A 20-year-old Ville Platte man is now in custody after taunting, and then evading authorities for over a month.  Kevin Barnhart has details.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m  Kevin Barnhart”

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Endangered whooping cranes have successfully hatched five new chicks in southwest Louisiana. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Connor Ferrill” 

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LSU Junior Wide Receiver Drake Davis is catching more accusations than footballs lately and now his ex is changing her statement to investigators.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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After a month on the lamb, a 20 year old Preston Cason of Ville Platte is now in the clink, charged with theft and arson.  Cason had several outstanding warrants from various parishes, but it was the July 15^th theft of a pickup truck, and subsequent torching of the vehicle that put him on the radar of the State Fire Marshal.  Spokesperson for the agency, Ashley Rodrigue says Cason made time during his run to let law enforcement know his intentions of not being located.

Cut 4 (07) “…not be found.”

Rodrigue says authorities have attempted to have a conversation with him upon being captured, but he’s been less than loquacious.

Cut 5 (07) “…at this time.”

Rodrigue says he ditched the truck with a witness and decided to set the vehicle on fire in the woods, which only added more charges.

Cut 6 (12) “…worse for him.”

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Endangered whooping cranes have successfully hatched five new chicks in southwest Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the five chicks are the most to hatch in one year and marks a major milestone for the whooping crane reintroduction project that’s bringing the native birds back to life in the bayou. Wildlife Biologist Sara Zimorski says the success boils down to the number of nesting opportunities for parents…

Cut 7 (11) “…success”

The whooping crane population has been in recovery for over half a century, LDWF says when the project began in 2011 wild whooping cranes entered Louisiana for the first time since 1950. Zamorski says the often awkward cranes tend to have trouble successfully nesting on their first few tries.

Cut 8 (12)  “…some hope”

Zimorski says before the baby chicks hit their growth spurt they are quite cute…

Cut 9 (08)  “…plumage”

photos and videos of the newly hatched chicklets bumbling around the preserve are available on LDWF’s website.

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The Iraqi government has agreed to purchase 15,000 tons of American rice in a deal that should relieve some pressure on Louisiana rice growers who are feeling the burn from an escalating trade war with China, and other nations. The Bayou State is one of the top US rice producers at about 1.35 million tons. North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s a good step for a massive industry.

Cut 10 (11)   “the world“

In recent years the Louisiana agriculture industry has increasingly relied on the Chinese market for large portions of their sales, a habit that is being threatened by the growing trade war. Abraham says diversifying our trade partnerships is one way to get around the tariff turmoil.

Cut 11 (12) “rice into.” 

The Bayou-Babylonian connection could see Louisiana rice sent over 7,100 miles away from home to a country that’s trying to bounce back after nearly being crushed by ISIS. Abraham says he’s glad Louisiana food will be filling the stomachs of people who have a lot of work ahead of them.

Cut 12 (11) “good economy”

This is the third such large scale agriculture deal to be completed in the last year.

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After a month on the lamb, a 20 year old Preston Cason of Ville Platte is now in the clink, charged with theft and arson.  Cason had several outstanding warrants from various parishes, but it was the July 15^th theft of a pickup truck, and subsequent torching of the vehicle that put him on the radar of the State Fire Marshal.  Spokesperson for the agency, Ashley Rodrigue says Cason made time during his run to let law enforcement know his intentions of not being located.

Cut 13 (06) “…domestic violence cases.”

Davis is suspended indefinitely from the team as a result of his arrest last week.  Moore says the victim has not recanted her statement, just things have changed and says the investigation pushes forwards.

Cut 14 (07) “…surrounding the events.”

Moore refused to comment on the details of the allegations.

Cut 15 (04) “…about any details.”

Davis is currently free on a $5000 bond.

Drag Queen Story Time is headed to the Lafayette Library to teach kids about accepting their LGBTQ classmates for who they are. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Tiger’s just barely squeaked in under the bar for the AP Top 25 preseason poll, coming in at… 25. They’re the 5^th highest ranked SEC team in the poll, coming in behind Bama at 1, Georgia at 3, Auburn at 9, and Mississippi State at 18.

A family lawyer says the Twenty-five million dollars being sought by the Gruver family in the case related to his alleged hazing death is there to send a warning to other academic institutions about the need to taking hazing seriously. While one of the Gruver family’s attorneys Don Cazayoux says the no amount of money will bring back their loved one, the price tag is more about sending a message to all involved in the incident in hopes that it puts a stop to hazing culture.

Cut 3 (10) “…was that issue.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards praised a report showing that the number of residents who are uninsured has fallen to half of what it was in 2015, according to the 2017 Louisiana Health Insurance Survey. Edwards says Louisiana has not seen the closure of rural hospitals, unlike other states who did not expand medicaid, which he says adds to the reassurance his decision was a good one.

Cut 14 (07) “…make as governor.”

The Tiger’s just barely squeaked in under the bar for the AP Top 25 preseason poll, coming in at… 25. They’re the 5^th highest ranked SEC team in the poll, coming in behind Bama at 1, Georgia at 3, Auburn at 9, and Mississippi State at 18. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says it’s been a gradual fall from grace for LSU over the past few years.

Cut 6 (10) “they are.”

They’re set to play number 8 Miami for the season opener September 2^nd

Gov. John Bel Edwards praised a report showing that the number of residents who are uninsured has fallen to half of what it was in 2015 and more Louisianans are getting better access to care since Louisiana expanded Medicaid, according to the 2017 Louisiana Health Insurance Survey. Edwards says the report indicates more Louisianans are getting the care they need.

Cut 13 (11) “…through the emergency room.”

A family lawyer says the Twenty-five million dollars being sought by the Gruver family in the case related to his alleged hazing death is there to send a warning to other academic institutions about the need to taking hazing seriously. one of the Gruver family’s attorneys Don Cazayoux emphasizes the goal is that incidents like the one that happened to Gruver are not repeated.

Cut 4 (12) “…the Greek system.”

In October the Lafayette Public Library will play host to a few drag queens who will be reading stories to kids about the importance of accepting classmates and their families who may come from non-traditional households. Its Drag Queen Story time, and it’s rolling into town October 6^th. Delta Lambda Phi Vice President Brad Parfait says many members of Delta Lambda Phi experienced bullying and harassment growing up, so he’s looking forward to sharing a message of inclusion to the next generation.

Cut 11 (07) “…be authentic.”

A Gruver Family attorney says the 25 million dollars sought for the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver is a warning to other institutions about addressing hazing..  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Tiger’s just barely squeaked in under the bar for the AP Top 25 preseason poll, coming in at… 25.. They’re set to play number 8 Miami for the season opener September 2^nd. The Hurricanes are favored, But Moran says dropping out of the top 25 early wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Cut 8 (08) “…the bottom.”

In October the Lafayette Public Library will play host to a few drag queens who will be reading stories to kids about the importance of accepting classmates and their families who may come from non-traditional households. Its Drag Queen Story time, and it’s rolling into town October 6^th. Delta Lambda Phi Vice President Brad Parfait says it’s entertaining and educational.

Cut 9 (08)  “to it.”

The event, aimed at kids 3 to 6-years-old, will be followed by a “miniature” drag show that organizers say will teach kids about why some people chose to do drag.

Gov. John Bel Edwards praised a report showing that the number of residents who are uninsured has fallen to half of what it was in 2015 and more Louisianans are getting better access to care since Louisiana expanded Medicaid, according to the 2017 Louisiana Health Insurance Survey. Edwards says the report shows many benefits in the wake of the expansion.

Cut 12 (12)   “…more people insured.”

Drag Queen Story Time is headed to the Lafayette Library to teach kids about accepting their LGBTQ classmates for who they are. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Tiger’s just barely squeaked in under the bar for the AP Top 25 preseason poll, coming in at… 25. They’re the 5^th highest ranked SEC team in the poll, coming in behind Bama at 1, Georgia at 3, Auburn at 9, and Mississippi State at 18.

A family lawyer says the Twenty-five million dollars being sought by the Gruver family in the case related to his alleged hazing death is there to send a warning to other academic institutions about the need to taking hazing seriously. While one of the Gruver family’s attorneys Don Cazayoux says the no amount of money will bring back their loved one, the price tag is more about sending a message to all involved in the incident in hopes that it puts a stop to hazing culture.

Cut 3 (10) “…was that issue.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards praised a report showing that the number of residents who are uninsured has fallen to half of what it was in 2015, according to the 2017 Louisiana Health Insurance Survey. Edwards says Louisiana has not seen the closure of rural hospitals, unlike other states who did not expand medicaid, which he says adds to the reassurance his decision was a good one.

Cut 14 (07) “…make as governor.”

Twenty-five million dollars is the amount the family of Max Gruver is going after with the civil suit pertaining to the alleged hazing incident that resulted in Gruver’s death.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Drag Queen Story Time is headed to the Lafayette Library to teach kids about accepting their LGBTQ classmates for who they are. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Tiger’s just barely squeaked in under the bar for the AP Top 25 preseason poll, coming in at… 25. They’re coming in behind the SEC’s Bama at 1, Georgia at 3, Auburn at 9, and Mississippi State at 18. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says it’s been a gradual fall from grace for LSU over the past few years.

Cut 6 (10) “they are.”

In a huge early test, the Tigers are set to play number 8 Miami for the season opener September 2^nd.

A family lawyer says the Twenty-five million dollars being sought by the Gruver family in the case related to his alleged hazing death is there to send a warning to other academic institutions about the need to taking hazing seriously. Attorney Don Cazayoux.

Cut 5 (08)  “…been going on.” 

In October the Lafayette Public Library will play host to a few drag queens who will be reading stories to kids about the importance of accepting classmates and their families who may come from non-traditional households. Its Drag Queen Story time, and it’s rolling into town October 6^th. The event is being put on at the library by Delta Lambda Phi social club, which is based out of UL Lafayette. Vice President Brad Parfait says the organization has a majority LGBTQ membership, so they’ll be having a few of their own strut their stuff for the afternoon.

Cut 10 (07) “…themselves.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards praised a report showing that the number of residents who are uninsured has fallen to half of what it was in 2015 and more Louisianans are getting better access to care since Louisiana expanded Medicaid. Edwards says it’s big news

Cut 13 (11) “…through the emergency room.”

Twenty-five million dollars is the amount the family of Max Gruver is going after with the civil suit pertaining to the alleged hazing incident that resulted in Gruver’s death.  One of the attorneys for the family, Don Cazayoux emphasizes the goal is that incidents like the one that happened to Gruver are not repeated.

Cut 4 (12) “…the Greek system.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards praised a report showing that the number of residents who are uninsured has fallen to half of what it was in 2015 and more Louisianans are getting better access to care since Louisiana expanded Medicaid, according to the 2017 Louisiana Health Insurance Survey. Edwards says the report shows many benefits in the wake of the expansion.

Cut 12 (12)   “…more people insured.”

In October the Lafayette Public Library will play host to a few drag queens who will be reading stories to kids about the importance of accepting classmates and their families who may come from non-traditional households. Its Drag Queen Story time, and it’s rolling into town October 6^th. Delta Lambda Phi Vice President Brad Parfait says it’s entertaining and educational.

Cut 9 (08)  “to it.”

Unemployment for the month of July in Louisiana was 4.9 percent, continuing a promising string on unemployment numbers for the state. The national average currently sits at 3.9 percent. Louisiana Workforce Commissioner Ava Dejoie says it’s continuing a trend of employment numbers that are looking better than they have in over a decade.

Cut 7 (07) “of July”

Twenty-five million dollars is the amount the family of Max Gruver is going after with the civil suit pertaining to the alleged hazing incident that resulted in Gruver’s death.  While the Gruver family’s attorney Mike Cazayoux says the no amount of money will bring back their loved one, the price tag is more about sending a message to all involved in the incident in hopes that it puts a stop to hazing culture.

Cut 3 (10) “…was that issue.”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocates have partnered up this month for a major drive to recruit foster parents and CASA volunteers across the state. 7,900 children are in foster care for abuse or neglect in the Bayou state and only 3,900 have access to a CASA volunteer. Judge Kathleen Stewart-Richie says once a volunteer has qualified the workload to benefit a child is simple…

Cut 6 (10) “through camp.”

Senator John Kennedy says the Louisiana Bond Commission decision against banks who restrict financing to gun sellers is a template for other conservative leaders who want to push back against gun control efforts.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

Here’s a look at your commodities…

Children and Family Services is partnering with CASA this month for a major recruitment drive for much-needed volunteers. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m  Connor Ferrill”

A Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Deputy was at the right place at the right time to be a hero for a choking kindergarten teacher on the first day of school at Plantation Park Elementary.  Deputy Chris Slopak was roaming the halls when he encountered the teacher, Mrs. Burns, in distress.  Slopak says although he has been trained for it, he has no previous experience in aiding someone in a real-life choking incident.

Cut 15 (07) “but it worked.”

Unemployment for the month of July in Louisiana was 4.9 percent, continuing a promising string on unemployment numbers for the state. The national average currently sits at 3.9 percent. But Acadiana is still reeling from the disintegration of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana over the last decade. Louisiana Workforce Commissioner Ava Dejoie says the region is still trying to recover, but it appears for now that they’ve been able to stem the bleeding of lost jobs.

Cut 9 (11)  “700 jobs.”

Senator John Kennedy says the 7-6 Bond Commission decision against allowing bids from banks who deny financing to certain gun manufacturers and sellers is a statement victory that will inspire similar efforts in other conservative states, and even Congress. Kennedy says he can’t say much at the moment, but he is planning on addressing corporate gun control efforts at the national level.

Cut 11 (06) “federal legislation.”