Governor John Bel Edwards declares a State of Emergency due to the extreme heat. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says the prolonged blazing temperatures are having multiple impacts on the state, and the declaration authorizes the use of resources to help response efforts.:
Cut 13 (09) “to take place”
Drought conditions are putting stress on water supplies and agriculture, and the state has already exceeded the average number of heat related emergency room visits. Forecasters say there are no signs of significant cooling anytime soon.

Then there’s the fires which have popped up throughout the state over the past week. In Sabine Parish, a massive wildfire broke out Monday which is now contained, but authorities say remains a serious situation. At least eight houses have been destroyed or heavily damaged and yesterday afternoon residents of the Plain View community were urged to evacuate. Law enforcement is still patrolling the area looking for any new fires or flare-ups.

Gas prices nationally are the highest they’ve been in about 10 months, at $3.85 for a gallon of regular, but have remained steady in Louisiana for a week or so. That’s according to AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman who says the price at the pump here is $3.43 on average…:
CUT 7 (11) “a barrel”
But the current statewide average is still 30 cents higher than the prior month.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s husband has passed away. The Mayor’s Office released a statement Monday announcing Jason Cantrell died but did not detail the circumstances.

The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the huge wildfire in Mount Hermon…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Meanwhile, Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency due to the excessive heat. The move will free up more state resources that can be used to combat heat-related emergencies. Since early June, there have been 16 heat-related deaths statewide already. The YEARLY average is about 10.

St. Tammany Parish deputies are investigating a shooting in Mandeville that left a husband and wife dead. Investigators say a man was shot inside his home – allegedly by his wife – and went to a neighbor for help. He died at a local ER. Officers went to the home and found the wife dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. The incident remains under investigation.

The First Gentleman of the city of New Orleans has passed away. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office released a statement announcing the Mayor’s husband Jason Cantrell died, but did not detail the circumstances; asking instead for privacy for the mayor and her family. Mr. Cantrell spent many years as a prosecutor in Orleans Parish.

Pet shelters are under the gun; trying to provide for the surge pf dogs and cats left at their doorsteps. Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says lawmakers were asked for $3-million of the $2-billion surplus to help shelters, but they said no…:

CUT 04(09)      “…animal shelters.”

LSU received their AP ranking today and came in ranked as the 5^th best team in the country according to voters. LSU football had a media availability today and safety Greg Brooks Jr. was one of the players that took questions. Brooks Jr. has been dealing with a battle of vertigo and says that he should be fine.

Cut 26 (13) “…help the team.”

Brooks Jr does say that the secondary is getting better every day, but sometimes has to remind the group to not get complacent.

Cut 27 (14) “…every play.”

No. 5 LSU plays No. 8 Florida State on Sunday, Sept. 3 in Orlando. For more information on LSU football, go to TigerRag.com and check out the Tiger Rag Audibles Podcast.

The Saints beat the Chiefs yesterday 26-24 after jumping out to an early 17-0 lead on their first three possessions. The second touchdown the Saints scored was from rookie wide receiver A.T. Perry’s 29 yard reception from quarterback Jameis Winston. Perry ended the day with 6 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, and coach Dennis Allen was impressed by the rookie’s first NFL game.

Cut 17 (12) “…scored their first.”

One of the biggest position battles for the team is the current competition between the second cornerback spot. Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor are both competing for the spot, but Taylor gave up a big reception from the Chiefs in the first half. Allen says that Taylor playing slot versus press corner is a big difference.

Cut 19 (13) “…in the slot.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state emergency due to the extreme heat and dangerous drought conditions that have triggered a statewide open burn ban. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you must never even leave a barbecue unattended, and keep water or a hose handy when cooking out. Better yet, a fire extinguisher…:

CUT 11(10)      “…of property.”

Just since August 1^st, firefighters have battled over 160 wildfires that have destroyed over 1800 acres of land.

An arson investigation in St. Martin Parish leads to the arrest of an Arnaudville man on rape and human trafficking charges. 68-year-old Nathaniel Carry was suspected of deliberately setting a mobile home on fire in February. Investigators at his home for an interview found a 30-year-old woman, who says she was held there against her will and sexually assaulted for over a week. Carry was charged with human trafficking, aggravated rape, kidnapping, assault and possession of Schedule II drugs. The arson investigation is ongoing.

There’s been a big uptick recently in animals left at shelters across the state. Many feel inflation and the high cost of food and veterinary care is behind it. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says nearly half the state’s parishes lack facilities to provide for all the homeless dogs and cats…:

CUT 03(11)      “…the background.”

He says they asked lawmakers for $3-million of the $2-billion surplus to help, but they refused.

KPLC TV meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday, after an almost three-year battle with colon cancer. Ben shared his cancer journey with Lake Charles viewers, and Channel 7 colleague Wade Hampton says that helped others facing the disease…:

CUT 07(10)      “…their doctors.”

Ben Terry…gone at just 40 years of age.

The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the massive wildfire in Mount Hermon…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Police in Shreveport are investigating a double homicide Saturday night at a local vape store. Two men, both 19, were found dead at the shop; one inside, one out. Police ask anyone with knowledge of what happened to call SPD or Caddo Crimestoppers; 318-673-7373.

KPLC Meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday after his almost three-year battle with colon cancer. The Lake Charles weatherman guided southwest Louisiana through Hurricane Laura and lost his home in the devastation.  Fellow Channel 7 meteorologist Wade Hampton says, months after Laura, Ben received his cancer diagnosis…:

CUT 06(10)      “…loved for it.”

Ben Terry was just 40.

The Tigers have achieved their best AP preseason ranking in seven years; making the top five heading into the 2023 season. Georgia will start the season at No. 1 as they seek a third straight national championship. Michigan is at #2, Ohio State 3, Alabama at 4 and the Tigers at #5.

Drought and heat will continue to grip Louisiana for the rest of this week. Look for highs each day at around 100, with only the slimmest chances of any cooling rain.

Despite a statewide burn ban being in effect, firefighters have had to battle over 150 wildfires across the state in the past 14 days. Fires that have burned over 1800 acres of land. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says an Independence man has been arrested for a wildfire in Mt. Herman, who now is charged with violating a state burn ban, criminal negligence and more…:

CUT 10  (12)         “…that match.”

He says never leave your grill unattended and do NOT engage in any open trash or brush burning until further notice.

The First Gentleman of the city of New Orleans has passed away. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office released a statement announcing the Mayor’s husband Jason Cantrell died, but did not detail the circumstances; asking instead for privacy for the mayor and her family. Mr. Cantrell spent many years as a prosecutor in Orleans Parish.

An Ascension Parish government employee has been terminated and arrested after allegedly…peeing in the town of Donaldsonville’s water supply back in March. 57-year-old Michael Mastin was reportedly caught in the act on camera. Ascension Parish officials say the water was thoroughly tested to assure its safety. He’s been charged with Contaminating Water Supplies.

Louisiana is projected to have a $143.3 million surplus in the 2024-25 fiscal year, then shortfalls of more than $400 million the next two, based on a fiscal snapshot presented to the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee on Friday.

Inflation is causing a logjam of unwanted dogs and cats at animal shelters across the state. Louisiana Human Society director Jeff Dorson says lawmakers could have helped with some of the recent surplus funds, but didn’t. Dorson says the responsibility for these animals shouldn’t rest solely on taxpayers…:

CUT 05  (11)         “…do better.”

The husband of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has passed away. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the massive fire in Mount Hermon.

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

______________________________________

Parishes statewide are seeing a dramatic uptick in pet overpopulation issues and abandonment due to the increasing cost of pet food and veterinary care.  Director Jeff Dorson says 33 of the state’s 64 parishes lack parish-wide facilities to provide necessary services for homeless animals.

Cut 3 (11) “…the background.”

Dorson says legislators were asked to set aside $3 million in the 2023 legislative session. He says without additional funding, it is hard to address all these problems.

Cut 4 (09) “…animal shelters.”

Dorson says not only are there not enough shelters, but many of the existing shelters are in ruin and falling apart. He says the responsibility for saving pets should not rest on individuals in the community.

Cut 5 (11) “…do better.”

______________________________________________

KPLC Meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday after his almost three-year battle with colon cancer. The Lake Charles weatherman guided southwest Louisiana through Hurricane Laura and lost his home in the devastation.  Fellow meteorologist Wade Hampton says months after Laura Ben received his cancer diagnosis.

Cut 6 (10) “…loved for it.” 

In addition to southwest Louisiana, Ben shared his cancer journey on the Today Show in 2021. Hampton hopes by sharing his story that Ben helped others and raised awareness about colon cancer.

Cut 7 (10) “…their doctors.” 

After the hurricane destroyed Ben’s home, Hampton drove over to salvage what he could for Ben and find his beloved cat, Vincent. Hampton says Vincet was found safe and sound and he also recovered Ben’s meteorology degree from Mississippi State.

Cut 8 (10) “…the wall.”

The Kosciusko, Mississippi native was 40 years old.

______________________________________________

The state’s burn ban remains in place and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says since the first of August the firefighters have battled 166 fires that’s more consume more than 1,800 acres. He says that’s an average of more than ten fires a day.

Cut 9 (11)  “…a campfire.”

34-year-old Kenneth Beauboef of Independence was arrested in connection with the Mt. Hermon fire. Strain says he’s charged with violating the state’s burn ban, fire-raising, and criminal negligence.

Cut 10 (11)  “…that match.”

Strain urges the public to remain vigilant and if you must light up the barbeque, never leave the grill unattended and have water and/or an extinguisher handy.

Cut 11 (10)  “…of property.” 

Strain says of the fire in Mount Hermon the timber destroyed was approximately 10 to 15 years old.

_____________________________________________________

A statewide burn ban remains in effect, and State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says – in just two short weeks – firefighters have battled 166 fires that have consumed more than 1,800 acres. He says that’s an average of more than ten fires a day…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…a campfire.”

The Lake Charles area is mourning the death of KPLC TV weatherman Ben Terry, who passed away over the weekend after a years-long fight against colon cancer. He shared his struggles with his audience and on NBC’s Today show two years ago. Fellow Channel 7 meteorologist Wade Hampton says, by doing that, Ben helped others facing the disease…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…their doctors.”

Ben Terry was just 40 years of age.

An arson investigation in St. Martin Parish leads to the arrest of an Arnaudville man on rape and human trafficking charges. 68-year-old Nathaniel Carry was suspected of deliberately setting a mobile home on fire in February. Investigators at his home for an interview found a 30-year-old woman, who says she was held there against her will and sexually assaulted for over a week. Carry was charged with human trafficking, aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, assault and possession of a Schedule II drugs. The arson investigation is ongoing.

Animal shelters across Louisiana are experiencing big influxes of unwanted and homeless dogs and cats. Costs of pet food and veterinary care have soared, and Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says they asked lawmakers for $3-million but didn’t get it. He says without additional funding, it is hard to address needs being felt in over 30 parishes…:

Cut 04    (09)         “…animal shelters.”

The husband of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has died. More on that from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Thorington.”

Gasoline prices are at their highest levels in nearly a year. The reason? Russia and Saudi Arabia cutting production drastically. Today’s statewide average for regular is $3.43-a-gallon. Discount places are selling gas for as little As $3.05 but you have to search it out.

Animal shelters statewide are strained to bursting with unwanted pets. Some say due to inflation and the rising cost of food and veterinary care. Jeff Dorson with the state Humane Society says more than 30 of the state’s 64 parishes lack parish-wide facilities to provide necessary services for homeless animals…:

CUT 03(11)      “…the background.”

KPLC TV meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday after his almost three-year battle with colon cancer. The Lake Charles weatherman guided southwest Louisiana through Hurricane Laura and lost his home in the devastation.  Fellow meteorologist Wade Hampton says months after Laura, Ben received his cancer diagnosis…:

CUT 06(10)      “…loved for it.”

Ben Terry was just 40.

The Saints are working out former Chiefs running back Darrel Williams today after yesterday’s preseason win against Kansas City 26-24. Williams spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs before playing with the Cardinals last year.

He could be competing for significant playing time with Alvin Kamara being suspended for the first three games of the season and rookie running back Kendre Miller leaving yesterday’s game due to a knee injury. Undrafted rookie Ellis Merriweather filled in for Miller and coach Dennis Allen thinks he had a great game when his name was called.

Cut 20 (13) “…it was a good run.”

The Saints were able to score on their first three possessions and jump out to a 17-0 lead yesterday, but Allen says the level of play after that was not what it could be.

Cut 16 (10) “…executed very well.”

Saints fans got to see their new quarterback on Sunday with Derek Carr taking snaps for the first drive. He went 6 for 8 for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs first team defense. He only took 12 snaps, but Carr says he feels great with his new team.

Cut 18 (08) “…that scenario.”

LSU football’s defensive coordinator Matt House spoke on Saturday and more players will available to the media after today’ practice. The AP poll was also released at 11 this morning and LSU comes in ranked at No. 5. Georgia comes in at the top spot after back to back national championships. Alabama is ranked at No. 4, Tennessee at No. 12, Ole Miss at No. 22 and Texas a&M is at No. 23.

LSU’s week one opponent is ranked at No. 8 and the game will be the highest ranked matchup in week 1 out of all games in the country. The game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 3 in Orlando, and for more information on LSU football go to TigerRag.com.