Some much-needed rainfall fell across parts of the state over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. He says they are fighting some big fires in and around Kisatchie  National Forest and Fort Polk…

Cut 4 (10) “…damage happens”

The largest wildfire in Beauregard Parish has consumed more than 33-thousand acres and according to the Department of Agriculture The Tiger Island Fire is 50-percent contained.

Beauregard Sheriff Mark Herford says the Tiger Island Wildfire will likely burn until they get some good, long rain, which is not in the forecast anytime soon.

Cut 5 (09) “ ..top to top.” 

This is day eight of the wildfires in Beauregard Parish. Herford says his local firefighters are to the point of exhaustion.

An 84-year-old Folsom woman, who was burning trash on her property, has died after being rescued from a brush fire at her home Sunday. State Fire Marshal’s Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says while conducting proactive patrols in St. Tammany Parish a deputy, and a volunteer firefighter spotted a brush fire off of LA 25. She says deputies believe the woman fell ill while burning the debris.

Cut 8 (11) “…her there.”

A statewide burn ban remains in effect.

Former Louisiana legislator and ULM employee Dr. Charles McDonald passed away Saturday. McDonald served as the Director of Counseling, Placement, and Testing and the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. ULM President Dr. Ron Berry says in 2017, McDonald was honored with an appointment to serve on the Board of Regents.

Cut 11 (08) “…at ULM.”

This is day eight of the wildfires in Beauregard Parish. Sheriff Mark Herford says his local firefighters are to the point of exhaustion. He says they are receiving help from outside of Louisiana…
Cut 6 (12) “…in wildfire”

An 84-year-old Folsom woman, who was burning trash piles on her property, has died after being rescued from a brush fire at her home on Sunday. State Fire Marshal’s Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says while conducting proactive patrols in St. Tammany Parish looking for burn ban violators, a deputy, and a volunteer firefighter spotted a brush fire off of LA 25.
Cut 7 (09) “…still alive.”
The elderly female succumbed from her injuries at a New Orleans hospital.

Former Louisiana legislator and ULM employee Dr. Charles McDonald passed away Saturday. McDonald served as the Director of Counseling, Placement, and Testing and the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. ULM President Dr. Ron Berry says in January, they honored him with the naming of the Dr. Charles R. McDonald Office of Financial Aid. He says the room was packed with former students.
Cut 10 (07) “…many people.”
McDonald spent more than two decades at ULM and was elected to serve in the State House of Representatives in 1991.

Mortgage rates have climbed above seven-percent, the highest since 2001, which has cooled the housing market. But Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris says a bigger obstacle to buying a new home is affordable homeowners insurance…
Cut 13 (12) “…moving forward.”

The Saints closed out their preseason with a loss to the Texans 17-13. Despite the loss, quarterback Jameis Winston had a good day, going 11 for 16 for 93 yards and a touchdown. Two of his completions were to tight end Jimmy Graham who made great catches on contested balls, including for a touchdown. Coach Dennis Allen is happy with team’s performance, but wanted to finish the preseason undefeated.

Cut 24 (13) “…contested catches.”

The Saints had two separate chances at scoring the go ahead touchdown late in the game, but quarterback Jake Haener threw two interceptions on the final two drives. Also in the fourth quarter, free agent kicker Blake Grupe missed a 60 yard field goal. He and returning kicker Wil Lutz are one of the moves to watch for on cut down day tomorrow afternoon, when the roster shrinks down from 90 to 53 players.

Before college football’s official week 1 kickoff, Louisiana Tech improved their record to 1-0 after beating Florida International 22-17 The Bulldogs rallied back from a 14 point deficit and scored 19 unanswered with transfer quarterback Hank Buchmeier throwing for 333 yards and a touchdown. Coach Sonny Cumbie says it was a good start for the QB in his new uniform.

Cut 18 (24) “…look for.”

ULM will be kicking off their season this Saturday against Army, and just a day later, LSU takes on No. 8 Florida State.

The United States National basketball team beat Greece this morning 109-81. Pelicans star Brandon Ingram had five points on 2 for 4 shooting.

Some much-needed rainfall fell across parts of the state over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. The largest wildfire is in Beauregard Parish, and Sheriff Mark Herford says the Tiger Island Wildfire will likely burn until they get some good, long rain, which is not in the forecast anytime soon.

Cut 5 (09) “ ..top to top.” 

An appeals court has thrown out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal who was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for a 1998 Metairie shooting. Executive Director of the Capital Appeals Project Cecelia Kappel says Neal’s attorney failed to use physical evidence that connected his co-defendants to the crime scene.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for that.”

If the state does not seek a rehearing of the case, Neal will return to Jefferson Parish and face a new trial.

A bomb threat that was emailed to schools in Livingston and Ascension Parishes and Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet, has prompted delays and even cancellations. Bomb squads and increased law enforcement presence have been reported at the affected schools.

The housing market has cooled but Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris says a bigger obstacle to buying a home is affordable homeowners’ insurance. He says less destruction by hurricanes and tighter regulations may help stabilize the market and bring in new insurers.

Cut 15  (12) “….and regulations.”

The average cost of homeowner’s insurance in New Orleans is $5,500. In Shreveport, the average cost is $2,800, and in Lafayette just under $3,000.

Some much-needed rainfall fell across parts of the state over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. The largest wildfire is in Beauregard Parish but Strain says they are also fighting some big fires in and around Kisatchie National Forest and Fort Polk…

Cut 4 (10) “…damage happens”

An appeals court has thrown out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal who was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for 1998 Metairie shooting. Executive Director of the Capital Appeals Project Cecelia Kappel says at Neal’s trial he was represented by an attorney who was completely unprepared.

Cut 8 (11) “…as the shooter.”

She says if the state does not seek a rehearing of the case, Neal will return to Jefferson Parish and face a new trial.

As mortgage rates climb the housing market has cooled but Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris says a bigger obstacle to buying a home is affordable homeowners’ insurance. He’s hopeful a new governor, legislature, and a new Insurance Commissioner can create policies and legislation that bring more insurers to the state.

Cut 14 (08) “…property insurance.” 

Typically, in the summertime restaurant business tends to dwindle, and the relentless heat hasn’t helped. Stan Harris, President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association says that many owners are worried the heat and drought have hurt the cattle industry and how it will impact beef and dairy prices.

Cut 6 (12) “…as well.”

Some parts of the state received a bit of rain over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. Strain says lighting strikes are starting some of the fires…

Cut 3 (07) “…ahead of that fire”

The largest wildfire is in Beauregard Parish. It has consumed 40-thousand acres, but Strain says the Tiger Island Fire is 90 percent contained.

Scorching temperatures and dry conditions have place some parts of the state in an extreme drought. But LSU AgCenter Entomologist Doctor Aaron Ashbrook says the lack of rainfall has resulted in fewer mosquitos, fire ant, and cockroaches.

Cut 11 (09) “…hiding places.”

He also says that ants might be in other hiding spots, but if you see them, there is an easy solution.

An appeals court threw out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal who was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for a fatal 1998 shooting in Metairie. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

One man is dead and an officer was injured after a police pursuit ended in gunfire in Calcasieu Parish Sunday. Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a police pursuit of a subject following a traffic stop at the intersection of Gum Road and LA Hwy 108. The investigation is ongoing.

The Tiger Island fire continues to burn entering a second week in Beauregard Parish. Authorities are calling it the largest wildfire ever recorded in the history of the State of Louisiana.  Authorities say no homes or other structures were lost within the town limits but outside of Merryville, tens of thousands of acres have burned since the fire began nearly a week ago. No reports of injuries or missing persons have been reported.

You might notice there are fewer insects bugging you, and it turns out it’s one of the only good things coming from the ongoing drought. Pierson Luscy has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Pierson Luscy.”

The average mortgage rate has climbed to 7.23 percent, the highest since 2001. But Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris says a bigger obstacle to buying a new home is affordable homeowners insurance…

Cut 13 (12) “…moving forward.”

Morris hopes a new governor and state legislature, along with Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple can up with policies and legislation that bring more insurance companies to the state.

Oppressive temperatures have affected how people dine at their favorite restaurants.  President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris, says while outdoor dining is practically nonexistent, he’s hopeful with fall restaurants will experience the traditional seasonal uptick in business.

Cut 4 (04) “…eat again.”

And while increasing inflation has eased a bit, Harris says from a financial standpoint restaurants are still facing hurdles.

The battle continues against multiple wildfires in Louisiana. In St. Tammany Parish, an 84-year-old Folsom woman, who was burning debris piles, was found unconscious within a burned area of her property. She died at a New Orleans hospital.

Mortgage rates have pushed to a 22-year high but homeowner insurance rates might be a bigger factor when it comes to purchasing a home. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 3 (32) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

A federal appeals court has thrown out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal. He was on death row for his role in a double homicide inside a Metairie home in 1998. Greg Vickers and Fergus Robinson were killed. Neal’s attorney Cecelia Kappel says her client was poorly represented in the original trial
Cut 7 (11) “…fair trial.”
It’s up to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office on whether they will drop the charges or pursue a new trial.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says inflation remains too high. How has that impacted the restaurant industry? President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association says restaurants continue to battle high prices…
cut 5 (12) “…years ago”

Crews continue to respond to wildfires on the western side of the state. The largest is the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish, which has burned about 33-thousand acres according to the state department of ag and forestry. That’s the largest wildfire ever recorded in Louisiana. Beauregard Sheriff Mark Herford says 20 structures have been destroyed, most of them homes. Herford says they have fire fighting assistance from other states, but the winds keep shifting…
Cut 16 (16) “…week now.”
Herford says the Tiger Island Wildfire will likely burn until they get some good, long rain, which is not in the forecast anytime soon. But the mandatory evacuation order for the town of Merryville has been lifted.

An appeals court has thrown out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal. Brooke Thorington reports Neal was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for a double fatal shooting in Metairie in 1998.
Cut 1 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

As we’ve reported in previous newscasts much of the state is in extreme drought. But LSU AgCenter Entomologist Doctor Aaron Ashbrook says the lack of rainfall has resulted in fewer mosquitos and fire ants…
Cut 10 (06) “…less of them.”

Louisiana Radio Network.  I’m Jeanne Burns.

Governor John Bel Edwards has activated about 100 Louisiana National Guard soldiers to help in the fight against the wildfires in Southwest LouisianaCut  14 (16)  “.. .dangerous situation”

Governor Edwards signed an executive order yesterday, expanding the statewide burn ban to include all prescribed burns as well.  So far, more than 440 fires have damaged or destroyed more than 30-thousand acres of Louisiana land.  Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike strain says the burn ban is critical.

Cut 30 : 14 …it’s got to stop

Vernon Parish authorities arrest a 59-year-old man who allegedly started a wildfire that destroyed two mobile homes.  Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana has launched a fund to help out everyone affected by the fires in Southwest Louisiana. CEO Denise Durel on where the money would immediately go.

Cut 12 (08) “…at initially.”

I’m Jeanne Burns, Louisiana Radio Network.