Louisiana native Jerry Lee Lewis passed away this morning, the Ferriday music legend began playing the piano at the age of 9. He’s best know for his song Great Balls of Fire….

Cut 15 (24) “…fades out after Great Balls of Fire.”

He was 87.

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 says chocolate is especially toxic to dogs and while the kids tend to get hyped up on sugar in general it’s harmful to your pets. He suggests that you keep pets out of the same room while your trick-or-treaters sort their candy.

Cut 7 (10) “…be happy”

The U-S Coast Guard is providing more details about Wednesday night’s rescue of two crew members from a fatal helicopter crash 46 miles offshore from Morgan City. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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.”

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.” 

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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.

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight assistant coaches for the rest of the season after they scuffled with fans and law enforcement during last Friday’s game at Franklin Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The same week it was announced that a postage stamp honoring Louisiana native and internationally acclaimed author Earnest Gaines would be issued, and a historic Point Coupee marker in his name was discovered missing.  A $500 reward for the marker has been issued.

A Tulane University study says a low-carb diet can cut dangerous blood sugar levels in those with pre-diabetes or mild diabetes. Participants were divided into two groups. One group stuck to their usual diet and the other went on a low-carb diet for six months. Assistant professor of epidemiology, Kristen Dorans says those on the low-carb diet had other health benefits.

Cut 5 (06) “..as well.” 

The American Diabetes Association says about half a million Louisiana adults have been diagnosed with Diabetes, and 1.2 million are pre-diabetic.

Today is National Black Cat Day, a day to recognize this unique feline and bring about awareness especially just before Halloween that a black cat is neither evil nor unlucky. Isabell Haas with the Louisiana SPCA says some shelters choose not make black cats make available this month to prevent cruelty cases.

Cut 10 (05) “…about them instead.”

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight assistant coaches for the season after an altercation with law enforcement and fans during last Friday’s football game at Franklin Parish. Announcer Matt Reynolds says the shoving match lasted several minutes, before the Carroll coaches who were in the press box were finally back on their sidelines

Cut 8 (09)  “..Carroll coaches”

A Tulane University study says a low-carb diet can cut dangerous blood sugar levels in those with pre-diabetes or mild diabetes. The study involved 150 adults in the New Orleans area who were either pre-diabetic or had relatively mild cases of diabetes. Kirsten Dorans, assistant professor of epidemiology says experts already knew that medication helped lower blood sugar.

Cut 4 (10) “…blood sugar.” 

Amendment Four on the November eighth ballot would prohibit water companies from charging a customer if the system’s infrastructure is damaged or if the damage was not caused by the customer. Public Affairs Research Council President Stephen Procopio…

Cut  11 (10)  “…pick-up the charges.”
Procopio says some may feel giving such waivers will only make water costs rise for everyone to compensate for the loss.

Today is National Black Cat Day, a day to recognize this unique feline and bring about awareness especially just before Halloween that a black cat is neither evil nor unlucky. Isabell Haas with the Louisiana SPCA says sadly this time of year incidents of cruelty among black cats increase due to misconceptions about them.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

In other countries for example Ireland where Halloween originated a black cat is considered lucky.

Tomorrow, Southeastern Louisiana University will provide monitoring of Lake Maurepas’ (more ah paws). Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dan McCarthy says while AirProducts is seeking permission to store carbon dioxide beneath the lake, the company has given Southeastern a grant to cover monitoring costs.

Cut 5 (05) “..for permitting.” 

If AirProducts is granted permits, the earliest it would begin pumping C02 beneath the lake is 2026.

Flu cases are on the rise across the country and according to Walgreens’ flu index, Louisiana is at the top of the list with cases. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Louisiana Office of Public Health says the last two years there was a dramatic decline in flu cases due to COVID restrictions but that’s changed this year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the flu.”

Louisiana shrimpers say their industry is in dire peril. Rising fuel costs, lax testing of imports, and foreign imports are all culprits. President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association Acy Cooper says the feds regulate seafood imports and while Louisiana has a law requiring imported shrimp and crawfish be labeled, the state has no ability to stop the imports.

Cut 8 (09)  “..and disappear.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says he was surprised to see the fans rush the field following Saturday’s 45-20 come-from-behind victory over Ole Miss. Kelly says State Troopers told him the student section was spilling onto the field…

Cut 12 (09) “…that bad”
LSU was fined 250-thousand dollars by the SEC because it was the third time in recent history fans came onto the field following an LSU win.

Flu cases are on the rise across the country and according to Walgreens’ flu index, Louisiana is at the top of the list with cases. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Louisiana Office of Public Health encourages you to get your flu shot especially with the holidays coming up and after social events were discouraged the last two years the flu is certainly making a comeback.

Cut 10 (09) “…a rage.”

The flu shot is recommended for ages six months and up.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says he was surprised to see the fans rush the field following Saturday’s 45-20 come-from-behind victory over Ole Miss. says the win over previously unbeaten Ole Miss was a good win for his program, but he didn’t think the students would celebrate by coming onto the field

Cut 13 (14) “..win more” 

Southeastern Louisiana University will check Lake Maurepas’ ecosystem before a controversial project begins to inject greenhouse gas emissions deep beneath the lake. Marsanne Golsby has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says he was surprised to see the fans rush the field following Saturday’s 45-20 come-from-behind victory over Ole Miss. Kelly says State Troopers who provide security detail for the coach told him the student section was spilling onto the field…

Cut 12 (09) “…that bad”

LSU was fined 250-thousand dollars by the SEC because it was the third time in recent history fans came onto the field following an LSU win.

Speaking of money… State Treasurer John Schroder says there are tens of millions in the state’s Unclaimed Property fund, and his office wants to reunite the money with its rightful owners. Schroder says the database of people with money waiting for them continues to grow…:

Cut 10 (07) “…44-million dollars” 

To see if you have money, check your local paper, or go online to “LACashClaim.org”

Louisiana Tech University ranks as the second-best public university in the state on the U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities List. La Tech’s Executive Associate President for research and partnership, Dr. Sumeet Dua says the ranking will attract students not only from the U-S but internationally as well.

Cut 9 (12)  “…scholarship opportunities”

Halloween is just days away and in case you haven’t decided how you’ll dress up this year a costumer Macie Breaux from Southern Costume Company in New Orleans they’ve had lots of requests for period costumes from Interview with a Vampire and Bridgerton and Stranger Things is another popular theme. And if you haven’t picked out your costume yet Breaux says you’re not alone.

Cut 15 (09)  “…here for it.”

Another popular costume is a witch thanks to the release of Hocus Pocus 2.