LRN PM Newscall September 5

Record high temperatures and drought stress could slow spring production for the crawfish industry statewide. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Republican Jeff Landry reports more than $8 million in cash on hand and $3 million raised since July for the gubernatorial race. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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While crawfish season begins in January, drought conditions could have an impact on the state’s $230 million dollar crawfish industry.  LSU AgCenter Area Agent for crawfish production Todd Fontenot says producers are already flushing their fields to reduce cracking.

Cut 3 (12) “…for them.”

The bulk of crawfish production in Evangeline, Allen, St. Landry, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Acadia are rice-crawfish rotation ponds. In those fields, water is drained between early July and early August to facilitate rice harvest. Fontenot says producers have to make sure rice grows because it’s a food source for crawfish in the winter.

Cut 4 (12) “…to them.”

Fontenot says the lack of rain increases salt levels in water sources. He points out that flushing introduces a salinity problem for crawfish producers.

Cut 5 (12) “ … irrigation water.” 

Nearly 300 thousand acres are dedicated to crawfish farming in Louisiana.

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With just over five weeks until the October 14th primary, Republican Jeff Landry reports more than $8 million cash on hand, and since July he’s raised $3 million. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s not just the money that’s in Landry’s corner, but it’s the gubernatorial campaign he’s running as well.

Cut 6 (05) “…impressive.”

Landry received the backing of the state GOP before other Republicans jumped in the race and multiple endorsements followed.

Pinsonat said Landry’s campaign momentum is so strong that even an ethics complaint about the use of a private airplane from a GOP donor to attend a conference two years ago will not negatively impact him. Pinsonat said while Landry would prefer if the complaint did not come to light…

Cut 7 (05) “…his campaign.” 

And with four other Republicans in the governor’s race, Pinsonat says at this point, even if they received a substantial amount of cash, they probably wouldn’t be able to steal any of Landry’s thunder.

Cut 8 (12) “…the runoff.”

Early voting for the October 14th primary begins Saturday, September 30th.

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After seven inmates escaped from the Women’s Jail Facility in Cottonport this morning, two remain on the run. Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tim Ryan says it appears they were able to defeat a locking mechanism on a fire escape door.

Cut 9 (06) “…still ongoing.” 

Ryan says five of the seven escapees were quickly captured but two remain on the run.

Cut 10 (08) “…Wooten”

23-year-old Autoria Lachney of Marksville, also known as Tori, is described as a black female, and 24-year-old Gerri Wooten of Jonesville is a white female.

Three of the inmates were captured in the Bunkie area by APSO deputies. Two others were located via an APSO investigation and with the assistance of the RLSS Chase Team. The escapees were reportedly given a ride to various locations in the Bunkie area and Ryan wouldn’t say if they believe it was a coordinated effort with individuals outside the facility.

Cut 11 (06) “…that yet.”

If you have any information on the two women, you are asked to call law enforcement.