Federal crime statistics place New Orleans at the top of the list for homicides in the country. Whitney Thomas reports on the Murder Capital of the USA…:

CUT 02  (32)        “…Thomas.”

A shocking story out of Winn Parish; a 5-month-old baby girl who died last week was determined to be a murder victim…and the suspect is the child’s 11-year-old sibling. The baby died of blunt force to the head and body. The pre-teen was taken into custody. Four adults in the Winnfield home were also charged with cruelty to a juvenile. More as this story develops.

A new law taking effect January 1^st requires carbon monoxide detectors in one or two-family homes sold or newly leased in Louisiana. Metairie State Representative Stephanie Hilferty is the law’s author. She says she brought the bill after a close call with CO fumes following Hurricane Ida. She says CO detectors are simple to install and don’t cost a lot…:

CUT 06  (05)        “…sort of thing.”

Hilferty says one can even find combination CO AND smoke detectors at almost ANY home improvement or hardware store.

With the New Year may come the resolution to find a new job. UNO economics professor Mark Rosa says before you make an impulsive move, ask yourself “am I moving JUST to make the move?” He says choose your job move wisely because your current employer will get along without you…:

CUT 12(06)      “…like everybody loses.”

Rosa says make the move if it means better income, furthering your chosen profession or moving INTO a profession you prefer.

After searching for more than 8 hours yesterday the Coast Guard suspended the search for four men who went down in the Gulf when a helicopter crashed about 10 miles offshore. The chopper was en route from an offshore rig to land. The search for survivors of that crash resumes this morning. This is the third chopper crash in the Gulf in 2022.

Some may have a New Year’s Resolution to find a new job in 2023. Brooke Thorington seeks some tips on doing that…:

CUT 03(31)      “…Thorington.”

A shocking story out of Winn Parish; a 5-month-old baby girl who died last week was determine to be a murder victim…and the suspect is the child’s 11-year-old sibling. The baby died of blunt force to the head and body. The pre-teen was taken into custody. Four adults in the Winnfield home were also charged with cruelty to a juvenile. More as this story develops.

Starting January 1^st, all one-and-two family homes sold or leased in Louisiana MUST have working carbon monoxide detectors. The state health department says six people in Louisiana died from carbon monoxide poisoning after Hurricane Ida, and nine after Laura. Metairie state lawmaker Stephanie Hilferty sponsored the bill – which passed the legislature last spring – after her own close call with CO fumes. She says it can cause fatigue, headaches and more…:

CUT 05  (11)        “…monoxide poisoning”

The law does not apply to your already-owned home, but she says it’s a good idea to get a CO detector anyway.

New statistics show that New Orleans is on track for having the highest homicide rate in the U.S. this year; over 70 homicide per 100-thousand residents, which tops any other city. Rafael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission says lack of cops is the reason. Because so many cops have left the force, the homicide rate is up 132-percent since 2019…:

CUT 08(09)      “…are up 21-percent.”

He says the city council finally agreed to pay cops more, offer signing and retention bonuses and to hire more police.

The heavy rains we say yesterday will persist into part of today across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says go ahead make those outdoor plans for celebrating New Year’s Eve…:

CUT 14(09)      “…mild temperatures.”

Have a safe and Happy New Year…

A new law taking effect January 1^st requires carbon monoxide detectors in one or two-family homes sold, or newly-leased in Louisiana. Metairie State Representative Stephanie Hilferty, who authored the law passed last spring, says she has personal experience with the matter. When she and other family members were staying in her mother-in-law’s home after Hurricane Ida, her portable carbon monoxide detector went off…:

CUT 04(09)      “…have happened.”

This law will affect any home that is sold or leased after the first of the year. Hilferty recommends everyone get working CO detectors for their homes.

With the New Year may come the resolution to move to a new job. UNO professor of Economics & Finance Mark Rosa has some tips. First, make sure your resume is up to date and truthfully reflects your work history. Rosa says employers are eager to hire new talent right now…:

CUT 10(11)      “…a buyer’s market.”

Rosa says don’t make a move JUST to move. Make sure the move will help advance your career and your earnings potential.

One of the new laws taking effect New Year’s Day requires carbon monoxide detectors in one or two-family homes sold or newly leased in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby has more…:

CUT 1   (29)      “…Golsby.”

Someone in the Shreveport area spent a great deal of holiday time to leave anti-Semitic flyers all over a number of neighborhoods. The flyers – left on car windshields, door jambs and on door steps – blame Jewish people for everything from abortion, to rising crime to “taking Christ out of Christmas.” Shreveport Police are aware and looking into it.

The National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Watch for all of northwestern Louisiana. The area covers everything north of Natchitoches and west of Monroe. Areas of the state have the potential for severe weather today as a cold front enters the state from the west. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm prediction center has us in a marginal category, which is a one out of five of a severe weather threat…:

CUT 13(07)      “…two inches.”

New Year’s Day should be mostly sunny and warm-ish.

New statistics show that New Orleans is on track for having the highest homicide rate in the U.S. this year. Rafael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission says the city has lost over 150 police officers this year…:

CUT 07(08)      “…900 police officers.”

New Orleans had an average of over 70 homicides per 100-thousand persons in 2022. Goyeneche says city officials have responded by funding police raises, bonuses and money to hire more cops.

Anti-smoking experts say New Year’s is a great time to quit smoking. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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The Department of Transportation and Development has been awarded a $150 million federal Mega Grant to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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If quitting smoking is on your New Year’s resolution list, the Smoke-Free Louisiana Coalition has some tips for you. Randy Hayden says nicotine replacement products are among the most effective ways.

Cut 3 (10) “…nicotine drug.” 

Experts say nicotine is extremely addictive and causes strong withdrawal cravings but they don’t last forever

Cut 4 (07)  “…they’ll pass.” 

The Smoke-free Louisiana coalition says they saw an eight-percent increase in Quitline calls during the year by individuals looking to stop using tobacco products or vaping. The number to call is 1-800-Quit-Now.

Experts say research shows that most smokers who are trying to quit have to make several attempts before they succeed, but Hayden says to keep at it. And he says quitting on a special day such as New Year’s Day can be effective.

Cut 5 (09) “…in the year.”

The Smoke-Free Louisiana Coalition has actively lobbied for workplace protections to keep workers from being exposed to secondhand smoke. Currently, more than 30 Louisiana municipalities have such protections.

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A single-vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Houma man. State Trooper Ross Brennan says 29 year old Steven English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA- Highway 15

 Cut 6 (07)  “…Tree.”

A toxicology sample is pending, however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment was a factor.

Cut 7 (05)  “…crash.”

Brennan says impaired, distracted driving, speeding, and not being properly restrained can be a recipe for disaster.

Cut 8 (10)  “…other things.“

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The Department of Transportation and Development has been awarded a $150 million Mega Grant from the federal government to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this is welcome news.

Cut 9 (14) “…this project.” 

As of today, Wilson says with this grant included the state is at $550 million and the project is estimated to cost $1.5 billion.

Cut 10 (08) “…to lead.” 

Wilson says there are so many other projects across the country that Louisiana has to compete with for federal grants, so this particular allotment is significant. He also thanked Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter for their support of the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Act.

Cut 11 (12)  “…those dollars.”

Wilson added that Louisiana’s entire Congressional delegation signed off on a letter requesting the funds in May.

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Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) changes his mind and enters the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in Monday’s Citrus Bowl but was enrolled for the spring semester. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge has this reaction…

Cut 12 (07) “…for a championship.”  

Palmer says it’s unclear what led to the abrupt ending of Boutte’s career at LSU…

Cut 13 (07) “…college sports.”  

Boutte is second on the team in receptions with 48. He also had 538 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Palmer LSU still has a lot of talent at wide receiver as the Tigers’ leading receiver returns next season, plus an emerging playmaker in Brain Thomas Junior…

Cut 14 (12)   “…as well.”

Plus former five-star prospect Aaron Anderson is transferring in from Alabama and incoming freshman wideout Shelton Sampson projects to be a big-time player for the Tigers.

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The National Weather Service issues a  Flash Flood Watch for all of northwestern Louisiana. The watch area covers everything north of Natchitoches and west of Monroe. Areas of the state have the potential for severe weather today and tomorrow as a cold front enters the state from the west. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm prediction center has us in a marginal category, which is a one out of five of a severe weather threat.

Cut 15 (10) “… southeastern Louisiana.”

Keim says there will be scattered showers both today and tomorrow, and rain totals could be anywhere from one to two inches. He says conditions should settle down around Saturday afternoon.

Cut  16 (12)  “…cold at all.”

For New Year’s Eve and day, he says things should clear up with high temps in low 70s statewide.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for northwestern Louisiana. The watch area covers everything east of Monroe and north of Natchitoches. Strong or severe thunderstorms are expected that can cause drainage systems and roadside ditches to overflow. Remember, do not try to drive through high water. Find another route.

DOTD is awarded a $150 million federal grant for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

The Coast Guard is searching for four people aboard a helicopter that crashed this afternoon, about ten miles out in the Gulf. More on this as it develops.

A single-vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Houma man. State Trooper Ross Brennan says 29 years old Steven English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA- Highway 15 when he went off the road, flipped over and hit a tree. A toxicology sample is pending, however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment is possible…:

CUT 07(05)      “…particular crash.”

Giving up smoking is a pretty good New Year’s resolution. So says Smoke-Free Louisiana, and spokesman Randy Hayden. He says nicotine is very addictive but those cravings won’t last forever…:

CUT 04(07)      “…they’ll pass.”

He says to remember help & support with quitting is as close as a phone call to 800 QUIT NOW.

A single vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Houma man. Trooper Ross Brennan says 29-year-old Steven English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA Highway 15…:

CUT 06(07)      “…struck a tree.”

A toxicology sample is pending, however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment was a factor.

The Department of Transportation and Development gets a $150-million federal grant for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this is welcome news…:

CUT 09(14)      “…this project.”

The whole project rings up at just over $1.5-billion.

Anti-smoking experts say New Year’s is a great time to quit smoking. Marsanne Golsby has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

A Zwolle man – already on probation for dealing drugs – was apparently caught by his parole officer back up his old tricks. Sabine Parish deputies say 46-year-old Larry Melmay was nabbed after a short chase. Officers they found abundant amounts of weed, and various pills, plus guns in his home. When caught, he had over $4000 cash in his pockets. Melmay is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Some call it “food insecurity” and for others it’s simply “hunger”…but it’s on the rise in Louisiana; largely due to inflation and expiration of the federal child tax credit and reduction in meals provided by schools. Hunger Free America CEO Joel Berg says, from October 2021 to October of this year, food insecurity has increased by over 25-percent…:

CUT 05  (13)        “…the nation.”

Residents in need should call 866-3-HUNGRY for help.

The recent freezes were hard on Louisiana sugar cane. LSU Ag Center sugar specialist Ken Gravois says the good news is about 85-percent of the crop has been harvested, and the sugar processed is pretty good…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…the crop.”

Wastewater samples in Shreveport indicate there’s about to be a spike in COVID cases…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Thorington.”

He said he was staying…but he’s not. LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was listed yesterday as “unavailable” to play in the Citrus Bowl Monday, and head coach Brian Kelly quickly said he IS enrolled for the spring semester. However, yesterday Boutte tweeted he WILL declare for the NFL draft, and will not be back next season.

The Mayor may not like the moniker “Murder Capital of the USA”, but nevertheless New Orleans is on track to have the nation’s highest per-capita murder rate for 2022. The Crescent City is set to pass up the record of 70 homicides per 100-thousand people for the first time in 11 years. Experts say teaching conflict resolution as opposed to violence is key to reducing the murder rate. Meanwhile the city has seen 5 homicides since last Saturday.

A new report shows food insecurity in Louisiana is on the rise as a result of inflation and a cut in federal benefits like the child tax credit. Whitney Thomas reports..:

CUT 01(25)      “…Thomas.”

LSU Ag Center experts say the recent freezes were disruptive to the sugar cane industry. Sugar cane specialist Kenneth Gravois says the crops now being harvested experienced what he calls a killing freeze…:

CUT 07(09)      “…we’ve had.”

However, ten of the eleven sugar cane mills in Louisiana are still processing cane, and 85 percent of the cane in the fields has already been harvested. Gravois adds that, despite the freeze, the quality of the sugar being processed is still very good.

Experts say tests of Shreveport wastewater show another COVID surge is likely. Dr. Krista Queen is with LSU Health in Shreveport. She says there was a similar increase of the virus in wastewater this time last year, due to holiday gathering probably…:

CUT 12(12)      “…recently.”

She recommends social distancing, face masks, and frequent hand-washing.

Police in Natchitoches arrest two people in connection with the Christmas day death of a 1-year-old child. Officers responded to a medical emergency Sunday afternoon to find the baby unresponsive. Efforts to revive the child proved unsuccessful. Police arrested the parents, 27-year-old Damian Jewett and 23-year-old Jocelyn Crenshaw, for negligent homicide, the investigation is still underway.

Sugar cane experts say Louisiana’s huge sugar cane industry was hit hard by the recent hard freezes…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Golsby.”

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…:

CUT 10(11)      “…sick yet.”

Even though the wastewater samples are from Shreveport, Queen says it’s indicative of the area in terms of community spread.

With the New Year comes a significant change in corporate taxes for Louisiana. A tax reform package passed by lawmakers in 2021 reduces the state’s corporate franchise tax; a tax paid on companies’ capital. Tax attorney and consultant Jason Decuir says this is a first step in eventually getting rid of corporate franchise taxes altogether…:

CUT 14(07)      “…starting this year.”

Decuir says there are also triggers calling for further reductions if Louisiana’s revenue hits certain benchmarks, which IS projected to happen.