The husband of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has passed away. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the massive fire in Mount Hermon.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Parishes statewide are seeing a dramatic uptick in pet overpopulation issues and abandonment due to the increasing cost of pet food and veterinary care.  Director Jeff Dorson says 33 of the state’s 64 parishes lack parish-wide facilities to provide necessary services for homeless animals.

Cut 3 (11) “…the background.”

Dorson says legislators were asked to set aside $3 million in the 2023 legislative session. He says without additional funding, it is hard to address all these problems.

Cut 4 (09) “…animal shelters.”

Dorson says not only are there not enough shelters, but many of the existing shelters are in ruin and falling apart. He says the responsibility for saving pets should not rest on individuals in the community.

Cut 5 (11) “…do better.”

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KPLC Meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday after his almost three-year battle with colon cancer. The Lake Charles weatherman guided southwest Louisiana through Hurricane Laura and lost his home in the devastation.  Fellow meteorologist Wade Hampton says months after Laura Ben received his cancer diagnosis.

Cut 6 (10) “…loved for it.” 

In addition to southwest Louisiana, Ben shared his cancer journey on the Today Show in 2021. Hampton hopes by sharing his story that Ben helped others and raised awareness about colon cancer.

Cut 7 (10) “…their doctors.” 

After the hurricane destroyed Ben’s home, Hampton drove over to salvage what he could for Ben and find his beloved cat, Vincent. Hampton says Vincet was found safe and sound and he also recovered Ben’s meteorology degree from Mississippi State.

Cut 8 (10) “…the wall.”

The Kosciusko, Mississippi native was 40 years old.

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The state’s burn ban remains in place and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says since the first of August the firefighters have battled 166 fires that’s more consume more than 1,800 acres. He says that’s an average of more than ten fires a day.

Cut 9 (11)  “…a campfire.”

34-year-old Kenneth Beauboef of Independence was arrested in connection with the Mt. Hermon fire. Strain says he’s charged with violating the state’s burn ban, fire-raising, and criminal negligence.

Cut 10 (11)  “…that match.”

Strain urges the public to remain vigilant and if you must light up the barbeque, never leave the grill unattended and have water and/or an extinguisher handy.

Cut 11 (10)  “…of property.” 

Strain says of the fire in Mount Hermon the timber destroyed was approximately 10 to 15 years old.

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A statewide burn ban remains in effect, and State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says – in just two short weeks – firefighters have battled 166 fires that have consumed more than 1,800 acres. He says that’s an average of more than ten fires a day…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…a campfire.”

The Lake Charles area is mourning the death of KPLC TV weatherman Ben Terry, who passed away over the weekend after a years-long fight against colon cancer. He shared his struggles with his audience and on NBC’s Today show two years ago. Fellow Channel 7 meteorologist Wade Hampton says, by doing that, Ben helped others facing the disease…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…their doctors.”

Ben Terry was just 40 years of age.

An arson investigation in St. Martin Parish leads to the arrest of an Arnaudville man on rape and human trafficking charges. 68-year-old Nathaniel Carry was suspected of deliberately setting a mobile home on fire in February. Investigators at his home for an interview found a 30-year-old woman, who says she was held there against her will and sexually assaulted for over a week. Carry was charged with human trafficking, aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, assault and possession of a Schedule II drugs. The arson investigation is ongoing.

Animal shelters across Louisiana are experiencing big influxes of unwanted and homeless dogs and cats. Costs of pet food and veterinary care have soared, and Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says they asked lawmakers for $3-million but didn’t get it. He says without additional funding, it is hard to address needs being felt in over 30 parishes…:

Cut 04    (09)         “…animal shelters.”

The husband of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has died. More on that from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Thorington.”

Gasoline prices are at their highest levels in nearly a year. The reason? Russia and Saudi Arabia cutting production drastically. Today’s statewide average for regular is $3.43-a-gallon. Discount places are selling gas for as little As $3.05 but you have to search it out.

Animal shelters statewide are strained to bursting with unwanted pets. Some say due to inflation and the rising cost of food and veterinary care. Jeff Dorson with the state Humane Society says more than 30 of the state’s 64 parishes lack parish-wide facilities to provide necessary services for homeless animals…:

CUT 03(11)      “…the background.”

KPLC TV meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday after his almost three-year battle with colon cancer. The Lake Charles weatherman guided southwest Louisiana through Hurricane Laura and lost his home in the devastation.  Fellow meteorologist Wade Hampton says months after Laura, Ben received his cancer diagnosis…:

CUT 06(10)      “…loved for it.”

Ben Terry was just 40.

The Saints are working out former Chiefs running back Darrel Williams today after yesterday’s preseason win against Kansas City 26-24. Williams spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs before playing with the Cardinals last year.

He could be competing for significant playing time with Alvin Kamara being suspended for the first three games of the season and rookie running back Kendre Miller leaving yesterday’s game due to a knee injury. Undrafted rookie Ellis Merriweather filled in for Miller and coach Dennis Allen thinks he had a great game when his name was called.

Cut 20 (13) “…it was a good run.”

The Saints were able to score on their first three possessions and jump out to a 17-0 lead yesterday, but Allen says the level of play after that was not what it could be.

Cut 16 (10) “…executed very well.”

Saints fans got to see their new quarterback on Sunday with Derek Carr taking snaps for the first drive. He went 6 for 8 for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs first team defense. He only took 12 snaps, but Carr says he feels great with his new team.

Cut 18 (08) “…that scenario.”

LSU football’s defensive coordinator Matt House spoke on Saturday and more players will available to the media after today’ practice. The AP poll was also released at 11 this morning and LSU comes in ranked at No. 5. Georgia comes in at the top spot after back to back national championships. Alabama is ranked at No. 4, Tennessee at No. 12, Ole Miss at No. 22 and Texas a&M is at No. 23.

LSU’s week one opponent is ranked at No. 8 and the game will be the highest ranked matchup in week 1 out of all games in the country. The game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 3 in Orlando, and for more information on LSU football go to TigerRag.com.

Incumbent Mike Strain stood as the lone candidate for Louisiana’s Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner when qualifying for fall elections ended last week. Strain believes it’s a compliment to his team and his work to help farmers.

Cut 10 (10) “…this term.”

The Republican veterinarian from Covington says moving forward, he plans to resolve issues to make the agriculture industry work for farmers statewide…

Students statewide are officially back in school and transitioning to a new school year may be a challenge. But health care experts have some advice for parents to help get kids adjusted. Children’s Hospital New Orleans Pediatrician Dr. Anthony Hudson says if they’ve been lax with bedtime, it’s time to re-adjust sleep schedules…

Cut 4 (10)  “…summer months.”

He suggests feeding foods that are higher in protein and fats to give the kids energy for a longer period of time.

Just over half of the candidates for the Louisiana legislature will have to campaign for office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A man from Independence is booked amid allegations he was responsible for starting a massive fire in Washington Parish last Thursday night. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture says 24-year-old Kenneth Beaubouf was tending to a fire while camping and left it unattended where it later spread into the woods nearby. He is booked with burn ban violation and fire-raising with criminal negligence.

Campaigning for the October 14^th primary is officially underway and less than half of legislative candidates will have to hit the trail because they’re unopposed. But La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are still plenty of competitive legislative races around the state.

Cut 7 (10) “…legislative history.”

Alford says it depends on who’s elected governor and how that will factor in who becomes Speaker of the House and President of the Senate.  For the last eight years, he says lawmakers have been working towards independence to elect their own leaders.

School is back in session and health care experts are offering some advice to families to help children get back into a regular routine. Children’s Hospital New Orleans Pediatrician Dr. Anthony Hudson advises parents to carve out time to allow children to talk. He says kids need direct communication.

Cut 6 (11)  “…to us.”

Hudson also suggests feeding foods that are higher in protein and fats to give the kids energy for a longer period of time.

After qualifying wrapped up last week, Republican Mike Strain ran unopposed for Louisiana’s Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner. Strain says moving forward, he plans to resolve issues to make the agriculture industry work for farmers statewide…

Cut 11 (11) “…the world.”

The Republican veterinarian from Covington began his first term in 2008 and became the first Republican to hold the post.

Faculty and staff at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville will participate in active shooter training ahead of the fall semester. Chief of Campus Security, John Dauzat (Doe-zaunt) says they train their faculty first on how to respond to a number of different active shooter scenarios.

Cut 15 (07)  “…their lead.”

The university is using the RAVE Guardian App which is an alert system to notify them of any potential security threats at the school. The training is held as part of the faculty’s fall workshop.

With the field set for the October 14th primary and with turnover expected from about a third of the legislature, LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Republicans are poised to dominate both chambers of the legislature…:
CUT 9 (11) “how much”

Mike Strain will remain AG Commissioner and enters his fifth term without opposition…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

New Orleans’ new quarterback Derek Carr’s offense dominated in the Saints first pre-season game of the season, coming away with a 26-24 victory over Kansas City. Carr threw a touchdown pass on his opening series completing six of eight passes for 70 yards during his only drive. He says it feels great with his new team…:
CUT 18 (08) “that scenario”
The Saints travel to face the Chargers next this Sunday night in pre-season game number 2.

Louisiana Christian University in Pineville is holding an active shooter training for faculty and staff this week ahead of the fall semester. Chief of Campus Security, John Dauzat (Doe-zaunt) says they are also using the RAVE Guardian app which is required for everyone. He says it’s an alert system to notify of any potential threats…”
Cut 14 (11) “as well”
The training is held as part of the faculty’s fall workshop.

Just over half of the candidates for the Louisiana legislature will have to campaign for office. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is running unopposed, and he credits that to the work of his team, and the focus moving forward will continue to be on growing more products and eliminating the challenge of food production…:
CUT 12 (11) “our court”

The offense shined in the Saints pre-season opener as New Orleans prevailed over Kansas City 26-24. The star of the day was wide receiver A.T. Perry who led the Saints with 70 yards on 6 catches. Coach Dennis Allen was impressed by the rookie…:
CUT 17 (12) “scored their first”
The Saints travel to face the Chargers on Sunday at 6pm.

Health experts are offering some tips to get kids back into a routine now that they’ve returned to school. Children’s Hospital New Orleans Pediatrician Dr. Anthony Hudson suggests going with protein for breakfast…:
CUT 5 (12) “of energy”
He also recommends a bedtime of 9pm.

The field is set for the October 14th elections and though over half of those who qualified this round are running unopposed, there are several competitive legislative races out there. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says a 1/3 turnover is expected in the House and Senate side next term which is unprecedented. He said some lawmakers quit mid-term, while others decided to seek other offices…:
CUT 8 (10) “with it”

We’ve been reporting several fires over the past few days and the State Fire Marshal’s Office is posting reminders about the state-wide burn ban that’s been in effect since August 7th. Authorities say a blaze in East Feliciana Parish burned around 75 acres on Sunday and they are still trying to determine what sparked that one.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat. The entire state is once again looking at dangerously high temperatures today as yet another excessive heat warning is in place.

Louisiana Christian University in Pineville is holding an active shooter training for faculty and staff this week ahead of the fall semester. Chief of Campus Security, John Dauzat (Doe-zaunt)…:
Cut 13 (10) “an active shooter”

Kids are back in school, so now it’s time to get back into your routine. Teiko Foxx got some tips from a health expert…:
CUT 1 (33) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

Campaign season is officially underway now that qualifying is in the books, and over half of the candidates can rest easy as they are running unopposed. But La-Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are still plenty of competitive legislative races…:
CUT 7 (10) “legislative history”

One of the candidates automatically elected again is Ag Commissioner Mike Strain. He says it’s a compliment to his team and the Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry’s work to help farmers…:
CUT 10 (10) “this term”
Strain began his term in 2008 and became the first Republican to hold the post.

With the kids back in school, health experts are offering some advice to families to help everyone get settled back into a routine. Children’s Hospital New Orleans Pediatrician Dr. Anthony Hudson says the most important thing to do is establish what time to go to bed..:
Cut 4 (10) “summer months”
He also encourages parents to serve plenty of protein, especially in the morning.

A man from Independence is booked amid allegations he was responsible for starting a massive fire in Washington Parish last Thursday night. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture says 24-year-old Kenneth Beaubouf was tending to a fire while camping and left it unattended where it later spread into the woods nearby. He is booked with burn ban violation and fire raising with criminal negligence.