Emergency additional food stamp benefits for the COVID pandemic are about to end. February will be the last month. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard…

Cut 13 (11)  “…as we can.”
She says the benefits can run from an extra $95 a month for food, to over $300 extra; depending on how many are in the home.

LSU gymnastics will have security travel with the team after teenage boys crowded the exit of an arena in Utah hoping to get a glimpse of gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne. Coach Jay Clark says name, image, and likeness deals help promote athletes to the public, but it also has disadvantages.

Cut 11 (07)  “…with Olivia.”

Dunne is one of the most profitable college athletes when it comes to NIL because of her following on social media.

The American Academy of Pediatrics revises its guidelines for the treatment of childhood obesity. Dr. Amanda Staiano with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center says children and adolescents should be offered intensive treatment and once they are teenagers many are eligible for medication and weight loss surgery.

Cut 9 (08)  “…health trajectory.”

The guidelines recommend intervention as early as possible versus a wait-and-see approach.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is stocking 17 sites across the state with adult-size Rainbow Trout for their Get Out & Fish Program. You can find a listing on LDWF’s webpage along with directions, hours of operations, and Biologist Danica Williams in addition to a map they have videos on tips and tricks on catching fish.

Cut 6 (10)  “…something different.” 

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says the department will begin stocking 17 sites across the Bayou State with Rainbow Trout. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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For the first time in 15 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics issues new guidelines for the treatment of childhood obesity. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s Department of Children & Family Services says emergency additional food stamp benefits for the pandemic end next month. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries began stocking 17 sites across the state with adult-size Rainbow Trout as part of the department’s Get Out & Fish Program. The program hopes to encourage both experienced and beginner anglers to head out and enjoy the Sportsman’s Paradise. Fish will be stocked at sites designed for bank fishing and Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says the program provides a unique opportunity…

Cut 4 (08)  “…starts to rise.”

Rainbow Trout are native to rivers and lakes in Western North America, but their rise in popularity as a sport fish has increased stocking programs across the U.S. Williams says the LWDF stock the fish during the winter months as water temperatures cool down, and anglers are encouraged to keep their catch so the trout are harvested before the temperatures rise…

Cut 5 (06) “…winter months.”

Anglers can find a list of all 17 sites on the LDWF Get Out & Fish webpage along with directions, hours of operations, and any information you may need for each location. Williams also says the site has a map with each site and links to videos on tips and tricks to catch the fish…

Cut 6 (10)  “…something different.” 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics issues its first comprehensive guidelines in 15 years on the treatment of childhood obesity. Dr. Amanda Staiano (Sty-on-oh) with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center says the watchful waiting approach to see if a child matures to an appropriate weight has been revised.

Cut 7 (10) “…to lose weight.”

Tools like nutritional counseling, a healthy sleep program, and more physical activity. And for some children that includes medication and weight loss surgery.

Staiano says the guidelines begin as early as age two and the sooner they can address a child’s weight issues the better.

Cut 8 (12)  “…behaviors.”

The new guidelines recommend both children and adolescents be offered intensive treatment and Staiano says once they are teenagers many are eligible for FDA-approved medication and weight loss surgery.

Cut 9 (08)  “…health trajectory.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, Staiano says insurance companies are expected to cover the new treatment guidelines. If you have concerns about childhood obesity, she says to discuss it with your child’s pediatrician.

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The LSU gymnastics team is increasing their security after a large group of teenage boys swarmed to see 20-year-old junior Olivia Dunne at a meet in Utah Friday night. Gymnastics coach Jay Clark fears the situation will only get worse after a reporter covering the competition posted a video of the incident.

Cut 10 (08) “…we go.”

Dunne issued a statement on social media afterward asking fans to be respectful of gymnasts and the gymnastics community. Dunne is one of the most followed athletes on social media.

Clark says while social media and name, image, and likeness deals help put new faces on a sport that otherwise the public might not see, it also has its disadvantages.

Cut 11 (07)  “…with Olivia.”

As Dunne and her teammates’ coach Clark says it’s his responsibility to ensure their safety and while 99 percent of it is probably harmless autograph-seeking, picture-taking, kind of behavior…

Cut 12 (11) “…precautions.”

The 10th-ranked team will compete in Lexington Friday against the 12th-ranked University of Kentucky.

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Emergency additional food stamp benefits for the COVID pandemic are about to end. The USDA says February will be the final month. DCFS administers the extra benefits for Louisiana. Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says the benefits can run from an extra $95 a month for food, to over $300 extra; depending on how many are in the home. She says they have been paid out since March 2020, when the pandemic took hold…:

Cut 13 (11)  “…as we can.”

The federal government made the additional funds available after the pandemic put folks on lockdown and temporarily closed places of employment. Howard says they want to let people know the added benefits are ending February 28^th…:

Cut 14 (08)  “…the households.”

Normal SNAP benefit amounts return March 1^st; meaning a family of three would receive about $335-a-month for groceries. Howard says this may not be good time for many families to have a reduction in monthly SNAP…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…returned to work.”

She says persons who find they cannot meet their family needs should contact DCFS and talk with a case worker.

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Louisiana Tech will travel to face North Texas tonight in Denton. The Bulldogs are coming off a close win over UTEP on Saturday and are tied for third in Conference USA with a 3-2 conference record. The Mean Green are half a game ahead in second place at 4-1 and boast one of the top defenses in the country. They rank third in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 52.9 points per game. Bulldogs coach Talvin Hester credits the impressive numbers to the slow pace of play for North Texas, who rank dead last in the country in tempo, compared to the fast-paced offense of LA Tech…

Cut  16 (20)  “…used to guarding.” 

The Bulldogs feature 4 players averaging double-digit scoring during conference play. Cobe Williams has filled the stat sheet averaging 18 points, 4.2 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals a game. Hester says his young team is continuing to grow and has been particularly impressed by how forward Dravon Mangum and guard Quandre Bullock have stepped up to make an impact off the bench…

 Cut 17 (17) “…the next guy.” 

The Conference USA looks to be extremely competitive this year. Led by a 14-1 overall Florida Atlantic team undefeated in league play, there are four two-loss teams including LA Tech and North Texas the lone one-loss team. Hester says every league game is a dogfight, and this is the toughest he’s seen the conference in his time at Ruston…

Cut 18 (17) “…need to play.” 

Tip-Off is tonight at 7:00

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Cut 19 (18) “…on Saturday.”

Cut 20 (20)  “…the floor.” 

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Edit

A traffic stop in Rapides Parish on I-49, seizes 70 pounds of mushroom chocolate bars. And while seizing mushrooms sounds odd Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says they are seeing more of the psychoactive fungus, and they believe this particular stash is from Colorado.

Cut 5 (12) “…mushrooms now.”

The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has decided to run for re-election instead. Nungesser says it was a tough decision, but he rather continue his work as the state’s leader for tourism as it battles back from the pandemic…

Cut 8 (09)  “..I love what I do” 

The city of Ruston will be the site of the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana. The city council approved plans last night for the popular Texas chain. Mayor Ronnie Walker says it will make Ruston a trip destination.

Cut 9 (11) “…even more often.” 

The travel center is expected to open in 2025.

The Megamillions Jackpot reaches $1.1 billion, with a cash value of $568 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says this jackpot has been turning over since October 18^th.

Cut 12 (09) “…it home.”

Louisiana ticket sales in the last week alone for Megamillions have been $3.5 million. Tickets must be purchased by 9 PM to be eligible for tonight’s drawing at 10 PM.

State Treasurer John Schroder is the second republican to announce his candidacy for governor. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says Attorney General Jeff Landry is considered a frontrunner in the race, because Landry’s been endorsed by the state Republican party, appears to have more working in his favor as opposed to Schroder.

Cut 15 (11)  “…that regard.”

The state has launched a hotline number to report suspected child trafficking. Christy Tate, a child welfare manager with the Department of Children and Family Services says you’ll speak with a person who’s trained to ask questions to determine if it’s trafficking or not.

Cut 11 (09)  “…or not.”

The number is 1-855-4LA-KIDS

The state Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority releases its updated Coastal Master Plan for fighting erosion and wetlands loss. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Ruston will be the first Louisiana city to have a Buc-ee’s. The Texas-based company will build a travel center in Ruston that will be 53,000 square feet, 120 gas pumps and a minimum of 200 full-time jobs. The city council approved the project last night. It’s expected to open in 2025.

We are expecting announcements this week from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder on whether they’ll run for governor. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves decision will have a major impact on the race…

Cut 3 (11) “…what the heck” 

Graves has not given an indication on when he’ll announce his intentions on running for governor.

Experts say the Louisiana oil & gas industry is expected to transition to clean, sustainable fuels. But Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla says with more than 800 companies drilling in the state he doesn’t see too many of them having interest in, nor the budget, to explore green energy…:

Cut 12 (10) “…in south Louisiana.”

Doctor David Guzick takes over today as the new chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. Guzick served the last nine years as senior vice president of health affairs and president of the University of Florida Health. Guzick says he integrated the hospital system and health science faculty in a manner that spurred tremendous growth…

Cut 8 (13)  “…in Shreveport.”

After a year of rumors, there could potentially be a Buc-ee’s coming to Ruston based on an agenda item that will be discussed at tonight’s city council meeting. This would be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana and Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal says it would be great for the local economy.

Cut 6 (07)  “…our parish.” 

Butler reached out to Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker to ask about the speculations, but he declined to comment.

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with payroll fraud after attending only one meeting in 2022. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Calcasieu Parish man, who’d JUST been released from the parish jail on one charge, is now back IN, after returning and attacking the jail building. 39-year-old Ken Hunt threw rocks at the glass then pushed the glass in. His next stay with the parish is for criminal damage to property.

The recent collapse of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on field, and the quick use of CPR to revive him, has some talking about the importance of learning CPR themselves. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush.

CUT 05(12)      “…uptick in classes”

Find out how at “RedCross.org/CPR.

It’s now socially acceptable to enjoy a slice of King Cake. Friday was King’s Day, or 12^th Night and thus the official start of the Carnival season that ends with Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy explains the novelty of a King Cake…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…for everybody.”

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21^st this year.

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. His attorney says he was at work at his job and couldn’t make it. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says if a job gets in the way of holding public office, then you have to make a decision…:

CUT 08  (08)        “…needs to resign.”

His case goes to trial in June.

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for governor. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says fundraising is running full speed ahead.

CUT 12(07)      “…our message out.”

He says they have just over $5-million cash, plus PAC and party money.

Firefighters in Ascension Parish spent the evening responding to a lengthy grass fire along interstate 10. The flames extended for more than six miles near the La 73 interchange. Sheriff Bobby Webre says it didn’t cause any traffic snarls only slowdowns from those passing by. The cause of the blaze is unknow. The Gonzales, Prairieville, Sorrento and Geismar fire departments responded to the incident.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says the Red Cross is the leading expert on CPR instruction…

Cut 4 (09)  “…super easy.” 

The website is RedCross-dot-org forward slash CPR

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Spears has committed a crime…

Cut 6 (07)  “…with it” 

Based on the charge, Spears could face a fine of up to one-thousand and up to two years in prison.

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says the Landry Campaign has a good head start on potential challengers…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…Leadership PAC

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says it was actually a trainer who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Hamlin,

Cut 3 (06) “…gentleman alive.” 

To learn CRP visit RedCross.org/CPR

Friday was 12^th Night, or King’s Day for some, which means Carnival season is underway, and that means it’s considered socially acceptable to devour some King Cake. Publisher of New Orleans’ “Mardi Gras Guide” Arthur Hardy says the Crescent City kicked off the festival season properly yesterday.

CUT 09(09)      “…in New Orleans.”

The U-S House meets today and for the fourth straight day, they’ll try to elect a new Speaker of the House. GOP leader Kevin McCarthy is facing opposition from members of the conservative Freedom Caucus. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise could be an alternative choice, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says McCarthy and Scalise are political allies and friends…

Cut 9 (10)  “…of Representative McCarthy.”
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says the Red Cross is the leading expert on CPR instruction…

Cut 4 (09)  “…super easy.” 

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with payroll fraud after attending only one meeting in 2022. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”