The Coast Guard is providing more details on the dramatic Wednesday night rescue of two helicopter crew members from the Gulf of Mexico. Three people were in the helicopter that was transferring them from an oil rig to Abbeville when it went down about 40 miles from Morgan City. Lt Commander Sean Di George says they put out a call for help from any boats that might be in the area.

Cut 3 (10) “..good location” 

Two were injured and one deceased.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the USDA has agreed to purchase 25-million dollars’ worth of Gulf of Mexico shrimp. Graves says Louisiana’s shrimp industry has faced several hardships in a row, Hurricane Ida, unfair trade practices, and inflation. He says this is help for shrimpers right now, but not a permanent fix…

Cut  11 (07)  “…disaster assistance.”

While Halloween is generally a fun holiday for both children and adults, it has the potential to be extremely dangerous for pets. President of the Louisiana Humane Society Jeff Dorson says to place candy out of the reach of pets, especially chocolate which can be toxic to dogs.

Cut 6 (07)  “…some of them do.”

And make sure your pet’s id tags are up to date and they are wearing them incase they escape while you pass out candy.

Saturday night’s 800-million-dollar Powerball jackpot is now the second largest in the game’s history and fifth largest U.S. jackpot. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says sales have definitely picked up.

Cut 7 (09) “…3 point 2 million.”

You have until Saturday night at 9pm to buy your ticket.

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 45-year-old Quentin Smith of Vidalia for human trafficking. CPSO spokesperson Brandy Spears says their Cyber Crime Unit began working on the case on Monday and on Wednesday they arrested Smith in Mississippi.

Cut 4 (11)  “…narcotics to underage victims.”

Smith is accused of transporting the victims to locations in Concordia Parish and Adams County, Mississippi.

Congressman Garret Graves announces federal help for an ailing Louisiana shrimping industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will purchase up to $25-million in wild-caught shrimp. Graves says shrimpers have had to cope with natural disasters, rising fuel costs, and a market glutted with Asian imports.

Cut 10 (06) “…keep that industry afloat.” 

Louisiana lottery officials say tickets are selling fast for the $800 million Powerball drawing Saturday night. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

Finally, some rain in the forecast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a slight risk for severe weather for southeast Louisiana tomorrow morning….

Cut 15 (11)  “…spill over into Saturday morning.”

Congressman Garret Graves announces some federal help for Louisiana’s struggling wild-caught shrimp industry. Kevin Gallagher mas more…:
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Larose man who is allegedly responsible for two overdoses in the south Lafourche area on Thursday. Deputies believe 18-year-old Blayne Terrebonne supplied a dangerous drug to a 15-year-old female who died from the substance and a 16-year-old male is hospitalized. Deputies say anyone who bought drugs from Terrebonne are at a great risk of overdose if those drugs are taken.

45-year-old Quentin Smith of Vidalia is facing human trafficking and rape charges for allegedly providing drugs to juveniles and then transporting them to homes were adults would engage in sexual activity with unconscious victims. Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brandy Spears says this is their first arrest for human trafficking, but when it comes to child solicitation…
cut 5 (09) “….year or so”
The investigation in this case is ongoing.

There’s a chance we could see an inch of rain or possibly even more fall today and tomorrow. For the past month, State Climatologist Barry Keim says the state has only averaged about a half-inch of rain when three-and-a-half to four inches of rain is considered normal for this time period.
Cut 14 (10) “…need the rain.”
There’s the chance for severe weather tomorrow morning in southeast Louisiana.

There’s some welcome news for your outdoor plants and yards as significant rain is in the forecast for Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says according to the latest drought monitor, nearly the entire state is under drought and some areas are even considered in severe drought.
Cut 13 (11) “…overnight tonight.”
And rain is already falling on the western side of the state. There’s a slight chance for severe weather for southeast Louisiana tomorrow morning.

Earlier this week, we did a story about how Louisiana shrimpers are fed up with the rising number of pounds of imported shrimp, while Gulf of Mexico seafood is sitting in cold storages. Here’s some good news…Congressman Garret Graves has announced the USDA will purchase up to 25-million dollars worth of Gulf shrimp. Graves says he’s not giving up on Louisiana’s seafood industry…
cut 12 (07) “…level playing field”

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a Vidalia man for human trafficking.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office has issued arrest warrants for Carroll High School football coach Brandon Landers and two of his assistant coaches for a physical altercation that took place between the coaches and law enforcement during a game at Franklin Parish High School last Friday. The coaches are facing charges of inciting a riot and battery of a police officer. The LHSAA has suspended the coaches for the season. The Monroe School District is appealing those suspensions.

Some much needed rain is falling in southwest Louisiana this morning and there are some showers entering northwest Louisiana and we can use it as the state is suffering from drought conditions. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a slight risk for severe weather for southeast Louisiana tomorrow morning….
cut 15 (11) “…..into Saturday morning”
Keim says this front will not bring us cooler temperatures as we’ll see daily highs remain in the 70s.

There is an 800-million dollar Powerball jackpot for tomorrow night, the second largest ever for the mutli-state lottery game. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison has this advice for players hoping to win the big prize…
cut 8 (08) “….after the drawing’s held”
Tickets for Saturday’s Powerball drawing must be purchased by 9 PM.

Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves announces federal help for an ailing Louisiana shrimping industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will purchase up to $25-million in wild-caught shrimp. Graves says shrimpers have had to cope with natural disasters, inflation, rising fuel costs, and a market glutted with imports from Asia…:
Cut 10 (06) “…keep that industry afloat.”
The money will go to purchase shrimp from wholesalers and directly from shrimpers, letting the money flow more directly to those who need it.

Concordia Parish Sheriff deputies arrested a Vidalia man who allegedly supplied drugs to juveniles and then transported them to locations where adult subjects would engage in sexual activity with the unconscious victim. 45-year-old Quentin Smith faces several charges. Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brandy Spears says if you have more information about this case, you can provide that info on their mobile app…
cut 6 (09) “….completely anonymous”

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Vidalia man for human trafficking. CPSO spokesperson Brandy Spears says their Cyber Crime Unit began working the case Monday and Wednesday they located 45-year-old Quentin Smith in Fayette, Mississippi.
Cut 4 (11) “…narcotics to underage victims.”
Smith is accused of transporting the victims to locations in Concordia Parish and Adams County, Mississippi. Detectives refer to the locations as trap houses where adults would engage in sexual activity with unconscious victims.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the USDA has agreed to purchase 25-million dollars worth of Gulf of Mexico shrimp. Graves says Louisiana’s shrimp industry has faced several hardships in a row, Hurricane Ida, unfair trade practices and inflation. He says this is help for shrimpers right now, but not a permanent fix…
cut 11 (07) “…disaster assistance”

Louisiana lottery officials say tickets are selling fast for the $800 million Powerball drawing Saturday night. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

We’ll see some much needed rain move into Louisiana late this afternoon and tonight. There’s a chance for severe weather tomorrow morning for southeast Louisiana.

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a Vidalia man for human trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana lottery officials say tickets are selling fast for the $800 million Powerball drawing Saturday night. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

______________________________________________

Congressman Garret Graves announces some federal help for Louisiana’s struggling wild-caught shrimp industry. Kevin Gallagher mas more…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Vidalia man for human trafficking. CPSO spokesperson Brandy Spears says their Cyber Crime Unit began working on the case on Monday and on Wednesday they located 45-year-old Quentin Smith in Fayette, Mississippi.

Cut 4 (11)  “…narcotics to underage victims.”

Smith is accused of transporting the victims to locations in Concordia Parish and Adams County, Mississippi. Detectives refer to the locations as trap houses where adults would engage in sexual activity with unconscious victims.

Spears says Smith’s arrest was a joint effort among several law enforcement agencies and says this is their first arrest for human trafficking, but when it comes to child solicitation….

Cut 5 (09) “…year or so.”

The investigation is ongoing, and Spears encourages the public if they have any information concerning the case or if they suspect such activity to contact the office directly or they can also make an anonymous report by downloading their mobile app.

Cut 6 (09)  “…completely anonymous.” 

Smith is charged with human trafficking, second-degree rape, two counts of cruelty to juveniles, and attempted sexual battery. More charges are expected in this case.

_______________________________________________

The huge Powerball jackpot just keeps rolling over. No winning tickets were sold for Wednesday night’s $700 million jackpot. Saturday night’s 800-million dollar jackpot is now the second-largest in the game’s history and fifth largest U.S. jackpot. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says sales have definitely picked up.

Cut 7 (09) “…3 point 2 million.”

This is the 37th drawing of the current cycle that started on August 6th. The last big prize was won on August third in Pennsylvania for a ticket that was worth nearly 207-million dollars

Cut 8 (08)  “…after the drawing’s held.”

He says there are thousands of Louisiana winners in every drawing, and you don’t have to match all six of the numbers to win a prize. The odds of hitting the jackpot are one in 292.2 million. The odds of hitting other smaller prizes offered by the Louisiana Lottery are as high as one in 25.

Cut 9 (07)  “…jackpot run.”

Tickets for Saturday’s Powerball drawing must be purchased by 9 PM.

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Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves announces federal help for an ailing Louisiana shrimping industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will purchase up to $25-million in wild-caught shrimp; a deal he worked to secure with Alabama Congressman Jerry Carl. Graves says shrimpers have had to cope with natural disasters, inflation, rising fuel costs, and a market glutted with imports from Asia…:

Cut 10 (06) “…keep that industry afloat.” 

The money will go to purchase shrimp from wholesalers and directly from shrimpers, letting the money flow more directly to those who need it. Once purchased, the product will be sent to numerous school lunch programs, food banks, and others as a much-needed source of protein…so the shrimp won’t go to waste. Graves says this is help for shrimpers right now, and not intended as a permanent fix for any of the larger issues causing problems for Gulf Coast shrimpers…:

Cut  11 (07)  “…disaster assistance.”

Graves says unfair trade practices make unregulated (and often un-inspected) foreign seafood more attractive to some buyers, which hurts domestic production. He says he and colleagues in congress will work to rectify that…:

Cut 12 (07) “…level playing field.” 

_________________________________________________

There’s some welcome news for your outdoor plants and yards as significant rain is in the forecast for Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says according to the latest drought monitor, nearly the entire state is under drought and some areas are even considered in severe drought.

Cut 13 (11) “…overnight tonight.”

For the past month, Keim says the state has only averaged about a half-inch of rain when three-and-a-half to four inches of rain is considered normal for this time period.

Cut 14 (10)  “…need the rain.”

So, if you have any outdoor plans today or tomorrow, Keim says the rain will be moving from west to east across the state.

Cut 15 (11)  “…spill over into Saturday morning.”

And while usually significant rainfall is followed by cooler temps Keim says that won’t be the case after this front moves through and the mercury should follow the same pattern, we’ve been experiencing.

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Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a talk with the team after last Thursday’s loss in Arizona about returning to the swagger, confidence, and success of the Sean Payton era. Being part of winning teams in all of his past 6 years with the Black and Gold, Kamara reinforced the importance of accountability and leadership…

Cut 16 (16)  “…say it so.” 

The New Orleans offense has struggled since the retirement of future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, but Kamara believes they still have all the pieces to find success without him. He knows that football will go on in New Orleans no matter who suits up Sunday…

Cut 17 (13) “…New Orleans Saints” 

Despite the controversy surrounding the quarterback position, injuries, and coaching changes the Saints’ offense has found its stride in the last 4 weeks under newly-named starting quarterback Andy Dalton. The Saints haven’t produced results in that span, but Dalton says it’s important to learn from the losses and take away the positives despite the outcomes…

Cut 18 (15) “…into wins.” 

The 2-5 Saints have a chance to improve their record Sunday at 12:00 against the Raiders.

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Louisiana Tech returns to action tonight as they travel to Miami to face FIU. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 42-41 overtime loss to Rice on homecoming last weekend. LA Tech started strong and didn’t lose the lead until there were only 10 minutes left in the game. Head Coach Sonny Cumbie says the team grew from the loss…

Cut 19 (16) “…individually improve.”

Both starting quarterback Parker McNeil and backup quarterback Matthew Downing exited the game with injuries Saturday. Downing has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, but McNeil’s status for this week is still uncertain. If he’s unable to go, it will be up to third-string freshman quarterback Landry Lyddy to lead the Bulldogs. Lyddy was 3 for 6 with 38 yards and 2 touchdowns in his emergency appearance and impressed Cumbie with his poise in a high-pressure situation…

Cut 20 (15) “…day-to-day basis.”

The Bulldogs take the field tonight at 7 PM on CBS

Louisiana’s all-time winningest college basketball coach, Mike McConathy is seeking to replace Natchitoches Senator Louis Bernard, who is not running for re-election. L-S-U Shreveport Professor Jeff Sadow says before coaching at Northwestern, McConathy ran the Bossier Parish Community College program from 1983 to 99, so he knows the district very well…

Cut 14 (12)  “…in Bossier Parish.” 

State representative Alan Seabaugh is also running.

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Coach Brandon Landers and some assistant coaches after they were involved in a physical altercation with law enforcement and fans at the Franklin Parish football game last Friday night. Announcer Matt Reynolds says the Carroll coaches were told numerous times to stop using profanity and when officers tried to remove them things got ugly

Cut 7 (09) “..going home”

Encouraging news for people with pre-diabetes or those with mild cases of diabetes.  A new study from Tulane University says a low-carb diet helps people lower their blood sugar and lose weight—even without medication. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

The Coast Guard rescued two people from a helicopter that went down yesterday in the Gulf, nearly 50-miles offshore from Morgan City. There were three people aboard; the pilot and two passengers. The body of the third person was found in the submerged chopper. The accident is under investigation.