…break at the pump.”

The downward trend in gas prices is attributed to a combination of factors, including a decrease in crude oil prices, seasonal changes in demand, and an increase in fuel supply. However, despite this dip, fuel prices remain a concern for many residents, especially as the state braces for potential disruptions during hurricane season, which Redman says could impact both supply and prices.

Cut 4 (06) “…few weeks.”

Redman cautioned that while prices may stabilize or decrease slightly in the short term, the overall trend remains unpredictable, with potential spikes depending on global conflicts in the Middle East and domestic production levels. Drivers are advised to stay informed about fuel prices and consider strategies to conserve fuel as they navigate these fluctuations.

Cut 5 (10)  “…continue to fly”

Louisiana’s gas prices are typically lower than the national average due to the state’s proximity to Gulf Coast refineries and lower state taxes on fuel.

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Soon, automakers may be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles, as Congress continues debating the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or GOHSEP, says AM radio is an invaluable source for information during emergencies.

Cut 6 (10) “…out for everyone.”

Steele says in many areas, AM radio is the only resource available during emergencies.

Cut 7 (6) “…that people need.”

Steele says AM radio can do things that other media, including TV stations, are unable to do during emergencies.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the public informed.”

The bill comes as some automakers, including Tesla, are starting to omit AM radio from their vehicles.

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Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order today that seeks to protect election integrity by preventing non-citizens from voting. Landry says the constitution is clear

Cut 9 (09) “…mean something .”

The executive order instructs federal and state agencies who offer individuals the ability to register to vote, to also provide a disclaimer that tells a person that he or she can not vote if they are not a U-S Citizen. Secretary of State Nancy Landry…

Cut 10 (11) “…not a citizen.”

Any state agency that provides assistance to an individual are also required to offer a person the opportunity to register to vote, if they are not registered. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says this executive order says the agency must also inform the person they can’t vote if they are not a legal citizen

Cut 11 (11) ” ….other benefits”

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Former LSU baseball star Dylan Crews will make his major league baseball debut tonight when he suits up for the Washington Nationals as they host the New York Yankees tonight. Washington selected Crews with the number two overall pick last year and the centerfielder quickly made it through the minor leagues to the bigs…

Cut 12 (10) “…here.”

Crews hit .270 in the minor leagues this season with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs.

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It’s finally game week for the 13th ranked LSU football team and they have one major injury concern heading into Sunday’s season opener against 23rd ranked USC. Starting wide receiver Chris Hilton is suffering from a bone bruise and is listed as questionable for the season opener. Coach Brian Kelly says if Hilton can’t play, they have options…

Cut 13 (14) “..what we are doing.” 

Kick-off is on Sunday at 6:30 on ABC.

AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $2.98.  Nearly 40-cents a gallon cheaper than this time last year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Soon, automakers may be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles, as Congress continues debating the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says AM radio can do things that other media, including TV stations, are unable to do during emergencies.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the public informed.”

The bill comes as some automakers, including Tesla, are starting to omit AM radio from their vehicles.

A new executive order from the desk of Governor Jeff Landry seeks to protect election integrity by preventing non-citizens from voting. The order instructs federal and state agencies who offer individuals the ability to register to vote, to also provide a disclaimer that tells a person that he or she cannot vote if they are not a U-S Citizen. Secretary of State Nancy Landry…

Cut 10 (11) “…not a citizen.”

State agencies that provide assistance to an individuals are also required to offer them the opportunity to register to vote, if they are not registered.

Former LSU baseball star Dylan Crews will make his major league baseball debut tonight when he suits up for the Washington Nationals as they host the New York Yankees tonight. Washington selected Crews with the number two overall pick last year and the centerfielder quickly made it through the minor leagues to the bigs…

Cut 12 (10) “…here.”

Crews hit .270 in the minor leagues this season with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs.

Governor Landry signs an executive order that seeks to protect election integrity by preventing non-citizens from voting. Landry says the constitution is clear.
Cut 9 (09) “…mean something .”
The executive order instructs federal and state agencies who offer individuals the ability to register to vote, to also provide a disclaimer that tells a person that he or she cannot vote if that person is not a U-S Citizen.

It’s getting cheaper to fill up the car. According to Triple-A, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Louisiana is $2.98. It comes as the state braces for potential disruptions during hurricane season, which Fuel Analyst Don Redman says could impact both supply and prices.
Cut 4 (06) “…few weeks.”
The downward trend is attributed to several factors, including seasonal changes in demand.

Soon, automakers may be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles, as Congress continues debating the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says in many areas, AM radio is the only resource available during emergencies.
Cut 7 (6) “…that people need.”
The bill comes as some automakers, including Tesla, are starting to omit AM radio from their vehicles.

A trooper from Hammond is on leave for an alleged DWI — and this would not be his first offense. State Police pulled over 28-year-old Isaiah Gilbert after they say they observed him crossing the divider while going southbound on I-110 in East Baton Rouge Parish early this morning. Gilbert was already on leave for a DWI back in March.

A woman is killed in a house fire in Oak Grove. Relatives pulled the 56-year-old woman out of the home, but she did not make it. State Fire Marshal deputies say the fire was caused by an elevtrical malfunction inside a portable air conditioning unit. They say they were unable to confirm the presence of working smoke detectors.

AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $2.98. Fuel analyst Don Redman says this reflects a slight decrease in fuel costs compared to previous weeks, offering some relief to drivers amid a fluctuating fuel market…

Cut 3 (12) “…break at the pump.”

Louisiana’s gas prices are typically lower than the national average due to the state’s proximity to Gulf Coast refineries and lower state taxes on fuel.

Soon, automakers may be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles, as Congress continues debating the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or GOHSEP, says AM radio is an invaluable source for information during emergencies.

Cut 6 (10) “…out for everyone.”

The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is resigning. Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says health reasons are forcing him to step down. Former state lawmaker and House Criminal Chairman Joe Marino says Leblanc did an excellent job despite limited resources…

Cut 10 (10) “…long time.”

Thursday will be Leblanc’s last day.

Governor Jeff Landry asked State Police to investigate the Department of Corrections following reports of poor prison conditions and deadly drug access in the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel.  Landry says it’s too early to comment but is confident that State Police “will get to the bottom of it.”

Here’s a look at commodities…

Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler looked good in the final preseason game on Sunday as he led the Saints on three touchdown drives in a 30-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Rattler is trying to beat out Jake Haener for the role of primary backup to Derek Carr. Rattler acknowledges that the decision is out of his hands…
cut 17 (09) “…my best forward”
Haener played in the first and third quarters yesterday and went eight for 17 for 87 yards, while Rattler was 7 of 13 for 105 yards and one touchdown.

Saints Coach Dennis Allen says the defense as a whole did not not have a good day, but backup linebacker Anfrernee Orji had a nice game as he led the team with nine total tackles. Orji on his chances of making the team..
Cut 19 (08) “…hope for the best.”
The deadline for NFL teams to reduce their rosts to 53 is 3 PM on Tuesday.

Ruston High’s Aidan Anding has committed to LSU. He becomes the third cornerback in the Tigers 2025 recruiting class. DJ Pickett from Florida and Kade Phillips from Texas are the other two. Anding is a three-star prospect, who was strongly considering Texas, until LSU made him an offer in late June.On3 ranks him as the 13th best player in Louisiana.

KATC-TV is reporting Ben Woolridge will start at quarterback when U-L Lafayette hosts Grambling on Saturday. Woolridge played in three games last season because he suffered a season-ending injury. He threw for 508 yards and five touchdowns.

ULM Coach Bryant Vincent has named General Booty as the Warhawks starting quarterback for Thursday night’s home game against Jackson State.

Lafayette’s Mondo Duplantis has done it again! For the tenth time in his career, and third time this year, he’s set a new record for highest pole vault. Yesterday he cleared 6.26 meters in a Diamond League meet in Poland.

Former LSU baseball star Dylan Crews makes his major league debut tonight as Crews will likely play center field for the Nationals when they host the New York Yankees.