New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell dropped a bombshell about Mardi Gras at a town hall meeting. She says there’s no guarantee it will go forward. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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The state Supreme Court rules incumbent Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins CAN run for re-election this fall. More from Kevin Gallagher…:.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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A viral video of a trainer hitting a dog in the head has resulted in two arrests in Rapides Parish. Chief of Staff of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Tommy Carnline says 52-year-old Tina Frey and her daughter, 21-year-old Victoria Brimer turned themselves in on Thursday

Cut 3 (10) “…by any trainers” 

Frey is the owner of the Cypress Arrow and Kennel K-9 academy in Lena. She, along with Brimer, have been charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. Carnline says the case has drawn a lot of public interest…

Cut 4  (07) “…of the arrest.”

Carnline says Sheriff detectives began their investigation last Thursday August 11th into complaints of a video on social media depicting a dog trainer striking a Cane Corso dog on the head with a riding crop…

Cut 5  (10) “…aggravated cruelty”

Both subjects have been released on bond.

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Yet another property insurer is ending coverage in Louisiana, meaning over ten-thousand customers will have to seek new coverage pretty quickly. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Florida-based Weston Property & Casualty is the latest to “fold up its tents”…:

Cut 6 (12) “…on September 7th.” 

Donelon says Weston customers, and those with recently-folded United Property & Casualty, will be given an additional 60 days to get coverage under the state’s last-resort insurer, Louisiana Citizens…:

Cut 7 (10) “…the private sector.” 

Over 90-thousand Louisiana home & business owners have been left high and dry by their insurance companies in recent months.

Weston joins five other companies – United Property & Casualty, Southern Fidelity, Lighthouse and Maison –in ending coverage for Louisiana policyholders. Most all cite the fiscal impacts of hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 as the cause. Donelon says find new coverage as quickly as possible; either with another private carrier or Louisiana Citizens. He shares an important reminder: call your current agent…:

Cut 8 (14) “…of those policies.”

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A very unexpected statement about 2023 Mardi Gras from New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell. During a town hall meeting on Thursday night, she said shrinking ranks in the New Orleans Police Department might cause next year’s Mardi Gras to be canceled. Arthur Hardy publishes the Mardi Gras Guide.

Cut 9 (08)  “…by her comments.”

Hardy says parade routes were reduced this year due to a shortage of officers and increased crowds as the COVID pandemic subsided.

Cut 10 (09) “..understand it.” 

The New Orleans City Council says the police force is down from an average of 15 hundred officers to about a thousand. Hardy says he understands the shortage but that’s not enough of a reason to call off the biggest tourism event of the year.

Cut 11 (07)  “..can be managed.”

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By a 4-3 decision, the state Supreme Court has ruled that Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins CAN run for re-election in November. Justices heard arguments Tuesday, and their decision came down this morning. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says he and many others thought the High Court would go the opposite way…:

Cut 12 (12) “….bit of a surprise”  

Perkins’s candidacy was challenged by a resident whose main complaint was he listed the wrong address on election qualification papers. Perkins may now proceed with his campaign. Sadow says 4 of the 7 justices felt a simple clerical error (as Perkins’ attorney put it) – with no evidence of intent to deceive – didn’t constitute “wrong-doing…:

Cut 13 (12) “…disqualify a candidate.”

Sadow says even the three dissenting justices agreed that state election law is missing some specific language clarifying that incorrect information given at qualifying IS a cause to disqualify…:

Cut 14 (05)  “…to do so.” 

Congressman Troy Carter says the new Inflation Reduction Act will help efforts to protect Louisiana’s sinking coastline.   He told Marsanne Golsby it’s not too late to act.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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The state Bond Commission continues to block 39-million dollars in funding for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Congressman Troy Carter was the only member of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed into law Tuesday. The law aims to fight the climate crisis by investing in alternative energy and reducing carbon emissions by 40-percent by 2030. We asked him if it’s too late for Louisiana’s coastline.

Cut 3 (11) “…got it today.” 

Carter says the new law represents the biggest investment in climate action in the nation’s history. He says the $370 billion in investments will lower energy costs and increase clean energy production.

Cut 4  (07) “…This is it.”

The new law stashes twenty billion dollars in a green bank for investments in clean energy projects, especially in poor neighbors, and another nearly fifteen billion in grants for environmental monitoring. Carter says he personally fought hard for that money.

Cut 5  (14) “…of the solution.”

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More than $36 million in state tax returns is due to be turned over to Unclaimed Property, but the Louisiana Department of Revenue is urging the some 20 thousand individuals and businesses to contact them before October. LDR spokesperson Byron Henderson…

Cut 6 (11) “..6th deadline.” 

Henderson says they want to alert those individuals and businesses who have unclaimed tax returns to be on the lookout for a letter.

Cut 7 (09) “…August 18th.” 

As to why the tax returns have yet to be claimed, Henderson says there are a variety of reasons, for example, they’ve moved since their last return was filed. He says LDR retains those claims and after a certain time period they are turned over to Unclaimed Property.

Cut 8 (09) “…personal property.”

To receive your return just follow the instructions in the LDR Notice of Unclaimed Property letter dated August 18^th.

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For the second consecutive month, the state Bond Commission has voted to delay a 39-million dollar future line of credit for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. Attorney General Jeff Landry they says they want city leaders to explain their stance that it will not enforce the state’s new abortion ban law…..

Cut 9 (11)  “…democracy.”

Lobbyist Paul Rainwater spoke on behalf of the city. Rainwater made the case that this funding is critical to complete a project that would reduce street flooding in New Orleans….

Cut 10 (05) “..water board” 

Seven to six was the vote in favor of delaying the funding, which would not be made available until at least 2023. The no votes came from representatives of the Edwards Administration and state senators like Jimmy Harris, who claims Landry is playing politics with future financing that can help 384-thousand people…

Cut 11 (13)  “…your locals”

But Landry says elected officials should not be able to put out a statement saying they will not follow a state law and not face repercussions

Cut 12 (09) “…of duty”  

The money is for a new power station to improve the state’s pumping capability.

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To help with the ongoing teacher shortage, a new law allows retired Louisiana-certified teachers to return to the classroom, keep their retirement, and draw full pay.  President of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendent Mike Faulk says it affects teachers who retired from 2010 to June 30, 2020.

Cut 13 (08) “…of that.”

Faulk admits while the number of retired instructors who’ve returned to the classroom is not significant so far, he says they are seeing retirees in larger metropolitan areas teaching again versus those in rural school districts.

Cut 14 (08)  “…advantage of it.” 

If you’re a retired teacher and interested in the possibility of teaching again Faulk recommends calling the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana.

Cut 15 (07) “…new legislation.” 

In light of the new law, Faulk says there’s much more that needs to be done to address the ongoing shortage.

The Netflix documentary “I Just Killed My Dad,” the story of a Baton Rouge teen who murdered his father in 2019, remains in the top 10 most watched shows. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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This morning state official broke ground on a monument to Louisiana African American Veterans. Marsanne Golsby has the story….

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

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The Netflix documentary “I Just Killed My Dad,” the story of then 17-year-old Anthony Templet of Baton Rouge who murdered his father in 2019, remains in the top 10 most watched shows.  East Baton Rouge Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings prosecuted the case and appeared in the three-part series.

Cut 3 (11) “…this closer (x2).” 

As investigators and defense attorneys uncovered years of abuse it changed the case considerably. Cummings says for Templet to be completely exonerated the law would argue that he should have called 9-1-1 or escaped out the window instead of shooting his father multiple times.

Cut 4  (11) “…people see them.”

Cummings talked to filmmakers after the case was over even though it might appear she was interviewed while the case was ongoing, as for her opinion of the documentary…

Cut 5  (09) “…excellent job.”

Templet plead no contest to negligent homicide and was given five years probation and has four years left on his term.

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State officials broke ground today on a monument to Louisiana African American Veterans in the Veterans Memorial Park at the State Capitol. The monument will be the first of its kind in the capitol complex.  Retired Lieutenant General Russel Honore served for 33 years as a commanding general in the US Army. He is a descendent of a Revolutionary War soldier.

Cut 6 (10) “..fought in the war.” 

The monument will honor freed, formerly enslaved Louisiana soldiers who fought for the Union during the Civil War, and every war since then. Honore says African American soldiers took advantage of whatever opportunities they could find to serve their country.

Cut 7 (08) “…with duty and honor.” 

Honore says although many generations of African American soldiers were not able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, their sacrifices helped paved the way for others.

Cut 8 (09) “…World War I and World War II.”

The monument is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023. If you want to see it when it’s complete, It will be located in the park that contains the cannon and the old arsenal museum to the east of the capital.

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Cleco Power announces plans to turn a closed coal-fired power plant in DeSoto Parish into a solar power facility. Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they’ve partnered with D-C Shaw Renewable Investments, a leading renewable energy producer in the U-S to make this project a reality…

Cut 9 (07)  “…clean energy company.”

Dolet (Dough-lay) Hills Power Station in Mansfield was closed at the end of last year. It was one of the last coal-fired power plants in Louisiana. Cahill says today’s announcement of the Dolet Hills Solar Project continues their effort to reduce the company’s carbon footprint…

Cut 10 (08) “..45,000 homes” 

A timeline on when construction will begin and end has not been set. Cahill says the project is expected to deliver significant community benefits to DeSoto Parish…

Cut 11 (05)  “…the parish”

Voters will once again receive an “I voted” sticker when they go to the polls this fall. Marsanne Golsby was at the unveiling of this year’s sticker…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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The Governor’s Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force has released recommendations on cleaning up the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Another contagious disease that’s making a resurgence is polio. Polio was once one of the nation’s most feared diseases, that caused thousands of cases of paralysis, mostly in children. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s been detected in New York City’s wastewater.

Cut 3 (10) “…not been vaccinated.” 

While symptoms include fever and vomiting polio can be asymptomatic, and you can shed the virus and infect someone unknowingly. Lopez says with the disease making a comeback it’s imperative vaccines be kept up to date.

Cut 4  (06) “…get vaccinated.”

The neurological disease has been detected in wastewater systems in New York and in London. Lopez says that means it’s spreading in some communities…

Cut 5  (08) “…immune to polio.”

The polio vaccination rate for children entering kindergarten in Louisiana last fall was 98 percent, that’s higher than the national average of 94 percent.

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This morning Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin unveiled this year’s “I voted” sticker. Designed by New Orleans artist Becky Fos (pronounced like floss), it’s a brightly colored painting of the state capitol building done in oil. The theme of her artwork is “Happy Artist” and Fos hopes it will make voters happy when they see it.

Cut 6 (06) “…to go out and vote.” 

Fos did the work at no charge. Ardoin says it costs the state about 15 thousand dollars to print 2.2 million stickers for the upcoming fall election. He says no one has ever complained about the cost, but voters complain when they run out. He also believes they help increase voter turnout.

Cut 7 (07) “…Facebook or Instagram.” 

Fos says she used vibrant colors to paint the state capitol…

Cut 8 (07) “…Facebook or Instagram.”

Previous “I voted” stickers have been extremely popular and you can still find them on eBay.

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The Governor’s Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force has released its initial recommendations on establishing and sustaining litter prevention efforts across Louisiana. The task force was established by executive order in January and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the solutions range from educating the public to promoting community litter abatement activities…

Cut 9 (10)  “…recycling.”

Nungesser says state funding is also going into the effort. He says the state legislature set aside four million dollars and Nungesser says much of that money will be handed out as grants…

Cut 10 (12) “…they need.” 

Nungesser says state agencies are also more committed than ever to cleaning up our state…

Cut 11 (15)  “…repeat offenders.”

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Police in New Orleans report a carjacking suspect was struck and killed by traffic while trying to escape on foot across Interstate 10. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says it started with officers giving chase to a Chevy Equinox SUV reported stolen two weeks ago. He says the vehicle suddenly stopped on the I-10 Service Road in Eastern New Orleans…:

Cut 12 (11) “…to cross the interstate.”  

Ferguson says the male suspect made it across the westbound lanes of the highway, but when he went over the median…:

Cut 13 (08) “…of this individual.”

The incident happened Monday night at about 10:20. He says no charges are planned against the driver who hit the suspect. As to the person’s name and age…?

Cut 14 (11)  “…of the investigation.” 

A Lafayette cop is in critical condition today, after being hit and dragged by a motorist. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Myles Brennan’s time as an LSU quarterback is over. Jeff Palermo reports Brennan has decided to end his college football career….

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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A Lafayette Police officer is in critical condition today, after he was hit by an impaired driver and dragged under the vehicle. LPD spokesperson Sgt. Robin Green says it happened just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, near the city’s entertainment district. Green says the suspect fled the initial stop for reckless driving, but drove into a police blockade…:

Cut 3 (11) “…approximately 100 feet.” 

Green says other officers at the scene were alarmed to watch their colleague hit & dragged by the car. Another Lafayette officer drew his service weapon…:

Cut 4  (10) “…into custody.”

The Lafayette officer – who has not been identified – is currently listed in “critical but stable” condition. His recovery may take many weeks. Green says the suspect is 24-year-old Jaylon Chavis, of Lake Charles, who now faces a list of serious charges…:

Cut 5  (12) “…and OWI first offense.”

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Troopers are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that happened shortly before two o’clock Sunday afternoon in Lafourche Parish. Trooper Ross Brennan says 39-year-old Tricia Vicknair of Schriever was killed in the crash and investigators say it happened when she was driving south along LA 20 while in a curve.

Cut 6 (11) “…the scene.” 

Brennan says toxicology samples were taken from the victim and the driver of the pick-up truck, and results are pending. He says it’s still not known why Shrierver’s motorcycle crossed the center line.

Cut 7 (12) “…a factor.” 

Brennan says last year almost 1,000 people died on Louisiana highways and the upward trend, unfortunately, is holding this year also. He urges motorists to not drive distracted, or impaired, and to use seat restraints.

Cut 8 (07) “…end of the day.”

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Its official Waitr is now known as ASAP, the name change is part of the Louisiana-based company’s transition to deliver a broader range of products. ASAP spokesperson Dean Turcol says the name change signals a new delivery anything business model.

Cut 9 (08)  “…of food.”

Turcol says they’re very excited about the transition and in addition to the food, they’ll now offer delivery of more things…

Cut 10 (08) “…now products.” 

You’ll still be able to use the ASAP app to order food and as other items are added there will be additional tabs. Turcol says for example alcohol, you’ll click on that tab, and you’ll see the  options from where to order and

Cut 11 (06)  “…the app.”

In addition to the name change and new business model

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LSU quarterback Myles Brennan has decided to end his college football career. Brennan was set to begin his sixth season at LSU and he was competing with Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier to be the starting quarterback. W-W-L sports director Kristian Garic says Brennan did not win the competition

Cut 12 (11) “…walk away”  

Brennan appeared in 20 games during his career. Garic says he started the first three games of the 2020 season, but suffered an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season and then got hurt again last season….

Cut 13 (11) “…got injured”

LSU opens the season September fourth versus Florida State in the Superdome and Garic has learned dual-threat Q-B Jayden Daniels will be the starter…

Cut 14 (08)  “.his legs” 

The St. Tammany Parish coroner confirms two recent overdose deaths were the result of taking “look-alike” pills containing 100 percent fentanyl, which can kill. More from Brooke Thorington…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Pro-life and pro-choice advocates react to the State Supreme Court’s denial to hear an appeal challenging Louisiana’s abortion ban. Brooke Thorington more

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

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It’s the sixth anniversary of the great flood that devastated so many communities in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Broome was in the midst of campaigning for her mayoral term and like so many she was forced to leave her home. But says she was fortunate enough she could turn to relatives.

Cut 3 (08) “…took me in.”

After living in what was designated as a no flood zone since 1999, Broome says like many others she was in shock when she left her house that Saturday.

Cut 4 (10)  “…the next day.”

It wasn’t until November 2017 that she was able to live in her home again.

In addition to residents losing their homes, Broome says there was a multitude of issues on top of that for so many.

Cut 5 (10) “…definitely empathize.”

Since 2016 Broome says the city continues to work on drainage issues and believes Infrastructure Funds will expedite more improvements to avoid severe flooding in the future.

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The coroner in St. Tammany Parish is very concerned with escalating fentanyl overdose deaths; especially because people may not even know that is what they are taking. Dr. Charles Preston says pills bought and sold on the street may look like semi-harmless pain relievers, but many contain highly dangerous fentanyl. He says the recent death of a 22-year-old man after taking a single pill is cause for alarm…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…in the community.”

Preston confirms that man died from an overdose of fentanyl and, though the pill he took appeared to be Percocet, it was 100-percent illegally made fentanyl….:

Cut 7 (10) “….were in our community.”

In mid-July a St. Tammany Parish 15-year-old also died from a fentanyl overdose. Two people have been arrested in connection and charged with murder. Dr. Preston says the fentanyl scourge is growing like a weed…:

Cut 8 (14)  “…were fentanyl.”

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Since Roe v Wade was overturned, the state abortion ban was on, then off, then on again. Louisiana Family Forum president Gene Mills is pleased with the decision that paves the way for abortions to finally be illegal in the state.

Cut 9 (11)  “…pro-life position.”

Pro-choice advocates however are disappointed. Devante Lewis with the Louisiana Budget Project says the state is not prepared for the influx of children that will be living in poverty because already 62 percent of children in Louisiana are born as Medicaid recipients.

Cut 10 (11) “…in our state.”

The possibility of legislation to amend the ban to allow for the exceptions of rape or incest, Mills believes is highly unlikely.

Cut  11 (12)  “…pro-life state.” 

Lewis fears since conservatives in Louisiana have outlawed abortion that the right to contraception could also be lost. He says if the legislature is truly pro-life they have to be willing to raise the minimum wage, ensure affordable housing and protect existing social safety nets like DCFS, SNAP, and Medicaid.

Cut 12 (08) “…same time.” 

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Louisiana’s on-again-off-again abortion ban law is on again, and this time it may stick. The state Supreme Court Friday rejected an appeal by abortion rights activists seeking to keep clinics open; arguing the law was too vague to enforce. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the High Court’s denial does not surprise him. He feels the plaintiff’s argument didn’t hold up…:

Cut 13 (12) “…happen in Louisiana.”

Pro-choice advocates are angry there is such a law in place at all, but especially so that the law has no exemptions for rape or incest. Governor Edwards, who signed the bill into law himself, also expressed that concern. Ciolino says the High Court’s judgment sends a message on abortions…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…rather than the courthouse.”

Ciolino says this marks the end of battles over the abortion law in courts, and – if there are to be further exemptions for abortions – there is a proper process for getting that done…:

Cut 15 (12)  “…by the governor.”

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The Saints lost their preseason opener on Saturday night 17-13 to Houston, but the first team offense and defense looked good. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton led New Orleans on a ten-play touchdown drive, where he completed all five of his passes including a nine-yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Washington. Coach Dennis Allen says it was good to see…

Cut 16 (15)  “…second phase.”

It was also a good night for linebacker Chase Hansen who resigned with the team less than a week ago after spending a couple of seasons on the team’s practice squad. Hanson played 24 snaps on defense, seven on special teams, and had six tackles, two tackles for a loss, and an interception…

Cut 17 (16) “…back playing” 

One of the big position battles is for third-string running back. Rookie running back Abram Smith had a fumble inside the red zone. Allen says overall the guys competing at that position ran hard…

Cut  18 (18)“…better job there.”

It was the first NFL game for rookie left tackle Trevor Penning. He played well in the first half, but struggled more in the second half, allowing a sack. Penning knows he has to get better…

 Cut 19 (19) “…from it.” 

A new national survey of small business owners says inflation is still the number one worry facing them. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the Louisiana Department of Health says more mothers are learning the practice through their WIC program. Brooke Thorington explains.

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

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A new survey of small business owners shows they’re not optimistic about business conditions right now. More than a third say inflation is their biggest concern. National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn McVea says half of their members have job openings they can’t fill and a bit more than half are having to raise prices.

Cut 3 (11) “…for our folks” 

She says the national Inflation Reduction Act, which gives the IRS billions more dollars for audits and enforcement, worries small business owners.

Cut 4  (09) “…process of audit.”

McVea says what business owners need the most is certainty to know how to spend their money. But historic inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions means uncertainty is climbing again. This means small business owners are reluctant to spend money unless they have to

Cut 5  (:06) “…on right now.”

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The shortage of infant formula put the practice of breastfeeding in the spotlight. Kristen Hill who’s a peer counselor with the Louisiana Department of Health says when they promoted their breastfeeding program more WIC mothers signed up for guidance.

Cut 6   (07) “…they love it.” 

The use of breastfeeding peer counselors at WIC clinics increased 30 percent from August of last year.

Hill says breastfeeding isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when you don’t have a support system and/or proper instruction. If done incorrectly it can be harmful.

Cut 7 (11) “…walk them through it.” 

Hill says even mothers with their second child are learning the benefits of breastfeeding. She says some of her clients are the first in their family to ever breastfeed and they just need proper guidance and support.

Cut 8 (06) “…mom and baby.”

In addition to learning breastfeeding techniques for those mothers who return to work, they are also educated on how to pump breast milk. August is National Breastfeeding Month.

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Charges have been upgraded for a Baton Rouge man after preliminary autopsy results indicate his two-year son died as a result of injuries sustained in a beating. BRPD’s Lt. Don Coppola says 25-year-old-Anderson King Jr. was initially facing 2nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile, but now it’s first-degree murder.

Cut 9 (08)  “…homicide.”

On Sunday, Coppola says, officers responded to a local hospital regarding an assault that involved a two-year-old child. King was arrested Monday.

Cut 10 (08) “…cruelty charge.” 

King is being held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and Coppola says the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 11 (08)  “…more difficult.”

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Saints quarterback Jameis Winston did not practice today, but the injury to his foot is not serious, Head Coach Dennis Allen says he’s day-to-day with a sprained foot…

Cut 12 (09) “…here we go”  

Winston will not play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans.

At LSU,  Junior defensive end B-J Ojulari (O-juh-lar-e) has been chosen to wear number 18, which goes to the player that’s not only a stand out on the field, but also does great work in the community and is a leader for the university. Ojulari says having great character is important for him…

Cut 13 (12) “…little bit”

Former Congressman and state legislator Buddy Leach of Leesville has passed away at the age of 88. Marsanne Golsby has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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To help the ongoing nursing shortage the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing is expanding to North Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Former Congressman and Louisiana legislator Claude “Buddy” Leach died Saturday of congestive heart failure, according to his family. Leach served one term in Congress, four terms in the legislature, and ran for governor in 2003.

He was the son of a plumber who lost his mother at an early age. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says his innate business sense and knack for connecting with people helped him build a business fortune and succeed in politics.

Cut 3 (04) “…astonish me” 

Leach was an attorney and married into a family that owned Sweet Lake Land and Oil company in the southwest Louisiana. Sweet Lake’s cattle herd became the largest in the country under his direction. He also served on the Leesville-based Merchants and Farmers Bank and Reese says for nearly two decades he was the chairman…

Cut 4  (13) “…where  he started.”

Leach’s public record wasn’t perfect. He was charged—but acquitted—of vote buying in 1979 and lost his reelection in 1980. Still, those who knew him best say his main goal in life was to make Louisiana better.

Cut 5  (10) “…his community.”

He was 88-years-old. Leach’s funeral is Friday at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles.

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The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing expands its program to north Louisiana to assist with the ongoing nursing shortage. Assistant Professor of Nursing Off-Campus, Linda Ledet (rhymes with Bidet) says the new approved Off-Campus Instructional site is at LSU-Health Shreveport.

Cut 6   (08) “…greatly.” 

Ledet says it’s a win-win so they can teach even more students in Shreveport with in-person instruction in conjunction with faculty from the nursing school in New Orleans that’s consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation.

Cut 7 (06) “…virtual classes.” 

The accelerated program allows students to graduate in two years and having the ability to use resources from both campuses, will greatly benefit students. Ledet says they are already accepting applications for spring.

Cut 8 (11) “…in the fall.”

The two-year Career Alternative RN Education Program is open to students who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

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Louisiana once again performs poorly in the Annie E Casey Foundation’s child well being ranking. The state ranks 49th, finishing ahead of only New Mexico. Annie E Casey Foundation president Lisa Hamilton says the state has only made a slight improvement in the percentage of children living poverty and federal assistance may have played a role…

Cut 9 (10)  “…as well.”

According to the report, 26-percent of Louisiana children live in poverty as of 2020.

Hamilton says The Kids Count Data Book also discovered the incidence of anxiety and depression among kinds spiked with 12-percent of kids nationally struggling to make it through the day, a 26-percent increase from 2016

Cut 10 (10) “…pandemic deaths.” 

The report says as of July 2022, over 200-thousand kids nationwide have lost a parent or primary caregiver to the coronavirus.

Hamilton also says Louisiana ranks low when it comes to the physical health of children

Cut 11 (06)  “…low birth rates.”

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The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a teacher for sending  text messages to a 15-year-old student for sexual purposes. C-P-S-O spokesperson Brandy Spears says 26-year-old Bradly Dyer of Colfax discussed dating the minor in the text messages,,,

Cut 12 (09) “…a secret”  

Spears says Dyer told detectives he recently began a new job as a high school teacher. Dyer was arrested with the assistance Grant Parish Sheriff’s office at his home in Colfax…

Cut 13 (08) “…the school”

Spears says Dyer has been charged and incarcerated…:

Cut 14 (08)  “..with juveniles.” 

A Louisiana veterans’ advocacy group applauds the recent passage of the PACT Act. Kevin Gallagher explains what it is, and how it will help veterans

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A New Orleans non-profit that helps feed those in need has sparked a new idea to remain restaurants operational after hurricanes knock out the power. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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DNA technology in the state advances to solving crime quicker, Brooke Thorington has more on what you see on your favorite TV crime drama that’s closer to becoming reality.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A bill signing is scheduled this week in Washington DC for the federal PACT Act; legislation providing expanded medical care for veterans exposed to toxins during their military service. John Wells is chairman of the Slidell-based Military Veterans Advocacy. He says PACT – for Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics – will benefit about three-point-five million veterans nationwide…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…and Uzkekistan.”

The PACT Act provides for expedited health care for vets assigned to handle burn pits or exposed to radiation in the line of duty. It will also provide compensation for those unable to work because of such exposure. Wells says the money will do a lot of good…:

Cut 5 (07) “…a lot of years.”

President Biden is expected to sign the bill Wednesday at the White House. The PACT Act also provides for veterans to receive care at private medical facilities, in the absence of locally available Veterans Administration care. Wells says that contingency may well be needed…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…overly optimistic.”

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Qualifying for the 2023 Louisiana governor’s race happens one year from today and we still do not have any announced candidates to replace the term-limited John Bel Edwards. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says a lot will depend on who controls the U.S. Senate after the federal midterm elections. He says after the national picture is clear Louisiana’s race will finally develop

Cut 7 (11) “….fundraising advantage”

If Republicans take control of the senate Stockley thinks its more likely Cassidy and Kennedy stay there, opening the door for Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry. Stockley says the lack of a prominent Democratic candidate is a bad sign for Democrats.

Cut 8 (11)  “…of the party right now.”

Stockley says with so many unknowns affecting the governor’s race it might be quite a while before we know who the major contenders will be.

Cut 9 (07)  “…hard to know.”

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A New Orleans non-profit wants to equip restaurants with solar panels so they can remain operational during power losses. Feed Second Line Founder Devin De Wulf says the idea was sparked when the city lost power for 10 days after Ida and restaurants had to dispose of thousands of pounds of food.

Cut 10 (11) “…and batteries.”

De Wulf says they installed their first set of solar panels a few weeks ago at the Caribbean restaurant Queen Trini Lisa in Mid-City New Orleans. He says outfitting each restaurant runs between 60 and 90 thousand dollars, but there’s a way for the eateries to pay back into the program with energy savings.  De Wulf hopes it serves as a model for the state.

Cut  11 (05)  “…of hurricanes.” 

In addition to preserving food, De Wulf says the solar-powered restaurants can act as cooling and phone charging stations for the neighborhood. He’s hoping the idea will take off and become a mainstay for a state that’s embattled with hurricane recovery.

Cut 12 (10) “…the dream.” 

He says instead of relying on other states to provide support after hurricanes we need to give ourselves the tools to do it on our own.

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The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab is the first in the country to receive approval from the FBI to conduct rapid DNA booking operations. Sgt. Dustin Dwight says the technology has the potential to keep criminals from being unknowingly released prior to the return of traditional DNA results.

Cut 13 (10) “…linked to a crime.”

Dwight says for more than three years the state crime lab has been working with the FBI and other states to develop the Rapid DNA program. He gives the crime lab full credit for the achievement of being the first state in the country to implement the program.

Cut 14 (10)  “…more safe.”

When a qualified arrestee’s DNA sample is collected it’s run in the Combined DNA Index System and if it’s linked to a sample collected at a previous crime scene Dwight says all the involved law enforcement agencies are alerted.

Cut 15 (05)  “…as well.”

The first Rapid DNA instrument was installed at the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and the state crime lab will add three more at other agencies in the state by the end of next year.

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LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte says she’s 100 percent after undergoing two surgeries on his ankle. Boutte, who is a potential first-round pick next year, says winning the Biletnikoff Award is one of the goals

Cut 16 (15)  “…just excited”

Boutte admits he looked at transferring when a new coaching staff came in, but he’s built trust with head coach Brian Kelly’s staff

Cut 17 (15) “.to that” 

One of the new additions to LSU’s roster is running back Noah Cain, who has transferred in from Penn State. The junior from Baton Rouge says Frank Wilson’s return as the team’s running backs coach is one of the reasons he chose to come back home…

cut  18 (18) “   player overall”

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The Ragin Cajuns are going through their first preseason camp with Michael Desormeaux as its head coach. The former U-L Lafayette quarterback spent the last six seasons on the Ragin Cajuns staff and was co-offensive coordinator last year. Desormeaux says his promotion to head coach doesn’t change his mindset

 cut 19 (20) _“…Saturdays” 

The big storyline at Cajuns’ camp is the battle for starting quarterback between sophomore Chandler Fields and junior Ben Wooldridge. Desormeaux says the staff is 100-percent confident in both guys

Cut 20 (19) “ …to everyone” 

It’s National Oyster Day but how is the state’s oyster industry fairing? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Five years ago Louisiana enacted the most comprehensive criminal justice reform in state history. The goal was to safely reduce the state’s high imprisonment rate, but now there’s a change. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”  

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It’s National Oyster Day and the Bayou State is very familiar with the well-loved seafood, but the local industry has been in serious recovery mode thanks to the last two hurricane seasons. Oyster Task Force Chairman Mitch Jurisich says they are starting to see oyster spawns.

Cut 3 (11) “…market time.” 

He says Ida wiped out the Houma area, and in Plaquemines Parish, they lost about 30 percent of their crop, and other areas lost as much as 80 percent.

In addition to hurricanes, freshwater released from the Bonnet Carre spillway also damaged oyster beds. But Jurisich, a third-generation oyster farmer says Louisiana still holds a claim to fame with oysters.

Cut 4  (09) “…by a thread.”

Even though the industry is in recovery mode, Jurisich says they are hopeful they will continue to rebound and that the current and future hurricane seasons are kind. He says as long as there are oysters to be harvested, farmers will continue to take pride in their work.

Cut 5  (08) “…biggest and the best.”

So in honor of National Oyster Day be sure to consume some Louisiana oysters today.

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Based on data collected by the Public Affairs Research Council, Louisiana has the second highest incarceration rate in the country. PAR President Steven Procopio says Mississippi was number one…

Cut 6   (06) “…570” 

Following Mississippi and Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Alabama rank in the top five for the highest incarceration rates. Procopio says once you get past the top five, the incarceration rate really falls off…

Cut 7 (08) “.. of our 570.” 

Procopio says a major issue in Louisiana and the rest of the country is the number of inmates who return to prison within five years after being released. He says the three-year recidivism rate for those convicted of crimes in Louisiana is 34-percent

Cut 8 (06) “…violent crime”

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Police Baton Rouge arrest a 20-year-old Houma man for the alleged rape of an underage girl. BRPD spokesman Sgt. L’Jean (EL-gene) McKneely says 20-year-old Kwan Allen made contact with the 16-year-old girl via social media; representing himself being much younger. McKneely says he courted the girl online , via SnapChat, for weeks before enticing her to a meeting at the Mall of Louisiana…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…upon her.”

McKneely says the victim’s 8-year-old sister was waiting in the teen girls’ car, while the assault was occurring in Allen’s vehicle. He says the victim did the smartest thing next; she went straight home and then to a hospital, where a sexual assault kit was performed..:

Cut 10 (07) “…to a hospital.” 

The girl could not fight Allen off because he was so much bigger. The attack occurred in late May. A warrant was issued for Allen’s arrest in early June, and he was apprehended Wednesday and charged with sexual battery and 2^nd degree rape. McKneely says parents need to be aware of their children’s online activities…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…has happened.”

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The Great American Seafood Cook is Saturday in New Orleans and Amanda Cusey of Lake Charles will try to beat out 13 other chefs from around the country to be named the Queen of American Seafood. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Cusey is the executive chef at Lake Charles’s “The Villa Harlequin”….

Cut 12 (09) “…and cheated.”  

Cusey received her Cordon Bleu training in England and worked at several restaurants in England Ireland until she became a head chef at Italian inspired pop-up restaurant in Dublin.

Opening ceremonies are at 11:15 at the New Orleans Convention Center and Nungesser says the cooks have a limited amount of time to cook up their best seafood dish in front of a live audience and nationally acclaimed judges…

Cut 13 (09) “…and tasting.”

Each dish will be scored based on presentation, creativity, composition, craftmanship and flavor. Biloxi, Mississippi chef Austin Sumrall won last year. Nungesser says it’s great to have tis competition in New Orleans, which has the best tasting seafood in the world…

Cut 14 (12)  “…our crabs.”