The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is taking its fight against waste tires to the people across the state.  So they’re holding town hall meetings across the state to raise awareness of the issue. LDEQ Secretary Aurelia Giacometto (jock-uh-MET-oh)says the issue of improperly disposed tires is a big problem.

Cut 6 (12) …in drainage ditches.”

Since he’s not running for reelection, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is working to get things done in the few months left he has in office.  Graves is working on several bipartisan bills, one them a bill to hold FEMA accountable for delays in payments to disaster victims.

Cut 14 (09) “…an interest penalty.”

Graves is also working with New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter on legislation that would, among other things, remove income limits to qualify for grants to pay off disaster recovery loans.

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Amidst controversy, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree is stepping down. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Bossier Parish investigators have arrested a 52 year old Elm Grove man after they say he held a woman against her will for three days and sexually assaulted her. Gary Free is facing several charges including second-degree kidnapping.  Lieutenant Matt Gaydos says this was not a random crime.

Cut 12 (04) “…for sure.”

Free’s bond is set at 2.1 million dollars.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is taking its fight against waste tires to the people of Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Amidst controversy, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree is stepping down. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Bossier Parish authorities arrested an Elm Grove man who allegedly held a woman captive for three days and sexually assaulted her.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is taking its fight against waste tires to the people across the state. LDEQ Secretary Aurelia Giacometto (jock-uh-MET-oh) says the department is holding six town hall meetings across the state to raise awareness of the issue.

Cut 4 (14) “…the waste tires.”

Secretary Giacometto says tires that are properly disposed not only keeps the state clean, but also provides a second use for those tires once they’re no longer suitable for use on vehicles.

Cut 5 (13) “…their usable lifespan.”

Giacometto says the issue of improperly disposed tires continues to plague the state.

Cut 6 (12) …in drainage ditches.”

Giacometto says the proper way to dispose of old tires is to bring them to your parish tire disposal center. There’s a $2.25 fee per tire levied by LDEQ which goes into a fund.

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In an emotional press conference Monday afternoon, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree announced he will resign. In August, Dupree admitted to a brief affair with a former employee who later filed a hostile workplace environment complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Cut 7 (09) “…October 6, 2024.”

Dupree did not comment on the EEOC complaint during his announcement but said he could not in good faith allow his family, supporters, or administration to endure mean spirited politics.

Cut 8 (08) “…anonymity.”

Dupree said he was honored to have served as Mayor and was proud of his administration’s progress…

Cut 9 (11)  “…that’s underway.”

Mayor Dupree plans transition meetings with staff and councilmembers over the next two weeks.

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A man who Bossier Parish investigators say held a woman against her will for three days and sexually assaulted her is under arrest. The sheriff’s office says 52-year-old Gary Free of Elm Grove held the woman in a cabin at the Red River South Marina before she was able to escape. Lieutenant Matt Gaydos says Free chased her with a handgun.

Cut 10 (11) “…checked out.”

Free jumped in the water at the marina to hide from deputies but was located by a Bossier Sheriff’s Office K-9. Free was eventually taken into custody and the firearm was recovered. Gaydos says Free also approached witnesses at the marina…

Cut 11 (05) “…became victims.”

After being interviewed by detectives, Free was arrested and booked on numerous charges including second-degree kidnapping and first-degree rape. Gaydos says this wasn’t a random crime.

Cut 12 (04) “…for sure.”

Free’s bond has been set at $2.1 million.

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Having passed up a re-election bid, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is trying to cram in his legislative priorities in the three-plus months he has left in office. Among the bipartisan bills he’s working on is one that he’s working on with Florida Democrat Jared Moskowitz which would make it easier for governors to request lump-sum payments for recovery for smaller-scale disasters.

Cut 13 (11)  “…recovery from there.”

Graves is also working with Republican Neal Dunn and Democrat Darren Soto, both also from Florida, on a bill to hold FEMA accountable for delays in payments to victims of disasters.

Cut 14 (09) “…an interest penalty.”

Graves is working with New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter on legislation that would, among other things, remove income limits to qualify for grants to pay off disaster recovery loans.

Cut 15 (13) “…very little money.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly is disappointed linebacker Harold Perkins will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Perkins suffered the devastating knee injury in last Saturday’s win over UCLA. Kelly says Perkins will be missed, but the defense will not lose their identity or fall apart…

Cut 16 (15)   “…want to be”

When LSU is in a three linebacker set, Whit Weeks would replace Harold Perkins at the strongside linebacker and his brother West would play Middle Linebacker. Major Burns would take Perkins place when they are running a nickel defense.

On offense, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is among the nation’s leaders in passing yards and passing touchdowns and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for a season-high 352 yards and three touchdowns against UCLA. Kelly says the Tigers offense is preparing to add to his offensive arsenal…

Cut 17 (15) “…even better.”

The Tigers are facing a very good offensive team this week. After opening the season with losses to North Texas and Ohio, South Alabama has scored a combined 135 points in blowout victories over Northwestern State and Appalachian State.

Jaguars starting quarterback is a redshirt freshman, Gio Lopez, who rushed and threw for over 100 yards last week. And freshman running back Fluff Bothwell is averaging nearly ten yards a carry. Kelly says South Alabama is a good football team…

Cut 18 (18)  “…for us.”

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The Saints lost starting center Erik McCoy to a groin injury early in its 15-12 loss to Philadelphia. New Orleans went on to accumulate only 219 yards of offense. Coach Dennis Allen doesn’t have an update on the severity of McCoy’s injury and admits it was a challenge not having him for most of the game.

Cut 19 (19) “….in the game”  

Saints defensive end and fan favorite Cam Jordan only appeared in 20 snaps on Sunday as the 35-year-old has only one tackle this season. Allen says they have younger defensive ends, Chase Young and Carl Granderson, who deserve to play more…

Cut 20 (11) “..other guys”

Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says they’re mainly looking to reform sales tax, personal income tax and corporate income and franchise tax. Nelson says the goal is to simplify the tax code.

Cut 3 (10) “…other states have.”

Nelson says the complexity of the tax code is preventing the state from attracting companies.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is making the case for her re-election directly to voters in Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District this week with the launch of her first ad for the 2024 election cycle.

Cut 13 (12) “…hardworking people.” 

In the 60-second ad, Letlow outlines her unifying vision to ensure that the next generation of Louisianans can use the state’s resources and natural advantages to catapult to success.

A tropical storm is developing in the Gulf of Mexico this week that is expected to be a Category 2 Hurricane later this week, but not expected to hit Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU turned it up in the second half of Saturday’s game to pull away from UCLA. Only problem is – many fans sitting along the east sideline didn’t stick around to see it. That’s because the scorching late afternoon heat made it so unbearable that several dozen fans required medical attention.

Lawmakers could soon be headed back to Baton Rouge to hash out tax reform. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Early voting for the November 5^th election begins October 18^th. In the 5^th congressional district, Democrat Michael Vallien and Republican Vinney Mendoza are challenging incumbent Republican Julia Letlow and she is taking her message directly to the voters in a newly released ad campaign saying she’s worked in Congress to secure billions in investments…

Cut 15 (04) “…our people.”

Louisiana is experiencing relatively calm weather at the beginning of the week. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring more significant activity as the week progresses. A cold front is expected to move through the region, which may shift conditions, but it isn’t anticipated to cause major disruptions.

Cut 10 (12) “…ensuing days.”

Louisiana Tech rallied back from a ten-point, fourth quarter deficit, only to lose in overtime 23-20 to Tulsa. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie is disappointed they could not send Bulldog fans home with a win…

Cut 19 (09) “….like to”  

Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says they’re mainly looking to reform three types of taxes – sales tax, personal income tax and corporate income and franchise tax. He says the state could update the tax code to capture taxes from online transactions…

Cut 5 (08) “…tax at all.”

Nelson says the current tax code is one of the main reasons Louisiana is the only state in the South losing population.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is going straight to the voters in her bid for re-election to Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District. In her newly launched 60-second ad, Letlow outlines her vision.

Cut 14 (08) “…thrive and prosper.”

Also vying for the seat are Democrat Michael Vallien and Republican Vinney Mendoza. Election Day is November 5th and Early Voting begins on October 18th.

A tropical storm is developing in the Gulf of Mexico this week that is expected to be a Category 2 Hurricane later this week, but not expected to hit Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU linebacker Harold Perkins tore his ACL while making a tackle in Saturday’s win over UCLA. LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says LSU’s defense has been a work in progress this year and the Tigers could not afford to lose one of its best athletes…

Cut 9 (14)  “…both of them are gone.”

The Tigers lost veteran defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory to an Achilles tendon injury in the home opener to Nicholls.

This week Louisiana weather is relatively calm so far. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring more significant activity. He says impacts to Louisiana should be minimal, with Alabama and Florida likely in the storm’s crosshairs bringing us a cold front and welcome fall weather…

Cut 12 (10) “…obviously change.”

LSU football has lost one of its best players for the season as linebacker Harold Perkins tore an ACL in his knee while making a tackle in Saturday’s win over UCLA. Perkins has not forced any turnovers this season and has zero sacks, but LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says his loss will be felt

Cut 8 (10)  “…the quarterback.”

Lawmakers could soon be headed back to Baton Rouge to hash out tax reform. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is making the case for her re-election directly to voters in Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District this week with the launch of her first ad for the 2024 election cycle.

Cut 13 (12) “…hardworking people.” 

She says she’s worked for billions in investments for Louisiana.

Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says the complexity of the tax code is preventing the state from attracting companies.

Cut 4 (09) “…to come here (2x).”

Nelson says the current tax code is one of the main drivers behind the fact that Louisiana is the only state in the South that’s losing population.

LSU turned it up in the second half of Saturday’s game to pull away from UCLA. Only problem is – many fans sitting along the east sideline didn’t stick around to see it. That’s because the scorching late afternoon heat made it so unbearable that several dozen fans required medical attention. Coach Brian Kelly says this is why LSU prefers to play games at night, especially in the first half of the season.

Cut 7 (14) “…national audience is.”

LSU’s next home game against South Alabama will have a late start time this Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 6:45 p.m.

Louisiana is experiencing relatively calm weather at the beginning of the week. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring some showers and a cold front.  While this system is still in its early stages and hasn’t fully developed, it has the potential to gain strength as it moves across the warm waters of the Gulf.

Cut 11 (10) “…not off the table.”

The Saint’s offense couldn’t be stopped in the first two games, but yesterday New Orleans only found the end zone once in a 15 to 12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s the first loss of the season for New Orleans, but quarterback Derek Carr says they still have a good team…

Cut 16 (16)   “…this week”

The Saints are now 2-and-1 and will be at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Carr says they are facing adversity for the first time, so now they have to respond…

Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says they’re mainly looking to reform three types of taxes – sales tax, personal income tax and corporate income and franchise tax. Nelson says the goal is to simplify the tax code.

Cut 3 (10) “…other states have.”

Nelson says the complexity of the tax code is preventing the state from attracting companies.

Louisiana is experiencing relatively calm weather at the beginning of the week. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring more significant activity as the week progresses.

Cut 10 (12) “…ensuing days.”

While this system is still in its early stages and hasn’t fully developed, it has the potential to gain strength as it moves across the warm waters of the Gulf.

LSU turned it up in the second half of Saturday’s game to pull away from UCLA. Only problem is – many fans sitting along the east sideline didn’t stick around to see it. That’s because the scorching late afternoon heat made it so unbearable that several dozen fans required medical attention. Coach Brian Kelly addressed it after the game.

Cut 6 (12) “…pounding on them.”

Kelly said this is why LSU prefers to play games at night, especially in the first half of the season. LSU’s next home game against South Alabama this Saturday WILL have a late start time. Kickoff is slated for 6:45 p.m.

DCFS is offering a limited-time promotion to help parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support. Child Support Enforcement Director Konitra Jack says the “On the Road Again” initiative aims to help parents regain mobility and maintain employment, which can ultimately benefit both the parents and their children.

Cut 12 (05) “…on the road again.”

The promotion ends October 31, and all payments must be received by that date.

A Toronto-based biofuels firm is proposing what will be the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas plant in St. John the Baptist Parish. Woodland Biofuels Chief Business Development Officer J.P. Solmes (like “Holmes”) says the location has everything the company was looking for.

Cut 7 (15) “…dioxide transportation pipelines.”

Solmes says the facility would create hundreds of good jobs.

Black bears have invaded Pointe Coupee Parish, and authorities are calling for changes to address the growing bear population.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU turned it up in the second half of Saturday’s game to pull away from UCLA. Only problem is – many fans sitting along the east sideline didn’t stick around to see it. That’s because the scorching late afternoon heat made it so unbearable that several dozen fans required medical attention. Coach Brian Kelly said after the game that’s why the team likes playing games at night, especially early in the season.

Pointe Coupee Parish is being overrun by black bears. So says Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux.

Cut 4 (08) “…dangerous situation.”

Thibodeaux is advocating for action from wildlife authorities to better manage the black bear population and implement measures to reduce interactions between the animals and residents. He says anyone who comes across a black bear should keep his or her distance.

DCFS is offering a limited-time promotion called “On the Road Again” to assist parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support. Child Support Enforcement Director Konitra Jack says this initiative provides non-custodial parents  a chance to have them reinstated at a reduced fee.

Cut 10 (08) “…amount that’s due.”

The promotion ends October 31, and all payments must be received by that date.

A Canadian biofuels firm is proposing what will be the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas plant in St. John the Baptist Parish. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

UCLA gave LSU a run for its money in the first half. but the Tigers were too much in the second half, pulling away for a 34-17 win. The two teams went into the locker room at halftime tied, but LSU’s defense clamped down, shutting out the Bruins in the second half. LSU improves to 3-and-1 on the season and hosts South Alabama Saturday.