LRN PM Newscall September 18

We all remember how the pandemic impacted the automobile supply chain, but could it happen again with the United Auto Workers’ strike? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man wanted on child rape charges in North Carolina attempted to fake his own death in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Will Green President of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association says local car dealerships already ordered extra parts and vehicles in anticipation of the United Auto Worker’s strike, which began Friday, but if the strike lingers beyond a few weeks…

Cut 3 (04) “…of parts.”

Green says while the supply chain of car parts and vehicles is still catching up from the pandemic, a lengthy strike could result in another significant shortage. He says the strike is impacting Ford, Stellantis, and GM plants.

Cut 4 (09) “…in Detroit.”

According to the LADA, Louisiana’s new car and heavy truck dealers generated more than $19 billion in total sales in 2022 and supported more than 36,000 direct and indirect jobs. Green says the automotive industry has several benefits and it can be lucrative also.

Cut 5 (08) “ …a year.”  

As the current strike enters its fourth day, the last UAW strike in 2019 lasted 40 days.

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Another evacuation order has been issued for residents near Singer in Beauregard Parish after firefighters lost containment of the Tiger Island Fire due to wind and dry conditions. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Spokesperson Shannon Burgess says approximately 200 acres burned where the fire breached and crossed the highway.

Cut 6 (12) “…in danger.”

Air tankers are being used to drop water on the flames located south of La. 110 between Singer and Merryville. Four scooper planes and dozers from the Hwy 113, Elizabeth and Lions Road fires are also en route to assist. Burgess says the highway was reclosed out of caution for motorists in the area.

Cut 7 (11) “…in Singer” 

Engines remain in the area to patrol and observe the fire. Burgess believes a significant chance of danger remains.

Cut 8 (12) “…we can.”

A voluntary evacuation has also been ordered for residents on the west side of La. 27 to Juanita.

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The Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Department announces the arrest of a Rapides Parish man for allegedly setting wildfires in Grant Parish last week. Commissioner Mike Strain says 32-year-old Michael Setliff of Flatwoods set several wildfires off Highway 500 and W-W Melton Road…

Cut 9 (09) “…multiple homes” 

Strain says thanks to the rapid response of local and state firefighters, the fires remained small in size and impact…

Cut 10 (12) “…acre each.”

Setliff faces three counts of simple arson for the fires set in Grant Parish. Strain says he faces several years in prison if convicted…

Cut 11 (10) “…15 years”

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State Fire Marshal investigators believe a deadly fire that tragically killed a mother and her two children last week in St. John the Baptist Parish started in the kitchen area of the home. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the fire is still under investigation.

Cut 12 (10) “…the home”

38-year-old Quintella Chopin was found in the bathroom area of the home. Chopin’s seven-year-old daughter was found in a bedroom and her two-year-old son was located near the exit door at the top of the stairwell. Rodrigue says there were no working smoke alarms found in the home.

Cut 13 (11) “…escape safely.”

Families in need of a fire alarm can get help through the Operation Save-A-Life program which provides free fire alarm installation through local fire departments.

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