It seems gasoline prices have ceased their weeks-long decline, with the statewide average price of regular at $3.13 and holding…:

CUT 02  (27)        “…Golsby.”

A good news story: a Shreveport woman who’d been missing since early June has been found safe and sound. SPD says they’ve located 43-year-old Carzie Rhodes, and says she was not a victim of any crime or foul play.

Social Catfish, an online investigation service that monitors scams, says over 4000 Louisiana residents lost over $43-million to online cons last year. That’s up from $27 million in 2020. Social Catfish CEO David McClellan says many are immediate scams that steal your personal information when you check on a link, and others that can play out for months…:

CUT 10(04)      “…really staggering.”

McClennan says never give money to someone you’ve never met, do not give out personal information, and change passwords often.

Police in Baton Rouge says the murder of 21-year-old Allie Rice last week appears to be a random act. BRPD tells WBRZ TV they’ve found “no evidence suggesting Allie Rice was specifically targeted by her attacker.” A $10-thousand private reward is offered for a tip that leads to her killer’s conviction.

The restaurant where murdered LSU student Allie Rice worked is offering a reward for her killer. Staff at The Shed on Burbank Drive told WBRZ in Baton Rouge it plans to give $10-thousand to anyone whose tip ultimately leads to a conviction in Rice’s killing. Rice was gunned down in her SUV while stuck in traffic at a railroad crossing last week.

In his first TV campaign ad, Democrat U.S. Senate challenger Luke Mixon decides to address the abortion issue…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

There’s a tropical wave out in the Caribbean, which could become a tropical depression within several days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it is too early to tell, but the system’s general path is toward the Gulf. He says, even though we’ve reached the peak of hurricane season, we are not out of the woods yet…:

CUT 11(09)      “…relates to Louisiana”

This month is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month and some officials are sounding an alarm over high juvenile suicides. Children’s Hospital association president Amy Wimply-Knight says too many kids’ mental health issues go un-addressed…but then again, not every child needs expansive treatment…:

CUT 08(07)      “…for kids”

Senator Bill Cassidy is working to re-authorize federal funding for youth mental health care.

It’s been a calm hurricane season so far, but that might change. The National Hurricane Center says a tropical depression is likely to form in the Caribbean within a week…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Golsby”

Downtown Ruston is a semi-finalist for the 2023 Great American Main Street Award. Candidates are chosen for use of their Main Street to lead community-based transformation strategies; revitalizing these areas. Ruston officials hope to win later this year, but say just being recognized as a contender is an honor.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. National experts on the subject are sounding the alarm. Amy Wimpley Knight is president of the Children’s Hospital Association. She says research shows that half of mental health conditions begin before the age of 14 and go unaddressed for 11 years or more…:

CUT 07(10)      “…attention to.”

Bunkie Democrat Luke Mixon, who’s challenging John Kennedy’s bid for re-election, has begun a series of TV campaign ads. Mixon’s ad discusses Roe vs Wade and codifying abortion into federal law; something popular among his party, but possibly repugnant to many Louisiana voters. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Kennedy’s ads, however, will stay close to what got him elected the last time…:

CUT 05(09)      “…next couple of months.”

The election is November 8^th.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical wave that’s moving towards the Caribbean and a tropical depression is likely to form within the next few days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s too soon to panic but it’s not too soon to prepare. He says they will know more in about a week…:

CUT 10(09)      “…toward the tropics.”

So far there have been six named storms this year and no major threats in the Gulf of Mexico.

Senator Bill Cassidy says a new report shows the veteran suicide rate fell nearly 10-percent from 2018 to 2020. He says the rate is still far too high, but progress is being made. He says his Solid Start ACT requires the VA to contact every veteran three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty…:

CUT 13(11)      “…may need to do.”

Veterans in crisis should dial 9-8-8. then press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Luke Mixon releases his first campaign ad. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says having an ad this early is significant and shows Mixon has funding to run expensive TV ads, and he’ll need it to boost his name recognition..:

CUT 04(07)      “…than nothing.”

Incumbent Republican Senator John Kennedy has unveiled his second TV campaign ad highlighting his votes to cut taxes, increase paychecks, fight crime and stand up to Chinese influence.

The restaurant where murdered LSU student Allie Rice worked is offering a reward for her killer or killers. Staff at The Shed on Burbank Drive told WBRZ in Baton Rouge it plans to give $10-thousand to anyone whose tip ultimately leads to a conviction in Rice’s killing. Rice was gunned down in her SUV while stuck in traffic at a railroad crossing last week.

Autumn officially arrives Thursday, but – in true Louisiana fashion – you’d never notice. Afternoon high temps are expected in the 90’s with heat indices around 100 through the week. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says our hottest temps will come mid-week…:

CUT 13(05)      “…triple digits.”

Don’t get those sweaters out just yet.

The COVID pandemic may have calmed down for most of us, but for seniors in nursing homes, it’s still all too real. In a four week period between mid-July to mid-August, 46 elderly residents died from COVID-related symptoms. Andrew Muhl is director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana. He suggests questions to ask your nursing home staff…:

CUT 04(10)      “…COVID 19.”

When Louisiana roadways begin to experience significant congestion, among the options to keep the flow of traffic continuous is a roundabout. Europe has used them for decades…and Louisiana has built over 170 over the past 20 years. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says it’s natural to reject them at first…:

CUT 06(08)      “…want more.”

Roundabouts tend to lead to improved traffic flow and fewer accidents, IF used properly.

The NFL has suspended Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans one-game for his role in yesterday’s fight in the Buccaneers 20-10 win over the Saints. Wide receiver Michael Thomas – the recipient of Evans’ aggression – says the Bucs started it…:

CUT 09(07)      “…protect yourself.”

You see them being built all over the state…and whether you love them or hate them, roundabouts – aka traffic circles – are here to stay. DOTD says once you’re used to them, you’ll appreciate them…:

CUT 02  (33)        “…Thorington.”

Police in St. Gabriel, in Iberville Parish, say a 9-year-old boy was killed Saturday and a 15-year-old girl badly injured, when the ATV they were riding crashed. Both were rushed to a hospital, but little Izaiah Prejean didn’t make it. The

The first day of Fall is Thursday, but it still feels very much like summer with the heat index around 100 degrees. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says if you are outside for a long period of time, you’ll feel it…”

CUT 12(11)      “…taste of summer.”

New data from the AARP shows that COVID-19 still has a deadly grip on the nation’s nursing homes. Deaths and cases from residents and staff nationwide have risen for the fourth consecutive month. Andrew Muhl is director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana…:

CUT 03(06)      “…several weeks.”

Over 46 nursing homes patients died of COVID-related causes between mid-July and mid-August.

We haven’t heard much about the COVID pandemic lately, but experts say it’s far from over…especially in Louisiana’s nursing homes…:

CUT 01  (33)        “…Golsby.:

St. Landry narcotics deputies took down a heroin stash house, after a month-long investigation. Two men are in custody; charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and manufacturing of heroin. A raid yielded 19 bags of heroin – street value over $100k – some guns and illicitly-earned cash.

DOTD says roundabouts are the traffic wave of the future, and the best way to keep traffic moving in high volume areas. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says they take some getting used to, but you’re less likely to get t-boned or rear-ended in one…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…a roundabout.”

Sheriff’s deputies in Lafayette Parish arrest a man and woman for the death of their toddler. Spokesperson Valerie Ponseti says 29-year-old Dillon Cormier and 23-year-old Deziree Setoon were taken into custody after officers found a 1-year-old child in their home unresponsive. The toddler later died. The charges are murder and cruelty to a juvenile. No other details are yet available.

Rapper Mystikal was arraigned today on charges of domestic abuse by strangulation and 1^st-degree rape in Ascension Parish. As expected, the artist – real name Michael Tyler – pleaded not guilty.

A 21-year-old LSU student was found shot to death early today in Baton Rouge. BRPD spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Allison Rice was found inside her car, on a well-travelled street close to the city’s downtown area. He says the investigation is in the early stages…:

CUT 10  (10)        “…we’re collecting.”

Rice was a marketing major at LSU. She had been partying with friends at a club last night.

Tragedy in Jefferson parish, as three kids die in a Gretna house fire this morning. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says arson is not suspected, but the cause hasn’t yet been determined…:

CUT 12  (06)        “…sad situation.”

The children were 3, 7 and 15 years of age.

Louisiana rapper Mystikal will be arraigned Monday on charges of 1^st degree rape, domestic battery and drug possession. The artist – real name Michael Tyler – faces a life sentence if convicted of the rape charge alone. Tyler is from New Orleans, but lives in Ascension Parish.

LSU and the Saints are home underdogs this weekend, which is rare for both teams not to be favorite at home. Jeff Palermo has more on the games in Baton Rouge and New Orleans and other matchups…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Palermo.”

Police in Baton Rouge hope the public can help them with leads to the killer of an LSU student, found dead in her car close to several area nightspots. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 21-year-old Allison Rice was shot multiple times, and their investigation is just getting started…:

CUT 10  (10)        “…we’re collecting.”

He asks anyone who may know anything about it to contact Baton Rouge Police or Crimestoppers.

Three kids – ages 3, 7 and 15, were killed in a Jefferson Parish house fire Friday morning. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the three were siblings…:

CUT 11  (11)        “…to those injuries.”

He says the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but arson is not suspected.

2021 saw an alarming increase in traffic fatalities and an all-time high for pedestrian deaths. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”

Congratulations to Ascension Parish Sheriff’s 1^st Lieutenant Mike Brooks, who was chosen to sing the National Anthem Sunday, at the Saints home opener against Tampa Bay. Brooks says it’s an honor to be asked, especially when they so often choose musicians or recording artists for the task. Kickoff is at noon Sunday in the Caesar’s Superdome.

Here’s a troubling statistic: 972 people were killed in 2021 on Louisiana roads. That’s a 17-percent increase from 2020, according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says that’s disturbing…:

CUT 03(09)      “…of COVID.”

The major causes of roadway deaths and injuries here are distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive driving.

Baton Rouge Police hope the public can help them catch the killer of an LSU student; found shot to death in her car overnight. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 21-year-old Allison Rice’s vehicle was found near railroad tracks, not far from the city’s downtown area…:

CUT 09(09)      “…in her car.”

They ask anyone with knowledge of the murder to contact them.

Seven Louisiana schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools. The winning schools are located in Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Lafayette, St. Landry and St. Tammany parishes. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley was at one of those – South Highlands Elementary Magnet School in Caddo Parish – this morning to celebrate the achievement with the student body…:

CUT 07(12)      “…schools of excellence.”

LSU is 2.5 point underdog at home in tomorrow’s SEC opener against Mississippi State. Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly says there’s a lot of talk about the Bulldogs Air Raid offense, but they are also good on defense…:

CUT 13(10)      “…to succeed.”

The Bulldogs have only allowed 169 rushing yards in two games.