The first fire fatality in Louisiana for the year happened Sunday night in West Monroe claiming the life of one man and his dog. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the victim had initially escaped but re-entered in an attempt to save his pet…:

Cut 9 (12) “…your life for”

The victim’s identity has not been released

The state is reporting 15-thousand COVID deaths since the pandemic started, Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the best way to prevent death from COVID is getting vaccinated, but that’s a concern in Louisiana, which has one of the nation’s lowest vaccination rates as only half of the population has completed the vaccine series…

Cut 7 (12) “…more people vaccinated” 

The school bell is ringing once again in Louisiana and with COVID cases back on the rise some school systems are reinstating mitigation practices. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says the decision about face masks is best made locally.

Cut 3 (10) “…their kids.”

Research indicates having students in the classroom is best for everyone and Brumley says systems should do all they can to do so as safely as possible. As for vaccines, Brumley says he’s thankful they are available for ages five and up and encourages parents to speak with their physician.

The Powerball jackpot is up to $610 million, it’s the seventh-largest jackpot in Powerball’s history. It has a cash option of $175.6 million and the drawing will be held Wednesday night. It’s been almost three months since someone has hit the jackpot. Drawings are on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9:59 PM.

The state reports another increase in COVID hospitalizations, today the tally is at 1,226. Up 120 from the previous day’s report. As for new COVID cases, there are 9,290 and 17 additional fatalities.

The state is reporting more than 15 thousand COVID deaths since the pandemic started, but could we see fewer COVID deaths in the months ahead. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says one hopeful sign is that the mortality rate with the Omicron verge does not seem to be as severe as it was with the Delta surge…

 Cut 6 (11) “…the virus” 

Hassig says while it’s possible the rate of deaths from COVID may slow down, the concern remains about hospitals being inundated with sick COVID patients and not having the ability to properly treat other diseases.

As COVID cases increase and kids return to the classroom, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says the use of face masks in schools is a local school system decision. As for COVID vaccines Brumley says he’s thankful they are available for the majority of school-age children and advises parents to discuss the matter with their healthcare provider.

Cut 5 (11) “…parent’s decision.”

The city of Minden will be one of six featured on HGTV’s newest series, Home Town Kickstart. The TV show will help revitalize the Webster Parish town. Community activists Rachel Miller and Sarah McDaniel applied to HGTV to feature Minden on the show…

Cut 12 (08) “…we’re chosen.”
It’s expected to air late spring.

School is back in session and with COVID cases back on the rise some school systems are reinstating face masks. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says the department’s stance on the issue is that it’s a local decision, and because parents are very impassioned about face masks on both sides of the issue…

Cut 4 (07) “…for kids.”

Brumley credits students, facilty, and parents for keeping students in the classroom as much as possible during the pandemic along with other natural disasters they’ve faced.

Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be honored tonight when the court inside the PMAC is officially named after him. Brown says it is a great honor, but he must share the credit…

Cut 13 (09) “…trusted in LSU in-game.”

Tip-off is a 6 pm against Kentucky.

A new and healthier type of white rice has been developed called Parish Rice that carries more and has the lowest glycemic level of any white rice on the market. Parish Rice owner Michael Fruge of Eunice says it allows diabetics to enjoy the rice without needing to worry as much about the sugar level and his ultimate goal is to increase the consumption of rice…

Cut 9 (10)  “…bring people back.”

For more information visit parishrice.com

The City of Minden will be one of six small towns featured on the new HGTV series of Home Town Kickstart, it’s a spin-off of Home Town Takeover. Community activist Rachel Miller says Takeover gave the city of Wetumpka, Alabama a huge boost in tourism and she’s are hopeful Kickstart will do the same for Minden.

Cut  11 (11)  “…again and again.”  

The show is expected to air late spring.

The state reached a grim milestone Monday with 15,001 fatalities from COVID. The holiday weekend also tallied 31-thousand new cases, more than twice the Christmas holiday weekend total amount of new cases. 11-hundred and 6 covid patients are in Louisiana hospitals.

A new and more nutritious type of white rice that has more protein and a lower glycemic index score has been developed in Louisiana. …

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

The City of Minden is prepping for their close-up as they’ll be one of six small towns featured on the new HGTV series of Home Town Kickstart. It’s a spin-off of the hit series Home Town Takeover where beloved Mississippi designers Ben and Erin Napier revitalize small communities. Minden community activist Sara McDaniel says they are thrilled to be chosen.

Cut 10 (11)  “…on Minden.”

The show is expected to air late spring.

Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be honored tonight when the court inside the PMAC is officially named after him. During his time with the Tigers, Brown advocated for reforms within college hoops to make it a more positive and educational experience for players…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…their lives better.”

Tipoff against Kentucky tonight is 6pm.

A new and more nutritious type of white rice that has more protein and a lower glycemic index score has been developed in Louisiana. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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The small town of Minden is set to be featured on HGTV’s newest series Home Town Kickstart. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be honored tonight when the court at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is officially named for him. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Inflation has spurred an increase in benefits for those on social security and individuals who receive veterans benefits and cash assistance through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program. Louisiana DCFS Assistant Secretary Monica Brown says it’s the first increase in FITAP (pronounced Fi-tap) that she can remember.

Cut 4 (08) “….almost double.”

Brown says for example monthly benefits for an average family of three increase from $240 to $484 this month.

The 2022 cost of living adjustment (COLA)has resulted in nearly a 6-percent increase for SSI, Social Security Retirement and Disability Insurance, and VA benefits. And because the state remains under an emergency health order, Brown says recipients of those programs are also receiving the maximum SNAP benefit.

Cut 5 (08) “…in a month.”

If you believe you qualify for some of these programs, Brown encourages you to visit their website for more information at dcfs-dot-la-dot-gov.

Cut 6 (03) “…in need.”

For more information about federal COLA increases, visit ssa-dot-gov-forward slash-cola.

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A new and healthier type of white rice has been developed called Parish Rice carrying 53% more protein and a glycemic index of 41 out of 100, the lowest of any white rice on the market. Parish Rice owner Michael Fruge of Eunice hopes to put the rice back on the plates of people who have previously avoided it for health reasons and wants to educate them on just how much rice has changed…

Cut 7 (09) “…different options.”

When Fruge began growing the rice with a friend the glycemic level was unknown. It wasn’t until a dietician told them that, since the carb to protean level was different, they’d have a lower glycemic index score….

Cut 8 (08) “…a significant deal.” 

The low glycemic level allows diabetic persons to enjoy the rice without needing to worry as much about the sugar level. Fruge says his ultimate goal is to increase the consumption of rice and this provides a healthier way to do that…

Cut 9 (10)  “…bring people back.”

The rice can be bought in select stores in Louisiana or at parishrice.com

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The City of Minden is prepping for their close-up as they’ll be one of six small towns featured on the new HGTV series of Home Town Kickstart. It’s a spin-off of the hit series Home Town Takeover where beloved Mississippi designers Ben and Erin Napier revitalize small communities. Minden community activist Sara McDaniel says they are thrilled to be chosen.

Cut 10 (11)  “…on Minden.”

McDaniel and fellow activist Rachel Miller say the small Webster Parish city was a finalist for Home Town Takeover but eventually lost out to Wetumpka, Alabama. And with all the tourism and community spirit the series brought to Wetumpka, Miller says they are hopeful Minden will also experience such a transformation.

Cut  11 (11)  “…again and again.”  

McDaniel and Miller are limited on what they can say about the series until it airs late spring. McDaniel says the series will feature makeovers of a Minden residence, business, and community center.  McDaniel says she’s still in shock all their hard work is coming together for the town of 13,000.

Cut 12 (08) “…we’re chosen.”

Other cities to be featured on Home Town Kickstart are Buffalo, Wyoming; Cornwall, New York; Winslow, Arizona; LaGrange, Kentucky and Thomaston, Georgia.

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Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be honored tonight, when the court inside the PMAC is officially named after him. Brown’s name will be stamped upon the hardwood during a ceremony during tonight’s game against Kentucky. Brown says it is a singular honor, but he must share the credit…:

Cut 13 (09) “…trusted in LSU in-game.”

Brown was head coach of LSU Tigers basketball from 1972 through 1997, during which time he won an impressive 448 games. Under Brown, the Tigers won several SEC championships and many trips to the NCAA Tournament. He’s been named NCAA Coach of the Year and inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Brown remains humble about those honors…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…being really truthful.”

During his time with the Tigers, Brown also advocated for reforms within college hoops to make it a more positive and educational experience for players…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…their lives better.”

It can be said that no one affected LSU athletics in the way that Dale Brown did. The court will be officially dedicated as the Dale Brown Court at the PMAC tonight.

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LSU has about 40 scholarship players available for tonight’s Texas Bowl matchup with Kansas State. The Tigers will have a skeleton crew out there because of players entering the transfer portal, opt-outs, suspensions and COVID protocols. But interim head coach Brad Davis says the goal remains to win the football game

Cut  16 (15) “…from me.”

On the depth chart, Garrett Nussmeier is listed as the starting quarterback, but he might not play tonight, because he would lose the ability to call this a red-shirt season. That means wide receiver and former Lutcher star Jontre Kirkland can line up at quarterback. Davis says whoever starts at Q-B, they want to be consistent…

Cut 17 (15) “ …good game.”

It will be the final game in an LSU Tiger uniform for several players including center Liam Shanahan. He’s looking forward to finishing the season with a win, even though the roster of available players has shrunk…

Cut 18 (17) “ …everyone watching.” 

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21st ranked LSU hosts 16th ranked Kentucky tonight as the Tigers look to rebound after suffering their first loss of the season last week to Auburn. Kentucky is 11-and-2 and is led by six-foot-nine forward Oscar Tshiebwe (SHEE-bway), who is averaging 16 points and 15 rebounds a game. LSU Coach Will Wade says keeping Oscar off the glass will be a challenge

Cut 19 (15) “…total.” 

Kentucky leads the SEC in scoring, averaging nearly 84 points a game. Wade says the Wildcats are excellent in the half-court game

Cut 20 (16) “…back in transition.” 

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office answered a call Saturday where 63-year-old Michael Dobbins allegedly broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person, fled the scene then had a shootout with officers behind some abandoned cars. Reichardt says he failed to listen to commands and was declared dead on the scene.

Cut 5 (07) “…was hurt.”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s Surprise Medical Bill legislation preventing patients from paying unexpected fees after going to the hospital is now in effect. Cassidy says this is one of the first steps towards getting price transparency but there’s still a lot to be done…

 Cut 6 ()8) “…that’s never been the case” 

Get ready to bundle up for the second night in a row. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we only saw highs in the upper 40s today so don’t expect the sun to warm us up too much. As for Tuesday, Keim says it will be much of a repeat of this morning with basically everything north of I-10 waking up to freezing temps.

Cut 13 (10) “….and Thursday. “

The Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs even though they’ve scored just one touchdown in the last three games. New Orleans’s defense produced seven sacks in an 18-10 win over Carolina yesterday. Defensive end Cam Jordan had 3.5 sacks and says holding the Panthers to only 88 yards rushing was also a key…

Cut 9 (10) “…just sacks”

If the Saints beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers lose to the Rams, New Orleans is in the playoffs.

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office answered a call Saturday where 63-year-old Michael Dobbins allegedly broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person, fled the scene then had a shootout with officers behind some abandoned cars. Reichardt says he failed to listen to commands, and we declared dead on the scene.

Cut 5 (07) “…was hurt.”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s Surprise Medical Bill legislation preventing patients from paying unexpected fees after going to the hospital is now in effect. Cassidy says he’s heard of insurance companies playing games by not going in-network with doctors knowing it would put the patient at risk for the cost but now patients are no longer at risk…

Cut 7 (07) “…is out of the middle” 

Get ready to bundle up for the second night in a row. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll only see highs in the upper 40s today so don’t expect the sun to warm us up too much. As for Tuesday, Keim says it will be much of a repeat of this morning with basically everything north of I-10 waking up to freezing temps.

Cut 13 (10) “….and Thursday. “

The Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs. Sunday’s victory gives New Orleans an 8-and-8 record and some of the recent wins have been ugly as a result of an offense missing starters on the o-line. Linebacker Demario Davis says the defense doesn’t have a problem with stepping up its game…

Cut 10 (10)  “…that opportunity”

If the Saints beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers lose to the Rams, New Orleans is in the playoffs.

The state reports 31-thousand new COVID cases, those are positive cases which include results from the New Year’s weekend.  And the state reached a grim milestone today of more than 15-thousand fatalities. Hospitalizations are over 11 hundred.

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office answered a call Saturday where 63-year-old Michael Dobbins allegedly broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person, fled the scene then had a shootout with officers behind some abandoned cars. Reichardt says earlier in the day Dobbins supposedly broke into a vehicle and stole a gun.

Cut 4 (08) “…for a little while.”

Dobbins was declared dead on the scene after he failed to surrender to officers.

Senator Bill Cassidy’s Surprise Medical Bill legislation preventing patients from paying unexpected fees after going to the hospital is now in effect. Cassidy says this is one of the first steps towards getting price transparency but there’s still a lot to be done…

 Cut 6 (0.08) “…that’s never been the case” 

The Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs even though they’ve scored just one touchdown in the last three games. New Orleans’s defense produced seven sacks in an 18-10 win over Carolina yesterday. Defensive end Cam Jordan had 3.5 sacks and says holding the Panthers to only 88 yards rushing was also a key…

Cut 9 (10) “…just sacks”

If the Saints beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers lose to the Rams, New Orleans is in the playoffs.

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office received a call Saturday afternoon that 63-year-old Michael Dobbins broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person and then fled the scene. But hours later he was found behind some abandoned cars.

Cut 3 (12) “…at the scene.”

The suspect was also allegedly shot at vehicles before police arrived and a car burglary earlier in the day.

Louisianans needed much more than a light jacket as they ventured out into the frozen tundra this morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it was quite a contrast to the unseasonably warm temps the Bayou State was experiencing.

Cut 12 (12) “…down to 32.”  

Keim says we’ll only see highs in the upper 40s today so don’t expect the sun to warm us up too much.

The New Year brings new changes to how much state taxes you’ll pay. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

COVID hospitalizations and cases in the state continue to spike at the Omicron variant makes its presence known in Louisiana. The Bayou State began the year with more than 1,000 COVID patients in the hospital. New daily totals will be released at noon, and they will include weekend totals. Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging residents regardless of vaccination status to mask up indoors.

Embattled Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet who garnered national headlines after a viral video of where she allegedly used a racial slur as her family watched a home security video of an attempted burglary has stepped down from the bench. Odinet’s Attorney Dane Ciolino says in her resignation letter, she says she’s sorry for the pain she’s caused to the community…

Cut  11 (12)  “..to come”  

Medical marijuana in its smokable form is now available in Louisiana. Since the program launched in 2019 there are now 28-thousand patients who have a valid medical marijuana prescription. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says many of those individuals are over the age of 65

Cut 15 (10)  “…find beneficial”

2022 is already shaping up to be a very active & potentially dramatic year for Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher elaborates…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

2022 appears to be a repeat of how 2021 started with over one thousand COVID patients in Louisiana hospitals.  The Louisiana Department of Health reports 76-percent of those patients are not up to date on their COVID vaccine. LDH reports 15-thousand new cases since New Year’s Eve.