4:30 Newscast Jan 26

Authorities say the bodies of John and Christina Moss, both 67-years-old, were found inside of a Leesville house fire Thursday apparently victims of a murder-suicide. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the Moss’s were in court that morning for divorce proceedings. He says authorities believe John shot his wife before starting the fire and then turned the gun on himself.

Cut  14 (12) “…and determine.”

Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Senior passed away Thursday. He was the longest-serving DA in New Orleans, but Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Connick had some ups and downs in his legal career and even faced federal charges himself.

Cut 10 (12) “…evidence.”

He was 97.

A proposed 10 billion dollar Liquefied natural gas export terminal project in Cameron Parish is in jeopardy because of a decision by the President. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Landry has named Susan Bonnett Bourgeois of Covington as the new Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development saying she is exactly what the department needs to move Louisiana’s economy forward. Bourgeois isn’t new to state government having held multiple roles in the late Governor Mike Foster’s administration.

3:30 PM Newscast Jan 26

Authorities say the bodies of 67-year-old John Moss and his wife Christina Moss of the same age were found inside of a Leesville house fire as a result of a murder-suicide Thursday. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says deputies determined the fire was intentionally set and…

Cut 13 (07) “..structure fire.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

Former teacher and coach at St. Thomas More High School, Lafayette, Angel Rafael Cardona pleaded guilty on a child pornography charge Friday.  In a plea deal Cardona pleaded guilty to enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and will serve at least 10 years in prison. Information presented in court showed in June of 2023, Cardona began an online conversation with a user identified as a 13-year-old girl but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

The Biden Administration is placing a pause on pending liquefied natural gas export terminals, which puts in jeopardy the construction of the 10-billion dollar Calcasieu Pass 2 terminal project in Cameron Parish. Economist Loren Scott says the U-S ships LNG to Europe so they don’t have to count on Russia for natural gas. And Scott says if U-S limits what they supply to Europe, they’ll be forced to use coal fire power plants which will lead to even more pollution….

Cut 5 (07) “…worldwide” 

Boise Cascade, a leading manufacturer of building materials, announces plans to invest $75 million dollars to expand and modernize its Oakdale facility in Allen Parish. Vice President Mike Brown says the expansion of the facility will increase veneer production by 30 percent. He says upgrading machines and technology will also increase efficiency.

Cut 8 (11) “…new dryer.” 

2:30 PM Newscast Jan 26

Boise Cascade, a leading manufacturer of building materials, announces plans to invest $75 million dollars to expand and modernize its Oakdale facility in Allen Parish. Vice President Mike Brown says the company expects to create 30 new direct jobs and…

Cut 7 (08) “…the other.” 

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 77 indirect new jobs, for a total of 107 potential new jobs.

Governor Landry has named Susan Bonnett Bourgeois of Covington as the new Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development saying she is exactly what the department needs to move Louisiana’s economy forward to compete with our Southern neighbors. Bourgeois isn’t new to state government having held multiple roles in the late Governor Mike Foster’s administration. Bourgeois currently serves as President of SBB Consulting and President Emeritus of Northshore Community Foundation.

The LSU Lady Tigers lost to top ranked South Carolina on Thursday night and a king cake was murdered on national TV before the game. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Senior passed away Thursday. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the DA’s office is much different today compared to when Connick was at the helm.

Cut 12 (10)  “…Jason Williams.”  

He was 97.

3:30 PM Newscast Jan 25

Former LSU football star Kayshon Boutte has been arrested after he allegedly created a fraudulent sports betting account on FanDuel Sportsbook when he was 20 years old. State Police says Boutte’s alias account shows at least six of his wagers were on LSU football. But East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the evidence shows he was not throwing games…

Cut  14 (06) “…do well”

Boutte has been charged with computer fraud and gaming prohibited and placing sports bets under the age of 21.

Louisiana is in a swing season period with a typical winter El Nino climate pattern that creates storm formation in the Gulf of Mexico and brings heavy rainfall. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says rainfall totals for the next 12 to 48 hours range from one to five inches. He says the additional rain should help saturate the soil.

Cut 11 (06) “…drought issues.”

The U.S. Senate Banking Committee Heard testimony in Washington this morning about the unaffordability of flood insurance. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy voiced his frustration with the Risk Rating 2.0 formula that decides premiums and FEMA’s lack of transparency.

Cut 6 (14) “…their budget.” 

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is pushing legislation to cap annual premium increases at nine-percent.

Today is the official opening of Washington Mardi Gras. It’s an annual party at the nation’s capital, but there’s also plenty of business taking place. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the 75th celebration has more meaning with a new state government and all the clout Louisiana’s Congressional delegation holds

Cut 3 (10) “….network” 

2:30 PM Newscast Jan 25

Former LSU football star Kayshon Boutte has been arrested after he allegedly created a fraudulent sports betting account on FanDuel Sportsbook when he was 20 years old so that he can bet on sporting events. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says State Police has been investigating Boutte since April 2022…

Cut 12 (11)  “..Louisiana State Police”  

If gambling is a problem, Gamblers Anonymous can be reached at 855-CALL GA

The Bayou State has seen significant rainfall since Tuesday, and more rainfall is expected into Saturday. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says some of the highest rainfall totals are in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 9 (13) “…Bogalusa”

A flood watch is in effect for most of southeast Louisiana until 6 PM.

The U.S. Senate Banking Committee Heard testimony in Washington this morning about the unaffordability of flood insurance. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The 75th Washington D C Mardi Gras opens today. This year’s theme…Louisiana: the most interesting state in America. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Louisiana is more interesting politically this year because of Mike Johnson of Bossier Parish’s sudden rise to House Speaker and Louisiana has a new governor and several new legislators…

Cut 5 (12) “…of state government.” 

AM Newscall Jan 25

In DC this morning the Senate Banking Committee will hear testimony on how increased flood insurance rates are crippling Louisiana property owners. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 Louisiana Single Women rank high when it comes to home ownership. The Bayou State is among the top three states for single women owned homes. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The big game is tonight as the ninth-ranked Lady Tigers host top-ranked South Carolina in a huge matchup in women’s college basketball. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The U.S. Senate Banking Committee will hear testimony today on the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s an opportunity for Louisianans to tell Americans how unaffordable flood insurance has become.

Cut 4 (06) “…flood insurance.”

He says the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that roughly 900,000 policyholders will drop out of the program over the next decade because of Risk Rating 2.0 mapping.

Cassidy says his National Flood Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2023 bill would cap premium hikes and offer means-tested discounts for those with excessive rate hikes…

Cut 5 (12) “…mortgage.” 

The Republican says he’s hopeful the Senate Banking Committee will carefully review his legislation and…

Cut 6 (11) “…if you will.”

Cassidy says he’s also doing what he can to help lower auto and property insurance premiums. He says he’s meeting with Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple during Washington Mardi Gras, to see what he can do on a national level to provide relief for policyholders in the Pelican State.

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It’s not Easter but nearly 60 abandoned rabbits have been found in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish in the last four months. Instead of turning them over to shelters, Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says owners are abandoning rabbits in public parks but they cannot survive in the wild for long.

Cut 7 (12) “…a problem.”

Dorson says the state law has a specific statute that prohibits the abandonment of any living creature. He says anyone caught abandoning a bunny can face…

Cut 8 (06) “…fines and penalties.” 

Dorson encourages owners to contact animal shelters and rescue groups to help rehome an unwanted animal. If you see rabbits roaming around a park or neighborhood, he says it’s typically safe to rescue the animal.

Cut 9 (07)  “…dog carrier.”

If you are considering giving up your pet, contact the HSLA, Jefferson Protection Welfare Services, or 311 in Orleans Parish to rescue or rehome abandoned rabbits.

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We’ve come a long way. Louisiana is among the top three states when it comes to Single Women who own their own homes.  18% of mortgage applications came from single Louisiana women last year. Charlotte Guidroz, a loan officer with Assurance Financial has witnessed the growth…

Cut 10 (09) “…single women”

With one of the highest gender wage gaps in the nation. Louisiana women may not be bringing home the most bacon but they’re bringing it to homes they own. Some figures show Louisiana women make 75 cents for every dollar a man makes. Guidroz says low earners can buy if they qualify…

Cut 11 (11) “…income based” 

Guidroz says the reasons Louisiana is among the three highest states for single women owned homes are not all clear, but it brings up good questions and she sees a lot of motivated for single mothers…

Cut 12 (11) “…in a home.” 

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The most anticipated regular season game in LSU women’s basketball history is tonight as the 9th-ranked Lady Tigers host top-ranked South Carolina. All of the advanced tickets are sold out and ESPN College Gameday will be on hand for an extensive pregame show. Coach Kim Mulkey says all of the attention this game is getting shows LSU it’s getting a good return on its investment…

Cut 13 (13)  “…expensive.”

LSU is 18-2 on the season while the Gamecocks are 17-0. The Lady Tigers are defending national champs, while South Carolina won in 2022 and lost last season in the national semifinals to Iowa. Mulkey views the game as a tremendous challenge but it’s not the be all…

Cut 14 (08) “…for LSU.” 

South Carolina and LSU are two of the nation’s highest scoring teams but the Gamecocks have performed better on defense as they ranked fifth in the country in points allowed. Mulkey says no one has found the formula to beat them…

Cut 15 (15) …women’s basketball.“

LSU has lost 14 straight to South Carolina. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

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Louisiana Tech, who is in a three-way tie for first place in Conference USA, takes a three-game winning streak into tonight’s game against UTEP. Coach Talvin Hester’s team has scored 154 points in their last two games…

Cut 16 (10) “…creating offense.” 

Tech’s leading scorer is Isaiah Crawford who is averaging 16 points a game. He’s also outstanding on defense as he leads the team with 41 steals and has 31 blocked shots. Hester says Crawford is an outstanding two-way player

Cut 17 (21) “…so dynamic.” 

The Bulldogs host UTEP tonight and then New Mexico State on Saturday. Hester says winning at home is a must…

Cut 18 (19)  “…the goal.” 

Tip time is at 6 PM.

4:30 PM Newscast Jan 24

Flooding rains have fallen in portions of Louisiana. National Weather Service Lake Charles meteorologist Doug Cramer says they’ve received reports of flooding of homes and businesses in Avoyelles Parish. Several highways across south and central Louisiana are under water…

Cut 10 (10) “…flood waters”

Cramer says the National Weather Service is forecasting additional rainfall for the rest of the day and into tonight…

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves, whose district was redrawn in the newly passed congressional map says the legislature didn’t have to redraw the map to include a second Majority-Black district, with the potential to elect another Democrat. While he says Judge Shelly Dick made it clear she didn’t like the map passed in 2022, it was still making its way through the courts.

Cut 4 (07) “…existing map.”

Last month a ban went into effect to keep large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers from driving through the I-20 construction zone in Bossier City. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says law enforcement have issued more than 200 warnings and citations. She says there are plenty of signs in the area…

Cut 7 (13) “…and Bossier.” 

Concrete barriers were added as a safety precaution to prevent drivers from leaving the travel lane.

Two deer hunters from Port Barre may find a hunt last week is going to cost them plenty. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agents cited 48-year-old Bryan Vidrine and a 16-year-old juvenile for hunting from a moving vehicle, from a public roadway, during illegal hours. The two face fines and restitution as high as $6000. The violations could also come with jail time.

3:30 PM Newscast Jan 24

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, whose district was completely redrawn in the newly passed congressional map is criticizing the Republican-controlled state legislature and Governor Landry for their support of the map.  He says it could ultimately hurt the GOP’s status in the US House.

Cut 3 (09) “…boneheaded move.”

Four people were shot during a drive-by shooting in Lafayette this morning. Lafayette Police Sergeant Robin Green says three men were standing outside of a home on Sunset Drive when shots were fired from a passing vehicle that stopped in front of the home.

Cut 13 (10) “…gunfire” 

All four are hospitalized, 2 in critical condition and 2 are stable.

State Police reminds drivers of large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers that driving through the I-20 construction zone in Bossier City is off limits. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says accidents involving large trucks have increased on that stretch of highway that is down to one lane.

Cut 6 (12) “…begin with.” 

 

Several inches of rain has fallen across most of Louisiana today and more rain is on the way. LRN chief meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports this weather system has already delivered when it comes to producing flooding rains…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin” 

3:30 PM Newscast Jan 23

State Senator Cleo Fields made the announcement many expected. In a statement released today, Fields said he wanted to be clear that he would be a candidate to represent the newly drawn 6th Congressional District.  LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Fields name recognition and his record will help his campaign in the district…

Cut 26

Governor Jeff Landry has signed his first bills into law. They come from last week’s special session and they include a new Congressional district map and a measure that will bring party primaries to federal elections in 2026. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the governor wanted closed party primaries for nearly all elections, but didn’t push the issue…

Cut 3 (10) “…he’s known for.”

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says The Biden Administration’s Infrastructure bill will benefit the state and his congressional-directed spending is benefiting Barksdale Airforce Base and the vision for northwest Louisiana to become a cyber hub. Another project he mentions is one to help the Department of Defense better train pilots in conducting rescue missions.

Cut 11 (08) “…even more.”

LSU quarterback That Kid Jayden Daniels was named today as the winner of the 2023 Manning Award. This is the 20th year of the Manning award and Daniels is the third LSU honoree. Joe Burrow and Jamarcus Russell are the other two winners from LSU. Saints legend Archie Manning says Daniels 2023 campaign will go down as one of the greatest ever…

Cut 13 (10) “…football team” 

2:30 PM Newscast Jan 23

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who was the lone Republican in the state’s congressional district who voted in favor of The Biden Administration’s Infrastructure bill says the state will benefit. Infrastructure funds will go towards an I-20 corridor Amtrak line connecting Atlanta and Dallas. Cassidy says it also includes the cities of Shreveport, Ruston, and Monroe.

Cut 10 (11) “…to live.”

Up next for Governor Landry and the state legislature is a special session addressing crime. It’s expected to begin a month from now. La Politics dot com Publisher, Jeremy Alford says the governor has not laid out his exact plans for the special session, but lawmakers are already proposing ideas…

Cut 5 (15) “..mental health issues.” 

The congressional map with a second majority-Black district is getting pushback and some Republicans plan to challenge it in court.  Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels was named today as the winner of the 2023 Manning Award, which goes to the top quarterback in the nation. Daniels led the nation with nearly five-thousand yards of total offense.

Cut 12 (12)  “…being here”