We’re seeing a slight uptick in gas prices. Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says the oil market is also reactionary to world news and depending on the United States’ response to three servicemen being killed in a drone attack in Jordan, we could see even higher prices.

Cut 8 (12) “…world stage.” 

With the recent closed primary changes in Louisiana, about 28 percent of Louisiana voters who are unaffiliated will be able to vote in the party primary of their choice but not both. Individuals who are registered as an Independent, Libertarian, or Green Party will not be allowed to vote in the primary elections. Senator Bill Cassidy says this excludes thousands of voters from the primaries.

Cut 12 (09)  “…the election.”  

Bittersweet Confections bakery social media post reminded followers of operating hours to purchase their sweet treats but one individual paid the bakery a visit on his own time. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The LSU Lady Tigers lost to Mississippi State 77-73. The loss drops LSU’s record to 18-4 and 5-3 in the SEC. The Lady Tigers returned two starters from last year’s national championship team. Coach Kim Mulkey…

Cut 10 (10) “…things get tough.”

An Avoyelles Parish man was killed Saturday after he allegedly made bomb threats to his neighbors and destroyed property then barricaded himself in his Evergreen home. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says State Police negotiators and SWAT assisted the sheriff’s office and negotiated with 36-year-old Joshua Nugent for several hours before gunfire was exchanged.

Cut 13 (11) “…looking for.” 

Louisiana has not executed anyone since 2010 but Governor Jeff Landry will push for legislators to find new ways to carry out executions in next month’s special session. Landry says the session will focus on crime and highlight the suffering of victims’ families.

Cut 6  (07) “…the criminals.” 

The state has had trouble obtaining the drugs to carry out executions.

To increase public awareness of police misconduct, The ACLU of Louisiana has launched a comprehensive dashboard of police killings and violence. Because there are no mandates for law enforcement to report misconduct, ACLU Data Analyst Elijah Appelson says policing data is difficult. They hope the public will gain a better understanding of the prevalence of police violence in Louisiana and that local agencies can do their own analysis with the data.

Cut 11 (09) “…their community.”

Governor Landry’s K-12 Education Policy council has released its recommendations. Erin Bendily with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy who served on the council says they recommend bolstering teacher recruitment efforts and providing flexible state funding for teacher compensation that would school systems to meet their greatest local workforce needs…

Cut 5 (10) “…that area”  

Louisiana currently has 59 people on death row and has not executed anyone since 2010 but Governor Jeff Landry says there are families across the state that have suffered tremendously from the loss of a loved as a result of crime. He says the state has promised those families justice.

Cut 8 (08) “…our contracts.” 

Landry opposed granting clemency to more than 50 death row inmates last year.

And plans to push for legislators to find new ways to carry out executions in next month’s special session.

Someone who bought a Pick 4 lottery ticket in Port Allen Sunday is about to be $100,000 richer. The winning ticket was purchased at the Bros Food mart on North Alexandria. If you purchased a ticket, check your numbers. You have 180 days – that’s around 6 months from the date of drawing to claim your prize.

The ACLU of Louisiana has launched a comprehensive dashboard of police killings and violence. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Governor Landry’s K-12 Education Policy has released its recommendations for improving education in Louisiana including options to traditional public schools. Erin Bendily with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy says they are optimistic the education savings accounts pushed by Republicans will be approved this year …

Cut 4 (10) “..home schooling options”

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.

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.” 

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.

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” 

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.” 

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.