Fire-related deaths are up from 41 fatalities this time last year to 54 so far in 2025. Ken Pastorick of the State Fire Marshal’s Office says in 41 fatal fires, only 13 homes had smoke alarms and only 3 of those were known to be working.

Cut 6 (11) “…in your house.”

Pastorick advises residents to test their smoke alarms monthly.

A new study shows that Northwestern State is a major driver of economic growth in central and northwest Louisiana. President James Genovese (JEN-oh-vehz) says the study by labor market analytics firm Lightcast shows a total economic impact of almost 500-million dollars.

Cut 9 (08)  “…for by Northwestern.”

Governor Landry welcomes General Motors Insurance as a new auto insurer to the state, but Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that’s not true. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A breastfeeding Baton Rouge mother who was held in ICE detention for two months is back home. 25-year-old Paola Clouatre (CLOO-aht) was brought to the U.S. when she was 14. She’s married to a Marine veteran and has a 19-month-old boy and a nine-week-old girl. Her attorney, Carey Holliday, says just a couple days before a routine USCIS appointment, she found out that she has had a final order of removal against her since 2018.

Cut 5 (09) “…her under arrest.”

With the help of Senator John Kennedy, Holliday was able to secure an emergency stay.

She claimed to be dirt poor as she was receiving Medicaid benefits; the Attorney General’s office says she drives a Lamborghini. 35-year-old Candace Taylor of Slidell is charged with government benefits fraud – something Attorney General Liz Murrill says is not a victimless crime.

Cut 12 (08) “…stealing those benefits.”

Governor Landry hosted OMV Commissioner Bryan Adams on his “Diner Days” podcast to announce a long-awaited software enhancement. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson has a full day in his district today, with meetings scheduled with business owners, community leaders and constituents. He will wrap up his day in Bossier City, where he will hold a news conference in which he will discuss the tax and spending bill that he helped get over the finish line.

A breastfeeding Baton Rouge mother is back home after being held in ICE detention for two months. 25-year-old Paola Clouatre (CLOO-aht) was taken into custody while at a USCIS appointment. Her attorney, Carey Holliday worked to secure an emergency stay of removal – and with the help of Senator John Kennedy, he was able to accomplish that.

Cut 6 (09) “…have it vacated.”

The Attorney General’s Office dubs her the “Medicaid Millionaire.” 35-year-old Candace Taylor of Slidell is facing charges for allegedly collecting government benefits, despite owning several companies that generate millions in revenue and buying several luxury cars, including a Lamborghini. Attorney General Liz Murrill says cases like this are why Louisiana is very diligent in investigating Medicaid fraud.

Cut 11 (08) “…from the program.”

Governor Landry announced a partnership with a new software vendor to overhaul the state’s OMV system on his “Diner Days” podcast. OMV Commissioner Bryan Adams says when the new software is fully implemented, he hopes to revolutionize everything from renewing a Real ID to registering a vehicle.

Cut 9 (10)  “…get it there.”

With scorching heat making for life-threatening conditions, communities in Louisiana are opening up cooling centers. Among them is Lafayette. Chief Communications Officer Jamie Boudreaux says Lafayette is working with many community and faith-based organizations to take care of vulnerable people, including seniors.

Cut 14 (08) “…55 and over.”

Boudreaux says they’re also working to make sure that people who need food and water get them.

A breastfeeding Baton Rouge mother is released from ICE custody following two months in detention. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry hosted OMV Commissioner Bryan Adams on his “Diner Days” podcast to announce a long-awaited software enhancement. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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And now, we present you the story of the Medicaid Millionaire. Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A breastfeeding Baton Rouge mother is back home after being held in ICE detention for two months. 25-year-old Paola Clouatre (CLOO-aht) was brought to the U.S. when she was 14 and was legally processed. Her family’s attorney, Carey Holliday, says she had an appointment with Citizenship and Immigration Services on May 27th, when she found out something that would change everything.

Cut 4 (11) “…the two children.”

Holliday says Clouatre only found out about this days prior to her appointment. Clouatre is married to a Marine veteran and has a 19-month-old boy and a nine-week-old girl; and Holliday says while at her appointment, things took a turn for the worst for her.

Cut 5 (09) “…her under arrest.”

So with Clouatre in detention and separated from her newborn daughter, Holliday worked to secure an emergency stay of removal – and with the help of Senator John Kennedy, he was able to accomplish that.

Cut 6 (09) “…have it vacated.”

Holliday says he’s now working with Clouatre to get her Green Card and eventually her citizenship.

________________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry announced a partnership with a new software vendor to overhaul the state’s OMV system on his “Diner Days” podcast. OMV Commissioner Bryan Adams says the outdated system would frequently shut down, causing long lines, wasted resources and fraud.

Cut 7 (12) “…four months.”

Landry says he’s set out to make the OMV experience as close to Disney World as possible. Childlike wonder aside, Adams says they’re working to build a brand-new driver’s license system that will be the greatest thing the state has seen in 50 years.

Cut 8 (11) “…OMV offices.”

Adams says the department is prioritizing the driver’s license system because it’s one experience that touches most Louisiana citizens. When the new software is fully implemented, he hopes to revolutionize everything from renewing a Real ID to registering a vehicle.

Cut 9 (10)  “…get it there.”

________________________________________________________

The Attorney General’s Office dubs her the “Medicaid Millionaire.” 35-year-old Candace Taylor of Slidell is facing charges for allegedly collecting government benefits, despite being very well off financially. Investigators say Taylor intentionally misspelled her name as she applied for benefits, alleging that she was earning just two-thousand dollars a month. Attorney General Liz Murrill says Taylor’s investigators found that Taylor actually owns many businesses that generate millions of dollars in revenue, and they found her purchases rather peculiar.

Cut 10 (09) “…had no money.”

Murrill says cases like this are why Louisiana is very diligent in investigating Medicaid fraud.

Cut 11 (08) “…from the program.”

Murrill says the money that Taylor was collecting in Medicaid benefits could have gone to someone else who could have used that money, so Medicaid fraud is not a victimless crime.

Cut 12 (08) “…stealing those benefits.”

Taylor’s new digs aren’t nearly as luxurious as the ones she’s accustomed to; she’s booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

________________________________________________________

With scorching heat making for life-threatening conditions, communities in Louisiana are opening up cooling centers. Among them is Lafayette. Chief Communications Officer Jamie Boudreaux:

Cut 13 (10)  “…the extreme conditions.”

Boudreaux says Lafayette is working with many community and faith-based organizations to take care of vulnerable people, including seniors.

Cut 14 (08) “…55 and over.”

Boudreaux says they’re also working to make sure that people who need food and water get them.

Cut 15 (09) “…at that location.”

________________________________________________________

The Saints have tried to build the roster from the inside out and prioritize quality trench play. New Orleans used the ninth overall pick on left tackle Kelvin Banks in this year’s draft, and he joins a starting line with four first-rounders. He says that’s a blessing and a curse.

Cut 16 (16) “…play football.”

Right tackle Taliese Fuaga was the team’s first-round selection last year and started at left tackle last season. Since the arrival of Banks, he’s moved back to the right side where he played in college. He says he feels comfortable on his natural side and enjoys playing next to Cesar Ruiz.

Cut 17 (15)  “…like that.”

Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is a 330-pound force in the middle of the D-line. The Saints traded for the former Patriot this offseason for his ability to stuff the run after struggling to do so last season. Godchaux says he wants to bring the Saints’ defense back to its dominant ways.

Cut 18 (18) “…football is back.”

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says he has been in close contact with DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard (REE-shard).

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s knocked over.”

Harris is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism racially motivated.

A recent study from Bankrate found nearly half of Americans working full-time or searching for full-time employment say they are looking for a new job in the next year. Analyst Mark Hamrick says 44% said they planned on asking for a raise.

Cut 13 (14)  “…more than that.”

The OMV is warning you about a scam text message claiming to be from them, saying you have an outstanding traffic ticket. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

She was receiving Medicaid benefits. The Attorney General’s Office says she also bought herself a Lamborghini. 35-year-old Candace Taylor of Slidell is charged with government benefits fraud. The A-G’s office says Taylor underreported her income while using a fictitious name to get Medicaid benefits; when, in fact, she owns several businesses that generate millions in revenue.

The OMV is warning Louisianians about a scam text message claiming to be from them, contacting you to collect an outstanding traffic ticket. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history is vandalized. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Scammers are trying to exploit Louisiana residents yet again for their personal information and unnecessary fees through a fraudulent text message. OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux says the text claims it comes from the OMV trying to collect a fee for an outstanding traffic ticket.

Cut 3 (12) “…through the mail.”

He says if you’re unsure whether or not you have an outstanding ticket, contact the OMV directly or visit their website, expresslane.org, to view your license status anytime.

Cut 4 (10) “…report it.”

The OMV is encouraging users to report suspicious texts and emails to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Boudreaux says the only way to ever receive a text message from the OMV is by opting in for alerts when scheduling an appointment online. He encourages people to inform others about potential scams, especially those who could be more vulnerable.

Cut 5 (13) “…information stolen.”

________________________________________________

***Note: Must credit KALB-TV in Alexandria***

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says he has been in close contact with DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard (REE-shard).

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s knocked over.”

Mayor Harris tells KALB-TV in Alexandria says breaking the news to his family was very difficult.

Cut 7 (11) “…very, very hurtful.”

Harris is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism racially motivated. He tells KALB-TV that he’s leaning on his faith to get him through this.

Cut 8 (08) “…and keep going.”

The police department is actively investigating. The cemetery, however, does not have any security cameras, which will make the investigation much more difficult.

________________________________________________

Plenty of reaction to President Trump’s recent proclamation giving 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana, a two-year exemption from new federal EPA emissions rules. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary because there’s a lot involved in meeting these new rules.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it as well.”

But Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss), the director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says people’s health are too important to take two years for these companies to meet these new standards.

Cut 10 (13) “…cancer-causing emissions.”

Cresson disputes Rolfe’s notion that there’s a correlation between people’s overall health and proximity to a chemical plant.

Cut 11 (15) “…in the state.”

Cresson says the chemical industry is one of the most regulated industries in the country, but Rolfes says it seems that those regulations are doing little good.

Cut 12 (13) “…oversight, not less.”

________________________________________________

A recent study from Bankrate found nearly half of Americans working full-time or searching for full-time employment say they are looking for a new job in the next year. Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick says 44-percent said they planned on asking for a raise.

Cut 13 (14)  “…more than that.”

Another leading cause for the potential turnover, Hamrick says, is in the pursuit of an improved work-life balance. The study also found that Gen Z and Millennial workers were more likely to ask for a raise or flexibility than their Gen X counterparts.

Cut 14 (13) “…next year.”

Bankrate found that a quarter of workers plan to start their own business in the next year, and that percentage is larger among younger Americans. Hamrick says independent businesses are essential to the U.S. economy

Cut 15 (13) “…giant business.”

The headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says breaking the news to his family was very difficult.

Cut 7 (11) “…very, very hurtful.”

Mayor Harris says while there’s every indication that the act was intentional, he stopped short in saying it was racially motivated.

Scammers are trying to exploit Louisiana residents yet again for their personal information and unnecessary fees through a fraudulent text message. OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux says the text claims it comes from the OMV trying to collect a fee for an outstanding traffic ticket.

Cut 3 (12) “…through the mail.”

Plenty of reaction to President Trump’s recent proclamation giving 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana, a two-year exemption from new federal EPA emissions rules. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary because there’s a lot involved in meeting these new rules.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it as well.”

But Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss), the director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says people’s health are too important to take two years for these companies to meet these new standards.

Cut 10 (13) “…cancer-causing emissions.”

Cresson disputes Rolfe’s notion that there’s a correlation between people’s overall health and proximity to a chemical plant.

A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says he has been in close contact with DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard (REE-shard).

Cut 6 (08) “…that’s knocked over.”

Harris is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism racially motivated.

A recent study from Bankrate found nearly half of Americans working full-time or searching for full-time employment say they are looking for a new job in the next year. Analyst Mark Hamrick says 44% said they planned on asking for a raise.

Cut 13 (14)  “…more than that.”

The OMV is warning you about a scam text message claiming to be from them, saying you have an outstanding traffic ticket. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Come Friday, the Independent Party will officially cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…law this year.”

Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says on Friday, people who registered as “Independent” will have their affiliations changed to “No Party.” This way, they’ll be able to vote in either a Republican or a Democratic closed primary of their choice.

Medicaid enrollment in Louisiana is back to pre-pandemic levels. Enrollment peaked at about two-million in 2023 when states were prohibited from removing people during the COVID pandemic. PAR President Steven Procopio says the numbers took a U-turn when eligibility checks resumed two years ago.

Cut 15 (08) “…call the unwinding.”

The LSU Tigers report for fall camp today, and WWL’s Mike Detillier broke down the roster on Tiger Rag Radio. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

With dangerously hot temperatures choking the state this week, electric providers say they’re ready. In the New Orleans area, the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator says it has enough capacity to meet the demand. MISO took heat back in May for a surprise blackout that left about 100-thousand Entergy customers in the dark.

A second terminal is in the works for Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. The city’s aviation director, Kevin Dolliole (DOE-lee-ohl), outlined the master plan to the city’s transportation committee last week, saying a steady increase in passengers necessitates the expansion.

Cut 4 (06) “…more baggage claim.”

The number of Louisianans on Medicaid has fallen to pre-pandemic levels. As of June, about 1.6-million people in Louisiana receive their health care coverage from Medicaid – that’s down more than 20-percent from the 2023 peak of two-million. PAR President Steven Procopio says the reason Medicad rolls spiked during COVID is because by rule, no one was being taken off the rolls during that time.

Cut 14 (10) “…disenrolled from Medicaid.”

Come Friday, one political party in Louisiana will be extinct. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tragedy in Iberia Parish, as an 11-year-old girl is hit by a car and killed. State Police say Nahelie Sinitiere was trying to cross Highway 674, East Admiral Doyle Drive, near the intersection of Whitney Drive when she was hit by a car. She died from her injuries at a hospital. The driver stopped and cooperated; a voluntary breath sample showed no signs of impairment.