A St. Tammany Parish jury deliberated for about five hours before coming back with a guilty verdict against former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain who now faces a mandatory life sentence for raping and molesting multiple children. Strain has been found guilty of four counts of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated incest, and one count each of sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile.

History is being made on two fronts as the UL System Board of Supervisors hires Northwestern State University’s new president. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

The search continues for a woman accused of shooting her mother several times late Friday afternoon in the Opelousas area. St. Landry Parish Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says Ashley Sims got into an argument with her mother, Vera Sims, who is now hospitalized with serious injuries. Deputy Chief Thibodeaux offered this description of the suspect.

Cut 10 (07)  “…140 pounds.” 

During a Health and Welfare Committee meeting, lawmakers questioned state health officials about adverse reactions to the COVID vaccine. Guillain-Barre (Ghee-YAN Bah-RAY) a muscle disorder that can cause weakness and sometimes paralysis has been associated with the vaccine. Representative Kenny Cox of Natchitoches asked State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter about it.

Cut 5 (10) “…be tested.“

Out of the 122 adverse reactions that have been reported in the state, 11 have met the state’s criteria as severe.

At the state Capitol, lawmakers questioned health officials about adverse reactions from the COVID vaccines. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says so far 122 events have been reported in Louisiana…
Cut 3 (12) “…established.”
But several registered nurses testifed before the panel saying they believe vaccine injuries are severely underreported.

The search continues for a woman wanted for shooting her mother several times late Friday afternoon at a Lofton Street address in the Opelousas area. St. Landry Parish Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says Ashley Sims got into an argument with her mother.
Cut 9 (09) “…her lower body.”
Sims fled the scene in a Mercedes SUV. The victim, Vera Sims, remains hospitalized.

Marcus Jones has been named Northwestern State’s new president and he’s the first African-American to lead the four-year university in Natchitoches. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says Jones beat out several quality candidates for the job…
cut 7 (12) “….the UL System Board”
Jones is a graduate of Northwestern and has been at the university for 23 years and the Winnfield native is the 18th of 20 children.

A Franklin man has been indicted for the buring deaths of his girlfriend and nephew. The tragic incident happened in July and State Fire Marshal’s office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 49-year-old Derwin Hamilton now faces first-degree murder charges…
cut 14 (09) “…critical condition’
The woman who was left in critical condition died a few days later.

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been found guilty of sex crimes against boys. It took the jury about five hours to reach a guilty verdict on all eight counts against Strain, who served five terms as St. Tammany’s Sheriff. He now faces life in prison.

Lawmakers questioned health officials about adverse reactions to the COVID vaccine that have been reported in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A Franklin man has been indicted on murder charges in the burning deaths of his girlfriend and five-year-old nephew. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 49-year-old Derwin Hamilton admitted to the crimes to deputies. And Rodrigue says the female victim provided key evidence by telling authorities before she died, it was Hamilton who took lethal action as the two were arguing…
cut 13 (09) “…on scene”
The female victim died in a hospital a few days later.

Marcus Jones has been named the new president of Northwestern State University. U-L System President Jim Henderson says Jones has risen through the ranks and will be Northwestern’s first African-American leader…
cut 6 (07) “….the presidents”
Jones has been at the university for 23 years and has served as interim president since July.

A St. Tammany Parish jury deliberated for about five hours before coming back with a guilty verdict against former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain who now faces a mandatory life sentence for raping and molesting multiple children. Strain has been found guilty of four counts of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated incest and one count each of sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile.

A Grand Jury indicts a St. Mary Parish man with 1st-Degree Murder, for burning his girlfriend and young nephew to death last summer. 49-year-old Derwin Hamilton faces life in prison if convicted. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it happened in July when firefighters were called to a mobile home fire in the town of Centerville. When they arrived, they got a horrible shock…:
Cut 12 (12) “…live-in boyfriend.”
Rodrigue says Hamilton admitted to the crimes in interviews with deputies.

History is being made on two fronts as the UL System Board of Supervisors names a new  Northwestern State University president.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol today a House committee yesterday and said there have been no confirmed state deaths related to COVID-19 vaccines. She says the department has identified 11 severe adverse events and a possible 122 injuries. Sokol says the adverse effects are typically an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine that requires hospitalization and they also looked at myocarditis…
cut 4 (08) “…case definition”
But a nurse at the Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette there’s been a mass underreporting of severe adverse effects.

Lawmakers questioned health officials about adverse reactions to the COVID vaccine that have been reported in Louisiana, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________

History is being made on two fronts as the UL System Board of Supervisors hires Northwestern State University’s new president.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

_________________________________________

Lawmakers questioned health officials about adverse reactions to the COVID vaccine that have been reported to the state during a Health and Wellness committee meeting Monday. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says so far 122 events have been reported in Louisiana via the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting Systems also known as VAERS.

Cut 3 (12) “…established.” 

More than 4.5 million total doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in Louisiana.

Sokol says to date, the state has not reported any deaths from the COVID vaccine, and of the adverse effects, they are typically an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine that requires hospitalization, a reaction she says that almost happens immediately and they’ve had one such event.

She says they also look at cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, that’s been associated with the vaccine.

Cut 4 (08) “…case definition “

Guillain-Barre (Ghee-YAN Bah-RAY) an autoimmune disorder that can cause muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis has also been associated with the vaccine. Representative Kenny Cox of Natchitoches asked State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter about the number of events reported because his physician wants to see if there’s a possibility it’s impacted his own health.

Cut 5 (10) “…be tested.“

Sokol says of the cases nationally that have been noted, the onset of symptoms from Guillain-Barre is typically within two weeks of vaccination.

VAERS was established in 1990 and anyone can report reactions, not just a healthcare provider, to the system.

___________________________________________

History is in the books at Northwestern State University with the naming of Marcus Jones as the 20th president of the school.  UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson says Jones has risen through the ranks and will be Northwestern’s first African-American leader.

Cut 6 (07) “…the president’s office.”

Prior to Monday’s decision by the UL System Board of Supervisors, Jones had most recently served as Northwestern’s interim president since July.

Henderson says Jones’ race is but one of the assets he brings to the leadership position at Northwestern University.

Cut 7 (12) “…UL System Board.”

Henderson says the fact that Marcus Jones is Northwestern’s 20^th president is not the only attribute that rings strong in his appointment to the post.

Cut 8 (12) “…we should celebrate.”

Jones is a native of Winnfield and the 18^th of 20 children.

___________________________________________

At last word, the search continued for a woman wanted for shooting her mother several times late Friday afternoon at a Lofton Street address in the Opelousas area.  St. Landry Parish Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says Ashley Sims got into an argument with her mother.

Cut 9 (09)  “…her lower body.”

Sims fled the scene in a Mercedes SUV. The victim, Vera Sims, remains hospitalized with serious injuries.

Deputy Chief Thibodeaux offered this description of the suspect.

Cut 10 (07)  “…140 pounds.” 

As for the latest condition on Ashley Sims’ mother, Vera Sims, Deputy Chief Thibodeaux had few details.

Cut 11 (04) “…the last time.”

____________________________________________

A Grand Jury indicts a St. Mary Parish man with 1^st-Degree Murder, for burning his girlfriend and young nephew to death last summer. 49-year-old Derwin Hamilton faces life in prison if convicted. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it happened in July when firefighters were called to a mobile home fire in the town of Centerville. When they arrived, they got a horrible shock…:

Cut 12 (12) “…live-in boyfriend.”

Hamilton is also the great uncle of the 5-year-old boy who perished. The woman, though horribly burned, was able to tell first responders that she and Hamilton were arguing, when he suddenly took lethal action…:

Cut 13 (09) “…died on scene.”

After being doused with a flammable liquid and set aflame, the woman died in the hospital a few days later. Hamilton was charged initially with two counts of 2^nd-Degree Murder, but prosecutors asked the Grand Jury to indict on the higher charge. Rodrigue says that indictment was handed down Friday…:

Cut 14 (09)  “… critical condition.”

The victims’ names are being withheld for now. No trial date has been set for Hamilton at this time.

___________________________________________

A quarterback competition has returned at LSU. Max Johnson will start at Q-B for the Tigers against Arkansas on Saturday night, but Coach Ed Orgeron says true freshman Garrett Nussmeier will also get snaps early on in the game…

Cut 15 (19)  “…play the most.”

Orgeron says Johnson and Nussmeier will split snaps 50-50 during practice this week…

Cut  16 (19) “..battle it out”

Most LSU fans were surprised to see LSU nearly beat Alabama as the Tigers played with great effort even though the team is playing for a lame-duck coach. Orgeron says he doesn’t see any quit in this team…

Cut 17 (23) “ .about that.” 

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Saints Coach Sean Payton says quarterback Trevor Siemian graded out well after watching the tape from Sunday’s loss to Atlanta. Siemian threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns and Payton says the number could have been better if not for the dropped passes…

Cut 18 (15) “..we did”  

When asked if Siemian will be the start for this Sunday’s game at Tennessee, Payton said we’ll see. The Saints committed ten penalties in the loss to Atlanta, and seven of the infractions were for 55 yards. Payton says it was frustrating to watch the tape on Monday…

Cut 19 (30)  “.cleaning up” 

Houma Representative Tanner Magee is voicing strong concern about the lack of response by all too many insurers to the needs of their policyholders following Hurricane Ida. The Cat 4 storm slammed southeast Louisiana two months ago, with Magee is critical of insurers who appear to be undercutting policyholders on the funds needed for property repairs and losses.

Cut 4 (10) “…the same story.”

The state treasury received $5.63 million in uncashed state income tax refunds recently. State Treasurer John Schroder says it’s about 22-thousand tax refunds from Louisiana residents and businesses. He says since they made the announcement last week, they’ve had plenty of inquiries about the refunds.

Cut 6 (08) “…past week.” 

You can search the database at LAtreasury.com

——————————

The Biden administration’s proposal to force a vaccine mandate on companies of 100 or more employees is in legal limbo after a stay ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans. It’s good news to Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair who brought suit in the case. Trosclair on what issues he believes moved the appeals court rule as it did.

Cut 13 (04) “…and 14th amendments.”

It would be up to OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to enforce the Biden vaccine mandate, which carries with it penalties and fines for non-compliance.

Louisiana’s Office of Tourism is getting worldwide recognition for its pandemic response. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the LOT was honored recently at the 2021 Wanderlust Travel Awards ceremony. He says the “Louisiana Sunshine Plan” placed third with a plan that included a free night at state parks for every three paid nights. Tourism further picked up as domestic flights began to pick up again amidst the pandemic as it eased and precautions were instituted.

Cut 10 (06)  “…flights into Louisiana.”

Nungesser notes that even prior to that they were hosting virtual meetings with travel agents to sell them on the culinary offerings the state has.

The LSU football team nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in program history on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa as the Tigers nearly defeated Alabama. But the Crimson Tide survived with a 20-14 victory. The Tigers defense played their heart out, holding Alabama to just six rushing yards and it’s the first time the Tide had not scored more than 30 points in 34 straight games, which is an FBS record. LSU will play its final three games at home, starting this Saturday night against Arkansas. Orgeron says he wants to see similar effort the rest of the way…:

CUT 17(16)      “…play well.”

Max Johnson will start for LSU vs. Arkansas on Saturday, but Garrett Nussmeier will also play during the game.

After a 29-17 loss to Florida A&M Saturday, The southern Jags turn their attention to Jackson State this Saturday.

The Saints nearly pulled off an unbelievable come from behind victory on Sunday but Atlanta kicked a game-winning field goal on the final play of the game for a 27-25 win in the Caesars Superdome. The loss drops the Saints to 5-and-3, a full game back of Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South. There are nine games left as New Orleans is at Tennessee this Sunday. Safety Malcolm Jenkins says the team needs to be more consistent during the second half of the season…:

CUT 20(30)      “…losing obviously”

The Biden Administration’s proposal to force a vaccine mandate on companies of 100 or more employees is in legal limbo after a stay ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans. It’s good news to Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair who brought suit in the case…:

CUT 12(07)      “…just incredibly excited.”

Trosclair employs about 500 people at his 15 grocery stores in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Louisiana’s 2018 State Trooper of the Year will take a new role: inmate. 42-year-old former trooper Jason Boyet, of Ponchatoula, was sentenced to 17 & ½ years in prison, after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography. Boyet will have to serve an additional 5 years of supervised release after his sentence ends.

If you haven’t received your state income tax return for yourself or even your business, you might want to search Unclaimed Property. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Houma State Representative Tanner McGee says some insurance companies are slow-walking payment to Hurricane Ida victims, and some are trying to low-ball claim settlements. He says that makes him angry…:

CUT 06(08)      “…to do so.”

McGee says he’s heard too many tales from constituents for them ALL to be made up.

State Representative Tanner Magee is taking insurance companies to task who aren’t paying up when it comes to Hurricane Ida property damage or have been slow to do so.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Brannen.”

Louisiana Congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise blasted the Democrats’ $1.8-trillion infrastructure bill; all 2300 pages of it. Scalise says the bill would give amnesty to massive numbers of illegal immigrants, impose and expensive natural gas tax and create 87-thousand new jobs at the IRS.

The Biden Administration’s COVID vaccine mandate has been slowed down by an Appeals Court in New Orleans. The order would take effect January 4^th and require any company with over 100 employees to make workers get the shots or face federal fines. News of the temporary restraining order please Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair, who owns grocery stores here and in Mississippi. He employs about 500 people, and is happy someone slowed the president down on the matter. Trosclair feels the matter will eventually come to the U.S. Supreme Court…:

CUT 14(08)      “…continue to prevail.”

The state’s Unclaimed Property fund now has about $5.6-million in unclaimed state tax refunds. State Treasurer John Schroder says, if you haven’t gotten yours, go online and search for your name…:

CUT 07(08)      “…their part.”

Go to LATreasury.com and look for Unclaimed Property.

The Biden Administration’s executive order to mandate COVID vaccines for employees of private companies with over 100 workers is in legal limbo, after a federal Appeals Court in New Orleans grants a temporary restraining order. Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair owns a chain of grocery stores and would be affected…:

CUT 13  (04)        “…14^th Amendment.”

Trosclair says opposition to Biden’s order should go all the way to the Supreme Court if needs be.

Houma area state Representative Tanner McGee is upset with the slow response many insurance companies are giving Hurricane Ida victims. The storm was August 30^th, but many claimants haven’t seen a dime. Some companies he says, are low-balling customers; trying to get them to take less than their claim is worth…:

CUT 05  (09)        “…which is regrettable.”

After a teen was shot and critically injured Saturday at the Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport, the manager of the fair says it’s the first one to technically take place inside the fair itself. Chris Giordano says security was stepped up this year after a violent incident two years ago very near the fair, but they will re-examine security again.

Good news out of New Orleans: not a single person has died from COVID-19 is over 18 days. Hospitalizations are also at a record low for this year for the cvity.

The state office of tourism gets worldwide recognition for its response to the coronavirus pandemic. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says, after the lockdowns were lifted, the state offered a trip plan including a free night at Louisiana state parks after buying three nights…:

CUT 09  (09)        “…4^th night free.”

The award was part of the annual Wanderlust Travel awards ceremony.