Hundreds of thousands have already viewed the disturbing TikTok video of a Covington High student assaulting a disabled school teacher for no apparent reason. It’s apparently part of a Tik Tok challenge to film a person committing a violent or destructive act. The 18-year-old girl responsible is under arrest and charged, but will the person who posted that video face arrest? Covington Police Sgt. Edwin Masters says there IS a state law which can also hold a person who knowingly films a crime responsible. He says such violent acts won’t be tolerated…:

CUT 08             (07)      “…held accountable.”

The victim has been treated and released from the hospital.

The Louisiana Coastal Protection Restoration Authority says it has completed a multi-million-dollar project to enhance the presence of the Brown Pelican on Rabbit Island in Southwest Louisiana. Project Manager Todd Baker says we have to act to keep our state bird vital…:

CUT 11             (11)      “…for those guys.”

State Police have arrested a Donaldsonville man after he hit a nine-year-old boy who just got off of a school bus. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02             (31)      “…Palermo.”

The 2019 collapse of the under-construction Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans was a disaster (quote) “waiting to happen”, according to a federal safety engineer. WWL-TV in New Orleans reports of an unreleased OSHA report stating substandard beams – which did not meet design code – were used to help maximize ceiling space, which contributed to the collapse.

An 18-year old Covington High School student is being held in St Tammany Parish Detention Center after a video of her attacking a disabled teacher went viral. Brooke Thorington has more..:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”

Worried about getting your annual flu shot AND perhaps a COVID shot or booster? Medical experts says there’s no need to worry. You CAN get both shots during the same visit to a clinic, pharmacy or doctor’s office. Though flu and COVID are similar, flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and coronavirus tends to also involve high fever.

After responding to a residence for a medical emergency Wednesday night Lafayette police found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. Lafayette P.D. spokesperson Corporal Bridgette Dugas…:

CUT 03(09)      “…gunshot wound.”

She says they are now investigating that shooting as a homicide.

A young boy in southeast Louisiana suffered serious injuries after he was hit yesterday by a dump truck after getting off the school bus in Belle Chasse. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says 61-year-old Gregory Valentine of Donaldsonville is not suspected to have been impaired behind the wheel. Nevertheless he faces several charges…:

CUT 13(06)      “…suspended license.”

The child is being treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover.

As recovery efforts continue in Lafourche Parish after Hurricane Ida, Sheriff’s spokesman Brennan Matherne says things are getting better for some, while others are still struggling with little things that are piling up. That includes educational needs…:

CUT 03  (12)        “…a half weeks”

He says a concern on that issue includes parents worrying about how to get school uniforms for their children. An area non-profit has stepped up to help.

A Louisiana State Trooper is on administrative leave amid an investigation into alleged misconduct following the Mississippi State game. The officer, who was on duty with the LSU security detail, is accused of consuming alcohol and engaging in inappropriate behavior with at least one female LSU band member. More on this as it develops.

A Baton Rouge teen is under arrest for bringing a loaded gun to school. EBR Sheriff’s deputies say the 14-year-old Glen Oaks High student had hidden the pistol in his book bag, but then forgot the bag on the bus. He has been arrested and charged with carrying a firearm on school property and violating a firearm free zone.

LSU announces star cornerback Derek Stingley Junior had surgery on his foot and there’s no timetable on his return. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02  (31)        “…Palermo”

Healthcare workers in Shreveport and Monroe are taking Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, St Mary Medical Center and Ochsner LSU Health Monroe to court over mandates by those facilities to be vaccinated. Plaintiffs’ attorney Jimmy Faircloth says the suit seeks to enforce the affirmative right under Louisiana law to refuse medical treatment. He says there is no legal backing for the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers and hospital staff…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…health care decisions”

The lawsuits filed today seek a temporary restraining order and injunction to prevent the Ochsner mandate.

Meanwhile Ochsner Health Systems will begin charging employees an additional $200 a month to cover adult dependents on their insurance plan who have not been vaccinated. That’s an extra $2400 a year, starting in January. This fee is similar to what’s been in place for tobacco users and is in line with the benefits offered by many healthcare organizations and companies.

Louisiana joins an international campaign to commit to zero greenhouse gas emissions; the so-called “Race to Zero” campaign. Last year, the Governor signed an executive order committing the state to zero greenhouse gases by 2050. He’s also launched a Climate Initiatives Task Force…:

CUT 13  (12)        “…get there”

Sixteen hospitals in the state that deliver babies have met new standards designed to improve the state’s poor maternal death rate. Medical Director of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative Dr. Veronica Gillespie-Bell says they are working to reduce maternal death rates in which hypertension and hemorrhage are the leading causes. So, does this mean mothers should avoid UN-designated birthing hospitals in Louisiana?  Dr. Bell says not necessarily…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…maternal outcomes”

More healthcare workers in Louisiana are choosing to battle Covid-19 vaccine mandates by their employers.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01             (31)      “….Brannen”

Parents of special needs students are generally in favor of a new state law that takes effect next summer, mandating cameras in special education classrooms IF a parent asks for one. Many asked say they worry about their child being abused at school, and believe the added layer of transparency can only be a good thing.

As recovery efforts continue in Lafourche Parish after Hurricane Ida, Sheriff’s spokesman Brennan Matherne says things are getting better for some, while others are still struggling. He says a large number are going to be dealing with temporary housing issues, because so many lost their homes to Ida…:

CUT 04             (10)      “…else to go.”

Matherne says huge debris piles are still everywhere; impeding visibility and safety for motorists.

Louisiana has joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s “Race to Zero” campaign. It’s a global effort that involves thousands of governments, higher education institutions, and businesses committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Governor Edwards says Louisiana must do its part because it’s on the front lines of climate change…:

CUT 12             (08)      “…more severe.”

Last year Edwards signed an executive order committing the state to being net-zero on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy has a challenger for re-election as Democrat Luke Mixon of Baton Rouge announces he’s throwing his hat in the ring.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Mixon has his work cut out for him in an attempt to unseat Kennedy…:

CUT 09                  (09)        “…officials in Louisiana”

Mixon is a commercial pilot, who also flew jets in the U.S. Navy.

Everyone has seen – at one time or another – a balloon release; perhaps to mourn the loss of loved one or commemorate and event. Lafayette Parish is considering legislation to ban such practices. Parish Environmental Quality Manager Bess Foret says balloons eventually deflate or burst and litter the land and waterways; negatively affecting the environment, wildlife, and marine life. Animals can become entangled in the balloon strings and even die from ingesting the broken balloons. She suggests flying kites, blowing bubbles or other earth-friendly gestures.

Social media users were distraught for more than six hours Monday when they were unable to access Facebook and its other platforms, Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01                  (31)        “…Thorington”

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed a COVID-19 outbreak stemming from a recent Abbeville wedding, and is urging anyone who attended to take precautions now – including getting tested. The wedding was held at L’Eglise event venue on September 25^th. Approximately 150 people were in attendance.

Were you one of the many Louisianans missing your Facebook fix yesterday? Thousands want to know what happened, and tech whiz Haggai Davis, host of the Tech Gumbo radio show in Baton Rouge, says Facebook was doing a system upgrade to the Border Gate Protocol when everything went dark. He says this sort of thing doesn’t happen often, but programmers are human and it will happen again…:

CUT 08(10)      “…a good thing”

Facebook and subsidiaries like Instagram were down for over six hours Monday.

The small Jefferson Parish town of Lafitte is still struggling to recover from Hurricane Ida. Mayor Tim Kerner said this morning that the town’s housing stock suffered a major loss from Ida more than a month ago…:

CUT 03(07)      “…major damage.”

He says some residents could be out of their homes for nearly a year.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy has an announced challenger for the 2022 election. Democrat Luke Mixon, a 42-year-old commercial pilot, says he can unseat the Republican incumbent Kennedy. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s a mighty big task for an unknown candidate…:

CUT 11(07)      “…already endorsed him”

Mixon contends Kennedy has cast votes to block billions of dollars to improve our infrastructure and protect the state from natural disasters. Kennedy defends his votes as not wasting taxpayer dollars.

LSU cornerback Derek Stingley has an endorsement deal. New NCAA rules allow college athletes to accept such deals and Stingley’s is with WAITR, a Louisiana-founded restaurant delivery service. WAITR’s Dean Turcol says Stingley will give out a delivery discount code on his social media next week…:

CUT 13(08)      “…promotional activities”

A Baton Rouge Democrat says he’ll be seeking to deny Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy a second term in office come next year.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 02(35)      “…Dave Brannen”

The state’s biggest grower of medical marijuana is soon to be moving from Baton Rouge to a new 225-thousand square foot facility near Ruston. Good Day Farms, who are under contract with the LSU Ag Center to grow the medicinal herb, say they will need the additional crop space.

The Jefferson parish town of Lafitte was particularly hard hit by Hurricane Ida and continues to struggle to rebuild. Lafitte Mayor Tom Kerner says one bid problem was mud; sometimes feet deep covering roadways, driveways and parking lots. He says in some cases it was even worse…:

CUT 05(07)      “…deal with this”

The mud is being scooped up, loaded on trucks and hauled to a dump. Kerner says some Lafitte residents could be out of their homes for up to a year.

Louisiana-founded WAITR delivery service announces a celebrity endorsement deal with LSU All-American cornerback Derek Stingley. WAITR’s Dean Turcol says new NCAA rules paved the way for the deal…:

CUT 12(12)      “…natural fit.”

Stingley will use his Instagram to give out a delivery discount code for fans to use on their next WAITR order.

Louisiana is taking part in National Fire Prevention Week through this Saturday.  Ashley Rodrique with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says the theme this year is to “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” such as when a smoke alarm goes off…:

CUT 03(11)      “..then call 9-1-1”

Statistics from 2020 show there were 77 fire-related deaths in Louisiana, and only about a dozen of those structures had working smoke alarms.

No one has won a Powerball jackpot since early June. That’s why it’s at over $685-million for tonight’s drawing. Could we have a Louisiana big money winner tonight? Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says it’s happened 17 times before..:

CUT 08(11)      “…number 18”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the state launched its own sheltering assistance program today as it could be until November before FEMA sets up trailers on the property of homes that are severely damaged by Hurricane Ida. Magee says this state-run program will get trailers to hard-hit areas much sooner…:

CUT 09(10)      “…the first trailer.”

Magee says many Terrebonne Parish resident are sleeping in tents and even under shelters made of storm debris.

In Baton Rouge today, a big medical announcement: Our Lady Of the lake hospital says they’ll invest $100-million to build a state-of-the-art cancer research and treatment center in the Capital City. OLOL’s current partnership with the well-known Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center ends in December. They intend to start building their own facility early next year.

Louisiana has recorded another death of a juvenile from the coronavirus. State health officials said today a child between 12 and 17 passed away over the weekend. A four-year-old died from COVID just last week. This brings the total number of kids killed by the virus in Louisiana to 18. The statewide COVID death toll has reach just over 14-thousand persons.

The state has initiated its own trailer program for those rendered essentially homeless by Hurricane Ida. The temporary shelters will be put on residents’ property when possible, but a few trailer park complexes may also be put up. This most affects storm victims in Terrebonne Parish, where thousands had catastrophic home damage. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the way some of them are living now is heartbreaking…:

CUT 11  (12)        “…it’s really troubling”

For help, go to “ida-sheltering-la.com”.

Murder in state’s epi-center for tourism; the French Quarter of New Orleans. NOPD report a man found suffering gunshot wounds at the corner of Conti and Burgundy Streets; admittedly quite a few blocks off the path beaten by most out-of-towners. He died later at a local hospital. A coroner’s report is pending and detective are following leads.

A Jeff Davis Parish woman is under arrest for allegedly leaving her 8-year-old kid alone in the car while she was gambling at a casino in the town of Roanoke. 35-year-old Sandra Britt is charged with child desertion and drug possession.

It was a tough weekend for Louisiana’s two most popular football teams as LSU and the Saints both lost at home. The Bayou Bengals lost to Auburn on Saturday for the first time in Tiger Stadium since 1999. Coach Ed Orgeron says several aspects of their game has to improve…:

CUT 12(13)      “…tackle quarterback”

The Saints had an eleven-point lead with 12 minutes left, but lost to the Giants 27-21 in overtime.