State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in Lafourche Parish Sunday afternoon. Trooper Ross Brennan says 39-year-old Tricia Vicknair, of Schriever, crossed the center line of state Highway 20 and ran head-on into an oncoming vehicle. He says they are still unsure why Vicknair went into the opposite lane…:

CUT 07  (12)        “…a factor.”

A Lafayette Police officer is in critical condition today, after he was hit by an impaired driver and dragged under the vehicle. LPD spokesperson Sgt. Robin Green says it happened early Sunday morning. The LPD cop tried to stop 24-year-old Jaylion Chavis, of Lake Charles, for erratic driving. He fled, but stopped short at a police roadblock, threw the vehicle in reverse and backed over the officer, then dragged him at least 100 feet. That, of course spurred action from other officers present…:

CUT 04(10)      “…into custody.”

Chavis is charged with attempted murder and more.

The St. Tammany Parish coroner confirms two recent overdose deaths were the result of taking “look-alike” pills containing 100 percent fentanyl, which can kill with just one pill…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

State Police are investigating a fatal crash in Allen Parish early Sunday morning. Troopers say 36-year-old Edwin McDaniel’s pickup went off the roadway in a curve & rolled over several times. He was partially ejected from the truck and pronounced dead at the scene. A toxicology sample was taken to determine is he may have been impaired.

Pro-life and pro-choice advocates react to the State Supreme Court’s denial to hear an appeal challenging Louisiana’s abortion ban. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Despite the CDC rolling back its COVID mask-wearing recommendations, Southern University has re-instated a mandatory mask policy for all persons in all campus buildings. Southern says it out of “an abundance of caution.”

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish is very concerned with escalating fentanyl overdose deaths; especially because people may not even know that is what they are taking. Dr. Charles Preston says pills bought and sold on the street may look like semi-harmless pain relievers, but many contain highly dangerous fentanyl.  Preston confirms that man died from an overdose of fentanyl and, though the pill he took appeared to be Percocet, it was 100-percent illegally made fentanyl….:

CUT 07(10)      “…were in our community.”

Dr. Preston says the fentanyl scourge is growing like a weed.

The state Supreme Court rejected an appeal of the state’s abortion ban trigger law; meaning abortion clinics in Louisiana are closed. Many objections to the law were for its lacking exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Loyola University law Professor Dane Ciolino says the High Court’s judgement sends a clear message…:

CUT 14(11)      “…rather than the courthouse.”

He says it’s likely one or more lawmakers will seek to amend the law next spring, when the legislature re-convenes.

Since Roe v Wade was overturned, the state abortion ban was on, then off, then on again. Louisiana Family Forum president Gene Mills is pleased with the decision that paves the way for abortions to finally be illegal in the state…:

CUT 09(11)      “…pro-life position.”

Pro-choice advocates however are disappointed. Devante Lewis with the Louisiana Budget Project says the state is not prepared for the influx of children that will be living in poverty because already 62 percent of children in Louisiana are born as Medicaid recipients…:

CUT 10(11)      “…in our state.”

The law can be amended to allow exceptions for rape & incest, but Mills feels that is unlikely.

A Lafayette cop trying to stop man for reckless driving was backed over by the motorist, then dragged some 100 feet. He’s in the hospital the driver, a Lake Charles man, is behind bars.

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish is very concerned with escalating fentanyl overdose deaths; especially because people may not even know that is what they are taking. Dr. Charles Preston says pills bought and sold on the street may look like semi-harmless pain relievers, but many contain highly dangerous fentanyl. He says the recent death of a 22-year-old man after taking a single pill is cause for alarm…:

CUT 06(13)      “…in the community.”

In mid-July a St. Tammany Parish 15-year-old also died from a fentanyl overdose. Two people have been arrested in connection and charged with murder.

After a bit of a scare from a low pressure wave sitting right off Louisiana’s coast last week, we got only some winds and thunderstorms. For this week, the tropics are looking fairly quiet with no tropical storm development expected anywhere. Still, NOAA predicts active conditions yet to come.

The St. Tammany Parish coroner confirms two recent overdose deaths were the result of taking “look-alike” pills containing 100 percent fentanyl, which can kill. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

A Lake Charles man was arrested Sunday morning after reportedly running over a police officer and dragging him approximately 100 feet. The officer was hospitalized for his injuries. This happened during a reckless driving traffic stop. 24-year-old Jaylon Chavis, of Lake Charles, is charged with reckless driving, resisting an officer and attempted murder.

It’s the sixth anniversary of the great flood that devastated so many communities in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Broome was in the midst of campaigning for her first term as mayor, and – like so many others – she was forced to leave her home. But says she was fortunate enough she could turn to relatives…:

CUT 03(08)      “…took me in.”

Since 2016 Broome says the city continues to work on drainage issues and believes Infrastructure Funds will expedite more improvements to avoid severe flooding in the future.

Louisiana’s on-again-off-again abortion ban law is on again, and this time it may stick. The state Supreme Court Friday rejected an appeal by abortion rights activists seeking to keep clinics open; arguing the law was too vague to enforce. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the High Court’s denial does not surprise him. He feels the plaintiff’s argument didn’t hold up…:

CUT 13(12)      “…happen in Louisiana.”

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish is very concerned with escalating fentanyl overdose deaths; especially because people may not even know that is what they are taking. Dr. Charles Preston says pills bought and sold on the street may look like semi-harmless pain relievers, but many contain highly dangerous fentanyl. He says the recent death of a 22-year-old man after taking a single pill is cause for alarm…:

CUT 06  (14)        “…in the community”

Preston says if it didn’t come from a pharmacy don’t ingest it.

More videos are turning up of alleged animal abuse at a dog training school in the Rapides parish town of Lena. In the videos, one can see dogs forcibly pushed to the ground, hit and more. One owner tells KALB in Alexandria the owner of Cypress Arrow Kennel advised her to get a wiffle ball bat and hit her misbehaving dog in the face. The Rapides Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

A judge has denied Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal’s attempt to collect almost $ 40 thousand in back taxes from a Mount Herman cattle rancher, who sells cuts of beef directly to customers at his farm. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the lawsuit against beef farmer Jason Smith was probably because of some confusion with state tax law, as to what can and cannot be taxed. Strain says he feels the language of the tax code is clear…:

CUT 03(05)      “…taxing authority.”

The judge agreed and dismissed the case. Sheriff Seal says the matter is finished and he plans no appeal.

The LSU Tigers’ first game with Brain Kelly at the helm is just two weeks away, but it appears he’s already showing much success with his second recruiting class. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says what appeared to be a slow start for Kelly has picked up steam and is now 6^th in the nation…:

CUT 13(09)      “…right now.”

Louisiana’s on-again-off-again abortion ban law is on again, and this time it may stick. The state Supreme Court Friday rejected an appeal by abortion rights activists seeking to keep clinics open. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the High Court’s denial did not surprise him. He feels plaintiff’s argument the state’s abortion trigger ban was too vague were not valid…:

CUT 13  (12)        “happen in Louisiana.”

Lawyers for the plaintiffs say they are disappointed, but they’ll keep trying to reverse the law. Abortion clinics in Louisiana must not close and remain closed.

The Shreveport City Council agreed this week to ask Southwestern Electric Power Company to temporarily stop disconnecting utilities for late payments, but the company says the Council’s request will not prevent those cut-offs.  The Shreveport Times reports the council wants a hold on disconnects until at least November. SWEPCO says they already refrain from shut-offs when the temperatures are very high.

The St. Tammany Parish coroner warns drug users to be cautious of what pills you buy on the black market, because many contain highly dangerous fentanyl. Coroner Dr. Charles Preston says autopsies of a 22-year-old man – who died in June after taking a single pill – and a 15 year-old who died in July from a similar overdose showed the pills they took were 100-percent fentanyl. Dr. Preston says the fentanyl scourge is growing like a weed…:

CUT 08  (15)        “…were fentanyl.”

A New Orleans judge denies bond reduction for four teens who beat and carjacked an elderly woman in March; dragging her to her death. The victim, Linda Frickey, had her arm torn off and bled to death in the street. The four defendants – one boy and three girls – are charged with 2^nd degree murder and all four pleaded not guilty. They will remain behind bars, pending bonds of $1-million each.

Problems at Children & Family Services? East Baton Rouge Parish D.A. Hillar Moore is scheduling meetings with officials at DCFS after two recent incidents. In one, a 2-year-old died after eating his mother’s illegal drugs; his THIRD drug overdose. In another, children placed in DCFS foster care were reportedly sexually abuse by their foster father. Angry citizens ask “who is protecting the children?” At least one state lawmakers has called for Marketa Walters, the head of DCFS, to resign.

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish, once again, alerts everyone to the dangers of taking pain pills bought on the black market. Dr. Charles Preston says they may look like simple Percocet, Adderall or something else, but often are 100-percent fentanyl…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…in our community.”

Louisiana’s on-again-off-again abortion ban law is on again, and this time it may stick. The state Supreme Court Friday rejected an appeal by abortion rights activists seeking to keep clinics open. Lawyers for the plaintiffs say they are disappointed, but they’ll keep trying to reverse the law. Abortion clinics in Louisiana must not close and remain closed.

A Washington Parish judge has denied a lawsuit by Washington parish Sheriff Randy Seal to collect alleged unpaid taxes from a Mount Herman cattleman, who sells cuts of beef direct to customers from his farm. Seal wanted rancher Jason Smith to cough up about $40-k. The judge ruled state tax law clearly states “farm products and produce” sold directly are tax exempt. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says score one for farmers statewide…:

CUT 04  (13)        “…judgement was made.”

Smith is relieved, as are hundreds of Louisiana farmers who also sell their wares direct.

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish is very concerned with escalating fentanyl overdose deaths; especially because people may not even know that is what they are taking. Dr. Charles Preston says pills bought and sold on the street may look like semi-harmless pain relievers, but many contain highly dangerous fentanyl. He says the recent death of a 22-year-old man after taking a single pill is cause for alarm…:

CUT 06  (14)        “…in the community”

Preston says if it didn’t come from a pharmacy don’t ingest it.

More videos are turning up of alleged animal abuse at a dog training school in the Rapides parish town of Lena. In the videos, one can see dogs forcibly pushed to the ground, hit and more. One owner tells KALB in Alexandria the owner of Cypress Arrow Kennel advised her to get a wiffle ball bat and hit her misbehaving dog in the face. The Rapides Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

A judge has denied Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal’s attempt to collect almost $ 40 thousand in back taxes from a Mount Herman cattle rancher, who sells cuts of beef directly to customers at his farm. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the lawsuit against beef farmer Jason Smith was probably because of some confusion with state tax law, as to what can and cannot be taxed. Strain says he feels the language of the tax code is clear…:

CUT 03(05)      “…taxing authority.”

The judge agreed and dismissed the case. Sheriff Seal says the matter is finished and he plans no appeal.

The LSU Tigers’ first game with Brain Kelly at the helm is just two weeks away, but it appears he’s already showing much success with his second recruiting class. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says what appeared to be a slow start for Kelly has picked up steam and is now 6^th in the nation…:

CUT 13(09)      “…right now.”

The state Supreme Court has denied an appeal of pro-choice advocates challenging Louisiana’s so-called trigger law banning most abortions. The law went into effect with the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe vs Wade. It’s been on again and off again ever since. The state High Court’ ruling means the law remains in effect. A lawyer for the plaintiffs says they’ll keep working to change the law.

Six years ago today, the Great Flood of 2016 began, inundating many parts of south Louisiana with over 2 & ½ feet of rain in there days. One city hit hardest was Baton Rouge. Mayor Sharon Weston-Broome says the city continues to work on flood mitigation measures, but the city/parish is in much better shape than six years ago…:

CUT 08(11)      “…drainage work.”

She says incoming federal infrastructure funds will help expand the parish and city’s ability to drain off excess water and mitigate future flooding.

A judge has denied Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal’s attempt to collect almost $40-thousand in back taxes from a Mount Herman cattle rancher, who sells cuts of beef directly to customers at his farm. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the lawsuit against beef farmer Jason Smith wasn’t justified, because the tax code clearly states farmers May sell their meat and produce directly without charging or paying local sales tax. He says the judge got it right. Score one for farmer statewide…:

CUT 04(13)      “…judgement was made.”

So, what is that low pressure wave sitting off the coast going to bring us weather-wise? LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says just some wind and some thundershowers. He says it’ll have no time to become a tropical storm…:’

CUT 12(04)      “…at all.”

A judge has denied Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal’s attempt to collect almost $40-thousand in back taxes from a Mount Herman cattle rancher, who sells cuts of beef directly to customers at his farm. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the lawsuit against beef farmer Jason Smith was probably because of some confusion with state tax law, as to what can and cannot be taxed. Strain says he feels the language of the tax code is clear…:

CUT 07(05)      “…taxing authority.”

Strain says over 100 cattle ranchers sell beef directly from the farm and this ruling puts all of them at ease.

It was six years ago that parts of Louisiana experienced devastating flooding after more than two and a half feet of rain fell from August 11^th to the 14^th. The small city of Youngsville, in Lafayette Parish, flooded and Mayor Ken Ritter was in his first term…:

CUT 06(09)      “…and rebuild.”

The Baton Rouge area was perhaps hit hardest, with roughly 10-thousand homes and businesses taking on water and severe damage.

There’s a tropical wave just off the Louisiana coast so keep that umbrella handy. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says some of the heaviest rains will be in New Orleans today, then up to Baton Rouge, and then westward towards Lake Charles. He says models suggest this will continue to be a rainmaker for Louisiana coastal areas and…:

CUT 11(06)      “…and Galveston.”

And if the models are correct, Wetherbee says the system will then move its way inland towards the middle Texas Gulf Coast in a couple of days.

Over 1700 new cases of COVID are reported today by the Department of Health. Just over 600 are currently in the hospital with symptoms. They also report 7 new COVID-related deaths.

…and now here are today’s markets…