2:30 PM Newscast July 22

Former Louisiana nursing home owner Bob Dean will avoid jail time, after pleading no contest to eight counts of cruelty to the infirm, five counts of Medicaid fraud, and two counts of obstruction of justice. He was charged after sending 843 nursing home patients to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida. The conditions there led to the deaths of several elderly individuals. Judge Brian Abels sentenced Dean to twenty years deferred with three years of probation. In a statement, Attorney General Liz Murrill said they asked that Dean be sentenced to a minimum of 5 years in prison and not be given only probation. And though she respects the judge has discretion, she still believes Dean should serve time in prison.

The majority of delegates from the Louisiana Democratic Party have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s nominee for President. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Two 18-year-olds were killed in a head-on crash in Lafourche Parish involving an underage immigrant driver, who authorities say was impaired. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says 18-year-old Axel Flores-Cordova of Honduras slammed head-on into a vehicle on Highway 3090 near the Fourchon area

Cut 3 (13) “…hospital.”

Southland Industrial Coating is investing $13-million dollars to construct a new fireproofing facility in the St Landry Parish town of Washington.  Southland Industrial Coatings galvanizes, metalizes, sandblasts, paints, and fireproofs steel poles used in the utility, transportation, and renewable energy industries. Chief Strategy Officer Randy Ross…

Cut 12 (11) “…last 10 years.”

4:30 PM Newscast July 19

A federal grand jury has indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s former bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, on seven counts of wire fraud and one count of false statement. The U-S Attorney’s office says Vappie lied to cover up a romantic relationship with Cantrell and political analyst Clancy Dubos says the indictment implicates the major who is described as “public official number one”….

Cut 12 (12) “…their phones.”

The indictment says there were meals and alcohol shared between the two during at least 14 domestic and international travels from 2021 to March of this year. He says those trips cost taxpayers more than 47-thousand dollars.

There’s a good chance for more scattered thunderstorms through the weekend. National Weather Service Meteorologist Marti Calhoun …

Cut 10 (10) “…rain weather.”

A former art teacher at Golden Meadow Middle School in Lafourche Parish has been sentenced to 40-years in prison for sexually abusing one of his former students in 2009. Ralph Cheramie (cher-a-me) Junior was convicted on sexual battery, molestation, and indecent behavior charges. Prosecutor Jason Chatagnier (shot-en-ya)…

Cut 5 (11)  “…ever again.”

35-year-old Quentin Anderson is the youngest candidate running for the 6th Congressional District. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

3:30 PM Newscast July 19

Louisiana public schools and universities will not be posting the 10 Commandments just yet. Friday, U.S. District Judge John DeGravelles ordered Louisiana Superintendent of Education, Cade Brumley and members of the Board of Education and Secondary Education to delay posting them until at least November 15. He says he needs time to hear both sides in a lawsuit against that claims the new law requiring schools to post the Ten Commandments violates the Constitution and separation of Church and State.

A former art teacher at Golden Meadow Middle School, Ralph Cheramie, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after he was convicted on sexual battery, molestation and indecent behavior charges with a former student. Prosecutor Jason Chatagnier says the victim initially reported the incident to school administrators, but an internal investigation yielded little action. He says the victim now as an adult decided to come forward again, this time reporting the incident to law enforcement, which led to a conviction…
Cut 4 (10) “…and her partner.”

Former New Orleans police officer and member of Mayor Cantrell’s security team Jeffrey Paul Vappie, II has been indicted by a federal grand jury. He faces several charges including 7 counts of wire fraud accused of perpetrating a scheme to defraud NOPD. He is also accused of making false statements to the FBI and charging the city for work when he was allegedly carrying on a personal relationship with Mayor Latoya Cantrell. During the times in question, Vappie allegedly drank alcohol, had meals out with the mayor and spent time in City Owned Apartment in the French Quarter.

Political newcomer, Quentin Anderson from Baton Rouge has entered the race to run for the 6th Congressional District and says he wants to bring integrity and honor back to public service. As the son and grandson of preachers and military veterans, Anderson says he was taught the value of public service.
Cut 6 (12) “…my community.”
State Senator Cleo Fields and former state lawmaker Elbert Guillory are the other notable names in the race.

2:30 PM Newscast July 19

A Federal judge is blocking the posting of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana Public Schools until November 15 at the earliest. Lawmakers gave a January 1st deadline to implement the new law requiring schools to post them, but US District Judge John DeGravelles is delaying any early implementation as he hears both sides in a lawsuit brought by groups claiming the new law violates the constitution.

Former New Orleans police officer and member of Mayor Cantrell’s security team Jeffrey Paul Vappie, II has been indicted by a federal grand jury. He faces several charges including 7 counts of wire fraud accused of perpetrating a scheme to defraud NOPD. He is also accused of making false statements to the FBI and charging the city for work when he was allegedly carrying on a personal relationship with Mayor Latoya Cantrell. During the times in question, Vappie allegedly drank alcohol, had meals out with the mayor and spent time in City Owned Apartment in the French Quarter.

A former art teacher at Golden Meadow Middle School in Lafourche Parish receives a 40-year prison sentence for sexually abusing a student. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Another candidate is in the race to represent the newly drawn 6th Congressional District that now stretches from Shreveport to Baton. 35-year-old political newcomer, Quentin Anderson from Baton Rouge says he wants to bring integrity and honor back to public service and he says he wants to focus on crime, particularly youth violent crime by investing in youth jobs programs and ways to keep them busy.

Cut 7 (06) “…as well.”

3:30 PM Newscast July 18

A third Louisiana child this week has died from a Gunshot would. Lafayette police responded to reports of a wounded child on Brian Street. The four-year-old was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where the child was pronounced dead. The incident is under investigation. Tuesday, in St. Tammany Parish, a 15-year-old was accidentally shot by someone handling a gun in another room. Tammany Parish sheriff’s Office Lt Suzanne Carboni… Cut  13 (12) “…passed away.” 

Wednesday, a three-year-old in Hammond found a gun protruding from a mattress and accidentally discharged the firearm. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker…

Cut  14 (07) “…pray for them.”

Sticker says firearms should be stored in a location that is not easily accessible to children

Congresswoman Julia Letlow officially qualified to run for re-election this morning. The Republican’s 5th Congressional District was altered when the lines for District 6 were redrawn. Letlow says she’s looking forward to meeting and listening to the new individuals she could potentially represent in her third term.

Cut 3 (10) “…for results.”

In addition to North Louisiana the 5th District also stretches to the Baton Rouge area.

James Genovese was unanimously chosen by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors to serve as Northwestern State University’s next president. Genovese, who currently serves as Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, is a distinguished member of Northerwestern’s “Long Purple Line Alumni Hall of Distinction” and says returning to lead this remarkable institution is a privilege. Genovese will assume his new role next month.

2:30 PM Newscast July 18

An accidental gunshot claimed the life of a 3-year-old in Hammond. The child found an unsecured firearm partially under a mattress and accidentally discharged the weapon resulting in a fatal injury. A family member came to the child’s aid immediately, but efforts to keep the child alive were unsuccessful. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker took a moment to remind gun owners that firearms should be stored in a location that is not easily accessible to children.

Cut 15 (13) “…pulled it out.”

Flags over the State Capitol and all state buildings are flying at half-staff today. Governor Jeff Landry signed an order to honor Corey Comperatore. He is the former fire chief killed during the assassination attempt of Former President Donald Trump on July 13th. Comperatore  used his own body to shield his family from the shooter. He served as a soldier in the Army Reserve and as fire chief at the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department. Comperatore is being laid to rest in Freeport, Pennsylvania today.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is running for a third term to represent the 5th District that now stretches as far south to the Baton Rouge area to North Louisiana.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In West Monroe the Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD) is holding a public meeting today, to discuss the proposed I-20 Widening/Overlay Project that aims to add an additional lane in both directions from west of Well Road to west of the LA 34 interchange, incorporating median barriers and shoulders. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan…says additionally, a noise barrier will be installed near the Shadow Creek Apartments and Blanchard Street.

Cut 7 (10) “…questions about”

4:30 PM Newscast July 16

Gambling charges against former LSU player Kayshon Boutte have been dropped. He was arrested in January for illegal online gaming. In a press release from the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s office announcing the charges were dropped it says Boutte did not bet against himself or his team. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says that’s interesting to note…

Cut 15 (10)  “…they’re making it.”

The legal gambling age in Louisiana is 21 and Boutte was underage when the bets were placed.

A new report from Bankrate found more than one-third of U.S. workers say they’re living paycheck to paycheck on their current salary. Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster said the study focused on workers because they’re the group most impacted by the inflated cost of living.

Cut 3 (07) “…the present.”

 

The Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) recently released its 2023 Economic Impact Report. President and CEO of LADA Coulter McMahen says the industry is important to Louisiana’s economy, providing over 33,000 jobs and significant tax revenue.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana.”

 

Louisiana State Police wants YOU to vote for them in the 2024 American Association of State Troopers Best-Looking Cruiser Contest. All 50 states submitted a photo of their cruiser for the contest. The top 13 will be featured in the 2025 AAST wall calendar, and the top-voted cruiser will be on the cover. LSP Sgt. Ross Brennan…

cut 8 (12) “…with this calendar.”

3:30 PM Newscast July 16

The man accused of killing a Loranger woman and her four-year-old daughter will face the death penalty in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 

More than one-third of U.S. workers say they’re living paycheck to paycheck says a new report from Bankrate. Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster says the only sure way to avoid living paycheck to paycheck is to be rich. She advises…

Cut 5 (12)  “…and then essentials.”

 

Gambling charges against former LSU player Kayshon Boutte have been dropped. He was arrested in January for illegal online gaming. The East Baton Rouge Parish DA’s office says Boutte has completed a gambling awareness program and executed a self-ban. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says it’s a classic case of prosecutorial discretion because no one was harmed…

Cut 13 (12)  “…the matter.”

Boutte was under 21 when the bets were placed, and the DA says he did not bet against himself or his team.

Speaking on their 2023 Economic Impact Report, President and CEO of The Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association, Coulter McMahen says without Louisiana Auto Dealers, the bayou state loses jobs and significant sales tax revenue. As for the future of Louisiana Automobile Dealers…

Cut 11 (12) ” …marginal increase.”

LRN PM Newscall July 16

A new report from Bankrate found 34% of U.S. workers are living paycheck to paycheck. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (28) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

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The man accused of killing a Loranger woman and her four-year-old daughter will face the death penalty in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________

A new report from Bankrate found more than one-third of U.S. workers say they’re living paycheck to paycheck on their current salary. Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster said the study focused on workers because they’re the group most impacted by the inflated cost of living.

Cut 3 (07) “…the present.”

Though the study started this year, Foster believes people have less spending money now than in the past. Workers in the southern United States were most likely to report living paycheck to paycheck, which Foster says isn’t surprising.

Cut 4 (12) “…any other region.”

Foster says the only sure way to avoid living paycheck to paycheck is to be rich. Short of that, she advises living within your means and taking notice if your paycheck doesn’t cover all of your expenses.

Cut 5 (12)  “…and then essentials.”

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Voting has begun for the 2024 American Association of State Troopers Best-Looking Cruiser Contest. This year, Louisiana’s submission features a state police cruiser at the LARC Acadian Village in Lafayette. Sgt. Ross Brennan with LSP says the village was chosen because it’s a…

Cut 6 (12) “…state police patrol units.”

Brennan says they considered locations such as the SuperDome to represent Louisiana in the contest, but ultimately settled on Acadian Village for its beautiful location and storied history. He says when you think of our state, chances are…

Cut 7 (11) “…different cultures.”

All 50 states submitted a photo of their cruiser for the contest. The top 13 will be featured in the 2025 AAST wall calendar, and the top-voted cruiser will be on the cover. Brennan says it’s been a while since Louisiana was featured in the calendar.

Cut 8 (12)  “…with this calendar.”

Voting runs from July 15 to 29. You can find the voting link on LSP’s social media sites.

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The Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) recently released its 2023 Economic Impact Report. President and CEO of LADA Coulter McMahen says the industry is important to Louisiana’s economy, providing over 33,000 jobs and significant tax revenue.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana.”

McMahen says the independent dealer model is especially important to local communities, which is illustrated in the over 18 million dollars in charitable donations given in 2023.

Cut 10 (10) “…they’re involved.”

Without Louisiana Auto Dealers, McMahen says, the bayou state loses jobs and significant sales tax revenue. As for the future of Louisiana Automobile Dealers…

Cut 11 (12) ” …marginal increase.”

2:30 PM Newscast July 16

Underaged Gambling charges against Former LSU football standout Kayshon have been dropped. Boutte was accused of placing bets using a fictitious name while he was under the age of 21. In a statement the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s office commended the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division for their investigation. The statement said while evidence shows Boutte placed bets underage, no one was financially injured, Boutte did not financially profit, and He did not bet against himself or his team.

The Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) recently released its 2023 Economic Impact Report. President and CEO of LADA Coulter McMahen says the independent dealer model is especially important to local communities, which is illustrated in the over 18 million dollars in charitable donations given in 2023.

Cut 10 (10) “…they’re involved.”

A new report from Bankrate found 34% of U.S. workers are living paycheck to paycheck. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (28) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

Voting has begun for the 2024 American Association of State Troopers Best-Looking Cruiser Contest. This year, Louisiana’s submission features a state police cruiser at the LARC Acadian Village in Lafayette. Sgt. Ross Brennan with LSP says the village was chosen because it’s a…

Cut 6 (12) “…state police patrol units.”