A grand jury in the Third Judicial District convenes today to determine if the State Troopers involved in the 2019 roadside fatal arrest death of Black motorist Ronald Greene should face state criminal charges. It doesn’t appear the federal government will bring charges against those troopers and Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says that doesn’t preclude the state from bringing charges.
Cut 4 (11) “…grand jury.”

Last Tuesday’s midterm elections did not produce the big Red Wave many predicted. It appears, when all is done & counted, Congress will be about as divided as it has been in modern times. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says to look for at least two years of gridlock but that doesn’t mean zero progress at all…:
Cut 10 (10) “…very few of those things.”

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you might want to buy your turkey sooner than later. Brooke Thorington tells us why.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Lots of folks expressing shock and surprise to learn Shreveport’s wastewater contains high levels of methamphetamine…but Brook Thorington spoke with one person who was not…:

CUT 02  (33)        “…Thorington.”

Recent rain has led to Jeff Davis Parish Parish canceling the outdoor burn ban that had been in place since early October. Calcasieu and Vernon parishes have also lifted their burn bans.

Melon smashing comic Gallagher has died at age 76. Yes, he is a distant relative, and no, I’ve never met the man.

The recent resignation of Department of Children & Family Services Secretary Marketa Walters has brought attention on the agency’s challenges in handling thousands of child welfare cases statewide. This after two toddler in Baton Rouge died from fentanyl overdoses while under DCFS overwatch. Baton Rouge state Senator Regina Barrow also chairs the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. She says she looks forward to speaking with newly-promoted DCFS head Terri Ricks about resolving problems…:

CUT 13(08)      “…have these hiccups.”

Governor Edwards accepted the resignation of DCFs Secretary Marketa Walters earlier this week.

The Governor spoke at Veterans Day ceremonies in Iberville Parish Friday. Mr. Edwards is a U.S. Army vet, and says should appreciate our veterans because so many of them volunteered to serve. Nearly a quarter-million Louisianans are military vets; over 30-thousand of them are women.

Under fire for the fentanyl-related deaths of two toddlers who were under care of the Department of Children & Family Services, the head of that agency has resigned. With Marketa Garner Walters out, Deputy Secretary Terri Ricks takes the head job. State Senator Regina Barrow, of Baton Rouge, chairs a Senate committee overseeing women and child welfare issues. She says it is true that DCFS is understaffed, and many case workers are overworked and underpaid…but nevertheless they must be held accountable…:

CUT 14  (06)        “…had done their job.”

She says it may be time for an overhaul at DCFS.

The LSU Tigers will likely have heaters on the sidelines and extra blankets for their matchup against unranked Arkansas today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’ll be pretty nippy in Fayetteville…:

CUT 22  (07)        “chilly out there.”

Kickoff is at 11am.

After a report showing Shreveport’s wastewater contains double the amount of methamphetamine of anywhere else in the country, many folks were shocked. But not Louisiana Addiction Research Center director Nick Goeders. He says it didn’t surprise him whatsoever…:

CUT 09(13)      “…last ten years.”

The City of Shreveport’s water system purifies wastewater before it’s re-used, but Goeders says he’s concerned about rural water systems and their levels of contamination.

Lafayette Police seek a woman they say impersonated a nurse to gain access to employees only areas of a local hospital, where she helped herself to other peoples’ wallets and credit cards. They used security cam images compared with social media posts to identify Lakeshia Kennedy; now sought for felony theft. She’s wanted for the same crimes committed in Opelousas and in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Lots of folks expressing shock and surprise to learn Shreveport’s wastewater contains high levels of methamphetamine…but Brook Thorington spoke with one person who was not…:

CUT 02  (33)        “…Thorington.”

Recent rain has led to Jeff Davis Parish Parish canceling the outdoor burn ban that had been in place since early October. Calcasieu and Vernon parishes have also lifted their burn bans.

Melon smashing comic Gallagher has died at age 76. Yes, he is a distant relative, and no, I’ve never met the man.

The recent resignation of Department of Children & Family Services Secretary Marketa Walters has brought attention on the agency’s challenges in handling thousands of child welfare cases statewide. This after two toddler in Baton Rouge died from fentanyl overdoses while under DCFS overwatch. Baton Rouge state Senator Regina Barrow also chairs the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. She says she looks forward to speaking with newly-promoted DCFS head Terri Ricks about resolving problems…:

CUT 13(08)      “…have these hiccups.”

Governor Edwards accepted the resignation of DCFs Secretary Marketa Walters earlier this week.

The Governor spoke at Veterans Day ceremonies in Iberville Parish Friday. Mr. Edwards is a U.S. Army vet, and says should appreciate our veterans because so many of them volunteered to serve. Nearly a quarter-million Louisianans are military vets; over 30-thousand of them are women.

An elderly East Baton Rouge Parish woman is recovering from injuries sustained when her car went into a ditch, became airborne and went through the roof of a home in Zachary. It happened shortly after 5 Friday evening. Two kids were inside the home at the time, but escaped unhurt. First responders think the woman suffered kind of health issue while driving. She is alive, but her exact condition is unknown.

The rain is beginning to lighten up and behind it, you can feel that cool air moving in. State Climatologist Barry Keim says afternoon highs today will struggle to get beyond 60, and get an extra blanket for tonight…:

CUT 04  (08)        “coastal zone.”

He says expect cool temperatures right through next week.

A Jefferson Parish mom is arrested for arming her son and driving him in search of a teen who threatened to shoot him earlier. No one was hurt in the resulting rolling gun fight. 36-year-old Terrica Griffin of Kenner, and her 15-year-old son are in custody.

LSU looks to avoid a letdown today when they face unranked Arkansas. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Palermo.”

The resignation of DCFS Secretary Marketa Walters has brought attention on the agency’s challenges of handling thousands of child welfare cases. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow also chairs a select Committee on Women and Children and says Walters stepping down won’t instantly fix problems, and there needs to be a focus going forward…:

Cut 12 (08) “….repeated issues.” 

Barrow admits DCFS is understaffed, and workers are underpaid for their demanding jobs… but the agency still needs an overhaul.

A strong cold front swings through the state Friday evening and into Saturday bringing fall temperatures. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll get some rain before the chill arrives…

Cut 5 (07) “…next week” 

Wastewater in Shreveport has twice the national average of meth.  Nick Goeders Executive Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center says Shreveport’s water system purifies wastewater before it’s reused but he’s concerned about rural water systems and how meth in wastewater could impact the environment and food system.

Cut 11 (12)  “…contaminant.”

In Europe studies indicate meth in wastewater is contaminating lakes and has been found in trout.

Veteran’s Day recognizes those who’ve served in the armed forces and while speaking at a Veteran’s Day event in Iberville Parish, Governor John Bel Edwards, who is a U-S Army veteran, says the thank yous should not be designated for only Veteran’s Day…

Cut 6 (12)  “…please do that”

After the resignation of Department of Children & Family Service Secretary Marketa Walters this week, a state Senator who over sees woman & child welfare concerns says it may be time for an overhaul at DCFS. Two toddlers have died from fentanyl overdoses in just a few months, and both were DCFs cases. The agency had been tipped off that the kids might be in peril. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow understands the agency is understaffed and what case workers they have are overworked and underpaid, but says – nevertheless – they must be held accountable…:

CUT 14  (06)        “…had done their job.”

Deputy Secretary Terri Ricks has been promoted up to the top spot at DCFS.

Get ready for some pretty cool weather moving into Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’ll be downright COLD by Sunday morning…:

CUT 04  (08)        “coastal zone.”

While some might be surprised at a study indicating wastewater in Shreveport contains twice the national average of methamphetamine, Brooke Thorington spoke with someone who wasn’t surprised. Not one bit…:

CUT 02  (33)        “…Thorington.”

A Jefferson Parish mom is arrested for arming her son and driving him in search of a teen who threatened to shoot him earlier. No one was hurt in the resulting rolling gun fight. 36-year-old Terrica Griffin of Kenner, and her 15-year-old son are in custody.

After a report was released showing Shreveport’s wastewater contains double the amount of methamphetamine than water systems anywhere else in the country, many were shocked. But Louisiana Addiction Research Center director Nick Goeders says it didn’t surprise him at all. He says they use specialized equipment to detect meth in wastewater and when the results came in for Shreveport he called for a recount…:

CUT 10(11)      “…than we got.”

Shreveport’s water system purifies wastewater before it’s reused, but Goeders says he’s concerned about rural water systems and their levels of the dangerous drug.

After we get some rain tonight and tomorrow, get ready for some really Autumn-like temperatures for about a week. State Climatologist Berry Keim says the rain comes first though…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…assure you.”

He says the cool temperatures will be with us right through next week.

Best wishes to all our Louisiana military veterans. Governor John Bel Edwards, a U.S. Army vet, spoke today at a Veterans Day event in Iberville Parish. He spoke of his recent trip to Europe and a visit to the battlefields of Normandy and D-Day, and how that inspired him…:

CUT 08  (12)        “…for granted.”

Earlier this week, the governor accepted the resignation of Department of Children & Family Services secretary Marketa Walters, who was under fire for infant deaths from fentanyl that slipped through the cracks at her agency. Baton Rouge state Senator Regina Barrow chairs a legislative committee on women & children’s welfare. She says she looks forward to talking with new Secretary Terri Porche Ricks about DCFS’s future..:

CUT 13  (08)        “…have these hiccups.”

She feels an overhaul of DCFS may be needed.

Some might be surprised – even shocked – at a study indicating wastewater in Shreveport contains twice the national average of methamphetamine. Brooke Thorington talks to one person who isn’t…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

St. Landry Parish officials say the town of Melville will move forward after the Election Day passing of Mayor Velma Hendrix. Another round of qualifying to run for mayor is open now through Monday. If no one does, the person with the most votes in Early Voting wins, and that would be Sheila Londerno. If others get in, the election will be December 10^th.

A strong cold front swings through the state tonight and into tomorrow bringing fall temperatures for the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll get some rain before the chill arrives…but then it’ll stay cool for several days…:

CUT 05(06)      “…most of next week.”

Observing Veterans Day today with LRN’s thanks to all those who’ve served and are serving. Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at an event in Iberville parish today. He says it’s vital the country treat its veterans well, because many of them volunteered to serve…:

CUT 07(16)      “…uniform today.”

Edwards is, himself, a U.S. Army vet. There are nearly a quarter-million veterans in Louisiana; over 30-thousand of them women.

LSU looks to avoid a let down on Saturday when they face unranked Arkansas. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

While some might be surprised a study indicates wastewater in Shreveport contains twice the national average of methamphetamine, Brooke Thorington talks to one person who isn’t.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

A strong cold front swings through the state tonight and into tomorrow bringing fall temperatures for the Bayou State for the next week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says before the cold air arrives, we’ll see some rain…

Cut 3 (08) “.assure you” 

Keim says high temperatures will struggle to get into the 60s on Saturday and mid-50s for north Louisiana, leading to a cold Sunday morning…

Cut 4 (08)  “…coastal zone.” 

Keim says once the cold air arrives, it’s sticking around as high temperatures will be in the 50s for nearly the entire state for next work week…

Cut 5 (07) “…next week” 

 ___________________________________________________

It’s Veteran’s Day a day to give a special thank you to the many men and women who have served in the military. While speaking at a Veteran’s Day event in Iberville Parish, Governor John Bel Edwards, who is  a U-S Army veteran, said the thank yous should not be designated for today only…

Cut 6 (12)  “…please do that”

There are 283-thousand veterans in Louisiana, 33-thousand of them are women. Edwards says it’s vital the country treat its veterans well, because many of them volunteered to enter one of our military branches

Cut 7 (16)  “…uniform today”

Edwards says this last year, the state’s Military Family Assistance Fund allocated 180-thousand dollars to military families who needed financial relieve because of an unanticipated emergency.

During an economic development trip in August to Europe, Governor Edwards stopped in France to visit the D-Day Battlefields in Normandy. He says the trip inspired him and it’s his hope Americans never take for granted our brave military

Cut 8 (12)  “…for granted“

Edwards spoke at Plaquemine City Hall during an Iberville Salute to Veterans.

 _______________________________________

After a report showing Shreveport’s wastewater contained double the amount of meth in the system than anywhere else in the country many were shocked. But Nick Goeders (rhymes with Chedders) Executive Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center says it didn’t surprise him whatsoever.

Cut 9 (13)  “…last ten years.

Goeders says they use specialized equipment to detect meth in wastewater and when the results came in for Shreveport he called for a recount.

Cut 10 (11) “…than we got.” 

In March the President signed the Methamphetamine Response Act which tasks the Office of the National Drug Control Policy to identify how bad the problem is and find solutions. Goeders is optimistic the act will make a difference for addicts.

And while the City of Shreveport’s water system purifies wastewater before it’s reused, Goeders says he’s concerned about rural water systems and how meth in wastewater could impact the environment and food system.

Cut 11 (12)  “…contaminant.”

He says in Europe studies indicate meth in wastewater is contaminating lakes and has been found in trout.

__________________________________________

The resignation of Department of Children & Family Services Secretary Marketa Walters has brought attention on the agency’s challenges in handling thousands of child welfare cases statewide. Baton Rouge state Senator Regina Barrow also chairs The Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. She says Walters stepping down at DCFS won’t instantly fix problems, and that needs to be a focus going forward…:

Cut 12 (08) “….repeated issues.” 

Two small children have died from fentanyl overdoses in recent months; both in Baton Rouge and in both cases the agency was warned the children might be in peril. The controversy led to Secretary Walters resigning this week. Deputy Secretary Terri Porche Ricks takes over at DCFS immediately. Barrow says she looks forward to talking with the new boss…:

Cut 13 (08) “…don’t have these hiccups.”  

Barrow admits DCFS is under-staffed, and case workers are underpaid for their long and demanding hours. She says, nevertheless, an overhaul at DCFS may be called for…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…had done their job.”