Governor Jeff Landry will be in Rayville later today to make a major economic development announcement. It’s expected he’ll announce that Meta, which operates Facebook and Instagram, will construct a five-billion dollar artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish’s Holly Ridge.

Today is also big day for college football programs as it’s the early signing period. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring the Social Security Fairness Act up for a vote before the end of the year…

Cut 13 (15)  “…it weeks ago.”

The legislation would provide higher social security benefits for an estimated 90-thousand Louisiana residents, who were former public employees, but can’t receive full Social Security benefits because they are also getting pension from another job.

Former New Orleans priest Lawrence Hecker has pleaded guilty to assaulting a teenage boy in the mid-1970s. Hecker is now 93-years-old and now faces life in prison on several charges including first-degree rape. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams…

Cut 30 (13) “…other people”

Hecker will be sentenced in two weeks.

A St. Landry Parish Woman is accused of doing one of the most heinous things imaginable to her own children. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

In other crime blotter news, Shreveport Police say an argument between a husband and a wife turned deadly last night when the woman shot her husband in the stomach, who later died from his injuries.

Baton Rouge Police pulled a body out of the Capitol Lake behind the State Capitol building yesterday afternoon. Detectives are trying to determine if foul play is a factor in the man’s death.

Many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms, a national trend exacerbated last year by glitches in the application’s rollout. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance spokesperson Ebony Holmes…

Cut 4 (08) “…technical issues.”

Holmes says in an effort to get more students to apply for federal assistance to attend colleges they are doing FAFSA completion events with high schools and had a robust digital media campaign.

Today begins the early signing period for high school recruits to sign with college football teams. LSU is hoping to bring in a Top 10 recruiting class, to do so, they need a five-star cornerback from Florida to sign with the Tigers…

Cut 11 (07) “…of Florida”

That’s Matthew Brune, who covers LSU for the Bengal Tiger. LSU lost a commitment from a five-star cornerback out of Texas yesterday. Kade Phillips plans to sign at Texas instead.

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says an Opelousas woman has confessed to physically and sexually abusing her two young children, both of whom are under four years old. 31-year-old Keristen White faces several charges including first degree rape. Major Mark Leblanc says White opened up to deputies about her problems…

Cut 8 (11) “….in that alone”

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says he’s thankful White surrendered herself and cooperated with detectives.

Fewer students filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid of FAFSA last year. Part of the problem was the botched rollout of a new application. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid spokesperson Ebony Holmes says to get more students to complete the FAFSA application, they are holding FAFSA completion events, digital media campaigns, and one-on-one trouble shooting sessions….

Cut 5 (10) “…across the state”

The FAFSA forms are already available for the Class of 2024.

Today begins the early signing period for college football recruits. LSU is expected to bring in a Top 10 class and Matthew Brune who covers LSU for the Bengal Tiger says LSU’s 2025 class contains a couple of highly sought after linebackers…

Cut 12 (14) “…in the class”

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell has announced he’s entering the NFL draft. The  Monroe native is expected to be a Top 10 pick.

Time is running out for the U-S Senate to approve legislation that would result in higher Social Security benefits for an estimated 90-thousand former public employees in Louisiana. The House has already approved the legislation and Senator Bill Cassidy says there’s a push to bring the measure to the floor…

Cut 14 (4) “…for a vote”

There are 11 scheduled workdays remaining in the Senate for this year.

This year many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (27)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A St. Landry Parish Woman is accused of doing one of the most heinous things imaginable to her own children. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Today is national signing day in college football. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms, a national trend exacerbated last year by glitches in the application’s rollout. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistant Ebony Holmes says some challenges led to a decline in FAFSA submissions.

Cut 4 (08) “…technical issues.”

Holmes says LOSFA has implemented strategies to reverse the decline, including FAFSA completion events, digital media campaigns, and one-on-one troubleshooting sessions. Programs like “FAFSA Frenzy” and “FAFSA Fridays” aim to simplify the process and address errors.

Cut 5 (10) “…across the state.”

Despite the issues, Louisiana maintains a higher-than-average FAFSA completion rate of 62.9%, partly due to its current policy requiring FAFSA completion for graduation, though this will end in 2025.

Cut 6 (09) “…national average.”

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A St. Landry Parish woman is under arrest for allegedly sexually assaulting her own children. 31-year-old Keirsten White is facing four charges in connection with the abuse of her two children, both of whom are under four years old. Major Mark LeBlanc (le-BLAH) with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says investigators were baffled when White turned herself in.

Cut 7 (13) “…this particular situation.”

LeBlanc says White has been going through a lot of things lately.

Cut 8 (11) “…in that alone.”

LeBlanc says the kids’ injuries are minor, and that they should make a full recovery. While he couldn’t be specific as to where they’re currently staying he said the kids are properly being cared for. As for the investigation, LeBlanc says it is ongoing.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to have happened.”

No bond has been set at this time.

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Today is Signing Day in college football. Matthew Brune covers LSU football for The Bengal Tiger and says the days leading up to signing day haven’t been the easiest in program history.

Cut 10 (12) “…Gorman in Nevada.” (refers to defected Bryce Underwood to Michigan and Kade Phillips to Texas)

Still, Brune says LSU is expected to sign one of the top ten freshman classes of 2025, including the top cornerback in the nation.

Cut 11 (07) “…out of Florida.” (refers to D.J. Pickett)

Other likely signees with the Tigers include running back Harlem Berry out of St. Martin’s High School in Metairie, who he calls the best running back in the country. LSU is also expected to sign a pair of top linebackers.

Cut 12 (14) “…in the class.” (Charles Ross of Houston and Jaiden Breaker of Georgia)

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Senator Bill Cassidy is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring the Social Security Fairness Act up for a vote.

Cut 13 (15)  “…it weeks ago.”

The legislation would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which lawmakers from both parties say unfairly cuts Social Security benefits for those who work in the public sector, such as teachers, police officers and firefighters. Cassidy introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.

Cut 14 (05) “…for a vote.”

Cassidy says in the waning days of the 118th Congress, the Senate is focused too much on legislation that means less to the American people than the Social Security Fairness Act.

Cut 15 (05) “…legislation that matters.”

Schumer has considered attaching the Social Security Fairness Act to the budget bill. Cassidy said he would still support it if that’s indeed what happens.

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McNeese turns back the clock in hiring Matt Viator (VEE-uh-tore) as its new – make that returning – head football coach to replace Gary Goff, who was fired after three seasons. Jim Gazzolo with the American Press in Lake Charles says this is a great rehire for the school.

Cut 16 (12) “…happy about it.”

Viator previously coached the team from 2006 to 2015, racking up 78 wins, four Southland Conference titles and five playoff appearances. However, Gazzolo cautions that the second time around night not be a carbon copy of Viator’s first stint.

Cut 17 (14) “…of recreate it.” 

McNeese finished the 2024 season with a record of 6-and-6.

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Nicholls hires Tommy Rybacki (RYE-backie) as its new head football coach, taking over for the retired Tim Rebowe. In his introductory news conference, Rybacki said he’s excited for the opportunity to lead the Colonels.

Cut 18 (10)   “…to be special.”

Rybacki says the goal is to play a brand of football that creates a sense of pride for the university and the community.

Cut 19 (25) “…hate to play.”  

Nicholls finished 4-and-8 this season.

A former Catholic priest and admitted serial child molester pleads guilty to kidnapping and raping a boy in the 1970s. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says 93-year-old Lawrence Hecker’s victim had reported the attack to his school principal, who failed to inform authorities.

Cut 10 (14) “…predator to run.”

Hecker will be sentenced later this month.

A new report by the Louisiana Illuminator says there’s been little to no progress on reforming LSU’s Title Nine office four years after USA Today published an explosive report. Piper Hutchinson says employees within the office are alleging a hostile work environment, which is causing a slowdown in Title Nine complaints. Hutchinson notes that universities in general receive a fair number of Title Nine complaints.

Cut 4 (11) “…to these abuses.”

LSU football has lost a five-star commitment on the eve of national signing day. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The state breaks ground on the Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish – a freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to the swamp. River reintroduction involves redirecting fresh water and sediments from the Mississippi River into the swamp via engineered channels. This process replenishes nutrients, improves water quality, and mitigates subsidence by restoring natural sediment deposition.

Some aspects of the recently passed comprehensive tax reform package will require voter approval, in March. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 27 (33)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former Catholic priest and admitted serial child molester, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a boy in the 1970s.  93-year-old Lawrence Hecker’s plea is a rare conviction linked to the Catholic Church’s long-standing abuse scandal. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says Hecker plead guilty to every count…

Cut 9 (05)  “…to a life sentence.”

The Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish breaks ground on a freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to Maurepas Swamp.  Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Communication Director James Karst says River reintroduction involves redirecting fresh water and sediments from the Mississippi River into the swamp via engineered channels aiming to counteract decades of wetland loss and create a healthier environment for native species.

Cut 7 (11) “…very long time.”

Four years ago, in the wake of an explosive investigative report by USA Today, LSU promised to make improvements to its Title Nine office. However, a new report by the Louisiana Illuminator says there’s been little to no progress. Piper Hutchinson is conducting the investigation for the Illuminator in conjunction with Tiger Rag Magazine. She says employees within the office are alleging a hostile work environment, which is causing a slowdown in Title Nine complaints.

Cut 3 (11) “…office right now.”

Former Catholic priest and admitted serial child molester, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a boy in the 1970s.  93-year-old Lawrence Hecker’s plea was welcomed by survivors prepared to testify about decades of abuse. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams described the plea as significant for survivors seeking justice.

Cut 11 (13) “…hurt other people.”

The state breaks ground on the Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish.  A freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to Maurepas Swamp.   Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Communication Director James Karst says CRCL is also working in conjunction with the state…

Cut 6 (09) “…in the swamp.”

LSU football has lost a five-star commitment on the eve of national signing day. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Four years ago, LSU promised to make improvements to its Title Nine office after the release of an investigative report by USA Today. However, a new report by the Louisiana Illuminator says there’s been little to no progress. Piper Hutchinson is conducting the investigation for the Illuminator in conjunction with Tiger Rag Magazine. She says some of the Title Nine complaints involved the Title Nine office itself.

Cut 5 (11) “…Department of Education.”

A 93-year-old former Catholic priest and admitted serial child molester, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a boy in the 1970s.  Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says Lawrence Hecker’s victim, who was assaulted in a church bell tower converted into a weightlifting room, had reported the attack to his school principal, who failed to inform authorities.

Cut 10 (14) “…predator to run.”

In Opelousas, a mother turned herself into St. Landry Parish authorities Monday, telling deputies at the parish jail that she physically and sexually abused her children, both under the age of 4 years, citing extreme stress stemming from a divorce. There were no outstanding arrest warrants for 31-year-old Keirsten White but with her cooperation, detectives determined the extent of the criminal activity. White has been charged with indecent behavior with juveniles, first degree rape, sexual battery, and cruelty to juveniles.

Four years after an investigative report uncovered serious allegations against LSU’s Title Nine office, a new report suggests that little has been done about it. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish, a freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to Maurepas Swamp, breaks ground today. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Communication Director James Karst says volunteers and environmental groups will plant bald cypress and water tupelo trees to stabilize the ecosystem and provide resilience from hurricanes and flooding.

Cut 8 (11) “…swamp land again.”