It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week and Law officials want parents to educate their teens on roadway guidelines and safety tips Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Sadly, in Louisiana, there’s little to no oversite of animal breeders and animal advocates want that to change. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A fatal shooting at Bogalusa High’s Homecoming game last Friday has city leaders concerned about the uptick in violence and murder there. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Louisiana gets hit with its first cold snap tonight as the first freeze of the fall hits the Bayou State as low temperatures are expected to get into the lows and upper 20s are possible in north Louisiana. National Weather Service Forecaster Phil Grigsby says this mid-October chill is rare and records could fall…

Cut 4 (05)  “…for us.”

The state fire marshal is concerned about the danger of house fires from space heaters, especially since it’s the first cold night in a while. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says space heaters should not be left unattended.

Cut 5 (06) “…turned off.”

Rodrigue says you should extinguish flames in fireplaces if you leave or go to sleep, plus blow out candles or any other open flames. But says the worst way to heat your home is with an oven.

LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says warm temperatures will return for the weekend…

Cut 6 (11)  “…mid-40s.” 

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Louisiana State Police, The Highway Safety Commission, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are encouraging parents to educate their teens about safe driving habits, and how to make conscious decisions on the road.  Last year 82 Louisiana drivers ages 15 to 19 were involved in fatal crashes while 7,296 were involved in injury crashes.

LSP spokesperson Ross Brennan says alcohol consumption is just a piece of the problem.

Cut 7 (11) “…ride home.”

Driving with distractions can delay the response needed to notice or avoid an accident coming. Brennan says teens lose focus on the road in many ways.

Cut 8 (12)  “…also illegal.”

The odds of a teen driver engaging in risky behaviors triples when multiple passengers are in the same vehicle. Brennan says this week is important for parents to lay out the GDL guidelines.

Cut 9 (13)  “…Five am.”

For more information about National Teen Driver Safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov-saftey/teen-driving.

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If you’ve ever unknowingly purchased a pet from a backyard breeder only to realize the newest member of your family has major health issues you’ve most likely found out the hard way, there is little to no regulation in Louisiana. President of the Louisiana Humane Society Jeff Dorson says believe it or not…

Cut 10 (10) “…require anything. 

Dorson says while in some urban areas the parish might require a local business license but there are no inspections nor little to any oversite when it comes to breeders. State Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says in Louisiana oversite falls under the USDA.

In addition to animal safety, Dorson says Louisiana is missing out on a revenue stream to fund the breeder oversite. He says the state of Georgia collects $800 thousand annually from licenses and penalties and Louisiana could be doing the same.

Cut  11 (12)  “…in this state.”

In addition to Louisiana animal shelters being overwhelmed due to a low spay and neuter rate, Dorson says unregulated breeders only compound the issue with pets that have health issues being abandoned due to unregulated breeding.

Cut 12 (10) “…Wild West.” 

Dorson encourages concerned residents to contact their state legislature to sponsor legislation for state oversite of pet breeders.

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Officials in Bogalusa, in Washington Parish, are concerned with the recent increase in violence in their small town. Last Friday night a gunfight erupted outside Bogalusa High School’s Homecoming game; forcing the game to be ended early. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says a 15-year-old triggerman was shot and killed, and he expects others to be arrested soon…:

Cut 13 (11) “…the next few days.”

The Bogalusa Lumberjacks were hosting Jewel Sumner High of Kentwood for Homecoming when a group of at least three youths began shooting at each other outside the stadium. The shot caused a panic which ended the game. Chief Bullen says, because he is a minor, the teen shot will not be identified but was known to be involved in criminal activity…:.

Cut 14 (11)  “…before this shooting.”

Bogalusa has seen an alarming increase in crime. There have been 64 shootings so far this year, and 8 homicides. Mayor Wendy Perrette fears her community is being spoiled by what she calls “brazen”, lawless behavior at what should have been a joyous event…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…ruin it for us all.”

Chief Bullen says arrests in last Friday’s shooting are imminent. Bogalusa High was ahead 46-27 when the game was called. They get credit for the win.

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LSU celebrates a 35-45 victory over SEC East rival Florida thanks to an inspired performance from the offense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte were two standouts from the star-studded attack. Coach Brian Kelly says this game was a big step for the duo and the Tiger’s offense…

Cut 16 (12)  “…made plays” 

LSU will host seventh-ranked Ole Miss this Saturday just two weeks after Tennessee silenced the home crowd. Even with the disappointing loss, Coach Kelly says the team learned from their first top-ten opponent and is more prepared for the upcoming challenge this time around…

Cut 17 (16) “…football team.” 

The Rebels now sit alone atop the west after Alabama’s loss to Tennessee giving LSU the opportunity to tie for first, but Kelly still thinks it’s too early to focus on the long-term implications of the game…

Cut 18 (20) “…what that means” 

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 2:30 on Saturday

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The Saints suffered yet another disappointing defeat to the Bengals after leading almost the entire game. New Orleans was again without many star players including their entire starting receiving corps and starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Now with a short week ahead of their Thursday night matchup in Arizona and quarterback Andy Dalton making his first appearance on the injury report Coach Dennis Allen says it’s just an unfortunate reality of the game…

Cut 19 (17) “…win a game.”

Coach Allen pointed out the team is still only one game out of the race for the NFC South. Battling through injuries to key players and the growing pains of a new coaching staff, the saints have still found themselves in positions to win, so the message from Allen is one of resilience and determination…

Cut 20 (22) “ …the hump.” 

The 2-4 Saints will have their next opportunity to get over that hump Thursday against the Cardinals

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Alexandria Police are seeking the suspect in a fatal hit & run Saturday morning. . Alexandria Police spokesman Lane Windham says 40-year-old Don Lair (Lar), Jr. was struck as he walked across a street at about 3:30 AM Saturday…:

Cut 12 (12) “…waited on police.”

The vehicle that initially hit Lair was a white or silver minivan or smaller SUV. APD asks that driver to turn him or herself in, or for anyone with information on Lair’s death to contact them.

A strong cold front is moving through Louisiana and the cooldown is already beginning in north Louisiana. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport expects temperatures along I-20 to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal tonight, with the possibility of a freeze early Wednesday in North Louisiana…and near freezing temperature further south…:

Cut 4 (05) “..spilling south.” 

DeRidder native and insurance executive Tim Temple who helped businesses recover from the BP Oil Spill, announces his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner. Temple who garnered 47 percent of the vote in his last run for commissioner says so much has changed since the last election.

Cut 6 (12)  “…over 15 years.” 
You knew the Saints were in trouble when former LSU star Joe Burrow arrived at the Superdome yesterday wearing Ja’Marr Chase’s national championship worn jersey prior to the Bengals 30-26 win over New Orleans.. Burrow is known for his pre-game outfits and thought it was best to recognize Chase’s homecoming…

Cut 10 (11) “…people of Louisiana. 

Chase is a graduate of Rummel High Schools and grew up less than 10 miles from the dome.

The man who challenged Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s last run for re-election says he’ll run again next year. Tim Temple says the DOI needs change even more now…:

CUT 02  (32)        “…Thorington.”

The Police Chief in Plaquemine says he will resign, hoping to avoid possible criminal charges for alleged malfeasance. Chief Kenny Payne is accused of soliciting sex from a woman in order to get charges against her boyfriend dropped. Payne maintains he did nothing wrong.

Alexandria Police are seeking the suspect in a fatal hit & run Saturday morning. Alexandria Police spokesman Lane Windham says 40-year-old Don Lair, Jr. was struck as he walked across a street at about 3:30 AM Saturday. The driver that hit Lair sped away from the scene.  Lair was hit by a second car, but that driver stopped and called 9-1-1. Windham says cops got a partial description of the vehicle..:

CUT 13 (09)      “…to go on.”

He asks the driver to turn his or herself in as soon as possible.

A strong cold front is moving through Louisiana and the cooldown is already beginning in northern parishes. Jason Hansford, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, expects temperatures along I-20 to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal tonight…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…Wednesday morning.”

However, by the weekend, we should right back into typical autumn weather again.

Alexandria Police are seeking the suspect in a fatal hit & run Saturday morning. . Alexandria Police spokesman Lane Windham says 40-year-old Don Lair, Jr. was struck as he walked across a street at about 3:30 AM Saturday…:

CUT 12  (12)        waited on police

The vehicle that initially hit Lair was a white or silver minivan or smaller SUV. APD asks that driver to turn him or herself in, or for anyone with information on Lair’s death to contact them.

Believe it or not, parts of Louisiana could get down to near freezing tomorrow night. Jason Hansford, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says tonight will be pretty chilly, but Tuesday into Wednesday…look out…:

CUT 05  (13)        “…north Louisiana as well.”

DeRidder resident and insurance professional Tim Temple ran against Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon in 2019, and got 47-percent of the vote. He says he will challenge Donelon again a year from now. Temple says insurers are leaving the state and premiums for residents just get higher and higher…:

CUT 08  (12)        “…economic development.”

Temple says, if elected he’d work to create a more business-friendly environment for insurance companies, and more transparency in the Department of Insurance.

New Orleans’ globe-trotting mayor, LaToya Cantrell, will be leaving the country again soon. She just returned from a trip to Amsterdam, and will soon be off to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a World Mayors Summit. Cantrell’s first class travel upgrades have been subject of much scrutiny, and a recent ruling that she has to reimburse the city for anything more costly than coach. Meanwhile the petition to recall Cantrell continues to gain names.

The 2023 statewide elections are beginning to take more shape as Tim Temple announces he will, again, challenge Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon next fall. Temple says the department need change…:

CUT 02  (32)        “…Thorington.”

Police in Bogalusa say three teens who opened fire on one another outside the Bogalusa High Homecoming game Friday night exchanged about 20 shots. They say spent shell casings tell the tale. One boy – a 15-year-old – was killed. Police are seeking the other two.

A strong cold front is moving through Louisiana and the cooldown is already beginning in north Louisiana. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport expects temperatures along I-20 to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal tonight, with the possibility of a freeze early Wednesday in North Louisiana…and near freezing temperature further south…:

CUT 04  (05)        “…spilling south.”

Shreveport and Monroe’s earliest freezes recorded were October 18^th of 1948, and again in ‘89.

Foundation Gaming of Mississippi is working to reopen Diamond Jack’s Casino in Bossier City. The state Gaming Control Board will consider the application by P2P to sell the license to Foundation in December. Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says, if all goes well it would still be some time before the new owner could rebuild, renovate and reopen…:

CUT 12  (05)        “…in 2024.”

Temperatures are set to drop all over the state. north Louisiana could set record lows on Wednesday morning.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

As violent crime rose across the state the rural city of Bogalusa started counting their shootings and so far, they are at 64. The most recent was outside of the high school football stadium when three people fired some 18 to 20 rounds. Before 2022, shootings were not tracked in Bogalusa and the shooting rate in rural Louisiana is about 17 per 100,000 and the urban rate is 19, per 100,000.

DeRidder native and insurance executive Tim Temple who helped businesses recover from the BP Oil Spill, announces his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner. Temple serves as Chair of the Louisiana Committee 100 for Economic Development says he will bring more than 20 years of insurance experience to the office.

Cut 7 (11) “…anymore.”

Temple who garnered 47 percent of the vote in his last run for commissioner.

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Mississippi-based Foundation Gaming wants to invest 200-million dollars in re-opening DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. Johns says Foundation Gaming has plans to completely renovate the property and re-open its doors within two years…
cut 12 (05) “…early 2024”
He says the Gaming Control Board is expected to consider the transfer of the license at its December meeting.

DeRidder native and insurance executive Tim Temple who helped businesses recover from the BP Oil Spill, announces his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner. Temple who garnered 47 percent of the vote in his last run for commissioner says so much has changed since the last election.
Cut 6 (12) “…over 15 years.”
Temple will take on Jim Donelon next year, who has served as insurance commissioner since 2006.

A strong cold front is moving through Louisiana and the cooldown is already beginning in north Louisiana. Jason Hansford with the the National Weather Service in Shreveport expects temperatures along I-20 to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal in a couple of days
Cut 3 (08) “…Wednesday morning”
He says if temperatures in Shreveport reach freezing that would tie the earliest freeze there — set on the same dates in 1948 and 1989

The long-shuttered Diamond Jack’s Casino in Bossier City looks to be on the road to reopening. State Gaming Control Board chairman Ronnie Johns says, if all is approved at the Board’s December meeting, a new owner – based in Mississippi – will make a huge investment in getting the doors back open…:
Cut 10 (09) “…land-based casino.”
Diamond Jack’s has been closed since early 2020.

You knew the Saints were in trouble when former LSU star Joe Burrow arrived at the Superdome yesterday wearing Ja’Marr Chase’s national championship worn jersey prior to the Bengals 30-26 win over New Orleans. Burrow was asked about his wardrobe decision…
cut 9 (10) “….title game”
Burrow threw three touchdown passes, two of them to Chase in the come from behind win for the Bengals.