The fentanyl overdose death of a Baton Rouge toddler in June and the beating death of a 2-year-old last month are but two of 22 juvenile homicides in East Baton Rouge Parish this year. EBR Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says the number of pediatric homicides this year alone is twice as many as from the same time period in 2021…:

CUT 13(11)      “…even over.”

Child homicides are up all over Louisiana.

Six years after the Louisiana flood of 2016, Livingston parish students are moving into two brand new, state-of-the-art schools. Southside Junior High coach and teacher Terry Hoover thanks key players for helping get the job done..:

CUT 06(11)      “…super excited.”

Following up on a story from earlier this week…a judge has denied Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal’s attempt to collect almost $40-thousand in back taxes from a Mount Herman cattle rancher who sells cuts of beef directly to customers at his farm. The judge ruled rancher Jason Smith’s beef IS “farm products or produce” which are tax exempt under state tax law. The sheriff says he does not plan to appeal.

Research at LSU Health in New Orleans finds a link between Alzheimer’s in the brain and bacteria in the gut. Head researcher Dr. Walt Lukiw says the bacteria generates a specific type of neurotoxin that can destroy neurons in the brain and trigger the onset of Alzheimer’s…:

CUT 08(07)      “…in the brain.”

But, he says, the LSU research is first to link that bacteria – from a diet that is too high in sugars – to the toxin.

The great flood of 2016 began 6 years ago today; destroying homes, businesses, and schools, but now thousands of students in Livingston Parish are learning in a 21st Century environment. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 01(28)      “…Southern.”

First Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins…and now Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue has been barred from running for re-election on the November 8th ballot, after the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled he lives outside the city limits. The ruling, if upheld under further appeal, would install Al Perry Thomas as Ville Platte’s next police chief unopposed.

Research at LSU Health New Orleans establishes a link between Alzheimer’s in your brain and bacteria in your gut. Neurologist Dr. Walter Lukiw (LOO-key) is one of the research team heads. He says it starts with a bacteria one can have in one’s digestive system, called Bacteroides Fragilis…:

CUT 07(11)      “…neuronal death.”

Lukiw says the LSU research is first to link that bacteria – from a diet that is too high in sugars – to the toxin settling to the brain.

Because the Monarch butterfly is on the endangered species watchlist, there are things you can plant to help them. LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says milkweed is a host plant for butterfly larvae…but there are some better suited than others…:

CUT 10(08)      “…and soils.”

Kirk-Ballard says you should also reduce the use of pesticides.

Today marks 6 years since the start of the great flood of 2016, but now thousands of students in Livingston Parish have moved into two brand new, state-of-the-art schools. Southside Junior High and Elementary in Denham Springs were torn down after extensive damage from flood waters and have been on temporary campuses until now. Southside Junior High Coach and Teacher Terry Hoover says the new schools are incredible…:

CUT 04(12)      “…two schools combined”

The flood of 2016 sent water into about 10-thousand homes and businesses in the Capital area.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations of persons committing acts of animal cruelty on video and posting them on social media. Public outrage is growing, and the RPSO asks for patience while they investigate.

Deputies in St. Tammany Parish arrest two people in connection with the death of a 15-year-old who O.D.’ed on fentanyl last month. 41-year-old Felicia Grantham is accused of giving the teen the drug. 20-year-old Alvin Laurent is charged with the selling it to Grantham. Medical experts say fentanyl is very dangerous and one pill can kill.

Did you know there are native plants you can plant in your garden to help the endangered Monarch butterfly? Brooke Thorington has more.

CUT 03(33)      “…Thorington.”

The great flood of 2016 began 6 years ago today; destroying homes, businesses, and schools, but now thousands of students in Livingston Parish are learning in a 21st Century environment. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Research at LSU Health New Orleans establishes a link between Alzheimer’s in your brain and bacteria in your gut. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Did you know there are native plants you can plant in your garden to help the endangered Monarch butterfly? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Today marks the 6-year anniversary of the start of the great flood of 2016, but now thousands of students in Livingston Parish have moved into two brand new, state-of-the-art schools. Southside Junior High and Elementary in Denham Springs were torn down after extensive damage from flood waters and have been on temporary campuses until now. Southside Junior High Coach and Teacher Terry Hoover says the new schools are incredible:

Cut 4 (12)  “…two schools combined.”

Hoover is one of a handful of teachers who stuck it out in the temporary schools, which were made up of connected modular buildings. He says it wasn’t ideal, but they made the best of it…:

Cut 5 (12) “…incredible campus.”

Hoover says the teachers were told they would only have to be on the temporary campuses for a couple of years, but there was a lot of red tape to get funds from FEMA for the new facilities. He says it was a long ordeal, but they all appreciate the efforts made to finally get it done..:

Cut 6 (11)  “…super excited.”

_______________________________________________

Research at LSU Health New Orleans establishes a link between Alzheimer’s in your brain and bacteria in your gut. Neurologist Dr. Walter Lukiw (LOO-key) is one of the research team heads. He says it starts with a bacteria one can have in one’s digestive system, called Bacteroides Fragilis…:

Cut 7 (11) “….neuronal death.”

Lukiw says the bacteria generates a specific type of neurotoxin (called BF-LPS) that can destroy neurons in the brain and trigger the onset of Alzheimer’s. He says the LSU research is first to link that bacteria – from a diet that is too high in sugars – to the toxin settling to the brain…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…in the brain.”

Lukiw says research indicates that including plenty of high-fiber food in one’s diet can lessen the presence of the bacteria; lowering the likelihood of the producing the neuron-killing toxin..:

Cut 9 (10)  “…work wonders.”

The research data could lead to new dietary practices and even treatments to help mitigate Alzheimer’s before it is too far gone.

______________________________________________

Because the Monarch butterfly is on the watchlist of endangered species there are things you can plant to help them. LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says milkweed is a host plant for butterfly larvae but there are some better suited than others.

Cut 10 (08) “…and soils.”

In upland Louisiana, she recommends the common milkweed, and in central Louisiana the butterfly milkweed.

But tropical milkweed presents a problem with its extended season and could be contributing to the Monarch’s decline. Kirk-Ballard recommends you cut it back the fall because it sidetracks them on their way to Mexico.

Cut  11 (06)  “…migrations.” 

In addition to planting the correct milkweed that’s best for Monarchs, Kirk-Ballard says you should also reduce the use of pesticides.

Cut 12 (06) “…Monarch butterflies.” 

She says you can find many of the appropriate milkweeds to help Monarchs at local nurseries, or you can order seeds online.

_________________________________________________

The fentanyl overdose death of a Baton Rouge toddler in June is sadly one of 22 juvenile homicides in East Baton Rouge Parish this year. Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says the number of pediatric homicides this year alone is twice as many as from the same time period in 2021.

Cut 13 (11) “…even over.”

Clark says what’s even more disturbing is when you break down the statistics and see the numbers for ages zero to five.

Cut 14 (11)  “…last year”

And while violent crimes across the nation have increased, Clark says it’s startling to see the number of children in East Baton Rouge who are victims of homicide.

Cut 15 (05)  “…that are dying.”

_______________________________________________

The Saints will play their first pre-season game this Saturday at NRG Stadium against the Houston Texans.  It will be the black and gold’s first live-action under new head coach Dennis Allen, who was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach after Sean Payton announced his retirement.  Allen says he’s ready to see how his players perform in a game-day setting.

Cut 16 (11)  “…make a play.”

One player that has made headlines in camp is rookie offensive lineman Trevor Penning, who is competing for the starting left tackle spot.  Penning has been in multiple fights in training camp.  Allen says Penning has to be more disciplined, but he appreciates Penning’s aggressive style of play.

Cut 17 (18) “…like it.” 

____________________________________________________

LSU had its first fall scrimmage under first-year head coach Brian Kelly.  Arizona State Transfer Jayden Daniels took the majority of the first team reps at quarterback while 6th-year senior Myles Brennan ran with the two’s.  The third quarterback competing for the starting job is redshirt freshman Garrett Nussmeier, who did not participate due to an injury.  Kelly says Nussmeier was held out due to an ankle injury but expects him to return soon.

Cut  18 (13)“…for him.”

An area of concern for Kelly and his staff had been the defensive backs after there was very little depth within that position group throughout spring practice causing coach Kelly to bring in a number of transfers. Kelly says that the secondary has really impressed the coaching staff during fall practice.

 Cut 19 (17) “…that group.” 

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Cut 20 (12) “ …aware of yet.” 

A food fight is brewing in Washington Parish, over whether cattle ranchers can sell meat directly without sales taxes…and the state Ag Commissioner is getting in the mix…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

A New Orleans cop who was sitting very close to a French Quarter rape in progress and did nothing has been suspended. The officer is an Orleans deputy constable who was working a paid detail for a movie shoot nearby. His suspension is pending an investigation of the incident.

Gasoline prices have dipped to a nationwide average price of below $4.00; their lowest level since March. The national average for regular gas is $3.99. In Louisiana, it’s $3.61. Louisiana AAA fuel guy Don Redman says members surveyed in March said they’d drive less if prices kept rising…:

Cut 5  (10) “…we drove less.”

The Eagles are coming to New Orleans. Today the legendary band announced a stop at the Smoothie King Center on their Hotel California Tour set for November 19^th. They’ll play the album in its entirety accompanied by an orchestra and choir.   Program Director and DJ at Eagle 98.1 in Baton Rouge Michelle Southern says the 1976 album is historic.

Cut 14 (12)  “…in Louisiana.” 

Nationwide average gasoline prices fell below four dollars a gallon today; dipping to their lowest level since March, according to Triple-A. Today’s average of $3.99 a gallon nationally and $3.61 in Louisiana is almost a dollar cheaper than the June high. Louisiana Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says “supply and demand.” As prices go up, we drive less…and if we get used to lower prices and start driving more again…:

CUT 04(05)      “…wait and see on that.”

Some of the cheapest prices found statewide are in and around Baton Rouge, where regular can be bought for as low as $2.95.

Legendary rock group the Eagles have added New Orleans to their ongoing Hotel California tour. Mark November 19^th at the Smoothie King Center. WGGL Eagle 98.1 Baton Rouge Program Director Michelle Southern says be prepared to act fast when tickets go on sale a week from tomorrow…:

CUT 13(09)      “…going on sale.”

Hotel California is still among the five top highest-selling rock albums of all time.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College along with others in the state is offering a nine-week course to receive heavy equipment certification plus a commercial driver’s license training program; both at little to no cost, on a needs-basis. CLTCC’s Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development Misty Slayter…:

CUT 06(10)      “…tremendous opportunity.”

These jobs generally pay very well, and she say this training can be a real life-changer.

A former Madison Parish volunteer fireman is under arrest for arson, after allegedly torching an abandoned mobile home in his neighborhood. 28-year-old Cody Faulkner reportedly admitted to deputies he was responsible.

A food fight of sorts is brewing in Washington Parish which could affect farmers and ranchers statewide. Mount Herman cattleman Jason Smith is being sued by the parish for tens of thousands in taxes he didn’t collect or pay when selling cuts of beef directly to customers at his farm. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the tax code states that livestock and other farm products are tax exempt. But the parish says cuts of beef aren’t livestock, and they want to get paid. A great many farmers and ranchers sell meat and produce directly to customers without state or local sales taxes. Strain says Smith is worried, but so are food producers statewide…:

CUT 10  (08)        “…a precedent case.”

A New Orleans cop who was sitting very close to a French Quarter rape in progress and did nothing has been suspended. The officer is not NOPD, but rather an Orleans deputy constable who was working a paid detail for a movie shoot nearby. His suspension is pending an investigation of the incident.

Nationwide average gasoline prices fell below four dollars a gallon today; dipping to their lowest level since March, according to AAA. Today’s average of $3.99 a gallon nationally and $3.61 in Louisiana is almost a dollar cheaper than the June high. Louisiana AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s a direct reflection of supply and demand…:

CUT 03(11)      “…pulling back”

He says as prices go down, we’ll all drive more and prices will shoot back up.

Five years and $20 million in private donations later, Chimp Haven has successfully completed a major expansion; creating the play corrals, forested habitats and facilities needed to provide sanctuary to more than 300 former research chimps living out their retirement at the world’s largest big primate sanctuary.

Gasoline prices have dipped to a nationwide average price of below $4.00; their lowest level since March. That national average for regular gas is $3.99. In Louisiana, it’s $3.61. Louisiana AAA fuel guy Don Redman says members surveyed in March said they’d drive less if prices kept rising…:

CUT 05  (10)        “…said ‘we drove less’”

Regular gas can be found today in and around Baton Rouge for as low as $2.95-a-gallon.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College – and others in the state – now offer a nine-week course to receive heavy equipment certification and getting a commercial driver’s license. CLTCC Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development Misty Slayter says this is a potentially life-changing opportunity…:

CUT 08(12)      “…household income.”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says a sheriff suing a Washington Parish cattleman for taxes unpaid from selling cuts of beef directly to customers on his farm is in error. Washington Parish Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal says Mount Herman rancher Jason Smith owes about $40-thousand in taxes and penalties. Strain quotes from the Louisiana state tax code…:

CUT 10(08)      “…any taxing authority.”

The sheriff and parish tax collector say “livestock” is not the same as processed meat, and IS taxable. Strain says processed meat falls under “food & groceries” which ARE tax exempt in Louisiana. He says the matter will have to be decided in court, and if ranchers lose, he seek to clarify the tax code legislatively.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations of persons committing acts of animal cruelty on video and posting them on social media. Public outrage is growing, and the RPSO asks for patience while they investigate.