A state lawmaker estimates there are more than 12-million dying pine trees that became susceptible due to a beetle infestation because of the 2023 drought. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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A woman is killed in St. Landry Parish, and her boyfriend is the accused killer. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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State Representative Mike Johnson from Pineville says more than 12 million malnourished trees from the 2023 drought that have become infested with pine beetles need to be taken down. Johnson says Cleco and the Louisiana Department of Transportation have started the process by removing dead trees along roads and highways, but more needs to done with trees on private property
Cut 3 (07) “…when those trees will fall.”
Johnson, chairman of the Pine Beetle Subcommittee, has led efforts to address the crisis and secure funding to help private citizens pay for tree removal.
Cut 4 (10) “…after a storm.”
Johnson has pushed for action, highlighting safety concerns near schools. He has spoken with Congressman Cleo Fields and the entire Louisiana Congressional Delegation about the need for funding.
Cut 5 (09) “…of our people.”
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A woman reported missing in St. Landry Parish is found dead, and her boyfriend is accused of killing her. A ping of Jorlany Osario Beitez’s phone led investigators to a remote area along Highway 10, where they found her vehicle burned out. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says a deputy found a man walking in that area.
Cut 6 (07) “…he responded ‘no.’”
Sheriff Guidroz says 24-year-old Irving Cisneros Arguelles of Lawtell eventually admitted to killing her, and deputies arrested him.
Cut 7 (07) “…what we gather.”
Guidroz says Arguelles originally told searchers that he had dumped his girlfriend’s body into a lake in Eunice, but they couldn’t find it. Then, they demanded that he tell the truth.
Cut 8 (07) “…car was abandoned.”
And that’s where deputies found her body. At this time, the cause of her death is unclear. Arguelles is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, and he has an ICE hold on him since Guidroz says he’s in the country illegally.
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Southeastern Louisiana University has achieved its highest overall spring enrollment in 100 years. The university is reporting a seven-percent increase, pushing total overall enrollment to nearly 15-thousand students. University President Dr. William Wainwright says preparatory enrollment grew by nearly 19-percent.
Cut 9 (11) “…incoming freshman class.”
Wainwright says as Southeastern enters its second century, the Hammond-based school continues to drive the local economy…
Cut 10 (11) “…regional economy.”
Wainwright praised the faculty and staff for their commitment to holistic student education. He emphasized that beyond record numbers, Southeastern remains dedicated to academic innovation and economic impact.
Cut 11 (09) “…modify curriculum.”
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Saints head coach Kellen Moore has reportedly hired 54-year-old Doug Nussmeier as his offensive coordinator. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson, says the hire makes complete sense, because of the relationship Moore and Nussmeier have already built…
Cut 12 (14) “…Philadelphia Eagles.”
Nussmeier is the son of LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Doug Nussmeier will be entering his 25th year as a coach and he’s been an offensive coordinator on the college level, at Alabama, Michigan and Florida. Jackson says Moore will call plays, but Nussmeier will have a big role in offensive game planning…
Cut 13 (13) “…ton of experience.”
Nussmeier is a native of Oregon, played college football at Idaho and the Saints drafted him in 1994 in the fourth round. Jackson says Moore is looking to connect with the city and having a former Saints player on his staff helps him do that…
Cut 14 (08) “…bit of that.”