The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Coastwide Nutria Control Program is looking for south Louisiana landowners and hunters to help combat the invasive rodent. LDWF Biologist Catherine Normand says these pests can cause serious damage to an already vulnerable coast.

Cut 9 (11) “in place”

Normand says the goal is to reduce Nutria induced marsh damage by removing about 400-thousand rodents per season.

Mandeville Police have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of brutally raping a 53-year-old woman inside her home. Chief Gerald Sticker says they were able to catch up with Ronald Moore Jr. of Lacombe at his home after releasing to the media a photo of him on surveillance video.

Cut 12 (08) “of this rape”

A man in Caddo Parish has been charged with cruelty to animals after allegedly fatally shooting his neighbor’s dachshund, because he thought it was an alligator. Caddo Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Bobby Herring says the dog was found in the pond with multiple gunshot wounds.

Cut 7 (07) “on it”

Tommy Collinsworth Jr told cops he thought the dog was an alligator.

Louisiana Lottery players have two shots at millions this week. Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is up to $350 million, while the Powerball is also soaring at $307 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison encourages everyone to check their numbers right away and sign the ticket if it has any winning numbers.

Cut 16 (08) “to everybody”

Mega Millions cash value for tonight’s drawing is $218 million.