3:30 PM Newscast

It’s an ailment that is causing a serious threat to the deer population and now, Congressman Ralph Abraham is backing legislation for more in depth studies of Chronic Wasting Disease.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Preparations are underway as this weekend, Vernon Parish will be holding a military appreciation parade.  The parade will have many dignitaries present, including Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.  Executive Director of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Ann Causey, says an awesome turnout.

Cut 7 (11)  “…just our military.”

This week, a public meeting in New Orleans dove deep into questions about the effects of short term rentals, like Air BnB on the local housing market.  Jane Place Program Manager Breonne DeDecker says the long term damage of short term rentals could cripple New Orleans’ economy, as the working class that tourism is reliant on are increasingly forced to leave.

Cut 13 (11) “housing cost” 

Air BnB released a statement from spokesperson Laura Rillos saying : “We worked closely with the City for two years to develop and implement rules for short-term rentals and hope to work closely with the city as the current rule making process moves forward.”

It’s an ailment that is causing a serious threat to the deer population and now, Congressman Ralph Abraham is backing legislation for more in depth studies of Chronic Wasting Disease.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Housing activists are growing concerned about the effects of Air BnB’s on New Orleans. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

cut 9 (08)  “this fall”

Couvillion says that means two Louisiana congressmen in particular will likely need to spend more time away from Washington.

Cut 10 (10) “opponents”

But the Bayou isn’t the rest of the country. Louisiana has seen a net decrease in the number of Democrats in the state as the historically deep blue stronghold has morphed into a bright red bastion for Republican candidates. Couvillion says while Democrats may make some major gains nationally, locally he doesn’t see any congressional candidates falling.

Cut 11 (07) “Baton Rouge”

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This week at a public meeting New Orleans dove deep into questions about the effects of short term rentals, like Air BnB on the local housing market. Housing rights activists have been increasingly concerned that the proliferation of STRs is partially responsible for the exploding cost of real estate and rent in the Crescent City. Jane Place Program Manager Breonne DeDecker it’s pushing locals out of town.

Cut 12 (11)   “of money.”

Jane Place says the profitability of renting property through companies like Air BnB is pushing land lords to eschew traditional long term property rental in cities with tourism appeal.

DeDecker says the long term damage of short term rentals could cripple New Orleans’ economy, as the working class that tourism is reliant on are increasingly forced to leave.

Cut 13 (11) “housing cost” 

DeDecker advocated visiting one of the city’s three unionized hotels instead, due to superior labor conditions, but recommend if you do use Air BnB to select a property that someone is currently living at.

Housing activists are pushing the city to tie short term rental licenses to the home stead exemption, to prevent property owners from purchasing houses solely for short term renting, but President of the Alliance for Neighborhood Prosperity Eric Bay says restrictions like the recent STR moratorium are violations of property rights. Bay says the numbers don’t back up the claims that STRs are hurting the city

Cut 14 (09) “and remitted.”

Bay says there are a number of reasons why housing and rent prices have jumped in New Orleans, which he says have been on the rise since Hurricane Katrina hit, which occurred before Air BnB was founded. He highlighted increased insurance rates and property taxes as major culprits.

Bay says the rise of companies like Air BnB has helped some residents of the city with spare real estate find new ways to make a little cash, to help pay for things like the increasing housing costs.

Cut 15 (08) “rental home”

Air BnB released a statement from spokesperson Laura Rillos saying : “We worked closely with the City for two years to develop and implement rules for short-term rentals and hope to work closely with the city as the current rule making process moves forward.”

This week at a public meeting New Orleans dove deep into questions about the effects of short term rentals, like Air BnB on the local housing market. Housing rights activists have been increasingly concerned that the proliferation of STRs is partially responsible for the exploding cost of real estate and rent in the Crescent City. Jane Place Program Manager Breonne DeDecker it’s pushing locals out of town.

Cut 12 (11)   “of money.”

Jane Place says the profitability of renting property through companies like Air BnB is pushing land lords to eschew traditional long term property rental in cities with tourism appeal.

Airbnb spokesperson Laura Rillos: “We worked closely with the City for two years to develop and implement rules for short-term rentals and hope to work closely with the city as the current rule making process moves forward.”

Preparations are underway as, Vernon Parish will be holding a military appreciation parade 10AM Tommorow. Executive Director of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Ann Causey:

Cut 6 (08)  “…of their mission.”

It’s an ailment that is causing a serious threat to the deer population, and from January through June of this year, a feeding ban was enacted in northeast Louisiana in order to minimize the risk of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, spreading into Louisiana.  Now, Congressman Ralph Abraham is backing legislation for more in depth studies of the disease.

Cut 3 (09) “…more importantly prevent this.”
The parishes of East Carroll, Madison, and Tensas, LDWF has lifted the feeding ban after initial testing of deer in the area earlier this year did not detect the disease.

Today, members of the Restore Louisiana Task Force unanimously approved the resolution proposed by Gov. John Bel Edwards to expand the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program’s tiered grant reimbursement structure from 50 percent to 100 percent for all eligible homeowners.

It’s an ailment that is causing a serious threat to the deer population, and from January through June of this year, a feeding ban was enacted in northeast Louisiana in order to minimize the risk of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, spreading into Louisiana.  Now, Congressman Ralph Abraham is backing legislation for more in depth studies of the disease.

Cut 3 (09) “…more importantly prevent this.”

Preparations are underway as this weekend, Vernon Parish will be holding a military appreciation parade.  The parade kicks off at 10am Saturday morning.  Executive Director of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Ann Causey, says they will have over six hundred members of America’s armed forces.

Cut 6 (08)  “…of there mission.”

When you hear the words “court date” the first thing that comes to mind might not necessarily be the action that took place at the Rapides Parish Courthouse this week. An unusual sound was coming from the staircase. Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says that’s when one of the employees decided to scope out the situation.

Cut 10 (03) “…sex in the stairwell.”
Both were eventually found and arrested for violating obscenity laws. Carline believes that this wasn’t just a random brush with romance with love at first sight.
Cut 12 (05) “…that was planned.”

A previously marked black bear was found making its way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night. The beast was non-aggressive but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. LDWF Spokesperson Director Trey Iles
Cut 9 (12) “…some conflict”

If the scales of justice are rockin’, don’t bother knocking… Kevin Barnhart has the hottest story in Rapides Parish.

Cut 2 (29) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

A Bankrate.com survey determined Louisiana was the fourth worst retirement destination in the country. Bankrate analyst Taylor Tepper says the creative vitality index used to calculate the score incicates that outside of pockets of activity, pickens may be slim.

Cut 5  (10)  “…there for you”

A previously marked black bear was found on the lam making it’s way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night, and it’s not this bear’s escape from a protected area. The ursine El Chapo was non aggressive, but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Public Information Director Trey Iles says seeing more bears break their chains may be due to the expanding population’s footprint.

Cut 9 (12)  “…some conflict”

Visit bearwise-dot-o-r-g for more information about what to do if smokey takes a trip into your neck of the woods.

And here’s commodities.

11:30 AM Newscast

A new report says Louisiana is one of the worst states in the nation to retire in. Becca Dill finds out why.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Becca Dill“

When you hear the words “court date” the first thing that comes to mind might not necessarily be the action that took place at the Rapides Parish Courthouse this week.  Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says a courthouse employee spotted two people having sex in a stairwell, but fled when spotted.

Cut 11 (04) “… left the area.”

Improvements to federal fisheries policy, an issue pushed by that Congressman Garret Graves, has advanced to the U.S. Senate as the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200 – Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act.  Graves says the original legislation made in the 70s may have been okay at the time, but is now dated.

Cut 13 (07)  “…have that happen 

The bill also addresses the concerns created by the influx of imported fish.

A previously marked black bear was found making its way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night, and it’s not this bear’s first escape from a protected area. The ursine El Chapo was non aggressive, but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. LDWF Spokesperson Trey Iles says officials eventually tranquilized and relocated Yogi Thursday morning…

Cut 7 (09)  “…known to habitat.”

The Rapides Parish Courthouse was the spot for a court date gone wrong yesterday. Employees at the house of law and order were alarmed when they heard unusual sounds echoing up from the stairwell. Rapides Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says that’s when one of the employees decided to scope out the situation.

Cut 10 (03)   “…sex in the stairwell.”

One of the participants was discovered to be an inmate assigned to courthouse maintenance for the day. Both Miguel Glorioso and Jamie Coutee were eventually found and arrested for violating obscenity laws. Glorioso was on work release from a local prison.

A previously marked black bear was found on the lam making it’s way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night, and it’s not this bear’s escape from a protected area. The ursine El Chapo was non aggressive, but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Public Information Director Trey Iles says officials eventually tranquilized and relocated the bear Thursday morning…

Cut 7 (09)  “…known to habitat.”

A new report says Louisiana is one of the worst states in the nation to retire in. Becca Dill finds out why.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Becca Dill“

The Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. Legislation pushed by Congressman Garret Graves, has advanced to the U.S. Senate.  Graves says the original fishing legislation made in the 70s may have been okay at the time, but now is dated.

Cut 13 (07)  “…have that happen 

If you are searching for a place to retire, Bankrate says you may not want to be looking at the Bayou State. Their survey determined Louisiana was the fourth worst retirement destination in the country, joined by surprise picks California and New York in the bottom 5. Louisianans may argue that the state offers plenty of cultural activities, But Bankrate analyst Taylor Tepper says the creative vitality index used to calculate the score indicates that outside of pockets of activity, Pickens may be slim.
Cut 5 (10) “…there for you”

When you hear the words “court date” the first thing that comes to mind might not necessarily be the action that took place at the Rapides Parish Courthouse this week. An unusual sound was coming from the staircase. Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says that’s when one of the employees decided to scope out the situation.
Cut 10 (03) “…sex in the stairwell.”
Both were eventually found and arrested for violating obscenity laws. Carline believes that this wasn’t just a random brush with romance with love at first sight.
Cut 12 (05) “…that was planned.”

Improvements to the federal fisheries policy, an issue pushed by Congressman Garret Graves, has advanced to the U.S. Senate as the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200 – Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. Graves says the latest research implemented into the legislation provides more longevity to fishing in the state.
Cut 14 (07) “…generations to come.”

A previously marked black bear was found on the lam making its way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night, and it’s not this bear’s escape from a protected area. The ursine El Chapo was non-aggressive but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Public Information Director Trey Iles:
Cut 7 (09) “…known to habitat.”

Improvements to the federal fisheries policy have advanced to the U.S. Senate as the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200 – Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

When you hear the words “court date” the first thing that comes to mind might not necessarily be the action that took place at the Rapides Parish Courthouse this week. An unusual sound was coming from the staircase. Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says One of the participants was discovered to be an inmate assigned to courthouse maintenance for the day. Carnline says the duo took quick action upon realizing they were busted with their pants down.
Cut 11 (04) “… left the area.”

If you are searching for a place to retire, Bankrate says you may not want to be looking at the Bayou State. Their survey determined Louisiana was the fourth worst retirement destination in the country, joined by surprise picks California and New York in the bottom 5. Bankrate analyst Taylor Tepper says there are several reasons why Louisiana is at the bottom of the list.
Cut 4 (12) “…very well either”

A previously marked black bear was found on the lam making its way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night. The ursine El Chapo was non-aggressive but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Public Information Director Trey Iles
Cut 9 (12) “…some conflict”

Visit bearwise-dot-o-r-g for more information about what to do if smokey takes a trip into your neck of the woods.

If the scales of justice are rocking’, don’t bother knocking… That was the case at the Rapides Parish Courthouse earlier this week. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”

If you are searching for a place to retire, Bankrate says you may not want to be looking at the Bayou State. Their survey determined Louisiana was the fourth worst retirement destination in the country, joined by surprise picks California and New York in the bottom 5.

A previously marked black bear was found on the lam making its way through a Central neighborhood Wednesday night, and it’s not this bear’s first escape from a protected area. The ursine El Chapo was non-aggressive but certainly unexpected in the urban setting. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Public Information Director Trey Iles says this is not unusual for male bears to make excursions to the city, and if you run into one, they are usually not aggressive…

Cut 8 (07) “…go away from you.”
Improvements to the federal fisheries policy, an issue pushed by Congressman Garret Graves, has advanced to the U.S. Senate as the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200 – Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. Graves says the original legislation made in the 70s may have been okay at the time, but now is dated.
Cut 13 (07) “…have that happen