A Bastrop mother is facing criminal charges in the death of her two children in a house fire Monday. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide. Browning says the investigation is ongoing, but one thing is for sure: the two children were left unattended in the home for hours before the fire broke out…
cut 4 (12) “closer to noon-time”
4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home.

The National Weather Service Office in Shreveport says they have received reports of some light snow in parts of Notheast Louisiana this morning. According to authorities, it was just a light dusting with no major impacts. Expect a warmer day tomorrow, but rain is in the forecast for South Louisiana.

A new study shows that less than half of Louisiana families earn enough money to cover basic costs. The report, by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children are not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the study, says employers should consider increasing compensation…:
CUT 12 (12) “dignified lives”
He also thinks raising the minimum wage and expanding Medicaid would help.

Gas prices continue their steady decline. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $1.94 according to the American Automobile Association. That’s down a staggering 45 cents from this time last month.