A train derailed in Avoyelles Parish just south of Moreauville this morning. Evacuations are underway for nearby schools, homes and businesses and Avoyelles Sheriff’s Deputies say State Police Haz-Mat is responding for public safety. The accident happened around 7:30 this morning and LA 1 is currently closed.

A bill that would make kratom illegal in Louisiana moves to the House after passing the Senate S-B 26-to-11, split right down party lines. The author, West Monroe Republican Jay Morris, says kratom – sometimes known as “gas station heroin” – has already been banned in several places. He says he has heard many horror stories stemming from the use of kratom.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a legal substance.”

Morris says Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says he has treated more people for kratom overdose than those who have taken crack cocaine.

More and more people are getting scam text messages claiming that they have an unpaid toll road charge. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says that’s something that the department simply does not do.

Cut 6 (08) “…asking for fines”

Mallett says the scammers are becoming more sophisticated in how they trick unsuspecting people into following a link and paying what seems to be a small amount of money.

During Love the Boot Week in April, Keep Louisiana Beautiful supported recycling efforts in 27 parishes. The recycling program used a mix of pick-up and drop-off services, with 21 Louisiana Department of Transportation offices serving as collection sites. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell says people want to live in clean communities and they deserve just that.

Cut 4 (10) “…they are proud of.”

A Louisiana Tech Football player has been arrested, charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Ruston police say 20-year-old junior defensive back, Jacob Fields was chaperoning two brothers during a Louisiana Tech recruiting visit. Fields allegedly took the two boys, ages 15 and 17 to an apartment where the 15-year-old smoked marijuana and when he began have an adverse reaction, Fields returned the young man to the hotel where the boys were staying with their mother. Their mother called an ambulance when she noticed the boy’s paranoia.

One of the bills in the legislature getting the most attention is the one that would give the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rates he deems to be excessive, regardless of market conditions. It has passed in the full House and is now awaiting debate in a Senate committee. Governor Landry supports it, but Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple – also a Republican – opposed it. Temple says he has rejected rates because they’re either too low or too high.

Cut 9 (06)  “…the drawing board.”

Much of Louisiana including Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, Opelousas, DeRidder, Lake Charles and Lafayette is under a tornado watch until 9 PM tonight and the entire state is under a flood watch. Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin

Cut 14 (15) “…into tomorrow.”

Bogue Chitto State Park in Washington Parish is undergoing significant expansion with the acquisition of over 800 adjacent acres. Office of State Parks Assistant Secretary Brandon Burris says the newly acquired acres may need some restoration projects in the future to maintain the quality and standards for Louisiana State Parks.

Cut 8 (10) “…studying the ecosystem.”

The Rayne Police Department is grieving over the loss of one of its officers who was killed by friendly fire. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The reason the officer discharged their weapon is still unknown

It’s a busy day at OMV offices across the state as people are scrambling to get their REAL ID. Today is the last day you can fly on a commercial airline without either a REAL ID or a passport. One woman says one Denham Springs Express OMV was so busy that their computers couldn’t handle it.

Cut 5 (07) “…say that yet.”

Last month, the OMV and Public Tag Agents processed more than 97-thousand REAL ID applications.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple does not support a bill awaiting debate in a Senate committee that would give the commissioner the authority to reject rates he deems excessive, regardless of market conditions because he says, he already rejects rates.

Cut 11 (11) “…we exercise it.”

It has already passed in the full House and Governor Landry supports it.

A large portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 9 PM tonight. The watch area covers Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, Opelousas, DeRidder, Lake Charles and Lafayette. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a few tornadoes are possible, plus there are other severe weather threats…

Cut 12 (06) “…large hail”  

Jacquemin says a flood watch also remains in effect for the entire state…

A horrific scene in Caddo Parish, as four people are dead in a murder-suicide in Keithville. Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the home at around seven yesterday morning, and gunfire erupted in the house a few minutes later. It’s not yet clear what led to the shooting. A family member has set up a GoFundMe for the youngest victim, 2-year-old Adalyn Mae.

A bill awaiting debate in a Senate would give the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rates deemed to be excessive, regardless of market conditions. Governor Landry supports it, but Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple does not. Temple says he has rejected rates because they’re either too low or too high.

Cut 10 (09) “…I exercise it.”

OMV offices across the state are jammed with people getting their REAL IDs on this deadline day. Andrew Greenstein is at the Express OMV office in Denham Springs.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Office of State Parks has big plans for Bogue Chitto State Park in Washington Parish with the acquisition of over 800 adjacent acres. State Parks Assistant Secretary Brandon Burris says preliminary plans for the expanded portion of Bogue Chitto State Park include additional equestrian trails, mountain biking trails, and hiking trails.

Cut 7 (10) “…utilization we can.”

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of Louisiana tomorrow through Thursday night. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says some areas will see three to eight inches of rain and some areas could get 12-inches. He says residents should monitor conditions closely and have a safety plan in place.

Cut 11 (12) “…be smart.”

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says while overall deaths on Louisiana roadways are down, the same cannot be said for motorcycle deaths.

Cut 3 (12) “…in motorcycle fatalities.”

In 2023, 97 motorcyclists died in crashes in Louisiana.

The Coast Guard gains the upper hand in the oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The state softball championships concluded yesterday and North Desoto had a walk off victory over Assumption to claim its seventh state title. Griffins head coach Tim Whitman called for a suicide squeeze to drive in the winning run, but he gives the credit to his seniors…

Cut 13 (08)  “…they fought” (Sound courtesy of LHSAA Network)

Charges have been upgraded for an accused accomplice in the February death of Adan Manzano, the reporter in town covering the Super Bowl who was found unresponsive in his Kenner hotel. Rickey White who has been in police custody originally facing fraud and theft related charges is now facing second degree murder charges for his alleged involvement along with Danette Colbert who was first arrested in February after she was seen on surveillance leaving Manzano’s hotel room. Upon her arrest, she was found to be in possession of his phone and credit cards.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of the state starting tomorrow through Thursday night. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says slow moving thunderstorms will produce three to eight inches of rain and some areas could get 12-inches potentially causing flash flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, urban areas, and other flood-prone spots.

Cut 10 (11) “…prepared for this.”

Stay alert to weather updates and potential warnings.

The Coast Guard says they’ve gained the upper hand on a oil spill off Plaquemines Parish but Environmentalists fear the oil could threaten marine wildlife and further erode Louisiana’s coastline. Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says Coast Guard crews are working to protect as much marine wildlife as they can.

Cut 8 (13) “…to capture it.”

The Coast Guard has 20 skimmers, 220 responders, and more than 20-thousand feet of containment boom on site. While Well 59 has not been abandoned, it has not had any measurable oil pressure since the 1990s.

Vandebilt Catholic won a Louisiana record 16^th state championship in softball on Sunday in Sulphur with a seven to five win over St. Charles Catholic. Terriers Coach James Spearman says his girls have been resilient all year and it was on display after falling behind two to nothing in the first inning…

Cut 12 (12) “…good job”

As of noon Sunday, the Coast Guard says it has gained the upper hand on the oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says Well 59 near Garden Island Bay began leaking more than a week ago, spewing tens of thousands of gallons of oil into gulf waters. He says so far, crews have collected almost 80-thousand gallons of oily water.

Cut 7 (12) “…safely as possible.”

Environmentalists fear the oil that seeped into the water could threaten marine wildlife and further erode Louisiana’s coastline. So far only one oiled bird has been observed.

Funds from the Lottery slipped in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. The Louisiana Lottery transferred close to $45.1 million to the state treasury but that’s down $1.4 million from last quarter and down $35.8 million when compared to the first three quarters of last fiscal year. Lottery President, Rose Hudson said, “Strong inflationary pressures and jackpot fatigue continue to have an adverse effect on sales this quarter.”   The Lottery Corporation is looking to add value with second-chance promotions and partnerships with popular brands like NASCAR.

A flood watch will be in effect for the majority of the state by the National Weather Service starting tomorrow.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there’s been 13% increase in motorcycle deaths from 2021 to 2023. He says it’s up to all drivers to make every effort to watch for motorcycles, and Fischer says motorcyclists also need to do their part: obey the same traffic laws as motorists, and always wear a helmet and always opt for a full-face helmet.

Cut 5 (09) “…my tooth out.”

One child is dead after being found locked in car seats inside a Webster Parish home with no adult supervision. Minden Police were called to the house Thursday morning after someone found two children alone, one of them unresponsive.  Minden Police Chief Jared McIver says investigators also want to know who was supposed to be home supervising the children.

Cut 4 (10) “…that’s just negligence.”

We’re told the other child, a ten month old, was uninjured.

Advocates gathered outside the State Capitol this week to draw attention to food insecurity. Pat VanBurkleo, the executive director of Feeding Louisiana, says they especially wanted to let state lawmakers know that many things affect hunger like wages and cuts to Medicaid. He says one thing that doesn’t nearly get enough attention is hunger on college campuses.

Cut 10 (07) “…having more food.”

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The Coast Guard has been brought in to help control an oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Tens of thousands of gallons of oil have uncontrollably gushed out of an old well off the coast. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says crews are working non-stop to get the leak under control, acknowledging this is a serious spill.

Cut 15 (16) “…from the environment.”

And don’t forget it’s election day for about half of Louisiana. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says several areas will hold runoff elections from earlier primaries, while others will vote on sales taxes, millages, bonds, and charter amendments.

Cut 6 (13) “…in your area.”

Two children were found locked in car seats inside a house in Webster Parish with no adult supervision, and one of them has died. Minden Police were called to the house mid-morning Thursday on a report of a two-year-old child being found unresponsive inside the house. The girl could not be resuscitated. Minden Police Chief Jared McIver…

Cut 3 (12) “…off the airway.” 

The second child who’s ten months old was uninjured.

Advocates gathered outside the State Capitol this week to draw attention to food insecurity. Pat VanBurkleo, the executive director of Feeding Louisiana, says they especially wanted to let state lawmakers know that many things affect hunger

Cut 9 (10)  “…their hunger issues.”

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Voters in about half of Louisiana’s parishes will head to the polls today to elect local officials and decide on various ballot proposals. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says several areas will hold runoff elections from earlier primaries, while others will vote on sales taxes, millages, bonds, and charter amendments.

Cut 8 (08) “…gonna be on there.”

Polls close tonight at eight.

Crawfish prices are at their lowest level of the season. That’s according to the Crawfish-App. Co-founder Laney King. She says prices dropped 50-cents per pound after Easter and they’ve held steady entering the first weekend of May. She says consumers can purchase a sack of crawfish for under 100-dollars…

Cut 13 (09)  “…$4.89 a pound” 

Police in Minden are investigating the death of a toddler inside a home. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Voters in about half of Louisiana’s parishes will head to the polls today to cast their ballots. In Lake Charles and DeRidder, there are mayoral races today. And Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says New Orleans area voters also have items on their ballot..

Cut 7 (09) “…all over the state.”

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The Coast Guard has been brought in to help control an oil spill off Plaquemines Parish. Tens of thousands of gallons of oil have uncontrollably gushed out of an old well off the coast. Coast Guard Lieutenant Phillip VanderWeit says crews are working non-stop to get the leak under control.

Cut 14 (09) “…to the environment.”

Crawfish prices are at their lowest level of the season, according to the Crawfish-App. Co-founder of the Crawfish App, Laney King, says May is usually when we see the lowest prices…

Cut 12 (10) “…Mother’s Day.”

King says in the days following Easter, crawfish prices dropped 50-cents per pound and they’ve held steady entering the first weekend of May.