Governor John Bel Edwards has one more year left in office and one of his goals during 2023 will be convincing the Louisiana Legislature to amend the state’s abortion ban to provide an exception for rape and incest. Edwards will also seek to pass legislation that would clarify what would constitute a medical exemption…
cut 12 (09) “…specific conditions”
Edwards says there were cases this year of women who had to seek abortions in other states, even though they could have received one in Louisiana based on their medical condition.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says most of Louisiana’s parishes are eligible for federal aid as a result of drought conditions in 2022 that turned into devastating rains that destroyed crops. Strain says the assistance will come in the form of USDA Farm Services Agency emergency loans…
cut 8 (07) “….types of assistance”

Tax experts say you can save money on your 2022 taxes if you act before the end of the year. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

The Caesar’s Superdome was evacuated this morning after a construction fire broke out in the walls of the historic stadium. No injuries reported. Smoke was not seen leaving the Superdome, but a New Orleans TV Station smoke made its way onto the field. The Sugar Bowl is Saturday between Alabama and Kansas State. The Saints are in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll ask state lawmakers during the 2023 regular legislative session to amend the state’s current ban on abortion to include exceptions for rape and incest. Edwards also wants to provide more clarity to what constitutes a medical exemption….
cut 11 (09) “….probably should have”

The investigation continues into the tragic death of a four-year-old boy in East Baton Rouge Parish, who was pulled from the frigid Amite River on Christmas Eve. The child’s father says Matias Stricker Abreu wandered away from him while the two were walking in Central. But investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke to the child’s mother who does not believe that story..
cut 15 (09) “….walk off”
The East Baton Rouge coroner is still trying to determine a cause of death.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal aid for farmers hit hard by drought then flooding rain in 2022 is on the way. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Hundreds of Louisiana residents continue to be impacted by Southwest Airlines meltdown after last week’s major winter storm. There are hundreds of unclaimed bags at Louis Armstrong International Airport and nearly two-thirds of Southwest’s flights are canceled today.

The cause and manner of death for the child who was found in the Amite River on Christmas Eve is undetermined. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Authorities have arrested a Hammond man who started a fire inside a heavily-occupied Walmart store in Hammond on Christmas Eve. 43-year-old Terrence Coe was booked on several charges including aggravated arson and terrorism. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says Coe set the fire to cause a distraction so he could shoplift.

Tax experts say you have some things to do by the end of the year if you want to save on your 2022 taxes. Jason Shellhaas (SHELL-US) is a partner with the Malcolm M. Dienes (DEE-NES) CPA firm in Metairie. He recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for 2022, and also look to see if they need to make large equipment purchases.
Cut 4 (12) “…tax year 2022.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declares a weather disaster in numerous Louisiana parishes; bringing federal aid for hard-hit farmers. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers fought extreme drought in 2022, then were hit with torrential rainfalls that damaged crops and affected yields.…:
Cut 7 (09) “…in the crop year.”
Strain says the assistance will come in form of USDA Farm Services Agency emergency loans and other aid.

Tax experts say you can save money on your 2022 taxes if you act before the end of the year. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

________________________________________________________

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal aid for farmers hit hard by drought then flooding rain in 2002 is on the way. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

_______________________________________________

The cause and manner of death for the child who was found in the Amite River on Christmas Eve is undetermined. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

Tax experts say you have some things to do by the end of the year if you want to save on your 2022 taxes. Jason Shellhaas (SHELL-US) is a partner with the Malcolm M. Dienes (DEE-NES) CPA firm in Metairie. He recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for 2022, and also look to see if they need to make large equipment purchases.

Cut 4 (12)  “…tax year 2022.”

Shellhaas says individuals can help themselves and deserving charities at the same time.

Cut 5 (08) “…in 2022.”

He says if you made money in the stock market this year, you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes.

Cut 6 (11)  “…at a gain.” 

________________________________________________

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declares a weather disaster in numerous Louisiana parishes; bringing federal aid for hard-hit farmers. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers fought extreme drought in 2022, then were hit with torrential rainfalls that damaged crops and affected yields. He says Vilsack made the federal assistance official…:

Cut 7 (09) “…in the crop year.”

Strain says the assistance will come in form of USDA Farm Services Agency emergency loans and other aid. He says farmers with drought and rain related losses can begin application for the assistance right away, but remember there IS a time limit…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…types of assistance.”

The primary disaster parishes are Ascension, Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Cameron, Franklin, Iberville, Madison, St. James, Tensas, Vermilion and West Baton Rouge. Areas bordering those parishes will also be eligible to apply. Strain says farmers should gather documentation of disaster losses and apply soon…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…Services Agency.”

Information is online at “fsa.usda.gov”

__________________________________________

In his final year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards says he plans to ask state lawmakers to make further amendments to the state’s abortion law. The law, which was authored by Monroe area Democrat senator Katrina Jackson, and had very few exceptions under which the procedure would be allowed. Edwards says those weren’t enough…:

Cut 10 (12) “…that starts in April.” 

Edwards says he’ll ask for a bill to amend exceptions for rape and incest into the law. He says, since the law went into effect with the reversal of Roe v Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, there have documented cases of women having to leave the state in order to terminate their pregnancy…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…probably should have.”

The law has exceptions for so-called “medical futility”; where the infant would be still-born, and there are exceptions to save the life of the mother. Edwards says the law has also been modified to allow other medical exceptions…:

Cut 12 (09) “…specific conditions.”

He says he’d still prefer to have rape & incest added to the law in this year’s legislative session.

______________________________________________

The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the cause and manner of death of the child who was found in the Amite River Christmas Eve are pending. The child’s father Jacob Stricker told authorities his son, Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking. Investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke with the child’s mother Isabel Stricker, via a translator, and she has a protective order against her ex-husband.

Cut 13 (11) “…abuse battery.”

The child was found about an hour after he was reported missing and taken to Children’s Hospital where he died before midnight. Chawla says the mother told her that she dropped Matias off Friday to spend time with his father.

Cut 14 (09)  “…mom’s house.”

Jacob Stricker told authorities his son was missing in the BREC Frenchtown Conservation Area trails. But Chawla says his mother told her that Matias is autistic and it’s not like him to walk off.

Cut 15 (09)  “…walk off.”

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. LRN reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment but no response.

______________________________________________

LSU Men’s Basketball will begin SEC play tonight in the P-MAC. The 11-1 Tigers will host ninth-ranked Arkansas as new Head Coach Matt McMahon looks to establish himself in the SEC. The Razorbacks are heavy favorites in the matchup and the Tigers have an opportunity to open conference play with a  statement win, but McMahon says his goal is the same as always: to help his team become the best they can be…

Cut  16 (19)  “..of themselves.” 

LSU has struggled defensively at times, especially on the perimeter, but have been bailed out by poor shooting from opponents. The Tigers will not enjoy that same margin for error against one of the nation’s top teams. Arkansas boasts an explosive backcourt featuring transfer Ricky Council IV, who’s averaging 18 points a game, and McDonald’s All-American Anthony Black. McMahon says defending the Razorbacks dynamic offense will be a team effort…

Cut 17 (21) “…in those areas.” 

The Razorbacks are not only an offensive team by any measure but, with one of the best defenses in the country. They’ve allowed opponents just under 62 points per game this season and average just over 10 steals a game. McMahon says limiting their defensive impact will be important if LSU wants to win…

Cut 18 (22) “…open floor.” 

Tip-Off in the P-MAC is at 8:00

  ______________________________________________

Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”

Cut 20 (23)     ….of the year” 

After a four-year-old child went missing Christmas Eve and was found in the freezing waters of the Amite River, the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the manner of death has not been determined. Jacob Stricker told authorities his son Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking in the BREC Frenchtown Conservation Area trails. The toddler was found an hour later in the river transported to the hospital and died just before midnight. The child’s mother Isabel Stricker reportedly has a protective order against his father. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

State Police say 39-year-old Brandi Hall, of Darrow, was a passenger who died in a crash in Ascension Parish yesterday. Troopers say a pickup crossed the center line and hit the SUV head-on. Trooper Christian Reed says neither in the SUV were wearing seatbelts.

CUT 05(07)      “…seat belt use.”

The driver of the pickup is charged with negligent homicide.

The weather continues to cause several travel delays and flight cancellations across the country. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says Southwest airlines has had the most cancellations compared to other airlines. And after numerous cancellations over the weekend airlines are now playing catch up.

Cut 9 (06) “…to get home.” 

If you bought a Powerball ticket for the July 30^th drawing at the Fisherman’s One Stop in Saint Amant you might want to check your numbers. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says no one has claimed a $50-thousand prize and the ticket will expire January 26^th. She’s hoping this story will help bring the winner forward…

Cut 14 (09)   “…word out.”

She says you can use the Louisiana Lottery app on your phone to check and see if you’re a winner or not.

State Police say a fatal wreck in Ascension Parish yesterday killed a passenger in a vehicle whose driver did not cause the accident. Trooper Christian Reed says it happened on US 61 around 3:30 PM…:

CUT 03(07)      “…head-on.”

The victim is 39-year-old Brandi Hall of Darrow. The driver that hit them has been charged with vehicular homicide and more.

Caddo Parish emergency managers got busy distributing water in four communities due to the recent hard freezes. Caddo sheriff’s Sgt. Casey Jones says lots of folks left water running to prevent a freeze-up, so they wanted to be prepared for the worst…:

CUT 07(08)      “…was needed.”

The good news: temperatures are rising again, starting tomorrow afternoon.

A preliminary report from the East Baton Rouge Parish coroner says they cannot determine exactly what caused the death of a 4-year-old boy, who was pulled from the icy waters of the Amite River on Christmas Eve. The child died Sunday in a local hospital. The manner and cause of the child’s death are still under investigation with the coroner and the sheriff’s office. The boy’s father says the boy got lost while the pair were hiking, and must have fallen in the water.

There’s a $50-thousand Powerball prize that’s yet to be claimed and the ticket was sold in Ascension Parish for the July 30^th drawing. Louisiana Lottery’s Kim Chopin says they get that money if no one ever claims it, but they’d rather have the winner come forward before the January 26^th deadline and collect their 50 grand…:

CUT 13(12)      “…under his bed.”

The weather continues to cause several travel delays and flight cancellations across the country. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says Southwest Airlines has had the most cancellations compared to other airlines. He says, if you’re flying in the next few days, check ahead before driving to the airport so you aren’t stranded…:

CUT 11(13)      “…last minute.”

There’s a $50,000 Powerball prize that’s yet to be claimed and the ticket was sold in Ascension Parish for the July 30^th drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says ticket holders have 180 days to claim a draw-style game prize and for this ticket, the deadline is January 26^th…:

CUT 12(14)      “…on you.”

State Police say a fatal crash in Ascension Parish Monday serves as another tragic reminder of the importance of seat belt use…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Golsby”

The driver of the pickup has been arrested for vehicular homicide and careless operation.

Viral video of a Baton Rouge convenience store clerk dousing a homeless person with cold water in the recent freeze has resulted in that person’s arrest. The incident happened at Triple S Food Mart; the same store where Alton Sterling was shot and killed by a cop while resisting arrest in 2016.

State Police say a fatal crash in Ascension Parish Monday serves as another tragic reminder of the importance of seat belt use. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

______________________________________

If you purchased a Powerball ticket in Ascension Parish for the July 30^th drawing you might want to go check your numbers. Brooke Thorington has more on an unclaimed prize of $50,000.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

State Police say a fatal wreck in Ascension Parish yesterday killed a passenger in a vehicle whose driver did not cause the accident. Trooper Christian Reed says it happened on US 61 around 3:30 PM.

Cut 3 (07) “…head on.” 

Reed says the passenger was 39-year-old Brandi Hall, of Darrow. He says she wasn’t wearing a seat belt and died instantly. He says the driver wasn’t wearing one either but survived. Troopers say they cannot understand why some people don’t wear seat belts.

Cut 4 (08)  “…state law” 

Reed says in the Ascension Parish crash, the driver of a Nissan Frontier was driving north on US 61, left the roadway, came back on the road, crossed the median, and hit a Chevy Equinox head-on in the southbound lane. He says the driver of the Nissan was wearing a seatbelt and sustained only minor injuries. Reed says if you aren’t wearing a seatbelt you are at risk for injury or death whether you are driving safely or not.

Cut 5 (07) “…seat belt use.”

UPDATE: Jennie Alexander the driver of the Nissan has been arrested and charged with Negligent Homicide, Negligent Injuring, and Careless Operation.

_______________________________________________

In Caddo Parish, four towns are taking precautions due to low water pressure after the extended freeze. Pallets of water have been distributed to Belcher, Gilliam, Greenwood, and Blanchard. Sargent Casey Jones with the Sheriff’s Office says public works distributed water.

Cut 6 (09)  “…parish towns.”

The cold weather caused residents to run their water as a precaution to keep their pipes from freezing it impacted water pressure in the parish. Jones says they wanted to prepare for the worst should the water systems fail.

Cut 7 (08)  “…was needed.”

But Jones says they are encouraging residents not to stress the water systems any further and to conserve as much as possible in the meantime. They are asking residents to limit shower times and…

Cut 8 (07)  “…that nature.“

___________________________________________

The weather continues to cause several travel delays and flight cancellations across the country. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says Southwest airlines has had the most cancellations compared to other airlines. And after numerous airlines had cancellations over the weekend now, they are playing catch up.

Cut 9 (06) “…to get home.” 

And with college bowl games on tap Chabarria says travel to those destinations could be snarled also as airlines play catch-up from last weekend.

Cut 10 (11) “…coming weekend.” 

So, if you’re flying in the next few days Chabarria says to check ahead before driving to the airport so you aren’t stranded.

Cut 11 (13)  “…last minute.”

If your flight is canceled Chabarria recommends you visit transportation.gov to see what you are entitled to as a passenger.

_______________________________________________

There’s a $50,000 Powerball prize that’s yet to be claimed and the ticket was sold in Ascension Parish for the July 30^th drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says ticket holders have 180 days to claim a draw-style game prize and for this ticket, the deadline is January 26^th.

Cut 12 (14) “…on you.”  

If the prize isn’t claimed Chopin says per Louisiana law the money goes back to the lottery and is used for promotions or towards payouts for scratch-off games. But Chopin says they’d rather have the winner come forward and collect their $50,000 prize.

Cut 13 (12) “…his bed.”  

The winning ticket matched four of the five numbers drawn and the red Powerball number to win. Chopin says they’ve had ticket holders claim prizes at the last minute before and they’re hoping this story will bring forward another one.

Cut 14 (09)   “…word out.”

You can also download the Louisiana Lottery app on your phone to scan draw tickets and scratch-offs to see if they are winners. Winners of large prizes will need to contact a lottery office to claim their prize.

___________________________________________

Cut 15 (10) “…can qualify.”

Cut  16 (07)  “…coroners office.”