Some much-needed rainfall fell across parts of the state over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. The largest wildfire is in Beauregard Parish but Strain says they are also fighting some big fires in and around Kisatchie National Forest and Fort Polk…
Cut 4 (10) “…damage happens”
This is eighth day of the wildfires in Beauregard Parish. Sheriff Mark Herford says his local firefighters are to the point of exhaustion. He says they are receiving help from outside of Louisiana…
Cut 6 (12) “…in wildfire”
Officials say 50-percent of the Tiger Island fire is contained and the number of acres burned in Beauregard from multiple fires is more than 50-thousand.

An 84-year-old Folsom woman, who was burning trash piles on her property, has died after being rescued from a brush fire at her home on Sunday. State Fire Marshal’s Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says while conducting proactive patrols in St. Tammany Parish looking for burn ban violators, a deputy, and a volunteer firefighter spotted a brush fire off of LA 25.
Cut 7 (09) “…still alive.”

She later died from her injuries at a New Orleans hospital.

Northeast Louisiana is mourning the death of Doctor Charles McDonald, a former longtime state lawmaker and employee at ULM for more than 20 years. ULM President Doctor Ronald Berry says McDonald is known as the Father of Tops for helping to create the scholarship during his time at the State Capitol…
cut 12 (12) “….what he created”
McDonald was 84.

The largest wildfire ever recorded in the history of the State of Louisiana continues to burn in Beauregard Parish. Jeff Palermo has an update…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says they believe arson is the cause of multiple wildfires that devastated the area near Union Hill in southwest Rapides Parish. He says they need the public’s help in finding the culprits. And 41-year-old Ryan Miller of Independence was cited for criminal negligence for starting a trash fire that got out of control and burned more than 170 acres near Amite.

An elderly woman who was burning trash piles on her property off of LA 25 has died after being rescued Sunday in Folsom a town in St. Tammany Parish. While conducting proactive patrols in looking for burn ban violators, a deputy, and a volunteer firefighter spotted the brush fire. State Fire Marshal’s Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says. Rodrigue urges the public to avoid burning anything.

Cut 9 (12) “…wildfire dangers.”

The 84-year-old female was taken to a New Orleans hospital in critical condition but later died

LSU football offensive tackle Will Campbell will make history as the first offensive lineman to wear the number seven jersey since the school started assigning that number to the team’s top playmaker. Coach Brian Kelly says the spirit of the number seven jersey will remain the same

Cut  14 (11)  “.. .positive way”

The NCAA does not allow for an offensive lineman to wear a single-digit number, so Campbell will have a number seven patch on his jersey instead.

An 84-year-old woman lost her life when a trash fire got out of control at her home in the St. Tammany town of Folsom. Teiko Foxx has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Bond has been revoked for a Rosepine man accused of starting a wildfire that destroyed two mobile homes and an undetermined amount of timber acreage. That’s means 59-year-old Paul Nash will have to wait until September 12th before a judge issues a new bond amount. Nash allegedly violated the burn ban by burning trash on his property.

This is day eight of the wildfires in Beauregard Parish. Sheriff Mark Herford says his local firefighters are to the point of exhaustion. He says they are receiving help from outside of Louisiana…
Cut 6 (12) “…in wildfire”
Officials say 50-percent of the Tiger Island fire is contained and the number of acres burned in Beauregard from multiple fires is more than 50-thousand.

Monroe native and former Neville star Will Campbell has been awarded the seven jersey, becoming the first LSU offensive lineman to have the opportunity to wear number seven, since the school started assigning that number to the team’s top playmaker. Coach Brian Kelly…
cut 13 (08) “….offensive lineman”
The NCAA does not allow for offensive lineman to wear a single digit number, so Campbell will have a number seven patch on his jersey instead.

Some much-needed rainfall fell across parts of the state over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. He says they are fighting some big fires in and around Kisatchie  National Forest and Fort Polk…

Cut 4 (10) “…damage happens”

The largest wildfire in Beauregard Parish has consumed more than 33-thousand acres and according to the Department of Agriculture The Tiger Island Fire is 50-percent contained.

Beauregard Sheriff Mark Herford says the Tiger Island Wildfire will likely burn until they get some good, long rain, which is not in the forecast anytime soon.

Cut 5 (09) “ ..top to top.” 

This is day eight of the wildfires in Beauregard Parish. Herford says his local firefighters are to the point of exhaustion.

An 84-year-old Folsom woman, who was burning trash on her property, has died after being rescued from a brush fire at her home Sunday. State Fire Marshal’s Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says while conducting proactive patrols in St. Tammany Parish a deputy, and a volunteer firefighter spotted a brush fire off of LA 25. She says deputies believe the woman fell ill while burning the debris.

Cut 8 (11) “…her there.”

A statewide burn ban remains in effect.

Former Louisiana legislator and ULM employee Dr. Charles McDonald passed away Saturday. McDonald served as the Director of Counseling, Placement, and Testing and the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. ULM President Dr. Ron Berry says in 2017, McDonald was honored with an appointment to serve on the Board of Regents.

Cut 11 (08) “…at ULM.”

This is day eight of the wildfires in Beauregard Parish. Sheriff Mark Herford says his local firefighters are to the point of exhaustion. He says they are receiving help from outside of Louisiana…
Cut 6 (12) “…in wildfire”

An 84-year-old Folsom woman, who was burning trash piles on her property, has died after being rescued from a brush fire at her home on Sunday. State Fire Marshal’s Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says while conducting proactive patrols in St. Tammany Parish looking for burn ban violators, a deputy, and a volunteer firefighter spotted a brush fire off of LA 25.
Cut 7 (09) “…still alive.”
The elderly female succumbed from her injuries at a New Orleans hospital.

Former Louisiana legislator and ULM employee Dr. Charles McDonald passed away Saturday. McDonald served as the Director of Counseling, Placement, and Testing and the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. ULM President Dr. Ron Berry says in January, they honored him with the naming of the Dr. Charles R. McDonald Office of Financial Aid. He says the room was packed with former students.
Cut 10 (07) “…many people.”
McDonald spent more than two decades at ULM and was elected to serve in the State House of Representatives in 1991.

Mortgage rates have climbed above seven-percent, the highest since 2001, which has cooled the housing market. But Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris says a bigger obstacle to buying a new home is affordable homeowners insurance…
Cut 13 (12) “…moving forward.”

The Saints closed out their preseason with a loss to the Texans 17-13. Despite the loss, quarterback Jameis Winston had a good day, going 11 for 16 for 93 yards and a touchdown. Two of his completions were to tight end Jimmy Graham who made great catches on contested balls, including for a touchdown. Coach Dennis Allen is happy with team’s performance, but wanted to finish the preseason undefeated.

Cut 24 (13) “…contested catches.”

The Saints had two separate chances at scoring the go ahead touchdown late in the game, but quarterback Jake Haener threw two interceptions on the final two drives. Also in the fourth quarter, free agent kicker Blake Grupe missed a 60 yard field goal. He and returning kicker Wil Lutz are one of the moves to watch for on cut down day tomorrow afternoon, when the roster shrinks down from 90 to 53 players.

Before college football’s official week 1 kickoff, Louisiana Tech improved their record to 1-0 after beating Florida International 22-17 The Bulldogs rallied back from a 14 point deficit and scored 19 unanswered with transfer quarterback Hank Buchmeier throwing for 333 yards and a touchdown. Coach Sonny Cumbie says it was a good start for the QB in his new uniform.

Cut 18 (24) “…look for.”

ULM will be kicking off their season this Saturday against Army, and just a day later, LSU takes on No. 8 Florida State.

The United States National basketball team beat Greece this morning 109-81. Pelicans star Brandon Ingram had five points on 2 for 4 shooting.

Some much-needed rainfall fell across parts of the state over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. The largest wildfire is in Beauregard Parish, and Sheriff Mark Herford says the Tiger Island Wildfire will likely burn until they get some good, long rain, which is not in the forecast anytime soon.

Cut 5 (09) “ ..top to top.” 

An appeals court has thrown out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal who was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for a 1998 Metairie shooting. Executive Director of the Capital Appeals Project Cecelia Kappel says Neal’s attorney failed to use physical evidence that connected his co-defendants to the crime scene.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for that.”

If the state does not seek a rehearing of the case, Neal will return to Jefferson Parish and face a new trial.

A bomb threat that was emailed to schools in Livingston and Ascension Parishes and Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet, has prompted delays and even cancellations. Bomb squads and increased law enforcement presence have been reported at the affected schools.

The housing market has cooled but Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris says a bigger obstacle to buying a home is affordable homeowners’ insurance. He says less destruction by hurricanes and tighter regulations may help stabilize the market and bring in new insurers.

Cut 15  (12) “….and regulations.”

The average cost of homeowner’s insurance in New Orleans is $5,500. In Shreveport, the average cost is $2,800, and in Lafayette just under $3,000.

Some much-needed rainfall fell across parts of the state over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. The largest wildfire is in Beauregard Parish but Strain says they are also fighting some big fires in and around Kisatchie National Forest and Fort Polk…

Cut 4 (10) “…damage happens”

An appeals court has thrown out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal who was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for 1998 Metairie shooting. Executive Director of the Capital Appeals Project Cecelia Kappel says at Neal’s trial he was represented by an attorney who was completely unprepared.

Cut 8 (11) “…as the shooter.”

She says if the state does not seek a rehearing of the case, Neal will return to Jefferson Parish and face a new trial.

As mortgage rates climb the housing market has cooled but Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris says a bigger obstacle to buying a home is affordable homeowners’ insurance. He’s hopeful a new governor, legislature, and a new Insurance Commissioner can create policies and legislation that bring more insurers to the state.

Cut 14 (08) “…property insurance.” 

Typically, in the summertime restaurant business tends to dwindle, and the relentless heat hasn’t helped. Stan Harris, President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association says that many owners are worried the heat and drought have hurt the cattle industry and how it will impact beef and dairy prices.

Cut 6 (12) “…as well.”

Some parts of the state received a bit of rain over the weekend, but state Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the state continues to battle more than 100 fires a day. Strain says lighting strikes are starting some of the fires…

Cut 3 (07) “…ahead of that fire”

The largest wildfire is in Beauregard Parish. It has consumed 40-thousand acres, but Strain says the Tiger Island Fire is 90 percent contained.

Scorching temperatures and dry conditions have place some parts of the state in an extreme drought. But LSU AgCenter Entomologist Doctor Aaron Ashbrook says the lack of rainfall has resulted in fewer mosquitos, fire ant, and cockroaches.

Cut 11 (09) “…hiding places.”

He also says that ants might be in other hiding spots, but if you see them, there is an easy solution.

An appeals court threw out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal who was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for a fatal 1998 shooting in Metairie. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

One man is dead and an officer was injured after a police pursuit ended in gunfire in Calcasieu Parish Sunday. Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a police pursuit of a subject following a traffic stop at the intersection of Gum Road and LA Hwy 108. The investigation is ongoing.