Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a significant drop in crime. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Iberville Parish Sheriff deputies have arrested three people involved in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme. Sheriff Brett Stassi says 65-year-old Herman Harris was found dead in his home in late August and it appears it was his employers who plotted to kill him. Siblings, 44-year-old Rilonda Brooks and 40-year-old David Brooks of Maringouin have been charged with murder and so has 25 year-old of Johnnie Hicks of Vicksburg, Mississippi, the alleged triggerman.

Thanks to the Veteran-led organization, Team Rubicon, the big move-in day is here for the Roth family who have been living in a trailer in Jean Lafitte since Hurricane Ida destroyed their home. The Roth’s were unable to get help through FEMA or SBA loans. Brian Andrus with Team Rubicon says they look to help people who are left behind.

Cut 10 (09) “…active as well.”

Team Rubicon rebuilt the Roth’s home at no cost to them or the public.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking the public to turn off or dim external and internal lights from 11 PM to 6 AM until November first as the fall bird migration is in full swing. L-W-F spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says dimming or turning off unnecessary lights will help birds stay on track and keep birds from crashing into buildings…

Cut 5 (10) “…money”

“Lights Out Louisiana” encourages residents, businesses, and cities to turn off lights between 11 P-M and 6 A-M, particularly in high-rise buildings and near wetlands where birds congregate. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a significant drop in crime. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Thanks to Team Rubicon, a Jean Lafitte family is moving back home today. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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In fall, birds leave their nests and fly south, marking an important part of their migration journey. This period is particularly critical in Louisiana, a key stopover for many bird species traveling along the Mississippi Flyway. LWF Communication Director Jimmy Frederick says the “Lights Out Louisiana” initiative aims to protect these migratory birds by reducing light pollution, which can disorient them, especially at night.

Cut 4 (12) “…November 1st.”

Bright city lights confuse birds, causing them to veer off course, collide with buildings, or become exhausted. During migration seasons, particularly in the fall, dimming or turning off unnecessary lights at night helps birds stay on track and avoid fatal accidents. Frederick says flipping the switch can make a huge difference.

Cut 5 (10) “…a little bit of money.”

“Lights Out Louisiana” encourages residents, businesses, and cities to turn off lights between 11 P-M and 6 A-M, particularly in high-rise buildings and near wetlands where birds congregate. This simple measure can significantly reduce bird fatalities, allowing fledgling birds and experienced adults alike to safely complete their journey.

Cut 6 (09) …makes a big difference.”

Visit LA-Wildlife-Fed-dot-org for more information.

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Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a steady drop in crime. Rafael Goyeneche (goy-eh-NECH-ee), the president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, which has been tracking crime trends in the city on a weekly basis, says the drop is very significant.

Cut 7 (11) “…crime as well.”

Goyeneche says one of the biggest reasons behind the drop in crime is that police are taking a more proactive approach when conducting operations like traffic stops and drug busts.

Cut 8 (11) “…non-fatal shootings.”

Goyeneche says by taking this proactive approach, officers are preventing crimes before they’re committed.

Cut 9 (16)  “…significant felony arrests.”

Furthermore, New Orleans Police have a full camera network at their disposal, with the cameras able to zoom in on a vehicle’s VIN number through the windshield from several blocks away, making it easier for them to pinpoint potential stolen vehicles being used in crimes.

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Thanks to the Veteran-led organization, Team Rubicon, the big move-in day is here for the Roth family who have been living in a trailer outside their home since Hurricane Ida destroyed their home and they were unable to get the help they needed through FEMA or SBA loans. Brian Andrus with Team Rubicon says they look to help people who may have been left behind.

Cut 10 (09) “…active as well.”

Team Rubicon rebuilt the Roth’s home at no cost to them or the community. Andrus says their mission is not just about the home; they work with families on resiliency…

Cut 11 (09) “…process is completed.”

Team Rubicon was started in 2010 by Veteran Jake Wood as a response to tragedies in Haiti. They have rebuilt multiple homes in Louisiana and the Roth’s home is the 13^th one since Hurricanes Laura and Ida. Andrus says they serve those in need around the world…

Cut 12 (08) “…is out here.”

You can donate to Team Rubicon by visiting T-R-U-S-A dot org.

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Deer hunting season begins tomorrow with the opening of archery season in Deer Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10, in southwest Louisiana. Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says archery season is the longest of all hunting seasons.

Cut 13 (08)  “…in the state.”

Bordelon says archery season is very popular in the state.

Cut 14 (04) “…each year statewide.”

Bordelon says last year was the highest reported harvest since tagging started in 2008, and he expects this year to be at least just as big.

Cut 15 (09) “…the previous year.”

Seasons in the other deer areas begin next month. Deer hunters need to have a basic hunting license and deer license, or an equivalent combination; and all deer hunters must obtain deer tags.

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Louisiana Tech will host Tulsa on Saturday night. The Bulldogs are looking to rebound from a loss to North Carolina State last Saturday, while the Golden Hurricanes are coming off back to back losses to Arkansas State and Oklahoma State. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie expects a highly competitive game..

Cut 16 (12)   “…football games”

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The Ragin Cajuns will host Tulane on Saturday at 11 AM. U-L Lafayette is 2-and-0, while the Green Wave are 1-and-2. Tulane has a first year starting quarterback in Darian Mensah. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says he would like to pressure Mensah without relying on the blitz…

Cut 17 (18) “…find some receivers.”

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ULM is a 44.5 point underdog on Saturday night as they will visit top ranked Texas. The Warhawks are 2-and-0 and Coach Bryant Vincent says a lot can be gained by playing the Longhorns in Austin…

Cut 18 (18)  “…Sun Belt.”

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The LSU Tigers are big favorites to beat UCLA on Saturday. The Bruins are off to a tough start under first year coach Deshaun Foster. UCLA struggled to beat Hawaii and then they got rolled by Indiana. Coach Brian Kelly expects the Bruins will be motivated a group when they enter Tiger Stadium tomorrow afternoon…

Cut 19 (12) “….football team”  

LSU wide receiver CJ Daniels says getting off to a fast start on Saturday will be a key…

Cut 20 (11) “..this weekend”

Kick off is at 2:30.

An inmate escapes from the Iberia Parish Jail, but his time on the run is short-lived. Kristian Broussard broke out of jail early yesterday evening and was captured shortly before midnight. Jail spokeswoman Katherine Breaux says authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the search.

Cut 10 (07) “…of a mile.”

Broussard was being held on second-degree murder charges.

The St. Tammany Parish community rallies behind shelter pets after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. DIrector Rob Bremer warned that if the problem wasn’t solved soon, the shelter might have to start euthanizing them tomorrow morning.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the community.”

The community responded in a big way, showing up in droves to adopt animals during the shelter’s extended hours.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow for India, with the goal of increasing tourism to the state from that country. Nungesser says India and the Middle East are emerging markets for tourism, and Louisiana’s unique offerings present a compelling case for international travelers.

Cut 4 (10) “…business here.”

This mission highlights Louisiana’s focus on global outreach, particularly in non-traditional markets, to expand its tourism footprint.

Two people are under arrest and one remains on the loose in connection with the murder of a 12-year-old Alexandria girl. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten and 31-year-old Deroyce May are each charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder in the shooting death earlier this month of Hope Alexandria. Police are still looking for 32-year-old Latraykus May.

Iberia Parish jail inmate Kristian Broussard escaped custody on Wednesday afternoon Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says within four minutes deputies were on the scene, deploying resources to track him down. The manhunt lasted several hours, culminating in Broussard’s capture later that same evening around 11:45 p.m.

Cut 9 (10)  “…aggravated escape.”

Broussard was being held on charges of second-degree murder.

In Alexandria, there has been a second arrest in the murder of the 12-year-old girl shot on Cypress Street Saturday.  31-year-old Deroyce May II turned himself into the Alexandria Police Department Thursday morning. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten of Alexandria was arrested Wednesday. APD is searching for a 3^rd suspect, Latraykus May who is considered armed and dangerous. Little information has been released regarding the shooting that sent another victim to the hospital Saturday morning.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and the Office of Tourism, are heading to Mumbai, India to promote Louisiana tourism internationally.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The St. Tammany Parish community responded in a big way to adopt animals after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter DIrector Rob Bremer…

Cut 6 (13) “…the perfect storm.”

Authorities are investigating how Iberia Parish Jail inmate Kristian Broussard was able to escape Wednesday. Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says they want to know what security lapses, if any, may have occurred.

Cut 11 (09) “…situation like this.”

Broussard’s initial incarceration stemmed from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in New Iberia in January 2019. Breaux says authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the manhunt that lasted several hours before Broussard was captured.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip and Nungesser says the goal is to increase tourism from India to Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…coming to Louisiana.”

The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state.

Louisiana’s state government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment, signaling a step toward modernizing the state’s financial systems. State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming aims to modernize both the state government and the Louisiana economy. By incorporating cryptocurrency, Louisiana seeks to embrace emerging technologies that can enhance convenience, efficiency, and transparency in its transactions.

Cut 10 (09) “…bitcoin lightning.”

St. Tammany Parish is responding in a big way to help shelter pets after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter Director Rob Bremer says people are showing up in droves to adopt animals during the shelter’s extended hours.

Cut 8 (08)  “…over capacity anymore”

Bremer says the key to ensuring that shelters don’t get overrun is responsible pet ownership, which includes spaying or neutering them.

There has been a second arrest in the murder of the 12-year-old girl shot on Cypress Street in Alexandria Saturday.  31-year-old Deroyce May II turned himself into the Alexandria Police Department Thursday morning. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten of Alexandria was arrested Wednesday. APD are searching for a 3^rd suspect, Latraykus May who is considered armed and dangerous. Little information has been released regarding the shooting that sent another victim to the hospital Saturday morning.

Iberia Parish jail inmate Kristian Broussard escaped custody on Wednesday evening. Broussard was being held on charges of second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a 2019 shooting in New Iberia. Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says the manhunt lasted several hours while authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the search.

Cut 10 (1=07) “…of a mile.”

Breaux says authorities are now investigating how Broussard managed to escape from the facility.

The St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter puts out an urgent request, and the community responds in a big way. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state. Nungesser says India and the Middle East are emerging markets for tourism, and Louisiana’s unique offerings present a compelling case for international travelers.

Cut 4 (10) “…business here.”

A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip.

An Iberia Parish jail inmate’s run for freedom comes to a quick end. Kristian Broussard escaped at about 5:30 yesterday evening. Jail spokeswoman Katherine Breaux says deputies deployed resources within four minutes to track him down, and Broussard was captured shortly before midnight.

Cut 9 (10)  “…aggravated escape.”

Broussard is being held on charges of second-degree murder.

The St. Tammany Parish community rallies behind shelter pets after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter Director Rob Bremer says it’s seen a spike in animals being surrendered.

Cut 6 (13) “…the perfect storm.”

Bremer put out a warning to the community that if the problem wasn’t solved soon, the shelter might have to start euthanizing them tomorrow morning. People responded by showing up in droves to adopt those pets.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Office of Tourism, are set to embark on a mission to India to promote Louisiana tourism internationally.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Two men face more than 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to a double murder in Jefferson Davis Parish. In a plea deal, 29-year-old Javari Guidry and 27-year-old Jordan Legros pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2018 shooting deaths of 72-year-old Walter Gotreaux and his 70-year-old wife, Darlene.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law concerning a pair of abortion-inducing medications. As of October 1st, mifeprestone and misoprostol will be classified as Schedule Four controlled substances. Murrill says that will not prevent doctors from prescribing them, and they have nothing to worry about in doing so.

Cut 9 (14)  “…actions or prosecution.”

Other Schedule Four controlled substances in Louisiana include Valium, Xanax and Ambien.

The Public Service Commission selects Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure to run its new statewide energy efficiency program. Commissioner Davante Lewis says Louisiana will set the example through this move.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the nation.”

State government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment. The digital currency paid for a hunting license according to State Treasurer John Fleming who says cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum (uh-theh-ree-uhm) offer the potential for faster and more secure transactions. Fleming says in today’s digital age, government systems must evolve and embrace new technologies.

Cut 11 (09) “…by 2028.”

The first cryptocurrency payment paid for a hunting license.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip and Nungesser says the goal is to increase tourism from India to Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…coming to Louisiana.”

The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state. 

The Louisiana government accepts its first cryptocurrency payment, signaling a step toward modernizing the state’s financial systems. State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming says by adopting such technologies, Louisiana could set a precedent for other states looking to innovate within government operations.

Cut 12 (10) “…government-controlled digital currency.”

The first purchase was a hunting license using Bitcoin Lightning.

The Memphis Zoo successfully breeds the first Louisiana Pine Snake using artificial insemination. Conservation and Research Director Steve Reichling says this opens new possibilities for breeding programs aimed at species which are difficult to breed naturally.

Cut 5 (12) “…probably declining.”

The Louisiana Pine Snake is a federally threatened species.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law that makes abortion-inducing drugs mifepristone and misoprostol Schedule Four controlled substances on October 1st. Murrill says it is NOT an outright ban.

Cut 8 (13) “…for emergency purposes.”

Lawmakers passed the law after the ex-husband of a state senator’s daughter unsuccessfully tried inducing an abortion by lacing her drink with an abortion-inducing drug.

Two people are under arrest and one remains on the loose in connection with the murder of a 12-year-old Alexandria girl. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten and 31-year-old Deroyce May are each charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder in the shooting death earlier this month of Hope Alexandria. Police are still looking for 32-year-old Latraykus May.

The Public Service Commission selects Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure to run its new statewide energy efficiency program. Commissioner Davante Lewis says Louisiana will set the example through this move.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the nation.”

Not everyone is on board with the model. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says it will significantly raise the budget and, in turn, will raise people’s utility rates.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law concerning a pair of abortion-inducing medications. As of October 1st, mifeprestone and misoprostol will be classified as Schedule Four controlled substances. Murrill says that will not prevent doctors from prescribing them, and they have nothing to worry about in doing so.

Cut 9 (14)  “…actions or prosecution.”

Other Schedule Four controlled substances in Louisiana include Valium, Xanax and Ambien.

Researchers at the Memphis Zoo breed the Louisiana Pine Snake with artificial insemination for the first time.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Louisiana Army National Guard soldier died while on a training mission. The National Guard says 32-year-old Mitchell Benham of Folsom was in Title 32 status conducting inactive duty training at Fort Johnson on Sunday when he died. The incident is under investigation.

If you live in the coastal zone, you have today and tomorrow to register for the Fortify Homes grant program. Under a new lottery system, 300 people will be selected.