Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state emergency due to the extreme heat and dangerous drought conditions that have triggered a statewide open burn ban. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you must never even leave a barbecue unattended, and keep water or a hose handy when cooking out. Better yet, a fire extinguisher…:

CUT 11(10)      “…of property.”

Just since August 1^st, firefighters have battled over 160 wildfires that have destroyed over 1800 acres of land.

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, kidnapping, assault and possession of Schedule II drugs. The arson investigation is ongoing.

There’s been a big uptick recently in animals left at shelters across the state. Many feel inflation and the high cost of food and veterinary care is behind it. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says nearly half the state’s parishes lack facilities to provide for all the homeless dogs and cats…:

CUT 03(11)      “…the background.”

He says they asked lawmakers for $3-million of the $2-billion surplus to help, but they refused.

KPLC TV meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday, after an almost three-year battle with colon cancer. Ben shared his cancer journey with Lake Charles viewers, and Channel 7 colleague Wade Hampton says that helped others facing the disease…:

CUT 07(10)      “…their doctors.”

Ben Terry…gone at just 40 years of age.

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

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Police in Shreveport are investigating a double homicide Saturday night at a local vape store. Two men, both 19, were found dead at the shop; one inside, one out. Police ask anyone with knowledge of what happened to call SPD or Caddo Crimestoppers; 318-673-7373.

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 Channel 7 meteorologist Wade Hampton says, months after Laura, Ben received his cancer diagnosis…:

CUT 06(10)      “…loved for it.”

Ben Terry was just 40.

The Tigers have achieved their best AP preseason ranking in seven years; making the top five heading into the 2023 season. Georgia will start the season at No. 1 as they seek a third straight national championship. Michigan is at #2, Ohio State 3, Alabama at 4 and the Tigers at #5.

Drought and heat will continue to grip Louisiana for the rest of this week. Look for highs each day at around 100, with only the slimmest chances of any cooling rain.

Despite a statewide burn ban being in effect, firefighters have had to battle over 150 wildfires across the state in the past 14 days. Fires that have burned over 1800 acres of land. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says an Independence man has been arrested for a wildfire in Mt. Herman, who now is charged with violating a state burn ban, criminal negligence and more…:

CUT 10  (12)         “…that match.”

He says never leave your grill unattended and do NOT engage in any open trash or brush burning until further notice.

The First Gentleman of the city of New Orleans has passed away. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office released a statement announcing the Mayor’s husband Jason Cantrell died, but did not detail the circumstances; asking instead for privacy for the mayor and her family. Mr. Cantrell spent many years as a prosecutor in Orleans Parish.

An Ascension Parish government employee has been terminated and arrested after allegedly…peeing in the town of Donaldsonville’s water supply back in March. 57-year-old Michael Mastin was reportedly caught in the act on camera. Ascension Parish officials say the water was thoroughly tested to assure its safety. He’s been charged with Contaminating Water Supplies.

Louisiana is projected to have a $143.3 million surplus in the 2024-25 fiscal year, then shortfalls of more than $400 million the next two, based on a fiscal snapshot presented to the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee on Friday.

Inflation is causing a logjam of unwanted dogs and cats at animal shelters across the state. Louisiana Human Society director Jeff Dorson says lawmakers could have helped with some of the recent surplus funds, but didn’t. Dorson says the responsibility for these animals shouldn’t rest solely on taxpayers…:

CUT 05  (11)         “…do better.”

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.