The husband of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has passed away. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the massive fire in Mount Hermon.
Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”
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Parishes statewide are seeing a dramatic uptick in pet overpopulation issues and abandonment due to the increasing cost of pet food and veterinary care. Director Jeff Dorson says 33 of the state’s 64 parishes lack parish-wide facilities to provide necessary services for homeless animals.
Dorson says legislators were asked to set aside $3 million in the 2023 legislative session. He says without additional funding, it is hard to address all these problems.
Cut 4 (09) “…animal shelters.”
Dorson says not only are there not enough shelters, but many of the existing shelters are in ruin and falling apart. He says the responsibility for saving pets should not rest on individuals in the community.
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KPLC Meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday after his almost three-year battle with colon cancer. The Lake Charles weatherman guided southwest Louisiana through Hurricane Laura and lost his home in the devastation. Fellow meteorologist Wade Hampton says months after Laura Ben received his cancer diagnosis.
In addition to southwest Louisiana, Ben shared his cancer journey on the Today Show in 2021. Hampton hopes by sharing his story that Ben helped others and raised awareness about colon cancer.
After the hurricane destroyed Ben’s home, Hampton drove over to salvage what he could for Ben and find his beloved cat, Vincent. Hampton says Vincet was found safe and sound and he also recovered Ben’s meteorology degree from Mississippi State.
The Kosciusko, Mississippi native was 40 years old.
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The state’s burn ban remains in place and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says since the first of August the firefighters have battled 166 fires that’s more consume more than 1,800 acres. He says that’s an average of more than ten fires a day.
34-year-old Kenneth Beauboef of Independence was arrested in connection with the Mt. Hermon fire. Strain says he’s charged with violating the state’s burn ban, fire-raising, and criminal negligence.
Strain urges the public to remain vigilant and if you must light up the barbeque, never leave the grill unattended and have water and/or an extinguisher handy.
Strain says of the fire in Mount Hermon the timber destroyed was approximately 10 to 15 years old.
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