2:30 LRN Newscast Oct 03

Politics and campaigns. Gary Chambers, an outspoken challenger to Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy’s re-election says the Senator’s latest campaign ad has a racist message. In the ad Kennedy says, “If you hate cops just because they’re cops, the next time you get in trouble call a crackhead.” Chambers says it’s another classic one liner from Kennedy that doesn’t help Louisiana…:

CUT 05(08)      “…on the job.”

Crowley state Representative John Stefanski announce he will run for Attorney General of Louisiana in 2023. The 32-year-old Republican lawmaker is currently chairman of the House & Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversaw redistricting earlier this year. Stefanski says he expects the A.G.’s office to be an “open seat” next fall…:

CUT 12  (08)        “…so I’m excited”

Many politicos predict A.G. Jeff Landry will run for Governor in 2023. There is already Landry for Governor ’23 campaign gear afoot.

 

The state Department of Education launches an app that allows students to anonymously let officials know if someone is planning school violence. Education Superintendent Cad Brumley says the “Say It Here” app has a mechanism to assure anonymity…:

CUT 10  (12)        “…immediate response.”

The app works quite a bit like Crimestoppers.

Speaking of Crimestoppers, Shreveport-Caddo Crimestoppers offers a reward for tips that help them catch 24-year-old Roderick Andrew; wanted for a September 25th shooting that left another man injured. When caught he faces a charge of attempted murder.

A Terrebonne Parish high school football coach is arrested for alleged molestation of a juvenile. 24-year-old Bobby Sewire was booked and released on $15-thousand bond. His current status with Terrebonne High School is unknown right now.

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 30

Louisiana State Police Troopers will undergo additional excessive force training as part of the ABLE Project. Jeff Palermo explains…:

CUT 02  (31)        “…Palermo.”

Police in Thibodaux arrest a third person in the early September murder of 15-year-old Jairen Cole. Chief Bryan Zeringue says another 15-year-old boy was taken into custody Thursday. Because he is a minor, his name has been released. He’ll be charged with 2nd-degree murder.

 

Deputies in Bossier parish arrest a Benton man; accused of raping and molesting a juvenile. 25-year-old Tramarcus Bell is alleged to have assaulted the child for a period of over 2 years. He’s being held pending a bond of over a half-million dollars.

Hunters in Tensas, Franklin & Madison parishes… state wildlife & Fisheries agents are asking you again this year to give them your deer kill, so the animals can be tested for the contagious Chronic Wasting Disease. Spokesman Jon Bordelon says a few cases have turned up in Tensas, so they want to test and track the illness…:

CUT 05  (10)        “…Mississippi positives.”

Deer infected with CWD will usually appear malnourished, show signs of extreme thirst and may appear un-coordinated. They also often display little fear of humans.

4:30 LRN Newscast Sept 30

Deer hunters take note: state Wildlife & Fisheries are again concerned with the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease among Louisiana’s deer herd, so they’re asking you to donate your deer kill. LDWF Deer Program Manager Jon Bordelon says they need samples to test and track for CWD. He says, though it hasn’t been known to jump to humans…it’s probably best to not eat venison from an infected deer…:

CUT 04  (12)        “…those parishes.”

They need samples taken in Franklin, Madison and Tensas parishes.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic the Ark-La-Miss Fair returns to Monroe this weekend. Mike Shields, with the West Monroe Civitan Club, says expect rides, games and great food…plus activities for – literally – kids of all ages…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…it’s marvelous.”

Running now through October 9th at the Monroe Civic Center.

 

The Louisiana Office of State Parks is offering a special discount on overnight stays for the fall of 2022. Campers will get four nights for the price of three at state parks when they book a stay at “ReserveLAStateParks.com” and enter the promo code “KICKOFF2022.”

It’s likely Saints back-up Andy Dalton will start at quarterback on Sunday when New Orleans takes on Minnesota in London. Regular starter Jameis Winston is listed as doubtful on the injury report after not practicing this week because of back and ankle injuries. Dalton says the biggest thing for the offense is to be efficient:

CUT 10(10)      “…anything less.”

LSU plays its first SEC away game of the season on Saturday against the Auburn Tigers. LSU is an eight-point favorite and kick-off is at 6 PM.

3:30 LRN Newscast Sept 30

As more people grow concerned with cases of excessive force by law enforcement, Louisiana state Police announce they’re getting troopers into a national program called ABLE, to educate officers on intervening with and deterring excessive force by fellow officers. LSP Trooper Bryan Lee says they want LSP officers to stop actions that can harm individuals and the community…:

CUT 14  (12)        “…well ness issues.”

All troopers will undergo 8 hours of Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement over the next few months.

A Lafayette man pleads guilty to federal kidnapping charges, for abducting a man he arranged to meet via the dating app GRINDR. 21-year-old Chance Seneca admitted to using the app to meet and kidnap the man with the intent to kill. He still faces a state trial for attempted murder.

 

Once again, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking hunters to submit deer samples for testing for Chronic Wasting Disease. Don Molino has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Molino.”

Rapides Parish deputies arrest a teen for allegedly making threats on social media against fellow students at Rapides Parish High school. No weapons or suspicious packages were found when officers took the boy into custody this morning. RPSO says they are still investigating the matter.

2:30 LRN Newscast Sept 30

State Wildlife and Fisheries agents are asking deer hunters in Franklin, Madison, and Tensas parishes to submit their deer samples to test for Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD. LDWF Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says there is a list of locations on their website and at each location signage and instructions on how to submit a sample…:

CUT 03(08)      “…later time.”

Bordelon says an infected deer may exhibit signs of weight loss, excessive thirst, incoordination, and lack of fear of people.

The Ark-La-Miss Fair returns to Monroe today after a two-year COVID pause. Mike Shields, with the West Monroe Civitan Club, says the food booths come from local non-profits and are important cash sources for them, and for Civitan. He says the organization has given between $25,000 and $50,000 back to the community…:

CUT 07(04)      …two years.”

 

Louisiana State Police Officers will undergo additional training as part of the ABLE Project. Jeff Palermo explains…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”

More troubles for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. This time allegations she’s been using a city-owned apartment in the French Quarter for personal use. Cantrell’s office says she never actually lived there, and she has only used the apartment in the same way previous mayors have. Meanwhile the petition to recall Cantrell has reached nearly 20-precent of required signatures to get a recall elections.

4:30 LRN Newscast Sept 29

District 3 Congressional challenger Holden Hoggatt releases a political attack ad against incumbent Congressman Clay Higgins; a parody of his old Crimestoppers videos when Higgins worked at the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. The actor in the ad calls Higgins a fraud, wanted for impersonating a U.S. Representative. Higgins says he pays little heed to attack ads by opponents…:

CUT 12(08)      “…what they want.”

Hoggatt’s campaign spokesperson Mary Patricia Wray says Hoggatt thought it was necessary to release the ad to educate voters about Higgins’ past…:

CUT 14(11)      “…long way.”

A Baton Rouge pediatric cardiologist is under arrest for possessing child pornography and video voyeurism. Our Lady of the Lake hospital says they have fired 37-year-old Dr. Antonio Belda, and that – so far as they know – none of his patients were among his victims.

 

The United Cajun Navy is assisting with rescue efforts after Hurricane Ian devastated portions of the Florida west coast. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Thorington.”

Three men have been arrested, accused of spilling around 20-thousand gallons of oil from an Entergy substation in Chalmette. According to Entergy, valves to two large oil-filled transformers were intentionally removed.  The three men alleged responsible have been identified, arrested and charged with damage to a critical infrastructure and simple burglary.

 

3:30 LRN Newscast Sept 29

The United Cajun Navy says Hurricane Ian is comparable to Katrina. Spokesman Brian Trascher says they assisted with more than two dozen rescues in the Ft. Myers area overnight, and their work is far from over…:

CUT 06(09)      “…we can get.”

Trascher says more United Cajun Navy members are en route to Florida now.

Everyone’s talking about District 3 congressional challenger Holden Hoggatt’s campaign ad that parodies incumbent Clay Higgins old Cajun John Wayne Crimestoppers clips. In the video, an actor dressed as a deputy for Congressional Crimestoppers criticizes Higgins as a fraud in congress. Here a sample…:

CUT 13(10)      “…use it.”

Higgins says he doesn’t pay attention to attack ads.

 

The Wall Street Journal reports the rise in interest rates has caused lumber prices to fall to pre-pandemic levels. Industry experts say the housing market is already feeling the effects…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Golsby…”

Natchitoches Police hope the public can help catch a second suspect in a local murder. Kenny Wayne Smith Jr. is wanted for 2nd-degree murder. If you know how to find him call NPD at 318-352-8101. One other suspect in that crime has already been nabbed.

2:30 LRN Newscast Sept 29

The United Cajun Navy is assisting with rescue efforts after Hurricane Ian devastated portions of the Florida west coast…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Thorington.”

The Baton Rouge mother arrested in the overdose death of her young child has been formally charged with murder. A grand jury indicted 28-year-old Whitney Ard with 2nd-degree murder in the death of 2-year-old Mitchell Robinson III, who found and ate fentanyl pills left lying about. No trial date has been set.

 

The Wall Street Journal says lumber prices have fallen to their lowest levels in more than two years, bringing prices back to pre-pandemic levels. Alexandria-based Roy O. Martin is the largest private landowner in the south, with more than half a million acres of timber. Chief Operating Officer Scott Poole says the surge was expected to be temporary…:

CUT 04(12)      “describe it.”

He says higher interest rates are driving the increase in building and housing costs.

Saints quarterback Jameis Winston did not practice again today as the team continues its preparations for Sunday’s game against the Vikings in London. Winston said on Wednesday he expected to practice today, but offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael says a decision was made to keep him on the sidelines again…:

CUT 09(10)      “…are at tomorrow.”

If Winston cannot play, veteran Andy Dalton gets the start Sunday.

4:30 LRN Newscast Sept 28

Governor John Bel Edwards pledges help for Florida as Category 4 Hurricane Ian tears through the state. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele tells LRN Louisiana is in a Emergency Management Assistance Compact with the Sunshine State…:

CUT 13(10)      “…those needs.”

The Louisiana National Guard has be activated to assist.

Meanwhile the Louisiana Red Cross says it stands ready to assist in Florida’s storm response and recovery. The Red Cross’s Ed Bush says over a dozen Louisiana volunteers are already en route…:

CUT 03(10)      “…need to go.”

Bush says cash donations and volunteers are most welcome. Visit “redcross.org” to do either or both.

 

As Governor Edwards prepares for a business trip to London, one New Orleans politico compares his trip with recent costly travel by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Clancy Dubos says Edwards will meet with insurance industry and business leaders to enhance Louisiana, unlike Cantrell’s “sister city” visit to France…:

CUT 10(11)      “…friends with England.”

He says Cantrell’s trip had no economic value to New Orleans, despite her claims otherwise.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans city attorney has ruled that – by law – Mayor Cantrell is financially liable for over $30-thousand in travel and hotel upgrades for that and other recent trips. Cantrell says the upgrades weren’t for luxury, but for her personal safety and security.

3:30 LRN Newscast Sept 28

Louisiana will send help to Florida, as the Sunshine State takes a wallop from Hurricane Ian. Governor John Bel Edwards made an announcement to that effect today, and now the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness stands ready to help. GOHSEP’s Mike Steele says the Louisiana National Guard has been activated…:

CUT 12(09)      “…and personnel.”

The aide is being rendered via the state’s Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

Meanwhile, the Governor heads to London on an economic development trip; meeting with international business and insurance industry leaders to promote foreign investments. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it appears Edwards is addressing one of the state’s biggest problems…:

CUT 11(12)      “…does nothing.”

He refers to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s recent trip to France at taxpayer expense.

 

Red Cross volunteers in Louisiana are on standby to receive the call to assist with recovery from Hurricane Ian in Florida…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”

A budget hotel in Baton Rouge that has been the source of numerous 9-1-1 calls has been placed under new management. The OYO Hotel just off I-12 has been the scene of sexual assaults, drug deals, beatings, shootings and multiple prostitution arrests. City officials hope the new owners will take steps to better control what happens under their roof.