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 says when individuals are infected the virus begins replicating in their body even before they know they are sick.

Cut 11 (08)  “…uses the restroom.”

She says similar to this time last year, we’ll start to see cases spike again.

LSU Ag Center experts say the recent freezes were disruptive to the sugar cane industry. Sugar cane specialist Kenneth Gravois says 90 percent of the new crop is already in the fields and experts just tested soil temperatures to assess the health of that crop.

Cut 9 (10)  “… don’t freeze.”

Of the harvested crops he says the quality of the sugar being processed is still very good.

Hunger Free America says food insecurity is surging in Louisiana because of inflation and the expiration of the child tax credit and free school meals. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg says If you need assistance, he says to contact the national hunger hotline at 1-8-6-6 3 Hungry. And he’s also encouraging the public to help fight hunger…

Cut 6 (09)  “…in Louisiana.” 

Next year the state’s corporate franchise tax will decrease slightly. Tax attorney and consultant Jason Decuir says there are also triggers calling for further reductions if Louisiana’s revenue hits certain benchmarks, which IS projected to happen. He says this is an important step in becoming a friendlier environment for business and competing with our Gulf south neighbor states…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…to do the same.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expects to be chairman of the Aviation House Subcommittee, and he wants answers from Southwest Airlines on what led to their widespread cancellations over the holidays. Graves says Southwest is not treating its customers properly and the federal government must act…

Cut 5 (10) “…information”

Southwest says an outdated computer system is to blame.

The Division of Administration has blocked TikTok traffic on networks managed by the state Office of Tech Services. Spokesperson for the Commissioner of Administration Jacques Berry says many state employees have the TikTok app on their personal devices, but they will no longer be able to use them if they are connected to a state network…

Cut 9 (04) “…wireless networks” 

Berry says state employees can still have Tiktok on their personal devices, but if they tried to load a video it would not work if they were using one of the state’s networks

A company owned by Entergy has been ordered to pay about $160-million to Louisiana customers they overcharged. System Energy Resources Inc, was ordered to repay customers by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Authorities arrest a Hammond man for allegedly setting a fire inside a packed Walmart on Christmas Eve. His motive? Theft…:

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

Edit

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expects Congress to address Southwest Airline’s Failure to deliver on thousands of scheduled flights when they convene a new Congress next year. Graves expects to be chairman of the Aviation House Subcommittee, so he’ll be in the middle of those discussions…

Cut 3 (10) “…in scheduling” 

At the Louis Armstrong International Airport, hundreds of bags that flew on Southwest are stranded in New Orleans.

Authorities have arrested a suspect in the Christmas Eve fire at the Hammond Walmart. State Fire Marshal’s spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue says media exposure of the man’s picture led 43-year-old Terrence Michael Coe of Hammond to call investigators

Cut 6 (12)  “…picture out.”

Rodrigue says Coe told investigators he set the fire as a distraction so he could shoplift.

The Sean Payton rumors of him returning to the Saints to be their head coach will not go away. Jeff Palermo has the latest…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Caesar’s Superdome was evacuated this morning after a construction fire broke out in the walls of the historic stadium. No injuries were reported. Extensive renovations are ongoing to modernize the stadium’s interior. The Sugar Bowl is Saturday between Alabama and Kansas State. The Saints are in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expects to be chairman of the Aviation House Subcommittee, and he wants answers from Southwest Airlines on what led to their widespread cancellations over the holidays. Graves says Southwest is not treating its customers properly and the federal government must act…

Cut 5 (10) “…information”

Southwest says an outdated computer system is to blame.

The Division of Administration has blocked TikTok traffic on networks managed by the state Office of Tech Services. Spokesperson for the Commissioner of Administration Jacques Berry says many state employees have the TikTok app on their personal devices, but they will no longer be able to use them if they are connected to a state network…

Cut 9 (04) “…wireless networks” 

Berry says state employees can still have Tiktok on their personal devices, but if they tried to load a video it would not work if they were using one of the state’s networks

Authorities arrest a Hammond man for allegedly setting a fire inside a packed Walmart on Christmas Eve in an effort to steal items. Marsanne Golsby reports a photo of the suspect led to the arrest.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expects Congress to address Southwest Airlines’ mass flight cancellations. Graves expects to be chairman of the Aviation House Subcommittee.  Southwest’s reportedly outdated computer system could not keep track of flight crews. Graves says they need to get to the bottom of this…

Cut 4 (12)  “…scheduling systems 

The man suspected of setting a Christmas Eve fire at the Hammond Walmart has turned himself into authorities. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 43-year-old Terrence Michael Coe of Hammond got tired of seeing his photo in the media and told investigators he set the fire as a distraction so he could shoplift.

Cut 7 (08)  “…steal from the store.”

He’s charged with aggravated Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Arson, Armed Robbery, and Terrorism.

The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the cause and manner of death of the child who was found in the Amite River Christmas Eve are pending. The child’s father Jacob Stricker told authorities his son, Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking. Investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke with the child’s mother Isabel Stricker, via a translator and the mother told Chawla she dropped Matias off Friday to spend time with his father.

Cut 14 (09)  “…mom’s house.”

The mother also had a protective order against her ex-husband.

Tax experts say you have some things to do by the end of the year if you want to save on your 2022 taxes. Jason Shellhaas (SHELL-US) is a partner with the Malcolm M. Dienes (DEE-NES) CPA firm in Metairie says if you made money in the stock market this year, you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes.

Cut 6 (11)  “…at a gain.” 

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expects Congress to address Southwest Airline’s Failure to deliver on thousands of scheduled flights when they convene a new Congress next year. Graves expects to be chairman of the Aviation House Subcommittee, so he’ll be in the middle of those discussions…

Cut 3 (10) “…in scheduling” 

At the Louis Armstrong International Airport, hundreds of bags that flew on Southwest are stranded in New Orleans.

Authorities have arrested a suspect in the Christmas Eve fire at the Hammond Walmart. State Fire Marshal’s spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue says media exposure of the man’s picture led 43-year-old Terrence Michael Coe of Hammond to call investigators

Cut 6 (12)  “…picture out.”

Rodrigue says Coe told investigators he set the fire as a distraction so he could shoplift.

The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the cause and manner of death of the child who was found in the Amite River Christmas Eve are pending. The child’s father Jacob Stricker told authorities his son, Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking. Investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke with the child’s mother Isabel Stricker, via a translator, and she has a protective order against her ex-husband.

Cut 13 (11) “…abuse battery.”

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

For his final year in office, Governor Edwards says he plans to ask state lawmakers to make further amendments to the state’s abortion law. The law had very few exceptions under which the procedure would be allowed.

Cut 10 (12) “…that starts in April.” 

Tax experts say you can save money on your 2022 taxes if you act before the end of the year. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal aid for farmers hit hard by drought then flooding rain in 2002 is on the way. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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The cause and manner of death for the child who was found in the Amite River on Christmas Eve is undetermined. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Tax experts say you have some things to do by the end of the year if you want to save on your 2022 taxes. Jason Shellhaas (SHELL-US) is a partner with the Malcolm M. Dienes (DEE-NES) CPA firm in Metairie. He recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for 2022, and also look to see if they need to make large equipment purchases.

Cut 4 (12)  “…tax year 2022.”

Shellhaas says individuals can help themselves and deserving charities at the same time.

Cut 5 (08) “…in 2022.”

He says if you made money in the stock market this year, you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes.

Cut 6 (11)  “…at a gain.” 

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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declares a weather disaster in numerous Louisiana parishes; bringing federal aid for hard-hit farmers. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers fought extreme drought in 2022, then were hit with torrential rainfalls that damaged crops and affected yields. He says Vilsack made the federal assistance official…:

Cut 7 (09) “…in the crop year.”

Strain says the assistance will come in form of USDA Farm Services Agency emergency loans and other aid. He says farmers with drought and rain related losses can begin application for the assistance right away, but remember there IS a time limit…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…types of assistance.”

The primary disaster parishes are Ascension, Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Cameron, Franklin, Iberville, Madison, St. James, Tensas, Vermilion and West Baton Rouge. Areas bordering those parishes will also be eligible to apply. Strain says farmers should gather documentation of disaster losses and apply soon…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…Services Agency.”

Information is online at “fsa.usda.gov”

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In his final year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards says he plans to ask state lawmakers to make further amendments to the state’s abortion law. The law, which was authored by Monroe area Democrat senator Katrina Jackson, and had very few exceptions under which the procedure would be allowed. Edwards says those weren’t enough…:

Cut 10 (12) “…that starts in April.” 

Edwards says he’ll ask for a bill to amend exceptions for rape and incest into the law. He says, since the law went into effect with the reversal of Roe v Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, there have documented cases of women having to leave the state in order to terminate their pregnancy…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…probably should have.”

The law has exceptions for so-called “medical futility”; where the infant would be still-born, and there are exceptions to save the life of the mother. Edwards says the law has also been modified to allow other medical exceptions…:

Cut 12 (09) “…specific conditions.”

He says he’d still prefer to have rape & incest added to the law in this year’s legislative session.

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The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the cause and manner of death of the child who was found in the Amite River Christmas Eve are pending. The child’s father Jacob Stricker told authorities his son, Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking. Investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke with the child’s mother Isabel Stricker, via a translator, and she has a protective order against her ex-husband.

Cut 13 (11) “…abuse battery.”

The child was found about an hour after he was reported missing and taken to Children’s Hospital where he died before midnight. Chawla says the mother told her that she dropped Matias off Friday to spend time with his father.

Cut 14 (09)  “…mom’s house.”

Jacob Stricker told authorities his son was missing in the BREC Frenchtown Conservation Area trails. But Chawla says his mother told her that Matias is autistic and it’s not like him to walk off.

Cut 15 (09)  “…walk off.”

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. LRN reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment but no response.

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LSU Men’s Basketball will begin SEC play tonight in the P-MAC. The 11-1 Tigers will host ninth-ranked Arkansas as new Head Coach Matt McMahon looks to establish himself in the SEC. The Razorbacks are heavy favorites in the matchup and the Tigers have an opportunity to open conference play with a  statement win, but McMahon says his goal is the same as always: to help his team become the best they can be…

Cut  16 (19)  “..of themselves.” 

LSU has struggled defensively at times, especially on the perimeter, but have been bailed out by poor shooting from opponents. The Tigers will not enjoy that same margin for error against one of the nation’s top teams. Arkansas boasts an explosive backcourt featuring transfer Ricky Council IV, who’s averaging 18 points a game, and McDonald’s All-American Anthony Black. McMahon says defending the Razorbacks dynamic offense will be a team effort…

Cut 17 (21) “…in those areas.” 

The Razorbacks are not only an offensive team by any measure but, with one of the best defenses in the country. They’ve allowed opponents just under 62 points per game this season and average just over 10 steals a game. McMahon says limiting their defensive impact will be important if LSU wants to win…

Cut 18 (22) “…open floor.” 

Tip-Off in the P-MAC is at 8:00

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Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”

Cut 20 (23)     ….of the year” 

After a four-year-old child went missing Christmas Eve and was found in the freezing waters of the Amite River, the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the manner of death has not been determined. Jacob Stricker told authorities his son Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking in the BREC Frenchtown Conservation Area trails. The toddler was found an hour later in the river transported to the hospital and died just before midnight. The child’s mother Isabel Stricker reportedly has a protective order against his father. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

State Police say 39-year-old Brandi Hall, of Darrow, was a passenger who died in a crash in Ascension Parish yesterday. Troopers say a pickup crossed the center line and hit the SUV head-on. Trooper Christian Reed says neither in the SUV were wearing seatbelts.

CUT 05(07)      “…seat belt use.”

The driver of the pickup is charged with negligent homicide.

The weather continues to cause several travel delays and flight cancellations across the country. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says Southwest airlines has had the most cancellations compared to other airlines. And after numerous cancellations over the weekend airlines are now playing catch up.

Cut 9 (06) “…to get home.” 

If you bought a Powerball ticket for the July 30^th drawing at the Fisherman’s One Stop in Saint Amant you might want to check your numbers. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says no one has claimed a $50-thousand prize and the ticket will expire January 26^th. She’s hoping this story will help bring the winner forward…

Cut 14 (09)   “…word out.”

She says you can use the Louisiana Lottery app on your phone to check and see if you’re a winner or not.

State Police say a fatal crash in Ascension Parish Monday serves as another tragic reminder of the importance of seat belt use. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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If you purchased a Powerball ticket in Ascension Parish for the July 30^th drawing you might want to go check your numbers. Brooke Thorington has more on an unclaimed prize of $50,000.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State Police say a fatal wreck in Ascension Parish yesterday killed a passenger in a vehicle whose driver did not cause the accident. Trooper Christian Reed says it happened on US 61 around 3:30 PM.

Cut 3 (07) “…head on.” 

Reed says the passenger was 39-year-old Brandi Hall, of Darrow. He says she wasn’t wearing a seat belt and died instantly. He says the driver wasn’t wearing one either but survived. Troopers say they cannot understand why some people don’t wear seat belts.

Cut 4 (08)  “…state law” 

Reed says in the Ascension Parish crash, the driver of a Nissan Frontier was driving north on US 61, left the roadway, came back on the road, crossed the median, and hit a Chevy Equinox head-on in the southbound lane. He says the driver of the Nissan was wearing a seatbelt and sustained only minor injuries. Reed says if you aren’t wearing a seatbelt you are at risk for injury or death whether you are driving safely or not.

Cut 5 (07) “…seat belt use.”

UPDATE: Jennie Alexander the driver of the Nissan has been arrested and charged with Negligent Homicide, Negligent Injuring, and Careless Operation.

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In Caddo Parish, four towns are taking precautions due to low water pressure after the extended freeze. Pallets of water have been distributed to Belcher, Gilliam, Greenwood, and Blanchard. Sargent Casey Jones with the Sheriff’s Office says public works distributed water.

Cut 6 (09)  “…parish towns.”

The cold weather caused residents to run their water as a precaution to keep their pipes from freezing it impacted water pressure in the parish. Jones says they wanted to prepare for the worst should the water systems fail.

Cut 7 (08)  “…was needed.”

But Jones says they are encouraging residents not to stress the water systems any further and to conserve as much as possible in the meantime. They are asking residents to limit shower times and…

Cut 8 (07)  “…that nature.“

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The weather continues to cause several travel delays and flight cancellations across the country. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says Southwest airlines has had the most cancellations compared to other airlines. And after numerous airlines had cancellations over the weekend now, they are playing catch up.

Cut 9 (06) “…to get home.” 

And with college bowl games on tap Chabarria says travel to those destinations could be snarled also as airlines play catch-up from last weekend.

Cut 10 (11) “…coming weekend.” 

So, if you’re flying in the next few days Chabarria says to check ahead before driving to the airport so you aren’t stranded.

Cut 11 (13)  “…last minute.”

If your flight is canceled Chabarria recommends you visit transportation.gov to see what you are entitled to as a passenger.

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There’s a $50,000 Powerball prize that’s yet to be claimed and the ticket was sold in Ascension Parish for the July 30^th drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says ticket holders have 180 days to claim a draw-style game prize and for this ticket, the deadline is January 26^th.

Cut 12 (14) “…on you.”  

If the prize isn’t claimed Chopin says per Louisiana law the money goes back to the lottery and is used for promotions or towards payouts for scratch-off games. But Chopin says they’d rather have the winner come forward and collect their $50,000 prize.

Cut 13 (12) “…his bed.”  

The winning ticket matched four of the five numbers drawn and the red Powerball number to win. Chopin says they’ve had ticket holders claim prizes at the last minute before and they’re hoping this story will bring forward another one.

Cut 14 (09)   “…word out.”

You can also download the Louisiana Lottery app on your phone to scan draw tickets and scratch-offs to see if they are winners. Winners of large prizes will need to contact a lottery office to claim their prize.

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Cut 15 (10) “…can qualify.”

Cut  16 (07)  “…coroners office.”