A Lafayette police officer is dead, fatally shot during a hours long standoff with an armed suspect in Jeanerette. The unidentified officer was with the Lafayette SWAT team, assisting the Jeanerette City Marshals Office with a hostage situation. The suspect had multiple warrants for his arrest and he fired multiple shots, killing a Lafayette officer and injuring three others, who sustained non-life threatening injuries. The suspect is now in police custody.

Three have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder after former Southern University student Steven Harris was reported missing when he missed a July 17th child custody hearing.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

It’s been nearly a year since Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call that turned violent, with the suspect shooting multiple rounds killing a 19-month-old. Bradford was shot in the buttocks and it has left her left foot partially paralyzed. Bradford’s rehab is grueling, but she’s striving to return to full duty and resume her active lifestyle…
cut 6 (09) “….in life”
John Mitchell Nicholas of Lafayette is facing a charge of second-degree murder in the death of the 19-month-old and five counts of attempted first-degree murder.

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association has undergone a name change and the organization is now called Film Louisiana. As a result of the name change, they’ve created a new logo and website which president Jason Waguespack says is more functional for clients and productions choosing to film in the Bayou State.
Cut 8 (08) “…we bring.”

A Lafayette police officer was killed and three other officers were wounded yesterday during a standoff at a home in the Iberia Parish town of Jeanerette. The deceased officer was a member of the Lafayette SWAT team that was brought in to help the Jeanerette Marshal’s Office execute an arrest warrant. Authorities says the suspect fired multiple rounds at police, killing the unidentified officer. The three injured officers are in good condition with non-life threatening injuries. The suspect was taken into custody.

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, a former Southern University student who was reported missing on July 17th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they believe a child custody dispute played a role in his murder.
Cut 13 (09) “…their child.”
The 21-year-old Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (Female), and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins are also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder

31 former and current LSU athletes will compete at the Paris Olympics which get underway today…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association is now Film Louisiana. President Jason Waguespack…
Cut 7 (12) “…in Film Louisiana.”
As a result of the name change, have a new logo and website.

On August 5, 2023, a Lafayette Police Officer was shot in the line of duty and now is sharing her story about the long road to recovery she has been on since that night. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_______________________________________________

31 LSU athletes will represent the Tigers at this year’s Paris Olympics competing in basketball, beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, diving, tennis, and track and field. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

____________________________________________

Three have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder after former Southern Student Steven Harris was reported missing when he missed a July 17^th child custody hearing.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________________

It’s been nearly a year since Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call. The suspect 31-year-old John Nicholas opened fire on officers, hitting Bradford in the right buttock, which caused severe nerve damage and partial paralysis in her left foot.  The shooting also killed 19-month-old Kaci Cyprian and injured her older brother, Kaisyn Cyprian, and an elderly woman. Bradford says the rehabilitation has been grueling.

Cut 4 (11) “…progress but its progress.”

Bradford says her journey has been challenging both physically and emotionally. Initially, a CrossFit athlete, adapting to her new physical limitations has been difficult. However, she has made significant strides in her recovery. Despite these advancements, the cost of continued therapy will cost 140 thousand dollars.

Cut 5 (04) “…kind of money.”

The community has rallied to support her through a GoFundMe campaign to cover her medical expenses not covered by worker’s compensation. Bradford remains hopeful about her future, aiming to return to full duty and resume her active lifestyle.

Cut 6 (09) “…in life.”

Nicholas was arrested on first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder

_________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association is now Film Louisiana. President Jason Waguespack says because movies have been made in Louisiana for over a century and the association represents over 1,000 people in the state…

Cut 7 (12) “…in Film Louisiana.”

As a result of the name change, they’ve created a new logo and website which Waguespack says is more functional for clients and productions choosing to film in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (08) “…we bring.”

Being known as Hollywood South, Waguespack says Louisiana was one of the first states to adopt a film incentive program, and ever since 38 others have followed. He says Louisiana is generally just a fantastic place to film, with the variety of locations and scenery…

Cut 9 (10)  “…production here.”

In the last two decades thanks to incentives, Waguespack says Louisiana’s film industry has attracted more business, created more jobs, and helped create school curriculums to support the industry.

________________________________________

The 2024 Paris Olympics open today, and 31 current and former LSU athletes will represent 20 countries at the Paris games. Former Tigers beach volleyball duo Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth have made headlines as the second-ranked team in the world and will make their Olympics debut at the base of the Eifel Tower tomorrow at 3 P.M. LSU Senior Associate Sports Information Director Kent Lowe says most of their matches will take place in the afternoon our time…

Cut 10 (08) “…medal rounds.”

Many Tigers will represent countries around the world. LSU gymnastics national champion Aleeah Finnegan will compete for the Philippines. Associate basketball head coach David Patrick will coach the Australia squad and former player Duop Reath. Lowe says former LSU pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis is a big favorite to defend his 2020 gold for Sweden…

Cut 11 (12) “…these games.”

14 LSU track and field athletes will compete for 8 different countries. Headlining the US team is world-champion sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson. Richardson set an NCAA record for the 100 meter in her only season at LSU, becoming one of the 10 fastest women in history as a 19-year-old. She qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 but was unable to compete after a failed drug-test. Lowe says there’s no doubt Richardson could bring home gold…

Cut 12 (11) “…100 meters.”

The Olympic Opening Ceremony is set for 12:30 central time.

_______________________________________________________________________

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the former Southern student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they believe the hearing played a role in his murder.

Cut 13 (09)  “…their child.”

21-year-old Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (Female), and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins are also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Hollins is also charged with possession of a machine gun. The three were arrested Thursday and are being held in the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center.

Spillman says they believe the three lured Harris under the pretense they were going to attend a party or meet friends.

Cut 14 (09)  “…disposed of in Mississippi,”

Spillman says they received information about where Harris’s body was possibly located and West Feliciana detectives traveled to Wilkinson County and found the body. He says the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency and Harris’ body was sent to Jackson for an autopsy.

He says it’s a heartbreaking case and Spillman recalls when he had to make the death notification to Harris’ parents…

Cut 15 (06)  “…very difficult.”

Spillman expects the three will soon face charges in Mississippi also.

Harris, who lived in St. Francisville with his parents, was a former member of Southern’s marching band, the Human Jukebox.

 ___________________________________________________________________

Saints training camp is underway in Irvine, California as Dennis Allen’s squad prepares for the 2024 season. The black and gold defense has been a strength under Allen, but some fans are worried about holes on the d-line and aging veteran stars. 35-year-old linebacker Demario Davis has anchored the unit since 2017, and says last year’s effort was effective but not up to standard…

Cut 16 (18) “…be dominant.” 

The Saints have missed the playoffs the last two seasons under Dennis Allen. The front office brought in new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak to hopefully spark some change in the franchise, but if nothing changes this season, Allen could find himself on the hot seat. Davis says he has confidence in his head coach…

Cut 17 (19) “…from a coach.”

Despite a winning season last year, many fans have been disappointed in the Saints performance in the post-Drew Brees era. The roster has talent and it’s clear the front office is trying to win, but the results aren’t matching. Davis says the elephant in the locker room is the team is underperforming, but they’re working to give Saints fans something to cheer about…

Cut 18 (18)  “…can show.”

____________________________________________________________

Cut 19 (11) “…four or five more years”

Cut 20 (13) “…higher results.”

One Lafayette police officer is dead after a hostage standoff in Jeanerette. Three other officers were injured, and the suspect 31-year-old Nyjal Hurst has been arrested. The hours-long standoff began at 9 am Thursday. The incident reportedly began when a Jeanerette City Marshal attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a home in the 2500 block of Martin Luther King Drive. After deputies arrived two people exited, and then Hurst barricaded himself with two others, one was a juvenile in the home. Shots were reportedly fired when authorities tried to extract the suspect and hostages from the residence. State Police is investigating the shooting.

Last August Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was shot responding leaving her with severe nerve damage and partial paralysis in her left foot.  Bradford says the rehab has been grueling.

Cut 4 (11) “…progress but its progress.”

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the former Southern student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they believe the hearing played a role in his murder.

Cut 13 (10)  “…their child”

Charges in Mississippi are also expected to be filed against the three suspects.

The 2024 Paris Olympics open Friday, and 31 current and former LSU athletes will represent 20 countries at the Paris games. Former Tigers beach volleyball duo Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth have made headlines as the second-ranked team in the world and will make their Olympics debut at the base of the Eifel Tower Saturday afternoon. The Olympic Opening Ceremony is set for 12:30 central standard time Friday afternoon.

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the former Southern student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they believe the hearing played a role in his murder.

Cut 13 (10)  “…this child”

21-year-old Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (Female), and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months begins this week. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says recipients include children who have Medicaid or are part of the FITAP or Kinship Care Subsidy Program.

Cut 10 (07) “…Phase 2 benefits.”

Legislative leaders announce there will not be a special session on tax reform this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The US Senate Health Committee has voted 16-4 to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says Steward’s financial mismanagement has had deadly consequences.

Cut 4 (06) “…to treat.”

Glenwood in West Monroe is one of 31 Steward hospitals across the country.

West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says the mother of 20-year-old Steven Harris’s son has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of the former Southern University student. Harris was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-and-a-half-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi on Tuesday. 21-year-old Allyah Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (F) and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins face a charge of conspiracy to commit murder. Martin, Jack, and Hollins allegedly lured Harris to a party but took him to Wilkinson County. Spillman expects the three to be charged with murder in Mississippi.

Phase Two of the Sun Bucks program begins issuing benefits this week.  The federal money goes to low-income families to cover increased summer time food costs. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says 75-thousand EBT cards will go out each week

cut 11 (05) “…. expunged”
A US Senate health committee is investigating Steward Health’s financial mismanagement, a committee co-chaired by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Talk of a special session next month so that lawmakers can then vote to hold a constitutional convention…is dead. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says changes to the constitution could be needed to respond to this potential budget deficit, but legislative leaders still might not want to take the dramatic step of holding a constitutional convention…

Cut 8 (06)  “…could see that.”

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, the former Southern University student who was reported missing on July 17^th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-and-a-half-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they’ve arrested the mother of his son, 21-year-old Allyah Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (F)  and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins, charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Spillman says the three are accused of luring him to a party but taking him to Wilkinson County, where he expects the three will soon be charged with Harris’s murder.

Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program begins this week. It’s a program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families who can use the money to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says EBT cards will be sent in waves over the next few weeks…

Cut 9 (07) “…students.”

The US Senate Health Committee has voted 16-4 to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says they are investigating what led to Steward’s bankruptcy which is severely impacting care at hospitals across the country including West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center.

Cut 3 (11) “…West Monroe.”

Talk of a special session next month so that lawmakers can vote to hold a constitutional convention…is dead. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says legislative leaders announced today there are no plans to reconvene in Baton Rouge anytime soon.

Cut 6 (12) “…this fall.”

Alford says Senate leaders have shown no interest in holding a constitutional convention this year.

Three people have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of missing former Southern University student, Steven Harris IV whose body was found Tuesday in Wilkinson County Mississippi.  West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s made the arrests.  21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins, and Jr., 20-year-old Calajia Jack, of St. Francisville, and 21-year-old Allyah Martin of Zachary face charges of conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Hollins also faces a charge of possession of a machine gun. Harris was reported missing by his family on July 17.

The US Senate Health Committee has voted to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says they are investigating what led to Steward’s bankruptcy which is severely impacting care at hospitals across the country including West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center. What happened at Glenwood is not unique. Cassidy says at a Steward-owned hospital in Massachusetts, a woman died after giving birth…

Cut 5 (11)  “…Steward’s hospitals”

Legislative leaders announce there will not be a special session on tax reform this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months. begins this week. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says recipients include children who have Medicaid or are part of the FITAP or Kinship Care Subsidy Program.

Cut 10 (07) “…Phase 2 benefits.”

Legislative leaders announced today that they will not hold a special session this year, which also means no constitutional convention in 2024. Governor Jeff Landry along with GOP megadonor Lane Grigsby says changes are needed to the constitution to give lawmakers more budget flexibility. But Jeremy Alford of Lapolitics-dot-com says the legislative will is not there…
cut 7 (10) “…a constitution”
Alford says legislators might attempt to address tax reform next year with a package of constitutional amendments.

Phase Two of the Sun Bucks program begins issuing benefits this week. This is federal money that goes to low income residents to help pay for increased food costs, because kids are out of school for the summer. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says 75-thousand EBT cards will go out each week and the cards have a one-time payment of 120-dollars on them…
cut 11 (05) “….expunged”
For more information go to DCFS’s website.

A US Senate health committee is investigating Steward Health’s financial mismanagement, a committee co-chaired by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Starting last December, law enforcement began enforcing a ban on big rigs on the Interstate 20 construction zone in Bossier City. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says during that time 35-hundred citations have been handed out to truck drivers who continue to drive through that work zone. DOTD recommends truck drivers use I-220, which will add only 15 minutes to their drive time.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is preparing to defend the state’s Ten Commandments Law, which faces a legal challenge. The Ten Commandments are to be displayed in every public-school classroom starting January first. Murrill says the Ten Commandments represent the foundation of our laws and that’s the argument she’ll make to a federal judge…
Cut 12 (12) “…historical context.”
The ACLU says displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms is an unconstitutional religious coercion of students.

Talk of a special session next month so that lawmakers can then vote to hold a constitutional convention…is dead. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says changes to the constitution could be needed to respond to this potential budget deficit, but legislative leaders still might not want to take the dramatic step of holding a constitutional convention…

Cut 8 (06)  “…could see that.”

The US Senate Health Committee has voted 16-4 to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says Steward’s financial mismanagement has had deadly consequences.

Cut 4 (06) “…to treat.”

Glenwood in West Monroe is one of 31 Steward hospitals across the country.

Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program begins this week. It’s a program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families who can use the money to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says EBT cards will be sent in waves over the next few weeks…

Cut 9 (07) students.”