WVUE - Exclusives

Lee Zurik Investigation: Washington bonuses cost taxpayers billions

Lee Zurik — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:59:00 EDT

Two Louisiana congressman find common ground across the aisle when it comes to the hugely-expensive bonuses and incentives, handed out in recent years by federal agencies including FEMA and the Veterans Health Administration. The White House has demanded cuts amid the nation's fiscal crises, but some agencies are bucking the trend. We'll examine the sky-high bonuses in our special investigation, "Out of Bounds."

Waterfalls within driving distance of New Orleans

John Snell — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:42:00 EDT

Clark Creek features dozens of waterfalls, nestled in the very southwestern corner of Mississippi

Corps declares massive hurricane project complete

John Snell — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:31:00 EDT

Corps declares new hurricane defenses "complete" 100 year storm protection in place without temporary fixes

Lee Zurik Investigation: The retirement plan so good, it may be illegal

Lee Zurik — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:43:00 EDT

It's a little known perk that only benefits less than 20 percent of Jefferson Parish employees, but costs the parish millions every year. And our questions to a statewide official had her telling us that the benefit is illegal.

Outside the Walls: Homeowners beyond New Orleans face financial storm

John Snell — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:28:00 EDT

New flood insurance reality poses the latest obstacle to communities trying to rebuild outside New Orleans' new flood walls.

Hurricane-damaged Friends Restaurant to be replaced

John Snell — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:40:00 EDT

The owner of Friends Coastal Restaurant plans to tear down the building and replace it with an entirely new restaurant, opening in 2014.

FOX 8 Defenders: Trial continues in case of Lafourche animal cruelty

FOX8Live.com Staff — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:26:00 EDT

The trial of a Lafourche Parish man facing animal cruelty charges and charges he violated the parish noise ordinance continues Wednesday in Thibodaux.

Heart of Louisiana: The Creole Nature Trail

Dave McNamara — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:14:00 EDT

It's a collection of marshes and wetlands loaded with alligators, a large variety of colorful birds, and a sandy beach that dips into the Gulf of Mexico. The Creole Nature Trail allows you to step into the marsh and see wildlife up close. FOX 8's Dave McNamara takes a drive into "Louisiana's outback", in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Amazing camera for the cowabunga crowd

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:24:00 EDT

● If your hubby skis, cycles, skydives, snorkels, or races anything, the GoPro HERO3 is a sure-fire, knock-his-socks-off Father's Day gift!
● Is the SAMSUNG Galaxy S4 a worthy successor to the S III? Yes!

Outside the Walls: People living outside new levees fight for their own protection

John Snell — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:40:00 EDT

While the government is spending $14.6 billion on a risk-reduction system for most of metropolitan New Orleans, hundreds of thousands of people outside the new levees, gates and floodwalls remain essentially defenseless. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is studying three options for a levee to provide protection against the 100-year storm, or a tropical system with a one percent likelihood of occurring in any given year.

Lee Zurik Investigation: A tale of two sheriffs

Lee Zurik — Wed, 8 May 2013 23:15:00 EDT

Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman writes the law firm Usry, Weeks & Matthews a bi-weekly check, totaling at least $65,000. The payment is made with little proof of work done by the law firm. They don't submit a detailed hourly billing account, don't even charge an hourly rate, only a bi-weekly flat fee with some added-on costs, for a total of about $1.7 million a year. In nearby St. John Parish, they have a much different arrangement.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Sheriff's budget bloated by mystery legal fees

Lee Zurik — Wed, 8 May 2013 22:22:00 EDT

Remember last year, when the Orleans Parish Sheriff told the City Council he needed more money for his operating budget? FOX 8 found some staggering expenditures for legal counsel that might help explain why money is so tight at Gusman's office.

Once badly injured, two bald eagles are released into Louisiana's wild

John Snell — Wed, 8 May 2013 16:58:00 EDT

LSU veterinarians nursed an adult female and a juvenile eagle back to health and released them into a Wildlife Management Area near Gramercy.

Defend your castle with a Digital PeepHole

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 8 May 2013 10:05:00 EDT

œ Peepholes have been around for centuries, but now there's a better way to monitor your front door.
œ Apricorn's Aegis Secure Key USB flash drive uses secure PIN authentication via an embedded keypad to keep data safe.

Out to Lunch: Councilwoman, judge react to investigation at Criminal Court

Meg Gatto — Wed, 8 May 2013 09:24:00 EDT

A New Orleans city councilwoman speaks out about the FOX 8 Investigates report that revealed expensive meals that have been purchased in recent years for judges, juries and court staff at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

Heart of Louisiana: "Holy Works of Art"

Dave McNamara — Tue, 7 May 2013 22:45:00 EDT

When hurricanes or fires damage churches, or when churches close because of dwindling memberships, there is an ongoing effort to save some of the most colorful treasures in those buildings. In this edition of Heart of Louisiana, FOX 8's Dave McNamara shows us how many stained glass windows are also works of fine art.

Out to Lunch: Pricey meals for jurors, court staff at Orleans Criminal Court

Meg Gatto — Tue, 7 May 2013 21:51:00 EDT

A FOX 8 investigation into court records at Orleans Parish Criminal Court revealed jurors there are eating far better than most, and court staff are eating for free -- all at the expense of taxpayers.

Lee Zurik Investigation: 'Playing With Fire' prompts legislative backlash

Lee Zurik — Thu, 2 May 2013 23:38:00 EDT

A board of trustees that spent public money on alcohol and pricey meals may soon lose some of its members. A Louisiana House committee passed a bill Thursday that would alter the make-up of the New Orleans Fire Fighter's Pension & Relief Fund.

Tiny TV

Shelley Brown — Thu, 2 May 2013 23:32:00 EDT

They're little reporters, anchors and cameramen, but they are big thinkers, and at one school, young students gain skills that most journalists don't get a chance to do until later in life.

Apple items top Mother's Day techie gift list

Jerry Seregni — Thu, 2 May 2013 10:26:00 EDT

The iPhone recently became the #1 selling smart phone in the world. One reason for the iPhone's dominance is women, particularly older women, which means the iPhone and other Apple products are perfect Mother's Day gifts.

Lee Zurik Investigation: S&WB's overtime policy means millions down the drain

Lee Zurik — Wed, 1 May 2013 23:42:00 EDT

Almost three years ago, in the summer of 2010, we detailed sky-high overtime earnings for some Sewerage and Water Board employees. Officials there promised to reform. But our research shows the overtime has not just continued; in some ways, it's gotten worse.

Mud Wrestling: Skeptics question plans for rebuilding coastal Louisiana

John Snell — Wed, 1 May 2013 22:15:00 EDT

Most coastal scientists and activists appear to buy into the argument that Louisiana must use the river, and they warn time is not on our side. But plans currently on the table have some vocal critics.

Lee Zurik Investigation: FBI widens Galvan probe

Lee Zurik — Wed, 1 May 2013 16:57:00 EDT

The federal investigation now includes the purchase of a 40-acre piece of property by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner, property that measures a quarter mile on each side.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Dr. Galvan loses a contract

Lee Zurik — Wed, 1 May 2013 16:56:00 EDT

The cancellation of the contract with the City of Slidell happened earlier this month and follows a series of FOX 8 investigations that questioned Galvan's arrangement to take care of sick inmates at the jail.

Call of the Wild

John Snell — Wed, 1 May 2013 09:55:00 EDT

For Audubon Zoo vets, it's never a routine day at the office. These doctors are motivated by their love of wild animals.

Lee Zurik Investigation: House passes bill to curb Galvan's powers

Lee Zurik — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:22:00 EDT

Louisiana's House of Representatives has approved a bill that would give the St. Tammany Parish Council control over salaries and spending in the parish Coroner's Office.

Heart of Louisiana: Lawnmower racing

Dave McNamara — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:38:00 EDT

It may be hard to find a group of guys who get more excited about lawnmowers than the Cajun Mower Racing Association. But their interest is not a well-manicured lawn. What they care about is horsepower, gear ratios, and beating the other lawnmowers to the finish line. FOX 8's Dave McNamara takes us to a grass track in Lake Charles for a wild spin in this edition of "Heart of Louisiana".

Heart of Louisiana: Booth's Grocery

Dave McNamara — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:46:00 EDT

A small family-owned grocery store in Grand Chenier has been a fixture in that community for more than a half century. But after rebuilding from Hurricane Rita, the store's owner was "blown away" by an Internet surge of social media. FOX 8's Dave McNamara takes us to the extreme southwest corner of the state to see what all the buzz is about in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Green UPS protects equipment and saves cash

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:08:00 EDT

● APC's Back-UPS ES product line protects electronics and conserves electricity.
● Rebit 5 makes Windows backup and recovery unbelievably easy.

Finding oil in the marsh, 3 years after BP spill

John Snell — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:23:00 EDT

For the most part there are few signs of the oil that once stained hundreds of miles of our shores. But about 10 miles south of Bay Jimmy, Plaquemines leaders believe the spill has produced more dramatic effects.

Lee Zurik Investigation: S&WB chief set for huge retirement benefits

Lee Zurik — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:00:00 EDT

S&WB Executive Director Marcia St. Martin has been a public employee for 42 years, 22 of those at the Sewerage and Water Board. When she steps down at the end of this year, she'll receive a hefty paycheck.

HTC One arrives Friday at AT&T retailers

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:02:00 EDT

● Flagship smart phone features zero-gap, aluminum construction, awesome sound, and uncompromising design.
● Inner Balance app strives to improve wellness through training, education and self-monitoring.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Orleans judges held 6 separate life insurance policies

Lee Zurik — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EDT

Orleans Criminal Court judges handed over records Tuesday to FOX 8 News and the Times-Picayune after we jointly filed suit. The judges agreed to give us both records related to life insurance policies they purchased.

Heart of Louisiana: Hodges Gardens

Dave McNamara — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EDT

It's a combination of rocky, pine covered hills, terraced waterfalls and an abundance of flowers. And it is certainly one of the most beautiful of Louisiana's state parks. FOX 8's Dave McNamara takes us to Sabine Parish on a tour of Hodges Gardens in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

FOX 8 Defenders: "Hounded" trial postponed to May

Shelley Brown — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:06:00 EDT

The trial of a Thibodaux man facing animal cruelty charges and animal noise code violations has been postponed.

After Further Review: How Smith signing impacts Saints draft

Sean Fazende — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:53:00 EDT

Sean Fazende breaks down Jason Smith signing.

Giant dredge sustained some damage in crash with cruise ship

John Snell — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:04:00 EDT

The Dredge Wheeler was in the path of the Carnival Triumph after the cruise ship broke free of its moorings during high winds on April 3.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Mineral Board approves more time for AG's "Dirty Deeds" probe

Lee Zurik — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EDT

The State Mineral Board voted Wednesday to give the state attorney general's office four more months to investigate questionably obtained oil leases from the 1930's.

Futuristic PC combines Windows 8 with Android

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EDT

● The ASUS Transformer AiO combines the mobility of a tablet with the versatility of a powerful desktop PC.
● Roku ups its game with a faster player, easier to use navigation, and a remote with a headphone jack.

Something is killing dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico

John Snell — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:14:00 EDT

While oil spill seems suspect, definitive cause eludes experts

Heart of Louisiana: Filé Man

Dave McNamara — Tue, 9 Apr 2013 22:26:00 EDT

It's a spice, handed down from Native Americans, that often ends up in a bowl of gumbo. And if you know what to look for, you can find everything you need growing in the woods of south Louisiana. FOX 8's Dave McNamara introduces you to the "Filé Man" in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Chris Rose: "60 Second" interview with Little Freddie King

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 09:38:00 EDT

Chris Rose sits down with music legend Little Freddie King for a "60 second" interview.

Web Exclusive: Astounding salary growth at STP Coroner's Office

Lee Zurik — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 17:05:00 EDT

St. Tammany Coroner Peter Galvan's salary, and those of his highest-ranking staff, have risen 619 percent since 2000.

Heart of Louisiana: New Orleans' Botanical Garden

Dave McNamara — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EDT

It's a combination of Art Deco sculptures, shade trees and flowers. It's one of Louisiana's premier botanical gardens, and after suffering through ups and downs over the past 80 years it may have never looked better. FOX 8's Dave McNamara stays close to home in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Lawmakers target N.O. Firefighters Pension Fund for reform

Lee Zurik — Wed, 3 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EDT

It's a fund that FOX 8 examined in our "Playing with Fire" investigative series. That investigation lead to ethics charges being filed against two members of the pension board.

Affordable Nikons arrive in time for 'Festival Month'

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 3 Apr 2013 09:35:00 EDT

● Latest COOLPIX models prove you don't have to 'max your plastic' to own a high-quality, capable camera.
● Samsung's GALAXY smart camera is the ultimate tool for shutterbugs who love to share.

Gigantophones: literally the next big thing in smart phones

Jerry Seregni — Tue, 2 Apr 2013 21:40:00 EDT

● Smart phones with screens measuring 5 - 7 inches are taking over, but is a phablet right for you?
● HP's 23-inch Windows 8-powered all-in-one touchscreen PC excels as a compact, versatile entertainment center.

After Further Review: Saints bolster depth with McCown & Coleman

Sean Fazende — Mon, 1 Apr 2013 17:09:00 EDT

Sean Fazende breaks down the Saints' latest moves.

Lee Zurik Investigation: FBI wants Slidell's records in Galvan probe

Lee Zurik — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 23:00:00 EDT

Sources in St. Tammany Parish tell FOX 8 News the City of Slidell has received a subpoena from the FBI, asking for documents related to a contract with Dr. Peter Galvan.

Heart of Louisiana: Tom's Fiddle and Bow

Dave McNamara — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:30:00 EDT

Here's the story of a ship-builder turned violin-maker who moved from New England to a small Cajun village. He now hosts a monthly gathering of musicians whose tastes run from Cajun to bluegrass. FOX 8's Dave McNamara takes us to a fiddle shop in the St. Landry Parish town of Arnaudville in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Retirement plan gives Galvan plenty to smile about

Lee Zurik — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:17:00 EDT

St. Tammany Parish's coroner has decided to pay himself more than any other elected official in the state, and with that will come a hefty reward -- a lucrative retirement package -- when he steps aside as coroner.

'As seen on TV' now includes latest tech products

Jerry Seregni — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:49:00 EDT

● All-new BlackBerry Z10 smart phone hits AT&T stores. Should you care?
● HP ENVY x2 two-in-one tablet-notebook provides MacBook Air quality with greater versatility.

Heart of Louisiana: Battle of Port Hudson

Dave McNamara — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:49:00 EDT

150 years ago, the longest military siege on America soil took place in Louisiana. In the Battle of Port Hudson, Confederate troops, outnumbered four to one, held off repeated attacks by the Union army in a siege that lasted 48 days. FOX 8's Dave McNamara has the story of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War in this edition of "Heart of Louisiana".

Lee Zurik Investigation: Parish leaders cry foul over coroner cash-outs

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:49:00 EDT

The St. Tammany Parish Council Chairman calls it bad government. A CPA says it may be fraudulent. We dig deeper into the records we uncovered that show the parish coroner and some of his high-ranking employees may have illegally paid themselves hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Web Exclusive: St. Tammany Coroner's Office cash-outs not limited to Galvan

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:49:00 EDT

Lee Zurik reports that only a handful of St. Tammany Coroner's employees were able to cash out unused sick and vacation time.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Citizens group begins Galvan recall effort

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:34:00 EDT

To hold a recall election for a parish-wide official in St. Tammany Parish, signatures would need to be collected from 53,000 registered voters.

Lee Zurik Investigation: How many cars does a coroner need?

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:30:00 EDT

We became curious after we sent a simple request to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner asking for a list of all employee take home vehicles, and who the coroner assigned them to.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Galvan's salary, wet bar face scrutiny

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:19:00 EDT

Drawings of the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's new complex in Lacombe show the good doctor has a wet bar attached to his office -- and taxpayers paid for it.

Lee Zurik Investigation: St. Tammany coroner gives himself 39 percent raise

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:15:00 EDT

A parish coroner on the North Shore makes more money than most state and federal officials. And it looks like the state legislature helped make that salary a reality. Lee Zurik reports in his "Body of Evidence" investigation.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Coroner financial chief's numbers don't add up

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:54:00 EDT

We've discovered new information that shows the St. Tammany Parish Coroner is not the only employee at his office essentially getting paid twice to go on vacation. We examine the case of Kim Kelly, the coroner's chief financial officer and also a certified public accountant, in this update on our "Body of Evidence" investigation.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Policy manual shows Galvan may have broken law

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:53:00 EDT

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office told the parish president there is no formal, written policy for sick and vacation time there. But we located the office's latest policy ourselves, and it could spell trouble for Dr. Peter Galvan.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Galvan snubs legislative auditor's records request

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:47:00 EDT

St. Tammany's parish president adds her voice to those demanding Parish Coroner Peter Galvan's timesheets. So far, the good doctor is not budging.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Facebook, wine country and Dr. Peter Galvan

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:46:00 EDT

According to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's paychecks, Dr. Peter Galvan had no weekday fun outside of Louisiana in 2011 and 2012. That's because the records show he took no vacation those two years. Instead he cashed out his unused vacation and sick time and paid himself $67,000. But a quick tour of the Facebook page belonging to Galvan's wife shows a different story.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Coroner's cashed-out vacation days don't make sense

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EDT

We went directly to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office Friday to obtain public records that could show us if Dr. Peter Galvan may have illegally paid himself taxpayer money. They provided the records, but a quick look at the paperwork in the parking lot sent us right back inside.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Did St. Tammany voters give Dr. Galvan too much?

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:44:00 EDT

Parish coroner Peter Galvan campaigned hard for voter approval of a 4-mill tax measure in order to build a state-of-the-art DNA lab. He got that approval, and the lab, and millions of dollars more.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Citizens group says coroner must go

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:43:00 EDT

Following the findings of our "Body of Evidence" probe, the group Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany says Dr. Peter Galvan must resign. But some parish leaders say it's too early to talk about pushing Galvan out of office.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Coroner's financial statements an eye-opener

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:42:00 EDT

St. Tammany's coroner, Dr. Peter Galvan, has to file a financial disclosure form with the state every year. What this tells us is that he makes even more public dollars than we first reported in our "Body of Evidence" investigation..

Lee Zurik Investigation: Snack cakes, Chianti and your taxes

Lee Zurik — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:41:00 EDT

In this installment of Lee Zurik's "Body of Evidence" investigation, we examine some of the receipts from public credit card spending by the St. Tammany Coroner and his CFO.

FOX 8 Defenders: "Hounded" trial begins in Lafourche

Shelley Brown — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:08:00 EDT

The trial of a Lafourche Parish man accused of animal cruelty and animal noise code violations started Thursday afternoon. But after three and a half hours of testimony in the case against Chris Michot, the court continued the trial to April 16.

Will desktops disappear in a tablet-centric world?

Jerry Seregni — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:43:00 EDT

● Are desktop computers destined to fade away like console stereos, 8-track tape players, or the VCR?
● Tax prep software 2013 provides few surprises.

Heart of Louisiana: Margaret of New Orleans

Dave McNamara — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:44:00 EDT

In a city of more than 250 statues and monuments, you may not always know the story of why each was built. But there is one statue that deserves special attention. And if you don't already know the story, FOX 8's Dave McNamara introduces you to "Margaret of New Orleans", in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

St. Tammany Council: Galvan must resign as coroner

Lee Zurik — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 22:27:00 EST

The St. Tammany Parish Council has voted 13-1, asking Coroner Peter Galvan to resign. The council also voted unanimously to ask Galvan to pay back about $175,000. That's money that Galvan allegedly paid himself in unused vacation and sick time.

Malwarebytes Pro provides symbiotic security

Jerry Seregni — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 00:11:00 EST

● Malwarebytes' Pro version is designed to co-exist peacefully with offerings from Symantec, Kaspersky, McAfee, and others.
● The decision to go with Office 365 or Office 2013 is a classic case of rent vs. own.

LogicInMind crams slide viewer and remote into one app

Jerry Seregni — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 00:10:00 EST

● Slideshow Remote turns your iPad or iPhone into a wireless PowerPoint slide-clicker on steroids!
● Toolwiz Time Freeze lets a malware-stricken PC go back in time to when it was running great.

Heart of Louisiana: "Seeking the Unknown"

Dave McNamara — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 22:30:00 EST

When French explorers first came to Louisiana, they found unique plants and animals that they had never seen before. Those discoveries were collected, written about and sent back to Paris to show off the natural riches of Louisiana. Some of those specimens, dating back as much as 300 years, have returned temporarily to the French Quarter. FOX 8's Dave McNamara digs deep into our state's history in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Nancy Parker celebrates with Fats Domino for his 85th birthday

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 12:04:00 EST

Nancy Parker joins New Orleans music legend Fats Domino and his family to celebrate his 85^th birthday.

Heart of Louisiana: Teddy's Juke Joint

Dave McNamara — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:24:00 EST

He was spinning records before disco and he's still going strong at his blues club in Zachary. With a mix of records and live blues music, Teddy's Juke Joint still packs the house. In this edition of Heart of Louisiana, FOX 8's Dave McNamara travels to East Baton Rouge Parish for a very special night at Teddy's, with a birthday bash for a Louisiana blues legend.

Real or Man-made? The Mississippi's "gift" to Louisiana creates controversy

John Snell — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:39:00 EST

Some may view Mardi Gras Pass as a possible model for coastal restoration, reconnecting the river with the marsh and pushing back the saltwater that's eating at Louisiana's coast. However, not everyone buys into the notion that nature, left to her own devices, has suddenly produced this phenomenon.

Chris Rose: "60 Second" interview with Thomas Morstead

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:26:00 EST

Chris Rose sits down with Saints punter Thomas Morstead for a "60 second" interview.

Lee Zurik Investigation: AG's office delays "Dirty Deeds" probe

Lee Zurik — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:22:00 EST

A local researcher has concerns about the attorney general's investigation into questionably obtained oil and gas leases.

Heart of Louisiana: Alzina's

Dave McNamara — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:30:00 EST

There are a lot of Cajun cooks and Cajun restaurants around Louisiana. But if you've never had a meal in the south Lafourche town of Galliano, then you haven't tasted what may be the best Cajun cooking anywhere. Chef Alzina Toups has written cookbooks and given cooking tips on cable TV. But getting a place at her dinner table is a special treat. FOX 8's Dave McNamara explains in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Council wants to question coroner, but will he show up?

Lee Zurik — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:35:00 EST

The St. Tammany Parish Council wants the coroner, Dr. Peter Galvan, to answer questions at the next council meeting. According to the council, they are ready to cut funding to Galvan's office. It's the latest development in our "Body of Evidence" investigation.

Kill Zone: Cleaning up oil junk, killing tens of thousands of fish

John Snell — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:19:00 EST

The program, known as "Idle Iron," requires oil and gas companies to remove facilities within five years after they become no longer useful. In about half the cases last year, contractors used explosives in dismantling platforms.

Kayla's Courage

Nancy Parker — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:37:00 EST

A young lady who has already overcome the obstacle of being born without arms wraps her determination another milestone.

City battles with wealthy banker's heirs over control of riches

John Snell — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:28:00 EST

Almost a century ago, wealthy banker Edward Wisner willed 50,000 acres of property to the city in the form of a charity trust, having no way of realizing the gold mine he was bequeathing.

Devices target high-tech toddlers

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:17:00 EST

Everyone knows kids love touch screens, so why not treat your infant to an iPad-friendly toilet training seat or a tablet PC designed for a 12-month old?

Heart of Louisiana: Barn dance

Dave McNamara — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:39:00 EST

If you have a big old barn and it's not being used for much else, you might wonder whether it can be repurposed. If that barn is in the middle of the southwest Louisiana Cajun prairie, it makes a perfect dance hall. Fox 8's Dave McNamara takes us to that old in rural Evangeline Parish in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

FOX 8 Defenders: Contractor left unfinished work, didn't have proper license

Shelley Brown — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST

A New Orleans homeowner says her contractor has delayed her potential disaster recovery fund reimbursements, and after investigating, the FOX 8 Defenders found he shouldn't have even worked on the renovation project.

After Further Review: Saints respecting Vilma, Smith by restructure offer

Sean Fazende — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:06:00 EST

Sean Fazende breaks down the Saints restructure offer to Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith.

Heart of Louisiana: The Laptop Orchestra

Dave McNamara — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:25:00 EST

It's not your typical orchestral music. In fact, it may not sound like anything you've ever heard before, although most of us already have one of their instruments in our home or office.

"Bob's Battle" proves to be a long road to victory

Nancy Parker — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 08:55:00 EST

Almost every day, Bob Breck makes the life-saving walk through the doors of East Jefferson's Yenni Pavilion for radiation treatments. The experience is not what he expected.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Public cash for pricey drinks? You’ve been swiped again

Lee Zurik — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:18:00 EST

Former JEDCO executive director Lucien Gunter insists he never bought alcohol with public funds, something that state law clearly disallows. But our "Swiped Again" investigation uncovered receipts that seem to prove otherwise.

Pelicans missing from two tiny islands in Barataria Bay

John Snell — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:15:00 EST

A recent survey shows the islands in Cat Bay survived the winter, but they are mostly devoid of life.

Apple's EasyPay makes last-minute V-Day shopping super-quick.

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:17:00 EST

Valentine's Day is less than 24 hours away. With all the distractions (Super Bowl XLVII and Mardi Gras), did buying your special lady a gift slip your mind? Fear not. Apple is standing-by to save your hide.

Pipe delivers a beach, long distance, to south La.

John Snell — Thu, 7 Feb 2013 22:47:00 EST

On Scofield Island, west of the Mississippi River's mouth, the newest part of Louisiana pours out of a pipe.

Gentlemen, start your engines. Pilota Ferrari!

Jerry Seregni — Thu, 7 Feb 2013 22:34:00 EST

- Can't afford a Ferrari? The Vibration GT cockpit 458 Italia edition wheel-and-pedal set for Xbox 360 is the next best thing.
- Razer Blade is a super-cool, thin, light, crazy-fast 17-inch gaming laptop.

FOX 8 Defenders: Local Festiva dispute settled

Shelley Brown — Tue, 5 Feb 2013 11:20:00 EST

The FOX 8 Defenders started investigating the national resort rental company for alleged fraud a year and a half ago.

Fred's Final Word On Super Bowl XLVII

Fred Hickman — Mon, 4 Feb 2013 23:20:00 EST

Sports Director Fred Hickman reflects on the impact Super Bowl XLVII had on the city, as well as those participating in the game.

Louisiana lures Gameloft and other job creators with a training program on steroids

John Snell — Sat, 2 Feb 2013 08:51:00 EST

Hardly a tech giant, the state was, predictably, not on the short list of likely sites for the mobile gaming company's second U.S. studio.

New Orleans touts its new status as a "brain magnet"

John Snell — Fri, 1 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST

After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the rebuilding effort transformed that city into one of America's economic powerhouses.

Bob's Battle: FOX 8 chief meteorologist fighting prostate cancer

Nancy Parker — Fri, 1 Feb 2013 17:09:00 EST

"I don't want to burden anybody with the issue. What I would like to do is say, 'Be not afraid. I go before you, come follow.'"

Fred Hickman: A super cool week In New Orleans

Fred Hickman — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:49:00 EST

New Orleans is showing her very best to the world for Super Bowl XLVII this week.

RIM launches long-awaited BlackBerry 10

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:39:00 EST

Will BB10 will give BlackBerry loyalists the cure for iPhone and Android envy they desperately need? Chromebooks are cheap, easy-to-use, and free of Windows' woes. But there are drawbacks as well.

Heart of Louisiana: Bows and arrows

Dave McNamara — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST

A thousand years ago, groups of Native Americans made their homes in the forests and along the creeks and rivers of Washington Parish. They mastered the art of living off the land. Today, a Franklinton man is rediscovering the art of crafting Native American tools and weapons. FOX 8's Dave McNamara has that story in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Dual-screen hybrid PC shares content without a projector

Jerry Seregni — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

- New ASUS TAICHI provides keyboard, touch-screen, and stylus computing in one sleek device.
- Microsoft's Windows 8 Upgrade Offer ends soon. Recent purchasers of PCs with Windows 7 eligible for $15 upgrade to Windows 8 Pro.

Metairie woman frustrated with multiple random power outages

Shelley Brown — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:21:00 EST

Kucera received help from the FOX 8 Defenders for after several requests to Entergy go unanswered

FOX 8 Defenders: Hounded

Shelley Brown — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:52:00 EST

A Lafourche Parish couple feels they're prisoners inside their own home. Even there, they say they can't escape the disturbing noise that plagues their property. Now the FOX 8 Defenders are on the case.

Heart of Louisiana: Cajun Boat Building

Dave McNamara — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:29:00 EST

From wooden pirogues, to shrimp trawlers and ocean going ships, the people of Lafourche Parish are known world-wide for their boat-building skills.

FOX 8 Defenders: Boat sinks, fishermen blame national retailer

Shelley Brown — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST

A fishing trip turned frightening for two New Orleans men over the weekend when their boat sank in Port Fourchon.

Torn between buying a notebook or a tablet? Consider a convertible!

Jerry Seregni — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:22:00 EST

Convertible notebooks usually work great as laptops but lousy as tablets. Fortunately, there are exceptions. Meetup.com: a cool way to meet folks with common interests who live nearby.

Heart of Louisiana: Istre Cemetery

Dave McNamara — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:47:00 EST

Here in south Louisiana, we are familiar with above ground burials and tombs in our cemeteries. But there is an old Cajun custom of building a small house over a burial site, even when the person is buried underground. FOX 8's Dave McNamara travels to Acadia Parish to find the last of the grave houses in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Antelope, other endangered animals to roam West Bank

John Snell — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:06:00 EST

San Diego and New Orleans already boast two of America's great zoos. Now they are teaming up in an unprecedented effort to help save endangered species.

Lusting over high-end Apple products -- and loving it!

Jerry Seregni — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 23:03:00 EST

Apple creates a 13-inch ultraportable for the uncompromising. Is the thinnest all-in-one PC imaginable more than a pretty face? Yes!

Heart of Louisiana: Studio in the Country

Dave McNamara — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:01:00 EST

Just north of Bogalusa, past an unmarked gate, sits one of the premier recording studios in the state. And after nearly 40 years, they're still putting together great New Orleans sounds and rock and roll at the studio in the country.

Heart of Louisiana: Christmas lights at Bayou Gauche

Dave McNamara — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:46:00 EST

It is an unlikely place for such a large display of holiday lights. A St. Charles Parish man is decorating his yard on a grand scale, with tens of thousands of lights on a variety of impressive homemade holiday designs. It is near the end of the road in bayou gauche.

Heart of Louisiana: Ernest Gaines

Dave McNamara — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:45:00 EST

His writings about the African-American experience in the rural South have made him one of this state's most acclaimed authors. Four of his books have become movies, and his novels are studied in classrooms from grade school through college. FOX 8's Dave McNamara finds out what has drawn the literary legend back to the plantation where he grew up in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Heart of Louisiana: Convict poker

Dave McNamara — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:45:00 EST

Imagine sitting down at a card table for a friendly game of poker. Then an angry, 1,500-pound bull decides to call everyone's bluff. It's one of the highlights of the Angola Prison Rodeo. FOX 8's Dave McNamara takes us to the state penitentiary in this edition of Heart of Louisiana.

Heart of Louisiana: 'Miracle' at Grand Coteau

Dave McNamara — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:45:00 EST

Some Catholics call it the "holiest place" in Louisiana. It's also the site of a miracle, confirmed by the Catholic Church, that purportedly occurred nearly 150 years ago. Fox 8's Dave McNamara takes us to St. Landry Parish for the miracle at Grand Coteau.

Heart of Louisiana: The Beast

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:44:00 EST

It seems a bit out of place in Louisiana, but some biking enthusiasts say one of the best trails for mountain biking is in the Bayou State. In fact the twists and turns and ups and downs of the trail are so challenging, it's been nicknamed The Beast.

Lee Zurik Investigation: `Playing with Fire`... on the golf course

Lee Zurik — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 19:36:00 EST

We hoped to talk with Fire Pension Board president Bud Carrouche about potential ethics violations linked to the board, including the hiring of his son at a golf club owned by the board. Carrouche's response: "Oh no."

Jim Henderson: Heart

Jim Henderson — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 19:36:00 EST

Both the Bucs and certainly the Cowboys had far more to play for than the Saints. But the Saints had something even more powerful to play for -- each other.

Jim Henderson's Black & Gold Breakdown: Saints vs. Cowboys

Jim Henderson — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:30:00 EST

The Saints must not only win out against the Cowboys and Panthers, they need eight other results over the last two weeks elsewhere to go their way. Their odds of that are longer than Santa's gift list.

Jim Henderson: Tampa Bay shutout

Jim Henderson — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:53:00 EST

The late-season role of the Saints as a spoiler and not a contender is one they've been unfamiliar with in the Sean Payton era, but one his absence has helped contribute to in the current Sean Payton-less era.

Jim Henderson's Black & Gold Breakdown: Saints vs. Bucs

Jim Henderson — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:12:00 EST

For one team on Sunday a victory will put a band-aid on a late-season losing streak. For the loser, the bleeding continues.

Jim Henderson's Black & Gold Breakdown: Saints vs. Falcons II

Jim Henderson — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:33:00 EST

As they face each other for the second time in four games, the immediate goals of these old foes are vastly different.

Jim Henderson: Here's to their health

Jim Henderson — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:13:00 EST

The Saints are licking their wounds and counting their losses. The two often go hand-in-hand.

Jim Henderson's Black & Gold Breakdown: Saints vs. 49ers

Jim Henderson — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 19:24:00 EST

Last week we were worried the Saints could suffer a letdown and overlook an Oakland Raider team that had played atrociously the week before. That's the least of the Saints' worries this week.

Jim Henderson: Raiders of the Lost Art

Jim Henderson — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST

The Oakland Raiders couldn't even manage to say "boo" to the Saints before Oakland's fans were saying "boo" to them during a second-half exodus from O.co Mausoleum... err, Coliseum.

Jim Henderson: 'Vitt-orious'

Jim Henderson — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:15:00 EST

It seems that each year, when the Saints revert to standard time, they do anything but "fall back." They spring forward.

Jim Henderson's Black & Gold Breakdown: Saints vs. Falcons

Jim Henderson — Thu, 8 Nov 2012 23:30:00 EST

The Atlanta Falcons are the least-respected 8 and 0 team in the NFL. They are also the only 8 and 0 team in the NFL.

Lee Zurik Investigation: Lawmaker's bill could hit Galvan where it hurts

Lee Zurik — Wed, 1 May 2013 16:59:00 EDT

A North Shore state representative thinks the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's salary could be reduced by the end of this year. Representative Tim Burns filed a bill Friday that he says will put an end to the abuses in the Coroner's Office.