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 kids, 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 the kids’ injuries are minor, and that they should make a full recovery.

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

Cut 14 (05) “…for a vote.”

The legislation would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which lawmakers from both parties say unfairly cut Social Security benefits for those who work in the public sector.

Many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete FAFSA forms. It’s a national trend exacerbated last year by glitches in the application’s rollout. Ebony Holmes with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says despite that, Louisiana is doing relatively well.

Cut 6 (09) “…national average.”

Today is Signing Day in college football. Matthew Brune covers LSU football for The Bengal Tiger and says LSU has signed a pair of top linebackers.

Cut 12 (14) “…in the class.”

Running back Harlem Berry out of St. Martin’s High School in Metairie has also signed. In all, Brune says LSU will have one of the ten best freshman classes of 2025.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring the Social Security Fairness act 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.

Cut 15 (13) “…legislation that matters.”

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

A Texas-based wing restaurant that’s been a staple in the LSU community for more than two decades is no more. Both Pluckers locations in Baton Rouge, including the one near the LSU campus, abruptly closed earlier this week. The franchisee cited upgrade costs as the reason to shut them down. They were the only locations outside the State of Texas.

A lottery player in St. Mary Parish is now a millionaire. The lucky player matched all five regular balls in the November 26th Mega Millions drawing but missed the MegaBall. Adding the Megaplier, that brings the prize to three-million dollars.

This year many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete FAFSA forms. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (27)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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.”

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

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.

In a little less than four months, voters will head to the polls to have the final say on certain aspects of the tax reform law that the legislature passed in the special session. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says PAR will release a voter guide on the amendment vote, but it will take a couple months to sift through everything.

Cut 6 (11) “…all the details.”

The election is slated for March 29th.

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge releases its annual list of the most popular baby names for 2024. Hospital spokeswoman Laurel Burgos says while many names are more traditional, some more modern trendy names made it onto the list.

Cut 14 (09) “…more trendy.” 

The number-one name for boys is Noah; the most popular name for girls is Amelia.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, marked by stress, loneliness and depression. LSU Medical Center Trauma Psychologist Sandy Hyatt says by prioritizing mental health and redefining the holidays on personal terms, people can find joy and connection beyond the season.

Cut 9 (15)  “…this time of year.”

Hyatt says seeking social connections, expressing emotions through journaling or conversations, and setting boundaries to avoid over-commitment are also effective.

A 93-year-old former Catholic priest pleads guilty to all counts in his long-delayed rape trial. Lawrence Hecker admitted to suffocating a teenage boy until he was unconscious and raping him in a New Orleans church back in 1975. Hecker had previously confessed to molesting several boys in the 1960s and 1970s. Hecker will be sentenced later this month.

On March 29th, voters will once again head to the polls – this time to decide on some aspects of the tax reform package passed in the special session. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says among other things, the rewritten law includes options for local governments.

Cut 5 (09) “…effects of that.” 

PAR will release a voter guide on the amendment vote, but it will take a couple months to sift through everything.

Today is Giving Tuesday in Louisiana. It’s the day when people are urged to support charitable causes and to engage in acts of generosity. United Way Southeast Louisiana CEO Michael Williamson says donating one dollar can have a 14-dollar impact on our communities.

Cut 11 (16) “…14-dollar impact.”

The Holidays should be a time for joy and happiness; but for many it’s a difficult time marked by stress, loneliness, and depression. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…Sean Richardson.”

Meet the new boss – same as the old boss. McNeese tapped Matt Viator (VEE-uh-tore) as its new – make that returning – head football coach. Viator previously coached the team from 2006 to 2015, racking up 78 wins, four Southland Conference titles and five playoff appearances.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says it positions Louisiana more competitively to take advantage of everything that the state has to offer naturally.

Cut 5 (13) “…years and generations.”

President Biden makes it official – the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville is now known as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Letlow’s widow, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, says she is flooded with emotion

Cut 13 (11)  “…finding connections.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

Many Louisiana residents are opting for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says beyond their environmental benefits, real trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says artificial trees, on the other hand, are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle, whereas real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

If you’re flying with food this Thanksgiving, be aware that some of those items will need to go into your checked baggage. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those are foods that you can smear or pour.

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois is hailing the tax reform package. She says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

Cut 4 (08) “…they can create.”

Bourgeois said Louisiana was one of a small handful of states that still have a franchise tax, but that will go away on January 1st.

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her family is deeply touched by the honor that her late husband has received…

Cut 12 (05) “…about it.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

Many Louisiana residents are opting for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says beyond their environmental benefits, real trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says artificial trees, on the other hand, are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle, whereas real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

If you’re flying with food this Thanksgiving, be aware that some of those items will need to go into your checked baggage. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those are foods that you can smear or pour.

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says good riddance to the franchise tax.

Cut 3 (08) “…tax was dramatic.” 

Bourgeois says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

If you’re planning on bringing food for your Thanksgiving feast with you on the airplane, keep in mind that you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those items will need to be in your checked baggage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…smear or pour.”

Those include cranberry sauce, gravy, beverages, canned fruits and vegetables, maple syrup and soup. On the other hand, baked goods, meats, stuffing, casseroles and fresh produce can go into your carry-on bag.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and many people are going out and finding that perfect Christmas tree. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

More groups are hailing the tax reform package. The Council for a Better Louisiana says the lowering of personal and corporate income taxes and the elimination of the franchise tax will make Louisiana a better place to live and to do business. President Barry Erwin, however, says it’s unfortunate that sales taxes, which are already among the highest in the nation, are increasing even further.

Cut 6 (12) “…citizens the most.”

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships will return to New Orleans for the first time in 30 years. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says this event promises to bring significant energy and interest to the Crescent City.

Cut 12 (09) “…what LSU has done.”

The event will be held August 7th through the 10th at the Smoothie King Center.

If you’re traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, you will by no means be the only one. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Avoyelles Parish. It happened on Scallan Street near MLK Drive in Marksville. State Police did not release any information on the circumstances surrounding the shooting, only to say that the subject is hospitalized in critical condition. No officers were hurt during the incident.