A new and more nutritious type of white rice that has more protein and a lower glycemic index score has been developed in Louisiana. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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The small town of Minden is set to be featured on HGTV’s newest series Home Town Kickstart. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be honored tonight when the court at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is officially named for him. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Inflation has spurred an increase in benefits for those on social security and individuals who receive veterans benefits and cash assistance through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program. Louisiana DCFS Assistant Secretary Monica Brown says it’s the first increase in FITAP (pronounced Fi-tap) that she can remember.

Cut 4 (08) “….almost double.”

Brown says for example monthly benefits for an average family of three increase from $240 to $484 this month.

The 2022 cost of living adjustment (COLA)has resulted in nearly a 6-percent increase for SSI, Social Security Retirement and Disability Insurance, and VA benefits. And because the state remains under an emergency health order, Brown says recipients of those programs are also receiving the maximum SNAP benefit.

Cut 5 (08) “…in a month.”

If you believe you qualify for some of these programs, Brown encourages you to visit their website for more information at dcfs-dot-la-dot-gov.

Cut 6 (03) “…in need.”

For more information about federal COLA increases, visit ssa-dot-gov-forward slash-cola.

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A new and healthier type of white rice has been developed called Parish Rice carrying 53% more protein and a glycemic index of 41 out of 100, the lowest of any white rice on the market. Parish Rice owner Michael Fruge of Eunice hopes to put the rice back on the plates of people who have previously avoided it for health reasons and wants to educate them on just how much rice has changed…

Cut 7 (09) “…different options.”

When Fruge began growing the rice with a friend the glycemic level was unknown. It wasn’t until a dietician told them that, since the carb to protean level was different, they’d have a lower glycemic index score….

Cut 8 (08) “…a significant deal.” 

The low glycemic level allows diabetic persons to enjoy the rice without needing to worry as much about the sugar level. Fruge says his ultimate goal is to increase the consumption of rice and this provides a healthier way to do that…

Cut 9 (10)  “…bring people back.”

The rice can be bought in select stores in Louisiana or at parishrice.com

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The City of Minden is prepping for their close-up as they’ll be one of six small towns featured on the new HGTV series of Home Town Kickstart. It’s a spin-off of the hit series Home Town Takeover where beloved Mississippi designers Ben and Erin Napier revitalize small communities. Minden community activist Sara McDaniel says they are thrilled to be chosen.

Cut 10 (11)  “…on Minden.”

McDaniel and fellow activist Rachel Miller say the small Webster Parish city was a finalist for Home Town Takeover but eventually lost out to Wetumpka, Alabama. And with all the tourism and community spirit the series brought to Wetumpka, Miller says they are hopeful Minden will also experience such a transformation.

Cut  11 (11)  “…again and again.”  

McDaniel and Miller are limited on what they can say about the series until it airs late spring. McDaniel says the series will feature makeovers of a Minden residence, business, and community center.  McDaniel says she’s still in shock all their hard work is coming together for the town of 13,000.

Cut 12 (08) “…we’re chosen.”

Other cities to be featured on Home Town Kickstart are Buffalo, Wyoming; Cornwall, New York; Winslow, Arizona; LaGrange, Kentucky and Thomaston, Georgia.

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Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be honored tonight, when the court inside the PMAC is officially named after him. Brown’s name will be stamped upon the hardwood during a ceremony during tonight’s game against Kentucky. Brown says it is a singular honor, but he must share the credit…:

Cut 13 (09) “…trusted in LSU in-game.”

Brown was head coach of LSU Tigers basketball from 1972 through 1997, during which time he won an impressive 448 games. Under Brown, the Tigers won several SEC championships and many trips to the NCAA Tournament. He’s been named NCAA Coach of the Year and inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Brown remains humble about those honors…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…being really truthful.”

During his time with the Tigers, Brown also advocated for reforms within college hoops to make it a more positive and educational experience for players…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…their lives better.”

It can be said that no one affected LSU athletics in the way that Dale Brown did. The court will be officially dedicated as the Dale Brown Court at the PMAC tonight.

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LSU has about 40 scholarship players available for tonight’s Texas Bowl matchup with Kansas State. The Tigers will have a skeleton crew out there because of players entering the transfer portal, opt-outs, suspensions and COVID protocols. But interim head coach Brad Davis says the goal remains to win the football game

Cut  16 (15) “…from me.”

On the depth chart, Garrett Nussmeier is listed as the starting quarterback, but he might not play tonight, because he would lose the ability to call this a red-shirt season. That means wide receiver and former Lutcher star Jontre Kirkland can line up at quarterback. Davis says whoever starts at Q-B, they want to be consistent…

Cut 17 (15) “ …good game.”

It will be the final game in an LSU Tiger uniform for several players including center Liam Shanahan. He’s looking forward to finishing the season with a win, even though the roster of available players has shrunk…

Cut 18 (17) “ …everyone watching.” 

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21st ranked LSU hosts 16th ranked Kentucky tonight as the Tigers look to rebound after suffering their first loss of the season last week to Auburn. Kentucky is 11-and-2 and is led by six-foot-nine forward Oscar Tshiebwe (SHEE-bway), who is averaging 16 points and 15 rebounds a game. LSU Coach Will Wade says keeping Oscar off the glass will be a challenge

Cut 19 (15) “…total.” 

Kentucky leads the SEC in scoring, averaging nearly 84 points a game. Wade says the Wildcats are excellent in the half-court game

Cut 20 (16) “…back in transition.” 

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office answered a call Saturday where 63-year-old Michael Dobbins allegedly broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person, fled the scene then had a shootout with officers behind some abandoned cars. Reichardt says he failed to listen to commands and was declared dead on the scene.

Cut 5 (07) “…was hurt.”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s Surprise Medical Bill legislation preventing patients from paying unexpected fees after going to the hospital is now in effect. Cassidy says this is one of the first steps towards getting price transparency but there’s still a lot to be done…

 Cut 6 ()8) “…that’s never been the case” 

Get ready to bundle up for the second night in a row. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we only saw highs in the upper 40s today so don’t expect the sun to warm us up too much. As for Tuesday, Keim says it will be much of a repeat of this morning with basically everything north of I-10 waking up to freezing temps.

Cut 13 (10) “….and Thursday. “

The Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs even though they’ve scored just one touchdown in the last three games. New Orleans’s defense produced seven sacks in an 18-10 win over Carolina yesterday. Defensive end Cam Jordan had 3.5 sacks and says holding the Panthers to only 88 yards rushing was also a key…

Cut 9 (10) “…just sacks”

If the Saints beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers lose to the Rams, New Orleans is in the playoffs.

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office answered a call Saturday where 63-year-old Michael Dobbins allegedly broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person, fled the scene then had a shootout with officers behind some abandoned cars. Reichardt says he failed to listen to commands, and we declared dead on the scene.

Cut 5 (07) “…was hurt.”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s Surprise Medical Bill legislation preventing patients from paying unexpected fees after going to the hospital is now in effect. Cassidy says he’s heard of insurance companies playing games by not going in-network with doctors knowing it would put the patient at risk for the cost but now patients are no longer at risk…

Cut 7 (07) “…is out of the middle” 

Get ready to bundle up for the second night in a row. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll only see highs in the upper 40s today so don’t expect the sun to warm us up too much. As for Tuesday, Keim says it will be much of a repeat of this morning with basically everything north of I-10 waking up to freezing temps.

Cut 13 (10) “….and Thursday. “

The Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs. Sunday’s victory gives New Orleans an 8-and-8 record and some of the recent wins have been ugly as a result of an offense missing starters on the o-line. Linebacker Demario Davis says the defense doesn’t have a problem with stepping up its game…

Cut 10 (10)  “…that opportunity”

If the Saints beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers lose to the Rams, New Orleans is in the playoffs.

The state reports 31-thousand new COVID cases, those are positive cases which include results from the New Year’s weekend.  And the state reached a grim milestone today of more than 15-thousand fatalities. Hospitalizations are over 11 hundred.

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office answered a call Saturday where 63-year-old Michael Dobbins allegedly broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person, fled the scene then had a shootout with officers behind some abandoned cars. Reichardt says earlier in the day Dobbins supposedly broke into a vehicle and stole a gun.

Cut 4 (08) “…for a little while.”

Dobbins was declared dead on the scene after he failed to surrender to officers.

Senator Bill Cassidy’s Surprise Medical Bill legislation preventing patients from paying unexpected fees after going to the hospital is now in effect. Cassidy says this is one of the first steps towards getting price transparency but there’s still a lot to be done…

 Cut 6 (0.08) “…that’s never been the case” 

The Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs even though they’ve scored just one touchdown in the last three games. New Orleans’s defense produced seven sacks in an 18-10 win over Carolina yesterday. Defensive end Cam Jordan had 3.5 sacks and says holding the Panthers to only 88 yards rushing was also a key…

Cut 9 (10) “…just sacks”

If the Saints beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers lose to the Rams, New Orleans is in the playoffs.

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office received a call Saturday afternoon that 63-year-old Michael Dobbins broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person and then fled the scene. But hours later he was found behind some abandoned cars.

Cut 3 (12) “…at the scene.”

The suspect was also allegedly shot at vehicles before police arrived and a car burglary earlier in the day.

Louisianans needed much more than a light jacket as they ventured out into the frozen tundra this morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it was quite a contrast to the unseasonably warm temps the Bayou State was experiencing.

Cut 12 (12) “…down to 32.”  

Keim says we’ll only see highs in the upper 40s today so don’t expect the sun to warm us up too much.

The New Year brings new changes to how much state taxes you’ll pay. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

COVID hospitalizations and cases in the state continue to spike at the Omicron variant makes its presence known in Louisiana. The Bayou State began the year with more than 1,000 COVID patients in the hospital. New daily totals will be released at noon, and they will include weekend totals. Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging residents regardless of vaccination status to mask up indoors.

Embattled Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet who garnered national headlines after a viral video of where she allegedly used a racial slur as her family watched a home security video of an attempted burglary has stepped down from the bench. Odinet’s Attorney Dane Ciolino says in her resignation letter, she says she’s sorry for the pain she’s caused to the community…

Cut  11 (12)  “..to come”  

Medical marijuana in its smokable form is now available in Louisiana. Since the program launched in 2019 there are now 28-thousand patients who have a valid medical marijuana prescription. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says many of those individuals are over the age of 65

Cut 15 (10)  “…find beneficial”

2022 is already shaping up to be a very active & potentially dramatic year for Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher elaborates…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

2022 appears to be a repeat of how 2021 started with over one thousand COVID patients in Louisiana hospitals.  The Louisiana Department of Health reports 76-percent of those patients are not up to date on their COVID vaccine. LDH reports 15-thousand new cases since New Year’s Eve.

Louisiana will be a feature in the 133^rd Annual Rose Parade Saturday morning. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The staggering increase in COVID cases since his year-end press conference last week prompted Governor John Bel Edwards to hold another briefing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In addition, taking COVID precautions state officials are also asking you to practice safety when setting off fireworks for New Year’s Eve. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says before you light your first explosive be sure they are legal at your location.

Cut 3 (08) “…sorts of places.” 

If you’re setting off fireworks in a city and or parish where they are legal, Rodrigue says to be sure to detonate your fireworks at least 200 feet away from any structures, vehicles, and in hurricane-impacted areas…

Cut 4 (10) “….flammable as well.”

Never light fireworks if you are under the influence, and never allow children to light or handle fireworks. And it’s a good idea to have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case things go awry. When you’ve finished Rodrigue says to be sure everything is properly extinguished.

Cut 5 (11) “…trash can.”

Rodrigue says it’s much safer to enjoy a public fireworks display versus creating your own.

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The Great Holiday Heat Wave of 2021 is almost over. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a significant cold front will begin moving across Louisiana in the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Day…:

Cut 6 (13) “…and some hail.”

Keim says we’ve seen the last of the unseasonably warm 80-degree temperatures of the past several days. Saturday will see temperatures dropping along with some precipitation; some of it possibly severe in the northern half of the state. He says the cooling continues through the weekend…:

Cut 7 (09) “…of the state.”

Keim says the New Year holiday will usher in 2022’s first freeze for Louisiana…:

Cut 8 (11) “…on Monday morning.”

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Louisiana will be on display to the world Saturday, in the 133^rd annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Speaking from Pasadena, California, where the Louisiana float is being assembled, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the first-ever Rose Parade float representing a whole state must follow the main rule: everything is made of flowers or plants…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…green with parsley”

The Louisiana “Feed Your Soul” float features cypress trees, pelicans, alligators, jazz and New Orleans; all represented with natural plant materials. As for float riders, Nungesser says they invited real Louisiana heroes to be in the parade…:

Cut 10 (13)  “…help after hurricanes.”

Parade floats often have music and Nungesser says Livingston Parish’s own Lane Hardy – a past American Idol winner – will be providing that. Nungesser worked hard to make arrangements for our state to take part in the parade, with a first-of-its-kind entry…:

Cut  11 (08)  “…we’re real excited.”  

The Rose Parade broadcast starts at 10 am Louisiana time, and can be seen on ABC, NBC, the Hallmark Channel, and on RFD TV.

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Amid the recent surge of COVID cases and hospitalizations in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards implores residents to take proper precautions in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus but fell short of reinstating a mask mandate for the state.

Cut 12 (11) “…before that happens.”

While Edwards shared the latest statistics of the Omicron surge in Louisiana, he says even though a mask mandate is not in place it doesn’t mean one should ignore their vital use to mitigate COVID.

Cut 13 (11) “…wear a mask.”

The governor encourages more people to get vaccinated and or boosted because COVID vaccinations have shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and severe illness.

Edwards recognizes that wearing a face mask is an inconvenience but it’s a minor request in an effort to keep more people from falling ill or even hospitalized.

Cut 14 (11)  “…watching a loved one.”

Edwards also acknowledges that many COVID testing sites are overwhelmed and the difficulty of locating home tests. He says if you are showing symptoms and unable to get tested assume you are positive and isolated.

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The Saints face a must-win situation on Sunday in order to make the playoffs when they host the Carolina Panthers in the final home game of the year. But the Black and Gold have won only once inside the Dome this year. Offensive tackle James Hurst can’t pinpoint why they haven’t been more successful in New Orleans…

Cut 15 (20)  “…cheer about.”

Cornerback P-J Williams says it’s been frustrating they have not been able to take advantage of home-field advantage…

Cut  16 (17) “…this week”

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Governor Edwards is encouraging Louisianans to celebrate the New Year with their immediate household and avoid large crowds due to the uptick in cases. Edwards says 95-percent of the parishes are at the highest risk level for COVID-19 transmission and predicts January will be very challenging. He urges the unvaccinated to make getting the COVID vaccine a New Year’s resolution…

Cut 14 (09)  “…COVID” 

The FDA plans to broaden eligibility for Pfizer COVID boosters for teens 12 to 15 in the coming days. Those who are 16 years or older already have access to booster shots. Studies indicate a booster dose increases protection from the Omicron variant which to date is the most transmissible variant of COVID.

Baton Rouge state Representative Ted James has been appointed as the new Regional Administrator of the federal Small Business Administration in the South-Central Region. James, a Baton Rouge native is Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee and has served in the legislature since 2012.

Cut 5 (07) “…new challenge.”

James will remain in Louisiana and work in the New Orleans office.

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing has reach a half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says those jackpots are growing much more quickly because of new Powerball policies…:

Cut 10 (09)  “…so does that jackpot..”

Powerball tickets will be available until 9 pm Saturday. The half-billion drawing will be at 10.

For a second straight day, Louisiana sets a record for a single-day increase in COVID-19 cases. The state reported over 12-thousand new cases today after reporting nine-thousand cases on Wednesday. Governor John Bel is encouraging Louisiana residents to re-think their New Year’s Eve plans if they planned on ringing in 2022 with a large group of people. He prefers if Louisiana residents celebrated the new year with their immediate family…

Cut 13 (10) “. is “

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is stepping down from his seat to accept a federal post by President Joe Biden. James will serve as Regional Administrator of the Small Business Administration’s South-Central Region. James who is head of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus says he’ll take the helm early next year.

Cut 3 (09) “…early next week.”

Beginning January first, the flower or smokable form of medical marijuana will be available and legal for patients in Louisiana. A bill allowing dispensaries to legally sell the traditional form of cannabis passed in the regular legislative session this year. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain oversees product testing and regulations for medical marijuana.

 Cut 6 (10) “…14 days.” 

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing is nearing half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says there is a televised Powerball event on Friday night (New Year’s Eve), and a, East Feliciana Parish man is one of five finalists to win a big pot of cash…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…of the year!” 

With just a couple of days left in 2021, it’s time to take look back at another eventful year. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

And Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a 1 pm press conference today to discuss the surge in COVID.

For the first time in a decade, Louisiana’s unemployment benefit will increase by eleven percent. The new amount goes into effect Sunday and the maximum weekly benefit for those who qualify will be $275. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says it’s welcome news for recipients.

Cut 7 (05) “…to find.”

For those who make their initial claim January 1, 2022, or before, the maximum weekly benefit amount is still $247.

It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana: bringing destruction to the state’s southeastern coastal parishes. Houma state Representative Tanner Magee says Terrebonne Parish still has a large number of residents living in makeshift accommodations…:

Cut 4 (10) “….nort really come yet.”

Magee says two entire high schools will need to be rebuilt.