The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Vidalia man for human trafficking. CPSO spokesperson Brandy Spears says their Cyber Crime Unit began working the case Monday and Wednesday they located 45-year-old Quentin Smith in Fayette, Mississippi.
Cut 4 (11) “…narcotics to underage victims.”
Smith is accused of transporting the victims to locations in Concordia Parish and Adams County, Mississippi. Detectives refer to the locations as trap houses where adults would engage in sexual activity with unconscious victims.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the USDA has agreed to purchase 25-million dollars worth of Gulf of Mexico shrimp. Graves says Louisiana’s shrimp industry has faced several hardships in a row, Hurricane Ida, unfair trade practices and inflation. He says this is help for shrimpers right now, but not a permanent fix…
cut 11 (07) “…disaster assistance”

Louisiana lottery officials say tickets are selling fast for the $800 million Powerball drawing Saturday night. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

We’ll see some much needed rain move into Louisiana late this afternoon and tonight. There’s a chance for severe weather tomorrow morning for southeast Louisiana.

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a Vidalia man for human trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana lottery officials say tickets are selling fast for the $800 million Powerball drawing Saturday night. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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Congressman Garret Graves announces some federal help for Louisiana’s struggling wild-caught shrimp industry. Kevin Gallagher mas more…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Vidalia man for human trafficking. CPSO spokesperson Brandy Spears says their Cyber Crime Unit began working on the case on Monday and on Wednesday they located 45-year-old Quentin Smith in Fayette, Mississippi.

Cut 4 (11)  “…narcotics to underage victims.”

Smith is accused of transporting the victims to locations in Concordia Parish and Adams County, Mississippi. Detectives refer to the locations as trap houses where adults would engage in sexual activity with unconscious victims.

Spears says Smith’s arrest was a joint effort among several law enforcement agencies and says this is their first arrest for human trafficking, but when it comes to child solicitation….

Cut 5 (09) “…year or so.”

The investigation is ongoing, and Spears encourages the public if they have any information concerning the case or if they suspect such activity to contact the office directly or they can also make an anonymous report by downloading their mobile app.

Cut 6 (09)  “…completely anonymous.” 

Smith is charged with human trafficking, second-degree rape, two counts of cruelty to juveniles, and attempted sexual battery. More charges are expected in this case.

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The huge Powerball jackpot just keeps rolling over. No winning tickets were sold for Wednesday night’s $700 million jackpot. Saturday night’s 800-million dollar jackpot is now the second-largest in the game’s history and fifth largest U.S. jackpot. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says sales have definitely picked up.

Cut 7 (09) “…3 point 2 million.”

This is the 37th drawing of the current cycle that started on August 6th. The last big prize was won on August third in Pennsylvania for a ticket that was worth nearly 207-million dollars

Cut 8 (08)  “…after the drawing’s held.”

He says there are thousands of Louisiana winners in every drawing, and you don’t have to match all six of the numbers to win a prize. The odds of hitting the jackpot are one in 292.2 million. The odds of hitting other smaller prizes offered by the Louisiana Lottery are as high as one in 25.

Cut 9 (07)  “…jackpot run.”

Tickets for Saturday’s Powerball drawing must be purchased by 9 PM.

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Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves announces federal help for an ailing Louisiana shrimping industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will purchase up to $25-million in wild-caught shrimp; a deal he worked to secure with Alabama Congressman Jerry Carl. Graves says shrimpers have had to cope with natural disasters, inflation, rising fuel costs, and a market glutted with imports from Asia…:

Cut 10 (06) “…keep that industry afloat.” 

The money will go to purchase shrimp from wholesalers and directly from shrimpers, letting the money flow more directly to those who need it. Once purchased, the product will be sent to numerous school lunch programs, food banks, and others as a much-needed source of protein…so the shrimp won’t go to waste. Graves says this is help for shrimpers right now, and not intended as a permanent fix for any of the larger issues causing problems for Gulf Coast shrimpers…:

Cut  11 (07)  “…disaster assistance.”

Graves says unfair trade practices make unregulated (and often un-inspected) foreign seafood more attractive to some buyers, which hurts domestic production. He says he and colleagues in congress will work to rectify that…:

Cut 12 (07) “…level playing field.” 

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There’s some welcome news for your outdoor plants and yards as significant rain is in the forecast for Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says according to the latest drought monitor, nearly the entire state is under drought and some areas are even considered in severe drought.

Cut 13 (11) “…overnight tonight.”

For the past month, Keim says the state has only averaged about a half-inch of rain when three-and-a-half to four inches of rain is considered normal for this time period.

Cut 14 (10)  “…need the rain.”

So, if you have any outdoor plans today or tomorrow, Keim says the rain will be moving from west to east across the state.

Cut 15 (11)  “…spill over into Saturday morning.”

And while usually significant rainfall is followed by cooler temps Keim says that won’t be the case after this front moves through and the mercury should follow the same pattern, we’ve been experiencing.

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Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a talk with the team after last Thursday’s loss in Arizona about returning to the swagger, confidence, and success of the Sean Payton era. Being part of winning teams in all of his past 6 years with the Black and Gold, Kamara reinforced the importance of accountability and leadership…

Cut 16 (16)  “…say it so.” 

The New Orleans offense has struggled since the retirement of future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, but Kamara believes they still have all the pieces to find success without him. He knows that football will go on in New Orleans no matter who suits up Sunday…

Cut 17 (13) “…New Orleans Saints” 

Despite the controversy surrounding the quarterback position, injuries, and coaching changes the Saints’ offense has found its stride in the last 4 weeks under newly-named starting quarterback Andy Dalton. The Saints haven’t produced results in that span, but Dalton says it’s important to learn from the losses and take away the positives despite the outcomes…

Cut 18 (15) “…into wins.” 

The 2-5 Saints have a chance to improve their record Sunday at 12:00 against the Raiders.

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Louisiana Tech returns to action tonight as they travel to Miami to face FIU. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 42-41 overtime loss to Rice on homecoming last weekend. LA Tech started strong and didn’t lose the lead until there were only 10 minutes left in the game. Head Coach Sonny Cumbie says the team grew from the loss…

Cut 19 (16) “…individually improve.”

Both starting quarterback Parker McNeil and backup quarterback Matthew Downing exited the game with injuries Saturday. Downing has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, but McNeil’s status for this week is still uncertain. If he’s unable to go, it will be up to third-string freshman quarterback Landry Lyddy to lead the Bulldogs. Lyddy was 3 for 6 with 38 yards and 2 touchdowns in his emergency appearance and impressed Cumbie with his poise in a high-pressure situation…

Cut 20 (15) “…day-to-day basis.”

The Bulldogs take the field tonight at 7 PM on CBS

Louisiana’s all-time winningest college basketball coach, Mike McConathy is seeking to replace Natchitoches Senator Louis Bernard, who is not running for re-election. L-S-U Shreveport Professor Jeff Sadow says before coaching at Northwestern, McConathy ran the Bossier Parish Community College program from 1983 to 99, so he knows the district very well…

Cut 14 (12)  “…in Bossier Parish.” 

State representative Alan Seabaugh is also running.

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Coach Brandon Landers and some assistant coaches after they were involved in a physical altercation with law enforcement and fans at the Franklin Parish football game last Friday night. Announcer Matt Reynolds says the Carroll coaches were told numerous times to stop using profanity and when officers tried to remove them things got ugly

Cut 7 (09) “..going home”

Encouraging news for people with pre-diabetes or those with mild cases of diabetes.  A new study from Tulane University says a low-carb diet helps people lower their blood sugar and lose weight—even without medication. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

The Coast Guard rescued two people from a helicopter that went down yesterday in the Gulf, nearly 50-miles offshore from Morgan City. There were three people aboard; the pilot and two passengers. The body of the third person was found in the submerged chopper. The accident is under investigation.

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight assistant coaches for the rest of the season after they scuffled with fans and law enforcement during last Friday’s game at Franklin Parish…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”

The Coast Guard has rescued two people from a helicopter that went down yesterday in the Gulf, nearly 50-miles offshore from Morgan City. There were three people aboard; the pilot and two passengers. The body of the third person was found in the submerged chopper. The accident is under investigation.

A new study from Tulane University says a low-carb diet can cut dangerous blood sugar levels in those with pre-diabetes or mild diabetes. Tulane Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Kirsten Dorans says the results are the first indication that people who are not already being treated with medications that lower blood sugar can benefit from a low-carb diet alone…:

CUT 03(09)      “…low carb group.”

Today is National Black Cat Day, a day to recognize this unique feline and bring about awareness especially just before Halloween that a black cat is neither evil nor unlucky. Isabell Haas with the Louisiana SPCA says sadly this time of year incidents of cruelty among black cats increase due to misconceptions about them…:

CUT 09(08)      “…as well.”

She asks you consider adopting a homeless cat, especially a black cat.

A skirmish with cops that happened last Friday night at a high school football game in Franklin Parish has resulted in Carroll High Coach Brandon Landers and 8 of his staff suspended for the rest of the season. Game announcer Matt Reynolds says the fracas broke out late in the game…:

CUT 06(12)      “…the stands.”

Archaeologists are asking people going to visit a century old shipwreck exposed by low Mississippi River waters at Baton Rouge to please look but do not touch. Scientists say some sightseers are taking pieces of the “Brookhill” with them when they leave the sight. They ask you take nothing from the site and leave only your footprints. Under normal river conditions the “Brookhill” wreck is under 6 or more feet of water.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre says his detectives are searching for a Larose man allegedly connected with two drug overdoses this week; one of them fatal. 18-year-old Blayne Terrebonne is wanted for dealing drugs. A 15-year-old girl is dead and a 16-year-old boy ism in the hospital, and deputies say they got the drugs from Terrebonne. They’ll take tips on his whereabouts at 985-532-4320.

Louisiana’s winningest college basketball coach, Mike McConathy, officially launches his run for the state legislature at an event tonight. District 31 senator Louie Bernard is not seeking re-election, and McConathy says he’s running for the office. LSU Shreveport political science Professor Jeff Sadow says he is so well-known in that area as a coach that should help the 66-year-old Republican…:

CUT 13(09)      “…advantage.”

The Coast Guard has rescued two people from a helicopter that went down yesterday in the Gulf, nearly 50-miles offshore from Morgan City. There were three people aboard; the pilot and two passengers. The body of the third person was found in the submerged chopper. The accident is under investigation.

Encouraging news for people with mild diabetes or pre-diabetes; a new study from Tulane University says a low-carb diet helps people lower their blood sugar and lose weight—even without medication…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

Former college basketball coach Mike McConathy formally launches his campaign for state senate tonight. Louisiana’s all-time winningest college basketball coach is seeking to replace Natchitoches Senator Louis Bernard, who is not running for re-election. LSU Shreveport Professor Jeff Sadow says state Representative Alan Seabaugh is also running for that seat…:

CUT 12(05)      “…tough to overcome.”

This will be McConathy’s first run at political office.

Today is National Black Cat Day so let’s all give some thought to the most misunderstood feline; especially just before Halloween. First they are neither evil nor unlucky. Isabell Haas with the Louisiana SPCA says a number of other countries – like Ireland for instance – think just the opposite..:

CUT 11(06)      “…are here.”

She asks you consider adopting a homeless cat soon, especially a black one.

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight assistant coaches for the rest of the season after they scuffled with fans and law enforcement during last Friday’s game at Franklin Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The same week it was announced that a postage stamp honoring Louisiana native and internationally acclaimed author Earnest Gaines would be issued, and a historic Point Coupee marker in his name was discovered missing.  A $500 reward for the marker has been issued.

A Tulane University study says a low-carb diet can cut dangerous blood sugar levels in those with pre-diabetes or mild diabetes. Participants were divided into two groups. One group stuck to their usual diet and the other went on a low-carb diet for six months. Assistant professor of epidemiology, Kristen Dorans says those on the low-carb diet had other health benefits.

Cut 5 (06) “..as well.” 

The American Diabetes Association says about half a million Louisiana adults have been diagnosed with Diabetes, and 1.2 million are pre-diabetic.

Today is National Black Cat Day, a day to recognize this unique feline and bring about awareness especially just before Halloween that a black cat is neither evil nor unlucky. Isabell Haas with the Louisiana SPCA says some shelters choose not make black cats make available this month to prevent cruelty cases.

Cut 10 (05) “…about them instead.”

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight assistant coaches for the season after an altercation with law enforcement and fans during last Friday’s football game at Franklin Parish. Announcer Matt Reynolds says the shoving match lasted several minutes, before the Carroll coaches who were in the press box were finally back on their sidelines

Cut 8 (09)  “..Carroll coaches”

A Tulane University study says a low-carb diet can cut dangerous blood sugar levels in those with pre-diabetes or mild diabetes. The study involved 150 adults in the New Orleans area who were either pre-diabetic or had relatively mild cases of diabetes. Kirsten Dorans, assistant professor of epidemiology says experts already knew that medication helped lower blood sugar.

Cut 4 (10) “…blood sugar.” 

Amendment Four on the November eighth ballot would prohibit water companies from charging a customer if the system’s infrastructure is damaged or if the damage was not caused by the customer. Public Affairs Research Council President Stephen Procopio…

Cut  11 (10)  “…pick-up the charges.”
Procopio says some may feel giving such waivers will only make water costs rise for everyone to compensate for the loss.

Today is National Black Cat Day, a day to recognize this unique feline and bring about awareness especially just before Halloween that a black cat is neither evil nor unlucky. Isabell Haas with the Louisiana SPCA says sadly this time of year incidents of cruelty among black cats increase due to misconceptions about them.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

In other countries for example Ireland where Halloween originated a black cat is considered lucky.

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh says he’ll file legislation in next year’s legislative session that would create the Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force that will come up with solutions on how to tackle the problem. Seabaugh says the proposal has gained significant support from groups across Louisiana…
cut 15 (08) “…drafting the legislation”
The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Coach Brandon Landers and eight of his assistant coaches after they were involved in a physical altercation with law enforcement and fans at the Franklin Parish football game last Friday night. Announcer Matt Reynolds says the Carroll coaches were told numerous times to stop using profanity. He says after repeated warnings officers tried to escort the coaches out of the stadium and that’s when intense shoving match took place…
Cut 7 (09) “..going home”
The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s office is looking at criminal charges against some of the Carroll coaches.
A new study from Tulane University says a low-carb diet can cut dangerous blood sugar levels in those with pre-diabetes or mild diabetes. Kirsten Dorans, assistant professor of epidemiology says the results are the first indication that people who are not already being treated with medications that lower blood sugar can benefit from a low-carb diet alone.
Cut 3 (09) “..low carb group”
The study involved 150 adults in the New Orleans area who were either pre-diabetic or had relatively mild cases of diabetes.

The Saints will start Andy Dalton at quarterback this Sunday against Las Vegas, even though Jameis Winston is able to fully practice after missing the last four games because of injuries. Saints analyst Mike Detillier…
cut 16 (10) “…Jameis can do”
Kick-off this Sunday against the Raiders is at noon.

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight of his assistant coaches for the rest of the season after an altercation with law enforcement and fans during last Friday’s football game at Franklin Parish. Announcer Matt Reynolds saw a skirmish break out in the fourth quarter….
cut 6 (12) “…the stands”
Reynolds says prior to the scuffle, the Carroll coaches were told numerous times by fans and sheriff deputies to stop using profanity.

After a three-year delay, the state and several south Louisiana parishes have finalized a 100-million dollar legal settlement with Freeport-McMoRan over damages the mining company did to the coast. Attorney John Carmouche represents six of the coastal parishes involved in the suit…
Cut 4 (10) “…suit is about”
This is one of dozens of lawsuits seeking monetary damages against oil and gas companies over damage to coastal wetlands.

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh says he’ll file legislation next session to create the Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force. Seabaugh says the Task Force will look at why we are seeing more violent crime, possible solutions and he says they’ll also examine the impact of the 2017 criminal justice reforms…
cut 14 (12) “…law and order”
The 2017 criminal justice reforms have the support of Governor John Bel Edwards.

Constitutional Amendment Four on the November 8th ballot asks voters if charges should be waived against drinking water customers for infrastructure damage not caused by the customer. Based on the wording of the amendment, it’s expected to get a lot of support, but Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says providing such waivters could only make water costs rise for everyone to compensate for the loss.
cut 12 (07) “…who doesn’t”
For a non-partisan breakdown of all of the amendments go to PAR-Louisiana-dot-org.