A man acting as a police officer in Webster Parish is arrested after shooting a dog. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU Designated Hitter Ethan Frey has had a breakout junior season, but not all fans are surprised. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A man acting as a police officer in Webster Parish is arrested for shooting a dog over the weekend. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says 54-year-old Reginald Ferguson shot the dog as the dog’s owner was within very close proximity, and she’s lucky that she didn’t get hurt.

Cut 3 (12) “…at the lady.”

A video posted onto social media shows Ferguson wearing a Cullen Police Department uniform and badge. Sheriff Parker says Ferguson was not dispatched to the scene; he went on his own.

Cut 4 (14) “…answered the door.”

In fact, it appears that Ferguson is not even on the force. Parker says the Cullen City Council rejected Ferguson three times when presented by Police Chief Fannie Rankin. So it’s unclear how he obtained his uniform or why he was even allowed to drive a city-issued marked police unit.

Cut 5 (11) “…in the town.”

The dog is still undergoing treatment, and Parker says it’s possible that the dog may need to be put down. As for Ferguson, he’s booked into the Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Facility on 25-thousand dollars bond.

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LSU D-H Ethan Frey is one of the best hitters in the country right now, according to his Head Coach Jay Johnson. Frey’s high school coach, Rosepine’s Jeff Smith, says his success doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone back home…

Cut 6 (15) “…was apparent.”

Frey was named Mr. Baseball in Louisiana in 2022 and led his school to back-to-back state championships. Frey was also quarterback for the Rosepine football team. Smith says folks in southwest Louisiana won’t forget him any time soon…

Cut 7 (14) “…his part.”

Frey sat behind the talented championship-winning roster at LSU in 2023 and played in 34 games for the Tigers last year before a shoulder injury that required offseason surgery. Smith says Frey returned home to recover…

Cut 8 (15) “…his determination.”

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The House Education Committee advances a bill that would pave the way for public schools to give mental health screenings to K-through-12 students. The committee, however, changed it to allow parents to opt out. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Democratic Senator Larry Selders, says the screenings give schools a way to identify students who are struggling so that they can get them help.

Cut 9 (05)  “…get the resources.”

Some on the panel, however, expressed concerns that the students’ privacy could be jeopardized. Gray Republican Beryl Amedee says she’s concerned that schools would have too much authority over students’ sensitive health data.

Cut 10 (14) “…can’t unsee it.”

Amedee says while Selders’ bill would prohibit schools from making decisions based on the result of the mental health screenings, there could still be unintended consequences.

Cut 11 (06) “…and the school.”

The committee advanced the bill on a 10-to-one vote and now heads to the full House for consideration. Because of amendments passed, it would then have to go back to the Senate before it can land on Governor Landry’s desk.

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Three men from the Acadiana area have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a ten-million-dollar staged crash fraud scheme. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says a report from a trucking company led to the arrests of 45-year-old Justin Ledet of Rayne, 38-year-old Steven Thomas of Lafayette and 37-year-old Alfred Onezine. Bourque says the three men came up with a plan to stage a crash at an intersection in Lafayette…

Cut 12 (09) “…juvenile passnegers” 

Bourque says following the crash, Thomas and Onezine, along with the children in the vehicle filed suit against the trucking company that Ledet works for. After an investigation involving State Police and the state Department of Insurance, Ledet and Thomas were charged with automobile insurance fraud. Bourque says Onezine faces additional charges…

Cut 13 (13)  “…officer.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says at a time when Louisiana drivers already pay the highest auto rates in the nation, these men put three children in harm’s way to tray and make a quick buck.

With hurricane season now here, the state is ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana House approves a bill that makes it a crime to knowingly give another person an incurable sexually transmitted infection. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A lawsuit was filed against Pelicans star Zion Williamson last week accusing him of rape and sexual assault. Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson addressed the suit for the first time yesterday. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Now that the calendar has flipped to June, hurricane season is now officially underway. And the state is prepared for anything Mother Nature may have in store. Some people may be concerned that the recent cuts to the National Weather Service may hinder its ability to provide essential updated information when a severe storm approaches. During a news conference at GOHSEP headquarters, Governor Landry says fortunately for Louisiana, the state has Jay Grymes.

Cut 4 (11) “…us accurate information.”

Grymes says if last year is any indication, it’s going to be a very busy hurricane season for him and the state.

Cut 5 (10) “…a response activity.”

Brigadier General Jason Mahfouz says don’t be dismissive of a storm if it doesn’t rise to the level of a Category One hurricane; even tropical storms can have devastating effects.

Cut 6 (11) “…high-intensity winds.”

And as always, GOHSEP reminds you to go to get-a-game-plan-dot-org or download the Get A Game Plan app for useful tools to help you prepare for severe storms.

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It’s now been more than two and a half weeks since ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail; and two remain on the loose. Among them is 32-year-old Antoine Massey, who recently posted a video onto Instagram saying, among other things, that he’s innocent of the domestic abuse charges that landed him behind bars. State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says those who helped Massey post the video will likely also be facing charges.

Cut 7 (07) “…online platform.”

As for Massey’s claim of innocence, Colonel Hodges says there’s a forum where he could state his case – the courtroom.

Cut 8 (07) “…you’re an escape.”

In the immediate aftermath of the jailbreak, Attorney General Liz Murrill warned anyone who helps the escapees while on the run that they will be charged with crimes. Hodges says she wasn’t messing around.

Cut 9 (05)  “…those escapees.”

In the video, Massey pleads for help from President Trump and rappers Lil Wayne and Meek Mill.

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Cotton planting season is wrapping up, and the LSU AgCenter says this year’s crop could be the smallest one on record. LSU AgCenter Cotton and Corn Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says acreage is way down from last year.

Cut 10 (10) “…all-time low.”

Pate Kerns says farmers are not planting as much cotton because of low demand and low prices.

Cut 11 (09) “..other crops.”

While cotton acreage is shrinking, corn acreage is increasing, experts are predicting around 600-thousand acres of corn, nearly a 17-percent increase over last year.

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The Louisiana House approves legislation that would result in a long prison sentence for anyone convicted of intentionally infecting another person with an incurable sexually transmitted disease. Monroe Democrat Pat Moore’s measure calls for a person to serve at least ten years in prison if convicted of this crime and serve at least 25 years of hard labor if the victim is a juvenile or a senior citizen…

Cut 12 (10) “…incurable disease.”

Incurable sexually transmitted infections include Hepatitis B, herpes and HIV. The bill passed the House on a 68-18 vote, but it received pushback from New Orleans Democrat Jason Hughes.  He called the ball flawed. Hughes says unless there’s a written contract, how can a prosecutor prove someone did not verbally disclose they have an incurable sexually transmitted disease?

Cut 13 (11)  “…safe place?”

Hughes says sexually active adults will look at this new law and say, “I am not going to get tested, therefore I can’t be convicted of knowingly giving another person an incurable S-T-D.”

Cut 14 (09) “…bad list.”

Moore says she has no sympathy for people who knowingly give a sexually transmitted infection to another person or a person who is sexually active and refused to get tested.

Cut 15 (10) “…this disease.”

Moore’s bill still needs Senate approval, and the legislative session must end Thursday, June 12th.

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The LSU Baseball team advanced to the super regionals after fending off underdog Little Rock Monday night, 10-6. The Tigers found themselves down by four runs early in the game. The Tigers walked batters, committed a rare infield error and runners left stranded gave fans flashbacks to the Trojans upset win to force the deciding game the night before, but LSU head coach Jay Johnson didn’t doubt his team for a second.

Cut 16 (18) “…lose tonight.”

Johnson rolled out big changes to the lineup following Sunday’s disappointing loss. Slugging first baseman Jared Jones was moved from second in the order to sixth due to a hitting slump. D-H Ethan Frey moved up to replace him and shortstop Steven Milam followed third after batting fifth and sixth Sunday. Johnson says it was now or never.

Cut 17 (15)  “…take a risk”

Frey shined for the Tigers, going 4-for-4 with 4 RBI. Frey started off the scoring in the top of the first with a solo shot to left field and had a game changing double with bases loaded in the fourth to drive in three runs and cut the lead to one. Johnson says he knew his DH was on a hot streak when he moved him up the order.

Cut 18 (15)  “…batter’s box.”

The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would make it illegal to touch your cell phone while driving. Jeff Palermo reports the measure is one more vote from reaching the governor’s desk..

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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We’re getting some raw numbers on the Super Bowl’s economic impact to Greater New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein is at the Capitol, where the announcement was made.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Sulphur high school teacher and coach is facing charges for his alleged role in the stabbing of a six-year-old child. Major Mark Leblanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says their deputies went to a home in the Leonville area to investigate a domestic disturbance and walked into a chaotic scene

Cut 3 (08) “…stab wounds.”

Leblanc says 37-year-old Patrick Greene was combative with deputies, but was eventually arrested and charged with domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, two counts of aggravated assault and resisting an officer. Leblanc says the child is at a Baton Rouge hospital with life-threatening injuries….

Cut 4 (09) “…critical condition.”

KLFY-TV is reporting that the child previously had a brain tumor and was a patient at St. Jude. Leblanc says there were a total of seven children inside the home when the violence broke out…

Cut 5 (08) “…conjure up.”

Leblanc says some of the children belonged to Greene, the others belonged to Greene’s wife. The Calcasieu Parish School Board say Greene is now on administrative leave.

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It may soon be illegal to handle your cellphone while behind the wheel as a handheld cellphone bill is nearing final legislative approval. Covington Republican Patrick McMath explained it is illegal in the state to text and drive, but that law is unenforceable…

Cut 6 (06) “…against the law.”

The legislation means that your cell phone cannot be in your hand while driving. McMath told the Senate that handling a cell phone while driving would be a secondary offense and explained to the Senate what that means…

Cut 7 (12) “…this law.”

The Senate approved the House Bill 33 to 5. Similar bills have failed in previous years, but supporters like McMath says this legislation can help lower auto insurance rates…

Cut 8 (10) “…so yes.”

The measure heads back to the House for approval of Senate amendments and then it will head to the governor’s desk and Jeff Landry is expected to sign it.

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Two cyclists were killed Sunday night in overnight crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes. 75-year-old Jerry Francis of Houma was rear ended while traveling south on LA Hwy 57. State Trooper Peggy Bourque says Francis’ bike had no lights or reflective material…

Cut 9 (07)  “…stay visible.”

28-year-old Jonathon Bourg of Golden Meadow suffered a fatal crash while riding a motorized bicycle in Larose. Bourque says Bourg was struck at the intersection of LA Hwy 308 and LA Hwy 657 after running a red light…

Cut 10 (09) “…as drivers.”

Bourque says the other two drivers involved in the crashes were properly restrained and uninjured. Neither were suspected of being impaired, and standard toxicology samples from Francis and Bourg are pending analysis as investigations are ongoing. Bourque reminds drivers to stay vigilant…

Cut 11 (10) “…saving lives.”

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It goes without saying that Super Bowl 59 was an economic boom for Louisiana. And now, we have some of the numbers. A new study from LSU’s Business school finds that Super Bowl 59 generated 1.25-billion dollars in economic output — that’s the second most among the last ten Super Bowls. Saints Owner Gayle Benson also noted that visitors and vendors spent more than 650-million dollars while in Louisiana

Cut 12 (08) “…the game” 

The state also rolled out the welcome mat for business leaders, investors and innovators through its Louisiana Now pavilion; and Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said more than four-thousand of them stopped by.

Cut 13 (12)  “…saw our potential”

New Orleans has hosted 11 Super Bowls, tied with Miami for the most in history. And Benson says work is already underway for New Orleans to secure its 12th.

Cut 14 (14) “…than New Orleans.”

The soonest the Super Bowl can return to New Orleans is 2030.