New Orleans 911 shoots down report that it is replacing humans with AI — the truth is more complicated



The 911 operators of New Orleans are not happy about what they are calling irresponsible journalism.

The conflict stems from a report that accused the emergency service providers in the city of using artificial intelligence — instead of humans — to respond to emergency calls.

'No, New Orleans 911 is NOT replacing humans with AI.'

The article in question was originally titled "New Orleans will use AI to answer 911 calls instead of a human," from the Shreveport Times.

The outlet said the Orleans Parish Communication District, which handles emergency and public safety calls for the city, was testing out a new tool to reduce the intake volume for dispatchers.

Citing "over a thousand emergency calls a day," the paper stated that while the AI was originally implemented in April for non-emergencies, the AI is now answering 911 emergency calls for Louisiana's largest city.

In response, the OPCD called the report "extremely misleading & inaccurate, and "containing numerous errors of fact."

A press release from the organization titled "No, New Orleans 911 is NOT replacing humans with AI," refuted the claim that officials are exchanging staff members for artificial intelligence and offered an explanation for how their "AI call-triage" tool works.

That's where the automated responses come in.

OPCD said that when all operators are busy and a 911 call comes in from within 200 meters of an already-reported incident, the AI tells the callers they have reached New Orleans 911 and asks if they are calling about the same case.

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Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

"If the caller responds with anything other than 'YES' (in any language), they are returned to the 911 call queue to speak with a human," the organization wrote.

If the caller does say "Yes," the AI tells the caller that the incident is already known and that if the caller is involved or has further information to stay on the line. The call is still logged and the normal audio and data still recorded, the OPCD stated.

Although OPCD described the story as "irresponsible," the Louisiana paper's description of the program was seemingly not as egregious as one would imagine. The Times described the triage as a system that assesses incoming calls to provide immediate feedback to callers.

"This is intended to handle the increase of calls that are related to one incident," the Times said.

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Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images

In fact, the outlet outright stated that the AI "will not be used to handle emergency calls, only to direct such calls to a human dispatcher."

One discrepancy was that the program had started in just April, but OPCD said it has been in use since the fall of 2023.

Nonetheless, OPCD said the Shreveport Times failed to properly fact check its "incredibly inflammatory story," while labeling such acts "irresponsible" and "unprofessional."

Following the OCPD's complaints, the Shreveport Times has updated its article and title. The article now reads, "New Orleans hoping limited AI use could speed response for emergencies," with the following note:

The original version of this story did not meet our editorial standards. We are conducting a thorough review and implementing immediate measures to strengthen our process. We regret the error and any distress it may have caused. This story will be updated as additional facts or information warrant.

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'God has called him home': Community 'devastated' over heroic grandpa who died trying to save grandchild



A Louisiana grandfather drowned while trying to rescue his grandchild after she fell into a lake, according to multiple reports.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that a man drowned while attempting to rescue his grandchild at Bayou Lacombe, WDSU reported.

'There are no words to adequately express the void he has left in our lives or how deeply he is missed.'

The family identified the man as Chris Rushing, according to WDSU.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries describes Bayou Lacombe as a "complex including connecting bayous, canals, swamps, and marshes that are also associated with the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge."

The sheriff's office said the young girl fell into the water, and Rushing jumped in to save her, but he began to struggle to stay afloat.

A woman jumped into the water and pulled the child out, according to police.

Fire personnel responded around 7:43 p.m. last Wednesday, WDSU reported.

Five swimmers initially searched the water, and firefighters recovered Rushing and immediately began performing life-saving measures.

The sheriff's office said Rushing was then transported to a local hospital, where he later passed away, the outlet reported.

Rushing's body was turned over to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office, and an autopsy is being conducted.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that Rushing's death is "believed to be an accidental drowning," according to WWL.

WWL reported that Rushing was an employee of the City of Covington's Office of Cultural Arts and Events.

Sarada Bonnett, executive director at Covington's Office of Cultural Arts and Events, said about Rushing, "It was never, 'Oh do I have to do that?' It was, 'How can I help? How can I make this better?' and he will be missed," WWL reported.

Bonnett wrote a post on the Facebook account for the Covington's Office of Cultural Arts and Events regarding Rushing's death.

"Over the past several days, our hearts have been broken. Losing our teammate, our friend, and our family member, Chris Rushing, has been one of the most difficult experiences we’ve ever faced," the statement reads. "There are no words to adequately express the void he has left in our lives or how deeply he is missed."

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District D Councilman Jimmy Inman said in a statement posted to Facebook that he was "devastated" over Rushing's death.

"My heart truly hurts," Inman said.

"Chris focused on making our world a better place," Inman continued. "He worked every day to do so."

Inman said of Rushing, "Some people are called heroes, but he truly was one, giving his own life attempting to help someone else in dire need."

Inman said Rushing made Covington a "better place."

"The Good Lord put him on a path where his purpose was to make our community a better place," Inman stated. "I saw him fairly regularly, and I can assure that, he did just that."

Inman said, "Covington is a better place. Chris made it so. That mission was accomplished, and now God has called him home."

Mayor Mark Johnson issued the following statement, according to WDSU: "Chris will be remembered for his ever-present smile, the joy that emanated from him and for his innate desire to help others. His passing is very difficult to process."

A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Rushing’s family and raise funds for a nonprofit the family intends to establish in his name.

"Christopher Jerome Rushing was loved by everyone who met him," the crowdfunding campaign states. "He always had a smile on his face and a hug to give, and not one person had anything bad to say about him."

"His legacy as a hero will live on, as he passed away saving his grandbaby," the listing reads. "I know if he were here today, he would not think twice about the decision he made."

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

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Church pastor charged with battery, says male he's accused of beating up threatened to rape, kill his family



A Louisiana church pastor charged with battery this week said the male he is accused of beating up threatened to rape and kill his family.

Tony Spell, 48 — pastor of Life Tabernacle Church in Central — on Tuesday walked across Hooper Road and allegedly beat up a person who screamed “F**k you," KLFY-TV reported, citing an affidavit.

'They don’t like the church; they made that clear.'

The station said that during a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Spell indicated that the person he is accused of beating up said a lot more than that.

Spell said he was working on a church bus when he heard the neighbor's son yelling at him, WBRZ-TV reported: "He said, 'Tony, I'm gonna rape your wife, I'm gonna rape all of your grandchildren,' and he said, 'The next time you go out of town, I'm gonna kill them — and what the F are you going to do about it?'"

Spell added that he's the "natural protector" of his family and church, and it was his job to take action, WBRZ reported.

“You’re not going to rape my wife. I can’t allow you to do that. You’re not going to rape my grandchildren and me live with the cloud over my head that if I leave, my children and wife are unprotected. I have a duty and an obligation to do what I did,” Spell said, according to KLFY.

WBRZ said sheriff's deputies arrested Spell after the altercation with the 20-year-old.

“This has gone on for years now," Spell also said at the news conference, according to KLFY. "Behind me are several witnesses who can attest to what was said; they have video, they have made numerous complaints to the police and sheriff’s department."

Spell also said that the people across the street have stalked and intimidated church attendees, KLFY noted: “As a shepherd, I have not allowed the sheep to attack the wolves for what was said to them."

WBRZ said it spoke with those neighbors — the Sherwins — who countered that Spell's claims are false and stem from the recent conclusion of a legal battle that began after Spell was arrested for disregarding coronavirus mandates and holding church services while stay-at-home orders were in effect.

"This pastor is a bully who gets mad when he does not get his way," the Sherwins said, according to WBRZ, which added that the family's video cameras captured Tuesday's altercation.

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KLFY said arrest documents indicate that the beatdown victim sustained some injuries, including a possible broken orbital bone around his right eye.

Spell's attorney, Jeff Wittenbrink, told KLFY there possibly was a law enforcement failure or a “gap” in the law regarding the ongoing problem with family across the street from the church, which he called “domestic terrorism.”

“They don’t like the church; they made that clear,” Wittenbrink also said, according to KLFY.

Central Police Department Chief Roger Corcoran responded to criticisms against law enforcement, KLFY added.

“Allegations that the Central Police Department has failed to investigate complaints lodged by Pastor or Mrs. Spell are untrue. Our records reflect only five incidents involving Pastor or Mrs. Spell in the past four years, and only one of those involved a complaint against their neighbors," Corcoran said, according to KLFY. "All calls to our department are recorded, and all persons who visit our department to make in-person complaints are captured on video. If dates and times of complaints were allegedly made are provided to me, I will order an audit of our systems to investigate any claim of a failure to investigate."

KLFY said Spell was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a second-degree battery charge. WBRZ said Spell bonded out Tuesday evening; the bond was $25,000, KLFY reported.

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19-year-old thug who shot a dad defending his daughter from bullies is sentenced



A 19-year-old male who last year shot a father defending his daughter from bullies was sentenced Wednesday, WBRZ-TV reported.

Jerry Huggins initially was charged with attempted first-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon in connection with the March 2025 shooting of Corey Breaux, who said he went outside to protect his daughter from a group of teenagers who were bullying her, the station said.

'At the very least the individual should have received life.'

Video shows Breaux approaching the group when Huggins pulled a gun and opened fire.

Breaux was shot three times, leaving him with significant injuries, WBRZ added.

"This gentleman was doing nothing wrong," Baton Rouge Police Information Officer Saundra Watts told the station following the shooting. "He was trying to defend his daughter against a bunch of bullies who were out there terrorizing his daughter, so he stood up. He did the right thing, but unfortunately this teen took it upon himself to shoot this man in front of his daughter."

However, Huggins on Monday pleaded guilty to lesser charges — aggravated second-degree battery and illegal use of weapons, WBRZ said.

On Wednesday, Huggins was sentenced to 13 years in prison, the station reported.

Huggins received 11 years for the aggravated battery charge and two years for the illegal use of weapons charge, and he was credited for time served, WBRZ said.

The following video report aired prior to Huggins' sentence.

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A number of people responding to WBRZ's Facebook post about the sentence and reduced charges were none too pleased:

  • "Only 13 years not even close to being enough time," one commenter said.
  • "This slap on the wrist about to cause more problems in the BIG RAGGEDY!" another user wrote. "You can't whoop your kids — if you do, you go to jail; now you can shoot a man defending his daughter three times and only get 13 years. R.I.D.I.C.U.L.O.U.S. ..."
  • "Shot an unarmed man point blank 3-4 times trying to kill him and only got 13 years," another commenter observed. "That's (F) up."
  • "There is no way this individual should have gotten 13 years," another user said. "At the very least the individual should have received life."

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Former mayor described as 'predator' with 'Botox and high heels' avoids major prison time for sex crimes against teen



A former Louisiana mayor — described as a "predator" with "Botox and high heels" — learned her fate after being convicted of child sex crimes for abusing her teen son's underage friend at an alcohol-fueled pool party, according to multiple reports.

In March, 44-year-old Misty Roberts was convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile.

'This predator was not hiding in a van carrying candy or a puppy.'

Fox News reported that Roberts was sentenced on Tuesday to 90 days in jail for having sex with a teen boy in 2024 while she was mayor of DeRidder.

Roberts received two concurrent five-year suspended sentences, which she will avoid serving provided she complies with the terms of her probation.

The judge ordered Roberts to register as a sex offender and pay a $5,000 fine.

Prosecutors petitioned for her to receive the maximum prison sentence of 17 years for both charges.

According to KPLC-TV, Beauregard Parish District Attorney James Lestage said, "We argued for the maximum sentences, which we feel are appropriate. I don’t think the sentence that was imposed reflects the severity of the crimes."

Roberts' defense attorney Todd Clemons said of the judge's ruling, "We appreciate that the judge put a lot of thought and consideration into this decision."

Clemons said, "The state wanted 17 years, so the outcome could have been much worse than 90 days."

Roberts could be released from prison in fewer than 90 days with good behavior, her attorneys said.

Roberts' attorneys stated, "With the good-time credit available under Louisiana law, the time Misty actually serves is expected to be shorter, and she intends to begin serving it without delay, complete it, and meet every condition the court has set."

Roberts’ co-counsel Adam Johnson insisted that she already has received "a life sentence" by having to register as a sex offender.

According to KPLC, Roberts' attorneys previously requested a new trial, blaming "inconsistencies" in the victim’s testimony. However, Judge Kent Savoie denied a new trial.

KPLC reported that a statement from the victim's mother was read in the courtroom: "This predator was not hiding in a van carrying candy or a puppy."

"This danger came from a predator with hair extensions, high heels, Botox, and other modifications," the mom said before Roberts was sentenced.

Roberts told the judge, "I blame myself then, I blame myself today, and I will blame myself for the rest of my life. I let a lot of people down, and I am the only person responsible for that.”

According to KPLC, Roberts added, "What an embarrassment I’ve been to this city. I've made a mess of all of this, but it certainly was not my intent."

Roberts told the courtroom, "I just want to be their mom. I'm here just asking for grace and mercy and the opportunity to do what the Lord has asked me to do, which is be a mom."

Roberts added, "To the [victim’s] family, I am sorry. I can’t give back the high school days ... I can’t take away the embarrassment that so many mean people on the internet have put them through."

American Press reported that Dr. Sasha Joy Lambert, a clinical psychologist hired to evaluate Roberts' mental health, determined that the former mayor "was not mentally healthy" around the time of the incident.

Lambert said Roberts was dealing with her father's declining health, her divorce, and her fiancé committing suicide.

"She was in a mental health crisis," Lambert said of Roberts.

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KPLC reported that lead prosecutor Charles Robinson stated, "We're talking about an elected public official who had sex with a child at a children’s birthday party."

The New York Post reported that Robinson also said of Roberts, "This is not a dumb lady. This is somebody who managed an entire city budget."

Robinson noted, "She has not come to the realization of accountability. She is not sorry."

Blaze News previously reported that Roberts had been serving her second term as mayor after winning re-election in 2022 at the time of the child sex abuse.

In another previous Blaze News report, Roberts told the victim he "looked good, started winking at him, and dancing on him" during the boozy pool party.

The victim — who was a friend of Roberts' son — said he was intoxicated when Roberts sexually assaulted him.

"While it was happening, I couldn’t feel my body," the teen said of the sexual encounter. "After we had sex, I kinda was realizing what was happening."

Roberts' daughter testified that she saw her mother and the victim "on top of each other" on the night of the party.

Duncan Clanton — Roberts' ex-husband and father of their two children — testified in court that his ex-wife informed him she had sex with a minor.

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They're stealing survivor benefits from ORPHANS in 29 states — and Alex Adams just exposed it



America’s foster care system is facing a serious crisis, and the government has not only been making it worse — but stealing from orphans who need help the most.

It’s called the “orphan tax,” and Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Alex Adams has been dedicated to exposing it.

“Essentially, a child's parents died, that child's parents had worked, so they were entitled to some social security through earned benefits through work,” Adams tells Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck.

“Traditionally the child would be eligible for the survivor's benefit, but in 29 states, when that child entered foster care, the state was saying ‘we are now the parent of that child. We’re going to take that survivor’s benefit from them,'” he explains.


“These states were essentially stealing from orphans and using it to cover government bureaucratic overhead. So we sent a letter to 29 states asking them to end that practice, which I find morally objectionable, and luckily 10 states changed the laws this year,” he adds.

Of those 10 states, the governors of Nebraska, Louisiana, and Indiana signed executive orders immediately ending the practice.

“We still have a long way to go, and we’re going to continue pushing on states to try to end the orphan taxation,” Adams says.

Glenn worries that this can be reversed under new leadership, so the thing to do is “encourage our houses of worship to get more involved.”

“One of my big phrases that I use at my charity is if we want the government to do less then we have to do more. If we want our government to not be involved on all of these levels because they usually will screw things up, we need to have our churches do more,” Glenn tells Adams.

“I agree with you wholeheartedly,” Adams says. “The message that we send to the faith-based community will make or break our success in child welfare long-term.”

“And families of faith are the most likely to raise their hands and volunteer and run towards the foster care system, get licensed as foster families, provide preventative services that will prevent kids from entering into foster care in the first place,” he adds.

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