A Regan man is in custody after driving more than 200 miles to have sex with who he believed was a 13-year-old girl. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Baton Rouge Nurse Carla Brown was honored Tuesday for vaccinating more than 2,000 in her door-to-door campaign in memory of her husband who died from COVID. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Today BESE will consider whether or not K-12 schools will abide by the Governor’s mask mandate. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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President Biden stands behind his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, saying despite the heartbreak of watching the Taliban take control it was time to put the forever war to rest.

The Taliban swept through the country over the weekend and reestablished control for the first time in 20 years. Congressman Mike Johnson says Biden botched the withdrawal.

Cut 4 (05) “…disaster..”

Biden counters that in his experience “there is never a good time to withdraw forces”.

The President argued that Americans shouldn’t fight and die in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight themselves.” Johnson says retreating sends the wrong message.

Cut 5 (06) “…way.”

Biden said there was no longer a national security interest in keeping American troops there, but Johnson disagrees…

Cut 6 (10) “…answers.”

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A professional watch group by the name of Creep Catchers helped put an Egan man behind bars after he solicited what he thought was a thirteen-year-old girl for sex. Oak Grove Police Chief Lewis Russell says they’ve arrested 36-year old James Regan who’s being held without bond and facing numerous charges.

Cut 7 (11) “….photographs.”

Russell says they were first contacted by Creep Catchers in late July and once Regan sent explicit photographs to their undercover officer, they approached the District Attorney. Then Regan set up a meeting and drove approximately 230 miles to meet who he thought was an underage girl on August 9th.

Cut 8 (11) “…prosecute it.” 

Russell says once the suspect sent a photo of his vehicle, location and described what he was wearing Oak Grove Police Officers along with deputies from the West Carroll Sheriff’s office went to pick him up.

Cut 9 (09) “…incident.”

Regan was booked on an outstanding warrant for indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. A search of his car found sexually related paraphernalia which shows intent. His phone also contained child pornography.

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Baton Rouge Nurse Carla Brown who made national headlines going door to door to help vaccinate people, received a $25,000 check in recognition of her work Tuesday. Brown who lost her husband to COVID before vaccines were available to him has vaccinated more than 2,000 individuals in his memory.

Cut 10 (10) “…others.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards praised Brown for her inspiring work. He even announced that the Department of Health named an initiative after her to help get more individuals vaccinated.

Cut 11 (10) “…every region.”

While her mission to vaccinate as many as she can is an emotional one, the experience has been joyful also. Brown tells about one interaction where a wife agreed to be vaccinated and eventually the husband was also persuaded.

Cut 12 (10) “…happy moment.”  

Brown will also be featured in a Louisiana Healthcare Connections PSA promoting vaccinations.

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BESE meets this morning to consider whether or not to accept the Governor’s statewide mask mandate for K-12 schools.

63 House Republicans penned a letter to BESE asking them to reject the Governor’s mandate and allow school boards to make the decision locally. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris was one of them…

Cut 13 (06) “…state.”

Harris says there are three branches of the Government and the Governor doesn’t have unilateral authority to make this call for K-12 schools.

Cut 14 (09) “…they go.”

Governor Edwards insists his statewide mask mandate does apply to schools and can’t be overridden. He says if we want kids to be safe and schools to stay open is with a mask mandate.

Cut 15 (09)“…mask.”

Edwards says the school mask mandate is not just about protecting kids…

Cut 16 (10) “…capacity.”

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LSU is loaded on the defensive line. It’s a group that features several seniors like Ali Gaye, Neil Farrell, and Andre Anthony, plus talented sophomores and freshman like B-J Ojulari, Joseph Evans, Jaquelin Roy and Maason Smith. Anthony says only four guys will play at one time, but anyone is good enough to start…

Cut 17 (24) “…no weak links.”  

Anthony believes the defensive line will set the tone for the entire defense…

Cut 18 (19)”…a whole.”

LSU has been waiting for former five-star running John Emery to emerge as a real threat on offense. Last season the former Destrehan star only rushed for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Emery says he’s motivated to have a big junior campaign…

Cut 19 (16)  “…very successful so” 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a graphic with their logo circulating on social media stating that LDWF will not issue new hunting licenses to anyone unvaccinated is false. The department asks anyone who sees the incorrect graphic to ignore it and delete it when possible. LDWF is investigating the source of misinformation.

Days after the FDA approved a third COVID vaccine booster shot for the immunocompromised, the Biden Administration is reportedly developing a plan for a third shot for those who were fully vaccinated, eight months ago or longer. Infectious Disease Specialist for LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Fred Lopez says he anticipates the booster shot rollout will mirror the original rollout of healthcare workers and nursing home residents first.

Cut 4 (08) “…conditions” 

Critical hospital personnel who have children 12 and under can receive childcare subsidies thanks to a new Department of Education program. Deputy Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood Operations Lisa Brochard says this program could help get more hospital workers back to understaffed facilities…

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana”

Ochsner is now administering third COVID vaccine shots to Moderna and Pfizer patients who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Medical Director of Hospital Quality Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says not everyone who is technically immunocompromised currently qualifies for the third shot.

Cut 14 (12) “…supression.”

The state exceeds three thousand COVID hospitalizations today. The grim milestone is marked with 3,012 patients in Louisiana hospitals with COVID-related illnesses.  91-percent of which are unvaccinated.  The state also reports 3,691 new cases and 122 fatalities.

Days after the FDA approved a third COVID vaccine booster shot for the immunocompromised, the Biden Administration is reportedly developing a plan for a third shot for those who were fully vaccinated, eight months ago or longer. Infectious Disease Specialist for LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Fred Lopez says he anticipates the booster shot rollout will mirror the original rollout of healthcare workers and nursing home residents.

Cut 4 (08) “…conditions” 

Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disease, and obesity.

Critical hospital personnel who have children under the age of 12 can receive childcare subsidies thanks to a new Department of Education program. Deputy Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood Operations Lisa Brochard says all of those workers are desperately needed in our near-capacity hospitals.

Cut 7 (07) “…nature” 

Applications will be accepted through October 31st.

The governor’s office has made federal dollars available to help health care and STEM students get their degrees. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Director of Scholarships and Grants Deborah Paul says the Completers Grant will provide scholarships to students who are within 30 credit hours of completing a degree at a two-year or four-year school…

cut 12 (09) “….fee bill”
For more information go to LOFSA’s website.

On Monday parents and concerned residents made their voices heard at the state capitol over mask mandates in schools. Brandi Pew of Unmask Our Kids in Louisiana told lawmakers the data that’s been presented by state health officials are based on lies.

Cut 13 (11) “…with our kids.”

Lafayette Parish Assistant District Attorney Chris Richard faces charges himself after allegedly leaving the scene of a boating incident that injured three juveniles.  LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says 64-year old Richard was arrested Monday for the August 8^th incident and according to witnesses, Richard put on a life jacket and got into the water assist but then quickly left.

Cut 8 (09) “…Carencro.” 

STEM and healthcare students who are nearing completion of their degree may be eligible to receive a Completers Grant from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. LOSFA Director of Scholarships and Grants Deborah (Deb-or-uh) Paul says if you’re in one of those programs and have 30 or fewer hours left in your degree, you could get some extra financial help.

Cut 10 (11) “…graduation.” 

Starting October 1^st SNAP recipients will see a roughly 36-dollar average increase to their monthly benefits. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says this is the single largest increase in the program’s history.

Cut 6 (09) “…jump”

Recipients won’t have to do anything to receive the increase, it will be automatically included when they receive their monthly benefits

Food stamp benefits are set to go up about 36 dollars a month on average. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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An assistant DA in Lafayette Parish finds himself on the other side of the law after being arrested a week later for leaving the scene of a False River boating incident that injured three juveniles

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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House Health and Welfare heard pleas from both sides over face masks in Louisiana schools Monday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Starting October 1^st SNAP recipients will see a roughly 36 dollar average increase to their monthly benefits.

DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says this means an extra 435 million dollars in benefits will be headed to Louisiana.

Cut 4 (04) “…deal.”

According to the Associated Press food stamp benefits have gone up 25 percent since the pandemic’s start.

36 dollars might not sound like much to some but Howard says it can make a world of difference for Louisianans who are living in poverty.

Cut 5 (06) “…family”

Howard says this is the single largest increase in the program’s history.

Cut 6 (09) “…jump”

Recipients won’t have to do anything to receive the increase, it will be automatically included when they receive their monthly benefits.

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Lafayette Parish Assistant District Attorney Chris Richard faces numerous charges himself after allegedly leaving the scene of a boating incident that injured three juveniles.  Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 64-year old Richard was arrested Monday for the August 8^th incident.

Cut 7 (11) “….at this point.”

Einck says one of the three juveniles who were tubing on False River that afternoon was airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital with a fractured pelvis, after the pontoon boat Richard was driving hit him and two others.

According to witnesses, Einck says Richard put on a life jacket and got into the water assist but then quickly left.

Cut 8 (09) “…Carencro.” 

Einck says due to arrest more than a week after the incident a breathalyzer was not given. Einck says Richard was pulling tubers himself and there were approximately five people with his party. At this time Einck says he does not believe others will be charged but the investigation is ongoing. Einck says Richard’s profession does not grant him any special privileges.

Cut 9 (10) “….comes to a boating incident.”

Agents reportedly interviewed more than a dozen witnesses some at the scene and others were located days later.

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STEM and healthcare students who are nearing completion of their degree may be eligible to receive a Completers Grant from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance.

LOSFA Director of Scholarships and Grants Deborah (Deb-or-uh) Paul says if you’re in one of those programs and have 30 or fewer hours left in your degree, you could get some extra financial help.

Cut 10 (11) “…graduation.” 

Priority for the grants will be given to those students who have exhausted financial aid from other sources.

Paul says the state needs more math and science inclined workers and this grant is designed to assist aspiring nurses, programmers, math educators, and others pursuing high-demand work.

Cut 11 (10) “…qualify.”

Paul says the grant is possible as a result of federal dollars Governor Edwards set aside to help students finish their degrees.

Cut 12 (09) “…fee bill.”  

To be eligible you must complete a FAFSA application and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress benchmarks for the degree program.

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There were numerous tense moments Monday as parents and concerned residents made their voices heard at the state capitol over mask mandates in schools. Brandi Pew of Unmask Our Kids in Louisiana told lawmakers the data that’s been presented by state health officials are based on lies.

Cut 13 (11) “…with our kids.”

Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox questioned Pew about what the ifs and if it’s worth putting her child or another child’s life in danger by removing face masks in Louisiana schools.

Cut 14 (11) “…alright, alright.”

While others testified in favor of masking and the vaccine, Pew contends forcing a child to wear a mask is abuse.

Cut 15 (11)“…with masks.”

The Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics sent a letter to Governor Edwards in support of universal masking while indoors in schools.

On Wednesday BESE is scheduled to discuss the mask mandates. A letter that contends the state school board, not the Governor, has jurisdiction over masking in schools was sent to BESE and signed by 63 of 68 House Republicans.

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LSU starting Quarterback Max Johnson says the Tigers offense needs to address some communication issues after the defensive line reportedly had its way in the team’s first scrimmage of preseason camp…

Cut 16 (15) “…work on that”

Johnson says better communication will come with more reps as a unit during preseason camp. Max is the son of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Brad Johnson, who played 15 years in the NFL. The LSU Q-B on the advice he’s received from Dad…

Cut 17 (17) “…you can be.”  

LSU senior defensive linemen Neil Farrell expects big seasons from sophomore Jaquelin Roy and freshman Maason Smith…

Cut 18 (11)”…this year.”

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The Ragin Cajuns are ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll. It’s the first time U-L Lafayette enters a season ranked in the Associated Press’s top 25 poll. Coach Billy Napier says his team will have 12 opportunities this season to prove they should remain ranked…

Cut 19 (14)  “…its potential” 

The Cajuns will open the season by visiting the 21st ranked Texas. U-L Lafayette had its first scrimmage of preseason camp this past weekend and Napier says freshman running back Montrell Johnson had a good day, but it wasn’t all good when it came to the offense…

Cut 20 (19)  “…next week” 

During a House Health and Welfare meeting at the state capitol, this morning things got off to a tense start when the audience was told they had to wear a mask and some who refused were then removed by security. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds asked the governor’s chief lawyer Matthew Block if the state might impose a vaccine mandate in order to enter a restaurant, bar, gym, or other venues but Block says that’s not under consideration

Cut 8 (05) “…time”

Starting today, New Orleans is requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter most businesses.

Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews questioned Block on why the state is not promoting natural immunity. Crews says everyone in his household has had COVID except for him and he credits the vitamins he’s taking…

Cut 9 (12) “…among the people”

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter was questioned by Amite Representative and organ transplant recipient Robbie Carter about the department’s approval for a third booster shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for the immunocompromised.

Cut 13 (13) “…came here.”

Representative Carter is a kidney transplant recipient

Tropical storm Fred made landfall in the panhandle today and there are two separate storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic but as of now, none appear to be any threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim what’s expected to be Tropical Storm Henri (on-ree) should noodle around in the Atlantic and not make landfall in the US. Keim says it may be peak hurricane season but we’re in the clear, for now…

Cut 4 (04) “…business” 

The Louisiana Capitol was the site for a long and sometimes testy meeting where lawmakers, government officials, and parents discussed the use of face masks. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (40) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The state reports 2,956 hospitalizations the highest number since the pandemic began. LDH says 90-percent are unvaccinated.

Amite Representative Robbie Carter asked State Health Officer Dr Joe Kanter when physicians will be eligible for a third shot of the vaccine. Kanter says that the state health department will follow the lead of the FDA and CDC once approval is granted outside of those who are immune-compromised.

Cut 15 (12) “… every day.” 

The Department of Revenue is now accepting grant applications for the Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program. Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Lewis says several nonprofits have provided much-needed services for Louisianans during this most difficult time.

Cut 12 (11) “…available.” 

Visit revenue.louisiana.gov for more information.

During a House Health and Welfare meeting at the state capitol, this morning things got off to a tense start when the audience was told they had to wear a mask and some who refused were then removed by security. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds asked the governor’s chief lawyer Matthew Block if the state might impose a vaccine mandate in order to enter a restaurant, bar, gym or venue but Block says that’s not under consideration

Cut 8 (05) “…time”

Starting today, New Orleans is requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter most businesses.

The state broke another record today for hospitalizations with 2,956 the highest number since the pandemic began. The Louisiana Department of Health reports that 90-percent of the COVID patients are unvaccinated. 65 COVID fatalities were also reported, and more than 13-thousand new cases were added since Friday.

There are three separate storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic but as of now, none appear to be any threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the third system, which should form into Tropical Storm Henri (on-ree) later today, is forecasted to noodle around in the Atlantic and not make landfall in the US. Keim says it may be peak hurricane season but we’re in the clear, for now…

Cut 4 (04) “…business” 

The Department of Revenue is now accepting grant applications for the Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program to support charities and small businesses that are providing COVID support and relief efforts. Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Lewis says each grant is up to $25,000. Cut 10 (12) “…development activity.”

Visit Revenue-dot-Louisiana-dot-gov for more info.

A House Health and Welfare meeting at the state capitol had trouble starting this morning when chairman Larry Bagley told the audience they had to wear a mask in order to be in the room. There was pushback from some…

Cut 6 (16) “…take off your mask.”

Capitol security had to remove several people from the room and the legislative hearing to discuss the fourth COVID surge and vaccine mandates is underway.

It’s possible Louisiana could surpass three thousand COVID patients in the hospital today. According to L-D-H, 91-percent of the COVID patients are not vaccinated. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the available vaccines are helping to keep the vaccinated out of the hospital…

cut 11 (10) “…death”

The Census numbers show the populations of parishes in south Louisiana have grown, while parishes in north Louisiana saw a decline. Demographer Greg Rigamer says these major differences in population between north and south Louisiana will give lawmakers a lot to think about when they hold a redistricting session.

Cut 15 (07)“…what’s what.”
A redistricting session is expected to be held early next year.

The long thought belief that your metabolism declines after your teens is not necessarily true according to new research out of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Director of Ingestive Behavior at Pennington, Dr. Corby Martin says their study indicates our metabolism is pretty stable from age 20 to 60.

Cut 7 (12) “….we have.”

Martin says infants and children have an advantage because they have a higher metabolism based on their smaller body size.

Census numbers have been tabulated and they show many south Louisiana parishes have grown in population size, while many north Louisiana parishes are seeing a decline. Demographer Greg Rigamer says that means the congressional districts for Mike Johnson and Julia Letlow will grow in size and in south Louisiana, they will shrink…

Cut 14 (11) “…10,000”

There’s been a rush in Louisiana to get vaccinated as the state approaches three-thousand COVID patients in the hospital. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the vaccine is our best weapon against COVID…

Cut 12 (09) “…long term”  
The state health department is making third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine available to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems.

The White House has urged OPEC to boost production of crude oil to meet the United States’ demands for energy. Domestic producers are disappointed with the Biden administration’s policy of importing rather than producing. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says the White House is beating back years of progress…

Cut 4 (10) “…knees again”

The long thought belief that your metabolism declines after your teens is not necessarily true according to new research out of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Director of Ingestive Behavior at Pennington, Dr. Corby Martin says for the most part your metabolism stays the same until your 60s.

Cut 8 (11) “…body mass.” 

The study included 66-hundred participants from ages one week to 95 years old in 29 different countries.