Ex-state trooper Jacob Brown remains free on bond after pleading not guilty to a federal charge that he beat a 46-year-old black man following a 2019 traffic stop in north Louisiana.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

A shooting on the campus of Grambling State early Wednesday has prompted an increase in security. One person was killed and another injured when shots were fired between two non-students in front of the student union building. However, two students were caught in the crossfire and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is threatening to strike Monday unless an agreement is reached with major studios. Aaron Bayham, Director of Operations at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge says no one wants to see a strike especially with so many productions in the works he says members are standing firm if negotiations aren’t reached by Midnight Sunday.

Cut 6 (10) “…strongly about.”

The current agreement expired in July.

A new video game developer, called Possibility Space, announces plans it will build a development studio in the New Orleans area that will build large-scale video games for a global audience. Chris Stelly with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development credits a well-educated workforce in this field…

Cut 11 (11) “…at the workforce.”

A court hearing in Monroe took place Wednesday for former state trooper Jacob Brown who is facing a federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law in the 2019 beating of black motorist Aaron Bowman. Bowman’s attorney, Donecia Banks-Miley, expressed disappointment that Brown was freed on bond.

Cut 13 (12) “…was not detained.”

Today marks exactly two years until the 2023 Louisiana gubernatorial primary, and potential candidates are already making plans. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are two Republicans who almost certainly will enter the race to be governor because they’ve already talked about it…

Cut 7 (11) “…Jeff Landry.”

A new videogame development studio is coming to Louisiana. Chris Stelly with Louisiana Economic Development says it’ll be located in New Orleans. Called “Possibility Space,” Stelly says the firm will employ dozens at six-figure salaries.

Cut 10 (07)  “…year plus benefits.” 

An exact location for the studio in the Big Easy has not been picked.

Ninety-eight percent of union members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees approved a strike if an agreement is not reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Aaron Bayham, Director of Operations at Celtic Studios says there are a number of items being negotiated which include pay rates, breaks, and rates that were given to new media which are now the majority of productions.

Cut 5 (10) “…their deals.”

The proposed strike would begin Monday.

ACT scores have dipped slightly in Louisiana as the Class of 2021 earned an average ACT composite score of 18.4 in 2021, down from 18.7 in 2020 and 18.8 in 2019. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says students have faced extraordinary challenges over the last two years.

TV and film workers are threatening to strike unless an agreement is reached with major studios. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Former State Police trooper Jacob Brown pleaded not guilty in federal court in Monroe yesterday for the civil rights charge he faces for the videotaped beating of a black motorist during a 2019 arrest. The body camera footage shows Brown hitting Aaron Bowman of Monroe with a flashlight 18 times. The incident occurred around the same time another black motorist, Ronald Greene died after a beating he received from State Troopers. Bowman’s attorney is Donecia Banks-Miley…
cut 14 (11) “…this matter”

Two years from today, the 2023 gubernatorial primary will take place. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a couple of members of the state’s Congressional delegation might run…
cut 9 (09) “….we’ll be discussing”

Ex-state trooper Jacob Brown remains free on bond after pleading not guilty to a federal charge that he beat a 46-year-old black man following a 2019 traffic stop in north Louisiana. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

State Police say a Trooper has been arrested for striking and killing a pedestrian when he was allegedly driving drunk in Jasper County, Texas. 45-year-old Patrick Bell of Merryville was off-duty at the time of the crash and he’s been on workers’ compensation leave since 2017.

Two years from today, Louisiana voters will head to the polls to elect a new governor as John Bel Edwards is term-limited and can not run again. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s a lot of speculation current statewide elected officials Jeff Landry and Billy Nungesser will run…
cut 8 (12) “….thinking about it”
Pinsonat says Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is another Democrat who may run.

A new video game developer, called Possibility Space, announces plans it will build a development studio in the New Orleans area that will build large-scale video games for a global audience. Chris Stelly with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development says Possibility Space is the latest addition to Louisiana’s growing interactive entertainment cluster. Stelly credits a well-educated workforce in this field…
cut 11 (11) “….in the workforce”
Possibility Space will create 75 new permanent jobs with an average salary of 100-thousand dollars.

Today marks exactly two years until the 2023 Louisiana gubernatorial primary election. Who may be lining up to be our next Governor? Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

For the first time in three months, the state health department reports there are fewer than 500 COVID patients in the hospital. In mid-August, COVID-19 hospitalizations were over three thousand. The state health department also reported another 30 COVID deaths yesterday.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is threatening to strike on Monday unless an agreement is reached with major studios. A strike would halt productions nationwide and in Louisiana. Aaron Bayham, Director of Operations at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge says agreements are negotiated every three years.
Cut 4 (11) “…their members.”
The union says their workers are working excessive hours and are due more compensation from streaming productions.

The state’s economic development department says Possibility Space, a brand new video game maker, plans to open an office in the New Orleans area that will create 75 jobs with an average annual salary of 100-thousand dollars…
cut 12 (08) “…global consumption”
That’s Chris Stelly with L-E-D who says Possibility Space’s founder is Louisianan Jeff Strain who created ArenaNet.

There will be more money in the pockets of Social Security recipients come next year.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

The man accused of killing a state trooper and an Ascension Parish woman and shooting four others is facing additional charges. Matthew Mire who is begin held in the East Baton Rouge Prison without bond also faces illegal possession of a stolen firearm, obstruction of justice, and resisting an officer, in addition to murder charges.

There’s yet another variant of the COVID virus in Louisiana; the B 1.630 variant has been found in samples taken in Baton Rouge. Dr. Krista Queen, with LSU Health in Shreveport, says less than 100 cases have been detected nationwide.

Cut 13 (12) “…best tool”

She says it’s too early yet to tell if vaccines will need tweaking to cover the new variant.

Shipping delays have been an ongoing issue for businesses due to the pandemic but with the holiday season just over two months away Economist Loren Scott says if you’re a last-minute shopper you really could end up being the Grinch this year.

Cut 6 (09) “…until November.” 

While Scott says he doesn’t see shelves being completely empty for retailers, he does however anticipate a problem if you are looking for a specific gift.

Shipping delays have been an ongoing issue for businesses due to the pandemic but with the holiday season just over two months away, economist Dr. Loren Scott says it might be wise to get started on Christmas shopping now…:

CUT 07(12)      “…the smartest thing”

He says last-minute shoppers may end up being the empty-handed Grinch this year.

A new coronavirus variant has been detected in Louisiana. LSU-Shreveport doctor of genomics Krista Queen says the B 1.630 variant has been found in samples from Baton Rouge, which have mutations they’re observing…:

CUT 12(11)      “…low percentage.”

There’s cautious optimism as the sugarcane harvest ramps up in south Louisiana. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says the harvest is getting off to a soggy start as many fields are muddy as a result of a wet 2021…:

CUT 03(12)      “…field out.”

A former Louisiana State Police trooper accused of violating a man’s civil rights during a May 2019 arrest pleaded Not Guilty today, during his arraignment in federal court. Jacob Brown is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law. He’s accused of beating Aaron Bowman with a flashlight; causing a broken jaw, three broken ribs, a broken wrist and a gash to his head. Brown also faces criminal charges for the incident.

Citing the ill effects of COVID on education, BESE has voted to set aside its letter grade school performance evaluations this year. The U.S. Department of Education must approve BESE’s plan.

A new COVID virus variant has been detected in the state. Dr. Krista Queen Director- Viral Genomics and Surveillance at LSU Health Shreveport says they discovered the so-called B 1.630 variant in samples from the Baton Rouge area. She says this is a first for Louisiana, and less than 100 total cases have been detected across the USA…:

CUT 14(10)      “…watch closely”

Social Security benefits will increase by 5.9 percent with the Cost-of-Living Adjustment announced today by the agency. Troy Broussard, with AARP in Louisiana, says it marks the largest COLA in four decades…:

CUT 09(10)      “prescription drug costs”

It’s hard to think about the holidays when it still feels like summer, but one economist suggests getting in the holiday mode quick unless you want to hear “Bah! Humbug!” this year. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

Ascension Parish D.A. Ricky Babin says he’s likely to ask for the death penalty for accused cop-killer Matthew Mire. Mire is alleged to have shot and killed State Police Trooper Adam Gaubert and a Gonzales woman, and wounding three others during a violent spree early last Saturday morning. Mire will face charges in Ascension, Livingston and East Baton Rouge Parishes.

There will be more money in the pockets of Social Security recipients come next year.  More from Dave Brannen….:

CUT 02(31)      “…Brannen.”

Louisiana’s Board of Elementary & Secondary Education has voted to put aside the letter grading system for public school performance. The reason? The coronavirus pandemic and its effect on education. Performance scores normally released in November will not be this year. The federal Education Department must approve of the move, something of which state officials are fairly certain.

There’s yet another variant of the COVID virus in Louisiana; the so-called B 1.630 variant found in samples taken in Baton Rouge. Dr. Krista Queen, with LSU Health in Shreveport, says less than 100 cases have been detected nationwide…:

CUT 13(12)      “…very best tool.”

She says it’s too early yet to tell if vaccines will need tweaking to cover the new variant.

Cooler and drier weather will enter the Bayou State this weekend – just in time for what remains of the sugarcane harvest, which has begun with some pretty wet conditions. LSU AgCenter sugar specialist Ken Gravois says the cool front comes at a good time as there’s still a good chance for producers to make money off this crop…:

CUT 05(09)      “…cane mature.”