After a month on the lamb, a 20 year old Preston Cason of Ville Platte is now in the clink, charged with theft and arson. Cason had several outstanding warrants from various parishes, but it was the July 15th theft of a pickup truck, and subsequent torching of the vehicle that put him on the radar of the State Fire Marshal. Spokesperson for the agency, Ashley Rodrigue says he ditched the truck with a witness and decided to set the vehicle on fire in the woods, which only added more charges.
Cut 6 (12) “…worse for him.”

Endangered whooping cranes have successfully hatched five new chicks in southwest Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the five chicks are the most to hatch in one year and marks a major milestone for the whooping crane reintroduction project that’s bringing the native birds back to life in the bayou. Wildlife Biologist Sara Zimorski says before the baby chicks hit their growth spurt they are quite cute…
Cut 9 (08) “…plumage”

The Iraqi government has agreed to purchase 15,000 tons of American rice in a deal that should relieve some pressure on Louisiana rice growers who are feeling the burn from an escalating trade war with China, and other nations. The Bayou State is one of the top US rice producers at about 1.35 million tons. North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says The Bayou-Babylonian connection could see Louisiana rice sent over 7,100 miles away from home to a country that’s trying to bounce back after nearly being crushed by ISIS. Abraham says he’s glad Louisiana food will be filling the stomachs of people who have a lot of work ahead of them.
Cut 12 (11) “good economy”

The woman accusing LSU Junior Wide Receiver Drake Davis of months of abuse is changing her statement to authorities. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore refused to comment on the details of the allegations.
Cut 15 (04) “…about any details.”
Davis is currently free on a $5000 bond.