An Addis police officer faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car with three passengers in Brusly and killed two teenage girls while he was participating in a high-speed chase Saturday. 18^th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton says once the evidence comes out the public will be enraged over Officer David Cauthron’s actions.

Cut 4 a horrible decision. :07

A candlelight vigil will be held at Brusly High School tonight honoring 17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 15-year-old Caroline Gill.

Louisiana ranks third for the worst roads in America according to Consumer Affairs. And Deputy Editor at Consumer Affairs, Cassidy McCants, says they found Louisiana doesn’t spend enough money on its roads.

Cut 6 (07)  “…on roads” 
McCants says based on data collected, drivers in Louisiana spend an average of 658–dollars per year on costs related to bad road conditions.

The new year brings about opportunities for a fresh start and for many a new job. But what if you like what you do for a living but feel it’s time to receive more compensation, UNO professor of Economics and Finance Mark Rosa says to be prepared to present your case when you ask for a raise, promotion, or both.

Cut 9 (12)  “… to anybody.”

Louisiana’s unclaimed property program is now connected to a national database where you can check to see if you are owed money from one of 49 states. State Treasurer John Schroder says if you’ve lived in other places, you can check on one secure website-Missing Money.com

Cut 3 (08) “…and check.” 

Schroder says the site is especially convenient for military families who have lived in multiple states, and others whose jobs have transferred them around.

This year had its share of big stories in Louisiana among them was the resignation of Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters after two toddlers died in a four-month span from drug overdose deaths. In both cases, DCFS received warnings they were in danger. Governor Edwards defended Walters before he no longer could…

Cut 11 (11)  “…absolute failure.”

And in 2022 abortion become illegal in most cases in Louisiana as a result of legislation passed that went into effect after Roe Versus Wade was overturned. Kathaleen Pittman was a long-time administrator at a Shreveport abortion.

Cut 12 (11) “…on the staff”  

A 98-year-old mother from Alexandria and her 69-year-old daughter were killed in a two-vehicle crash on U-S 190 in Pointe Coupee Parish on Thursday morning. State Police Trooper Christian Reed says the victims were traveling in an S-U-V that slammed into the back of a parked tractor-trailer on the side of the road…

Cut 13 (09) “…at the scene”  
The victims have been identified as 69-year-old Barbara Dobard Rigby and 98-year-old Maynette Dobard of Alexandria.

Saturday in New Orleans Alabama takes on Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s encouraged Crimson Tide and Wildcat fans to stay the entire weekend in New Orleans…

Cut 5 (13) “…has to offer.”
For the second year in a row, the state will have a float to promote tourism to Louisiana in Monday’s Tournament of Roses parade.

The Ronald Greene investigation, the DCFS scandal, and a ban on most abortions are among the top stories in 2022. Marsanne Golsby has more…

Cut 2 (45)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

A 98-year-old mother and her 69-year-old daughter from Alexandria were killed in a two-vehicle wreck on U-S 190 in Pointe Coupee Parish on Thursday. State Police Trooper Christian Reed says their S-U-V slammed into a parked 18-wheeler on the side of the road. He calls it a tragic incident…

Cut 14 (10)   “…fatal crash”
The victims have been identified as 69-year-old Barbara Dobard Rigby and 98-year-old Maynette Dobard of Alexandria.

In 2021 the Louisiana Office of Tourism says 41 million people visited the Bayou State, not quite the pre-pandemic levels of 53 million in 2019. But Lt Governor Billy Nungesser is optimistic numbers this year’s numbers.

Cut 3 (07) “…record-breaking numbers.” 

Prior to COVID, he says the state had five years of record-breaking number years in state tourism.

Five people, four adults, and a juvenile have been arrested following the death of an infant in Winnfield. Jeff Palermo has the troubling details…

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Two juveniles and one adult have been arrested in connection to a homicide in Vivian. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says on Thursday they responded to a shooting and the male juvenile victim died at the hospital. They have arrested a 17-year-old male for second-degree murder, a 16-year-old for illegal possession of a handgun, and 20-year-old Marty Whatley faces numerous charges including aggravated assault.

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser is hopeful 2022 tourism numbers will eclipse 2021’s numbers and perhaps top a record of 53 million visitors in 2019. It’s not just the Crescent City that’s rebounding in tourism, he says they’ve seen record-breaking numbers during Mardi Gras elsewhere in the state.

Cut 4 (12)  “…really proud of.” 

If you plan to ring in the New Year with fireworks, State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says to light them at least 200 feet away from any structures and make sure they are completely extinguished before you dispose of them.

Cut 8 (12)  “…can catch fire.“

Rodrigue says it’s never a good idea to be impaired when using fireworks or to allow children to handle them.

This year had its share of big stories in Louisiana with the investigation into the 2019 State Police custody death of Ronald Greene ranked as our top story of 2022. Federal prosecutors refused to pursue charges against the officers involved, but five officers are facing state charges. Greene’s mother Mona Hardin felt some relief…

Cut 9 (11) “…held accountable.” 

A special legislative committee held several hearings looking at how State Police attempted to cover up the investigation into Greene’s death. There are questions of what Governor John Bel Edwards knew and when did he know about the beating Greene took from officers before he died….

Cut 10 (09) “…false.” 

A 98-year-old woman from Alexandria and her 69-year-old daughter were killed in a two-vehicle crash on U-S 190 in Pointe Coupee Parish on Thursday. State Police Trooper Christian Reed says the victims were traveling in an S-U-V that slammed into the back of a parked tractor-trailer on the side of the road…

Cut 13 (09) “…at the scene”  

The victims have been identified as 69-year-old Barbara Dobard Rigby and 98-year-old Maynette Dobard of Alexandria.

If you are going to celebrate the New Year with fireworks, State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says don’t handle fireworks if you are impaired and keep them away from young children.

Cut 7 (09)  “…their own.”

And have a source of water or an extinguisher nearby in case things get out of control.

New statistics show that New Orleans is on track for having the highest homicide rate in the U.S. this year; over 70 homicides per 100 thousand residents, which tops any other city. Rafael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission says lack of cops is the reason. Because so many cops have left the force, the homicide rate is up 132 percent since 2019…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…are up 21%.”

He says the city council finally agreed to pay cops more, offer signing and retention bonuses, and hire more police.

In 2021 the Louisiana Office of Tourism says 41 million people visited the Bayou State, not quite the pre-pandemic levels of 53 million in 2019. But Lt Governor Billy Nungesser is optimistic numbers this year’s numbers.

Cut 3 record-breaking numbers:07

Five people, four adults, and a juvenile have been arrested following the death of an infant in Winnfield. Jeff Palermo has the troubling details…

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

One of the new laws taking effect New Year’s Day requires carbon monoxide detectors in one or two-family homes sold or newly leased in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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New Orleans is seeing astronomical crime rates and is considered to be the nation’s murder capital. Whitney Thomas reports

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas .”

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Some may have a New Year’s Resolution to find a new job in 2023. Brooke Thorington seeks some tips on doing that…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A new law taking effect January 1^st requires carbon monoxide detectors in one or two-family homes sold or newly leased in Louisiana.  Metairie State Representative Stephanie Hilferty authored the law. She says she and other family members were staying in her mother-in-law’s home after Hurricane Ida when her portable carbon monoxide detector went off.

Cut 4 (09)  “…have  happened.”

The state health department says six people in Louisiana died from carbon monoxide poisoning after Hurricane Ida, and nine after Laura. Hilferty says she knows from experience you can’t smell, taste, or see carbon monoxide, but it does cause fatigue and headaches.

Cut 5 (11) “…poisoning. ”

This law will affect any home that is sold or leased after the first of the year. Hilferty says she offered to sponsor the bill after her family’s experience.

Cut 6 (05)  “..sort of thing.” 

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New statistics show that New Orleans is on track for having the highest homicide rate in the U.S. this year. Rafael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission says the city has lost over 150 police officers this year.

Cut 7 (08) “…900 police officers.”

Goyeneche says since 2019 the homicide rate has increased by 132%

Cut 8 (09)  “…are up 21%.”

Goyeneche says political officials are now responding to the issue by providing officers with the resources they need.

Cut 9 (08)  “… police department.”

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With the New Year may come the resolution to move to a new job. UNO professor of Economics & Finance Mark Rosa has some tips. First, make sure your resume is up to date and truthfully reflects your work history. Rosa says employers are eager to hire new talent right now…:

Cut 10 (11) “…a buyer’s market.” 

Rosa says to ask yourself why you want to change jobs. Is it the pay? Is it the people? Make sure you’re not forsaking a profession in which you’ve gained useful work experience…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…worth having.”

Rosa advises you not to leave a job, just to have a different job. He says to look at the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired up to this point as an investment in your career and livelihood; not just a way to pay the bills. He says to choose your job move wisely because your current employer will get along without you…:

Cut 12 (06) “…like everybody loses.”

Rosa says it may be better to negotiate a raise, rather than leave your job.

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Some rain and thunderstorms linger over Louisiana as we approach the New Year’s holiday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm prediction center has us in a marginal category, which is a one out of five of a severe weather threat.

Cut 13 (07) “…two inches.”

Keim says by Saturday rain from the cold front will have moved out of the state. Compared to the Artic cold front that we just thawed out from this particular front will leave us with mild temperatures.

Cut 14 (09)  “…mild temperatures.”

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The Pelicans moved back into first in the Western Conference with their 119-118 win over the Timberwolves Wednesday night and a Nuggets loss. The Pels are 22-12 on the season ahead of tonight’s game against Philadelphia. This time last year the team was 12-22. All-star Forward Zion Williamson credits the team’s improvement to the work they put in after last year’s surprise resurgence…

Cut 15 (20)  “…something special.”

Williamson scored a career-high 43 points in the win Wednesday night and has been the leading scorer on the team in Brandon Ingram’s absence. Without Ingram, Williamson has led the Pels to an 8-4 record in games he’s played in. Williamson who is emerging as one of the NBA’s young stars and potential future MVP candidate says he just wants to win…

Cut  16 (16)  “…getting the win.” 

Tip-off in the Blender tonight is at 7:30

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The LSU Men’s basketball team is 12-1 on the season and is now 1-0 in Sec play after upsetting ninth-ranked Arkansas. First-year Coach Matt McMahon has insisted the team is still a work in progress improving each week, but the Tigers are still looking to shake up a loaded Southeastern Conference…

Cut 17 (20) “…build on.” 

One player who’s shown improvement in McMahon’s program is guard Trae Hannibal. Hannibal spent his first two years at South Carolina before transferring to Murray State last year. He followed his coach to Baton Rouge this year, and after 19 point performance, McMahon says he can be a key piece in this LSU team…

Cut 18 (23) “…moving forward.” 

The Tigers will face 19th-ranked Kentucky next Tuesday in Lexington

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Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”

Cut 20 (23)     ….of the year” 

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UPDATED – USCG calls off search

The US Coast Guard has called off the search for four people that were in a helicopter that crashed this morning after it left an oil platform. Family members were told the oil rig company would start recovery efforts Friday at daylight. The helicopter with three passengers and a pilot crashed about 10 miles off the coast of Plaquemines Parish. According to Fox 8 in New Orleans, one of the passengers is 36-year-old David Scarborough of Mississippi. Scarborough was reportedly on his way home to his pregnant wife Lacy and the couple lost a child to drowning in March.

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) changes his mind and enters the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in Monday’s Citrus Bowl but was enrolled for the spring semester. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge has this reaction…

Cut 12 (07) “…for a championship.”  

The National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Watch for all of northwestern Louisiana. The watch area covers everything north of Natchitoches and west of Monroe. Areas of the state have the potential for severe weather today and tomorrow as a cold front enters the state from the west. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm prediction center has us in a marginal category, which is a one out of five of a severe weather threat.

Cut 15 (10) “… southeastern Louisiana.”

The Department of Transportation and Development has been awarded a $150 million Mega Grant from the federal government to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s the largest discretionary grand they’ve ever received. He also thanked Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter for their support of the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Act.

Cut 11 (12)  “…those dollars.”

Louisiana’s been awarded a $150 million Mega Grant from the federal government to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this particular allotment is significant and he also thanked Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter for their support of the President’s Infrastructure Act.

Cut 11 (12)  “…those dollars.”

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) changes his mind and enters the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in Monday’s Citrus. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge says it’s unclear what led to the abrupt ending of Boutte’s career at LSU…

Cut 13 (07) “…college sports.”  

A single-vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of 29 years old Steven English of Houma. State Trooper Ross Brennan says English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA- Highway 15 when he went off the road, flipped, and hit a tree. Toxicology is pending; however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment is possible…:

CUT 07(05)      “…particular crash.”

The Coast Guard is searching for 4 people aboard a downed helicopter in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 10 miles offshore of Southwest Pass. The helicopter reportedly was in the process of departing an oil platform when it crashed.

Smoke-free Louisiana coalition says there was an eight-percent increase in Quitline calls during the year by individuals looking to stop using tobacco products.. Spokesperson Randy Hayden says a good New Year’s resolution for smokers would be to kick the habit…

cut 5 (09) “…in the year”
The number to call is 1-800-Quit-Now

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) changes his mind and enters the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in Monday’s Citrus Bowl but was enrolled for the spring semester. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge has this reaction…

Cut 12 (07) “…for a championship”  

Palmer says it’s unclear what led to the abrupt ending of Boutte’s career at LSU…

The Revenue Estimating Conference forecasted the state will have a surplus of $935 million in this year’s state budget. And because it’s not guaranteed to have the same amount of surplus of funds in the future Jan Moeller with the Louisiana Budget Project says the state usually allocates these funds towards nonrecurring expenses.

Cut 6 (10)  “…for inflation.”

Recent wastewater samples from Shreveport show an increase in COVID in northwestern Louisiana. The Center for Excellence for Emerging Viral Threats at LSU Health Shreveport has been monitoring samples. Director of Viral Genomic and Surveillance Dr. Krista Queen…

Cut 10 (11) “…sick yet.” 

If quitting smoking is on your New Year’s resolution list, the Smoke-Free Louisiana Coalition has some tips for you. Randy Hayden says nicotine replacement products are among the most effective ways.

Cut 3 (10) “…nicotine drug.” 

Research shows that most smokers who are trying to quit have to make several attempts before they succeed, but Hayden says to keep at it.