Plans to move violent youth offenders from Bridge City to Angola are on hold. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The CDC says Louisiana’s life expectancy dropped by three years between 2019 and 2020. The state is ranked 49^th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby” 

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After several insurance companies have left our state Louisiana Citizens, the state’s last-resort property insurer has doubled its number of customers. Kevin Gallagher reports what that may mean, as the height of storm season approaches…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Plans to move violent youth offenders from the Bridge City Center for Youth to Angola are on hold after attorneys representing Louisiana youth and their families filed a motion on the grounds that it violates a juvenile’s due process. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it has merit because the US Supreme Court says you can’t treat juveniles the same as adults.

Cut 4 (10)  “…productive adults.”

A trial on the matter is scheduled for September 6^th and 7^th.

While the adult prison system’s purpose is also rehabilitation, it also includes retribution and public protection. However, Ciolino says today’s youth offender has become increasingly more violent.

Cut 5 (07) “…there is.”

Public safety came to the forefront after the most recent incident involving escapees from the Bridge City facility resulted in the shooting of a 59-year-old man who remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Judge Shelly Dick has ordered the state to submit a detailed plan on the proposed transfer to the court by September 2^nd prior to the trial. Ciolino says the plan must demonstrate how they will keep youth offenders separate from the adult population and that those juveniles will continue to receive adequate rehabilitation services.

Cut 6 (10)  “…differently.”

In addition to their detailed plan, the state has to provide the proposed list of juveniles to be transferred to Angola along with their guardian’s information to the court by Wednesday. Attorneys who filed the complaint have until Monday to interview juveniles who reside in the Bridge City facility.

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Louisiana ranks 49^th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in life expectancy. That’s according to the latest CDC data which says Louisiana’s life expectancy in 2020 was 73 years, a decline of almost three years from 2019. Dr. Benjamin Springgate is Chief of Community and Population Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans and he says the pandemic played a significant role in a lower life expectancy…

Cut 7 (13) “…in life expectancy.”

He says the increase is due to a combination of COVID deaths, poor health care, and drug deaths. He says the increase in drug deaths is tied to the opioid crisis and stressors caused by the COVID pandemic.

Cut 8 (12)  “…overdose deaths.”

Springgate recommends the state invest more in access to prevention treatment, which is far more cost-effective than jamming emergency rooms.

Cut 9 (06)  “…intensive care unit.”

It’s not all bad news though. Springgate says the expansion of access to insurance and health care means Louisiana is definitely making progress. He believes Louisiana is slowly moving in the right direction.

_______________________________________________

State officials say fatal vehicle crashes caused by drunk drivers are the leading cause of highway deaths—and the problem appears to be getting worse. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says drunken driving deaths were up eleven percent in 2020 compared to 2019. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says 40-percent of fatal accidents are caused by drunk drivers.

Cut 10 (10) “…in a crash.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway through Labor Day.

Cut  11 (07)  “…the message.” 

Lambert says the Commission pays for extra law enforcement patrols during peak driving times, such as Labor Day. They are specially trained to look for the signs of drunk drivers.

Cut 12 (11) “…been drinking.” 

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As the state heads into the heart of hurricane season, the state-run last-resort property insurer, Louisiana Citizens, has doubled its number of properties covered in just two years. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Citizens was covering 50-thousand before Hurricane Laura in 2020, But after Laura and Delta – followed by Hurricane Ida last year – another 50-thousand have had no choice but to go with Citizens. He says that’s about 100-thousand policies…:

Cut 13 (11) “…last spring.”

Donelon says Citizens – like all other property insurers – needs re-insurance; basically their own insurance to cover the cost of claims. He says Citizens’ current re-insurance coverage is for 50-thousand policies…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…a hundred thousand policies.”

Citizens has $150-million on-hand; ready to meet the possible demand of 2022 storm claims. Donelon says the bulwark insurer requested a line of credit from the state Bond Commission last week…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…as we were last year.”

Donelon says Citizens’ customers needn’t fear they will not be covered if there is a disaster this year. By law, they WILL be. If necessary, assessments will be added to ALL property policies in the state, as they were after Katrina and Rita in 2005.

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Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was still not at practice Tuesday, but quarterback Jameis Winston and defensive end Marcus Davenport took part in team drills. Davenport is coming back after offseason shoulder surgery and having a part of his left pinkie amputated. Coach Dennis Allen says he’s pleased with Davenport’s progress, but there’s still more work…

Cut 16 (18)  “…drills today.”

Saints tight end Taysom Hill was back at practice yesterday after missing a few days with an injury. Allen says Hill is also progressing well…

Cut 17 (24) “..that position” 

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly is not ready to make a decision on starting quarterback. Kelly says Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier are neck-and-neck…

Cut  18 (14)“…pretty close”

Kelly knows they’ll have to make a decision in the next few days with the season opener right around the corner on September fourth against Florida State….

 Cut 19 (16) “…the SEC” 

On the defensive side of the football, sophomore defensive tackle Maason Smith is expected to have a big season. Kelly likes that Smith wants to get better…

Cut 20 (22) “ …stands out” 

Hello Affiliates,

Today, we replaced an older operaring computer with a newer one that caused a major disruption in our newsroom, which prevented us from producing a PM Newscall. You may have noticed our 12:30 and 1:30 newscasts were replays of older newscalls. Sorry for the inconvenience and we will have a morning newscall for you tomorrow. If you are looking for fresh sound, check out our newscasts from the 2:30 newscast on, some new sound is contained in those newscasts.

Jeff Palermo

Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell for a second straight month in July, to its lowest level ever. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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An investigation determines hospital staff contacted the Department of Children and Family Services three times about potential substance abuse involving a two-year-old child before he died of a fentanyl overdose. Kevin Gallagher reports…

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

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Two years since Hurricane Laura slammed southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish schools are still in need of repairs. Marsanne Golsby…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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For a second straight month, Louisiana set a record-low unemployment rate in July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says the seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment is 3.6-percent. She says, coincidentally, the EMPLOYMENT rate is looking very good…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…is high as well.”

Cates says unemployment dropped slightly from June to July, and is now nearly 2-percent lower than one year ago. July 2022 figures estimate slightly over 2-million people in Louisiana are currently employed. Cates hopes the state can grow its workforce through LWC’s “Tech Ready Louisiana” program, which offers free online courses to prepare people for the workplace.

Cut 5 (10) “…essential skills.”

Cates says July saw the state add over 13-thousand jobs in business & professional, government jobs, and education and health jobs. She says Tech Ready will help to bring the jobless rate even lower in the months ahead…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…and top level.”

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The Department of Children and Family Services admits they were contacted three times by hospital staff about the well-being of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson before he died from a fentanyl overdose on June 26th. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says a case worker assigned to Mitchell’s case was on sick leave when he died and a supervisor failed to follow up on the third report…

Cut 7 (08) “…in time”

The supervisor has resigned and the case worker who was on sick leave has been suspended.

Walters says in response to this tragedy, the department has made several policy changes. She says if a small child consumes or ingests a controlled dangerous substance it will warrant an immediate trip to the home

Cut 8 (08)  “…priority response.”

Walters says they are also taking immediate steps to shore up the staff, which means robust training and coaching of staff and also increasing staffing, so they are hiring, if you want to help out children in need

Cut 9 (12)  “…looking for”

But New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says increased staffing will not solve the problems within D-C-F-S, he’s calling for changes in leadership.

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U.L. Lafayette is now ranked among the nation’s top 100 public research universities. The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) annual Higher Education Research & Development Survey (HERD) ranks ULL 94th among 655 colleges that do research. ULL’s Vice President for Research & Innovation Dr. Ramesh Kolluru (ko-LOO-roo) says it’s an important distinction for a Louisiana university…:

Cut 10 (09) “…in the top 100.”

Last year, the school invested over $181-million in R & D; a 193-percent increase in funding over 8 years. Kolluru says ULL’s contributions to science and health are something few people are aware of…including one very major project in recent years…:

Cut  11 (10)  “…emergency authorization.” 

In addition to COVID vaccine research that led the Pfizer shots, ULL has been active in numerous ground breaking R & D advances. Kolluru says the university is always competitive in obtaining federal and state grants and private sector contracts. He says ULL is proud to have the designation as an NSF Center of Excellence in Big Data and Data Science…:

Cut 12 (09) “…today and tomorrow.” 

Kolluru expects that ULL’s ranking among R & D colleges will rise even higher next year.

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Several Calcasieu Parish School buildings are still under repair from Hurricane Laura—which struck southwest Louisiana as a category four storm two years ago. One of the strongest storms to ever make landfall in Louisiana did at least 400 million dollars’ worth of damage to the schools alone. But Schools superintendent Shannon LaFargue says they’ve made a lot of progress.

Cut 13 (08) “…sense of normalcy.”

FEMA has just announced an additional three point four million dollars in Hurricane Laura relief.

Lafargue says the school system has maxed out its insurance and really needs FEMA’s help.

Cut 14 (10)  “…week to week”

He says most of the roofs were repaired by temporary fixes that won’t hold up if southwest Louisiana takes another direct hit from a major hurricane. But Lafargue says despite the physical condition of some of their schools, the school system saw an increase in LEAP scores.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the classroom.”

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Senior running back John Emery Junior might not be available for the season opener against Florida State. Emery was academically ineligible last season and Coach Brian Kelly could not provide information on why Emery’ status for the season opener…

Cut 16 (12)  “…with football.”

Emery has been running with the second team in practice. Penn State transfer Noah Cain and sophomore Armoni Goodwin have been getting first-team reps. Kelly says the running backs room lacks a player like Leonard Fournette, but it’s still a solid group

Cut 17 (18) “…at that position” 

Kelly was worried about the tight end position heading into preseason camp, but the emergence of freshman Mason Taylor has been one of the positives…

Cut  18 (17)“…quite easily.”

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The Saints have one more preseason game to go and it’s this Friday at home against the Chargers. Mostly back-ups played in last Friday’s 20-10 loss to Green Bay. Rookie left tackle Trevor Penning looked more comfortable against the Packers compared to how he played in the preseason opener…

 Cut 19 (19) “…was good” 

Third-string Q-B Ian Book played the entire game in Green Bay. He threw a touchdown pass to Chris Olave but he also turned it over two times….

Cut 20 (20) “ …got to fix.” 

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.

____________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________

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”