The search for a Shreveport triple homicide suspect ended in the Franklin Parish town of Wisner yesterday after a shootout with law officers. Franklin Sheriff Kevin Cobb says Barry Rigsby entered the Wisner Elderly Apartments late Thursday and fired shots at officers as they surrounded the complex…
cut 14 (11) “…advantage for him”
Cobb says Rigsby was eventually fatally shot and the coroner confirmed the gunmen was Rigsby, who was wanted for three counts of murder in Shreveport.

Legal challenges are expected now that the federal government has set January fourth as the date for companies with more than 100 employees to have their workers vaccinated. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs will argue its an overreach by the White House…
cut 7 (10) “….administrative action”

Restaurant owners are asking Senator John Kennedy to refill the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because many restaurants failed to get assistance. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Restaurant owners are asking Senator Kennedy to refill Restaurant Revitalization Fund again because many Louisiana restaurants failed to get assistance. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Republican state Attorneys General are challenging the President’s COVID vaccine mandate for private businesses. Kevin Gallagher reports how that legal battle may play out…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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A 36-year-old man sought for a triple homicide in Shreveport is dead after fleeing to northeast Louisiana. The latest from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Restaurant owners in Louisiana are calling on Senator John Kennedy to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund that closed more than 100 days ago. Kennedy supported the $120 billion grant program last year but so far isn’t on board this year. New Orleans Restaurant Owner Neal Bodenheimer (Bo-den-heimer) says close to three-thousand Louisiana establishments that applied were not funded.

Cut 4 (12) “…three weren’t. “ (x2)

John Stubbs, with Jewel in the South, says his New Orleans restaurant was starting to build back their business after 2020 but then the Delta variant and Hurricane Ida erased that progress. He’s dependent on the fund now more than ever.

Cut 5 (09) “…we will.”

Mounting debts from 2020 and higher food prices due to supply chain issues could force even more than the already 90,000 restaurants and bars across the country to shutter.

Stubbs says they’ve asked Kennedy’s staff why he hasn’t joined Senator Bill Cassidy in co-sponsoring the bill to refill the federal relief program.

Cut 6 (10) “…not co-sponsoring.”

According to the Independent Restaurant Coalition 85-percent of restaurants and bars reported they did not receive an RRF grant.

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Thirty U.S. Senators – including John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy – are opposing President Biden’s mandate for COVID shots in the private sector workplace. Republican state Attorneys General are also expected to file lawsuits to block the order taking effect. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs will try to seek an injunction to end the order; arguing it’s an overreach for the White House…:

Cut 7 (14) “…basis for a challenge.”

Biden’s order takes effect January 4^th and mandates private companies with 100 or more employees to have their workers get the shots or have weekly COVID tests. Non-compliance would mean federal fines under the auspice of OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Ciolino says the defense will have a credible defense argument…:

Cut 8 (10) “…rules in this area.”

Ciolino says there’s a good chance that a federal judge will issue – at least – a Temporary Restraining Order to delay the Executive Order taking effect, because courts have struck down onerous safety mandates in the past…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…part of their challenge.”

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Early voting for the November 13^th election wraps up this Saturday. For Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, turn out thus far has been too light for his taste.

Cut 10 (09)  “…from local government.” 

Ardoin doesn’t have an estimate on turnout thus far, but by the end of the election he expects only about 24 percent of registered voters will bother to have cast their ballots.

Ardoin says when it comes to voter turnout, the largest response is expected in the New Orleans area.

Cut 11 (11) “…activity going on.”

Topping that activity is the bid by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell who is seeking election to a second term against more than a dozen challengers, none of them viewed as a threat to her candidacy.

Ardoin is hoping for a better than expected turnout despite the lack of hotly contested races around the state since the state has done a lot of advertising, noting the importance of the constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Cut 12 (07) “…they see fit.”

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The man sought for a domestic triple-homicide in Shreveport overnight Wednesday is dead after fleeing east from the scene into Franklin Parish where police caught up with him at an apartment complex early Thursday afternoon.  Sheriff Kevin Cobb told us that’s where they found Barry Rigsby who opened fire on officers and subsequently was killed by return fire.

Cut 13 (08) “…this point deceased.”

Prior to his death, warrants had been issued charging him with three counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of two adults and a 12-year-old boy.

Sheriff Cobb says Rigsby took actions to try and avoid police as they worked to apprehend him Thursday afternoon in Wisner, trying at times to talk him into giving up.

Cut 14 (11)  “…advantage for him.”

Cobb says parts of the apartment complex and school children arriving in the area were evacuated from the scene. No police or civilians were injured.

Sheriff Cobb says the investigation includes trying to determine why Rigsby picked a Franklin Parish apartment complex to hold up end and try to keep cops at bay.

Cut 15 (12)  “…that are needed.”

Rigsby’s death came about 12 hours after the victims of the triple-homicide were discovered by a woman performing a welfare check on the victims in Shreveport.

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The Saints will have to rely heavily on their defense if they want to win the NFC South again and make a deep run in the playoffs. New Orleans is fourth in the NFL in points allowed per game and ranked second in stopping the run. Linebacker Demario Davis gives a lot of credit to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen…

Cut  16 (22) “…behind it”

The Saints are 3-and-4, but they have a talented rookie tight end in Kyle Pitts. Pitts has caught 33 passes in seven games. Davis says at six-foot-six 250-pounds, Pitts is a tough player to defend on pass plays…

Cut 17 (19) “ ..phenonemal player.” 

Taysom Hill was a full participant in practice on Thursday as it seems he has recovered from a concussion and puts him in position to start on Sunday against Atlanta.

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ULM will visit  Texas State tomorrow in San Marcos. The Warhawks are coming off a 59-28 loss to Appalachian State. Coach Terry Bowden says you can’t turn the ball over five times and expect to beat a team like the Mountaineers…

Cut 18 (21) “…can’t have turnovers” 

Starting quarterback Chandler Rogers didn’t finish the game against App State, but Bowden expects he’ll play Saturday versus the Bobcats…

Cut 19 (14)  “…it respectable” 

The man sought for a triple-homicide in Shreveport is dead after fleeing east from the scene into Franklin Parish where police caught up with him at an apartment complex. Sheriff Kevin Cobb says that’s where they found Barry Rigsby who opened fire on officers and consequently was killed by return fire.

Cut 13 (09) “…this point deceased.”

Prior to his death, warrants had been issued charging him with three counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of two adults and a 12-year-old boy.

Sheriff Cobb says Rigsby took actions to try and avoid police as they worked to apprehend him Thursday afternoon in Wisner, trying at times to talk him into giving up.

Cut 14 (11) “…advantage for him” 

No police or civilians were injured.

The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in conjunction with the Department of Public Health is encouraging pet owners who believe their dog or cat might have been exposed to COVID to have them tested. Alma Roy, a consultant with the lab says the testing is free.

Cut 6 (11) “…be done.” 

While COVID in pets is not common, Roy says however they want to understand more about the disease and its relationship with our four-legged friends.

Louisiana’s shortage of doctors and nurses isn’t getting any better. The shortage began before the pandemic but has since been aggravated by overworked employees and some medical facilities demanding workers be vaccinated or face termination. A fair number of employees have resigned as a result. A new COVID milestone is reached in the state today. 235 COVID hospitalizations, that’s the lowest number since counts began last spring.

Law men have shot and killed the man believed responsible for the murders of three people early this morning in Shreveport. 36-year-old Barry Rigsby allegedly killed two adults and a 12-year-old child in a home in the city’s West Grove area, then fled the scene. His car was found later in Franklin Parish, some 150 miles east. Franklin Sheriff Kevin Cobb says they located Rigsby in an apartment in Wisner and called in State Police…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…at this point deceased”

Can your dog or cat get COVID if you’ve been exposed? Alma Roy, with the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab says it’s pretty un-common, but yes it is possible. She says if Rover or Snowball are acting sick take them to the vet right away…:

CUT 08(07)      “…animal tested.”

A suspected child predator is behind bars in assumption Parish. Sheriff’s deputies say an investigation that started last month led them to arrest 26-year-old Layne Barras, of Napoleonville, on two counts of aggravated rape. Barras’ victim is an underage child.

Open enrollment is now underway through January 15 for those seeking health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brannen”

A massive manhunt is underway across northern Louisiana after three people were found murdered in a Shreveport home early this morning. The suspected killer is 36-year-old Barry Rigsby. Shreveport PD spokesperson Sgt. Angie Wilhite says it started with a woman checking up on her son found the three victims; one of them just 12 years old…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…shot to death.”

Rigsby is apparently headed east. His car was found a few hours ago in Franklin Parish; some 150 miles from the murder scene.

Need health insurance? Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act is underway now through December 15^th. The coverage is aimed at those who cannot get health care insurance through conventional means, or who cannot afford it. Chris O’Brien is with United Healthcare of Louisiana…:

CUT 05  (10)        “…Medicare or Medicaid.”

A cotton farmer in northeast Louisiana describes this year’s cotton harvest as better than average. Edward Greer grows 22-hundred acres of cotton in Richland and Ouachita Parishes and expects to see more cotton planted in the state next year because of the higher than normal price for cotton…:

CUT 12(04)      “…cotton prices.”

However, Greer says, agriculture – like most other industries – is having supply issues which are causing problems.

A new report finds that Monroe is the fourth most dangerous college city in America. That report is from online safety resource, SafeWise and cites findings based on FBI statistics from 2020. SafeWise is quick to add that crimes aren’t necessarily happening on the UL-Monroe campus, but rather within the city in general.

Louisiana’s shortage of doctors and nurses isn’t getting any better. The shortage began before the COVID pandemic, but has since been aggravated by some medical facilities demanding workers be vaccinated or face termination. A fair number have simply resigned.

Police across northern Louisiana are searching for man suspected of murdering three people last night in Shreveport. Shreveport PD Sergeant Angie Wilhite says 36-year-old Barry Rigsby is considered to be armed and dangerous. His vehicle was found in Franklin Parish; about 150 miles east of where the murders took place…:

CUT 11  (08)        “…out of our jurisdiction”

Wilhite says a domestic dispute led to Rigsby allegedly killing three people; one a 12-year-old child.

Most of us had no idea we could give the COVID virus to our pets … but we apparently can. Alma Roy is with the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab. She says if you’ve had it and your pet is sick, testing them is a good idea…:

CUT 07(06)      “…PCR test.”

She says COVID in pets is far from common, but it can happen.

Open Enrollment is underway for the Affordable Care Act. Dave Brannen reports, if you need health coverage, you only have until December 15^th…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brannen.”

Louisiana’s two U.S. Senators are among a group of 30 are opposing President Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate. The Executive Order says private companies with 100 or more employees must order them to get the shots or pay federal OSHA fines. A Congressional Review Act could let Congress overturn the order as unconstitutional or beyond the reach of the Executive Branch. Senators Cassidy and Kennedy says they’re all for the shots, but they should not be mandated.

An extensive manhunt continues for 36-year-old Barry Rigsby, a suspect in an overnight triple homicide in Shreveport. Police Sergeant Angie Willhite says a woman conducting a welfare check on her son at a home in the Cedar Grove neighborhood found three deceased individuals, including a 12-year-old child. She says based on physical and video evidence collected, it’s been determined the homicide was the result of a domestic dispute and Rigsby is responsible for the murders…

Cut 10 (08)  “..three people”

Rigsby is considered armed and dangerous.

Open enrollment is now underway for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act Plans.  Christine O’Brien, executive director of United Health Care of Louisiana, says these healthcare exchanges are designed for those who can’t get coverage under traditional routes.

Cut 4 (09) “…Medicare and Medicaid.”

Rates for coverage are up an average of four-point-nine percent.

If you’ve tested positive for COVID you might want to have your dog or cat tested too. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (00)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

Meantime, Senator Bill Cassidy has joined with some of his congressional colleagues in supporting legislation to nullify President Biden’s newest vaccine mandate on private employees. That mandate would force businesses with 100 or more employees to require employees get vaccinated or submit to weekly testing and wear face coverings if not vaccinated.  Cassidy objects to the government mandating vaccinations.

An extensive manhunt is underway for 36-year-old Barry Rigsby, a suspect in a triple homicide in Shreveport. Shreveport Police Sergeant Angie Willhite says a woman conducting a welfare check on her son at a home in the Cedar Grove neighborhood found three deceased individuals, including a 12-year-old child…

Cut 9 (12) “…shot to death”

Rigsby’s vehicle has been recovered in Franklin Parish, but the search for Rigsby continues.

Open enrollment is now underway for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act Plans. Christine O’Brien, executive director of United Health Care of Louisiana, says when considering coverage keep in mind more than just the cost of a plan.

Cut 3 (12) “….in the network.”

The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in conjunction with the Department of Public Health is encouraging pet owners who believe their dog or cat might have been exposed to COVID to have them tested. Alma Roy, a consultant with the lab says the testing is free.

Cut 6 (11) “…be done.” 

While COVID in pets is not common, Roy says however they want to understand more about the disease and its relationship with our four-legged friends.

A new COVID milestone is reached in the state today. 235 COVID hospitalizations, that’s the lowest number since counts began last spring.