Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs are seeking a woman who left a newborn in a field just outside of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Gauthier Campus building last night at 8pm. Sherriff Tony Mancuso says surveillance footage shows a woman depositing the child outside of the facility without alerting any of the employees there.

Cut 12, 8 seconds, a homicide

The baby is African-American, and is in good health.

No. 19 LSU pulled off an incredibly impressive 73-71 win over the 5^th team in the nation, the storied Kentucky Wildcats last night. The team was down by nine at one point in the second half, but rallied back to be in a position to seal the game on an offensive rebound facilitated by a Skylar Mays last second drive. The win puts them one game back in the SEC, and Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says you’ll almost certainly be seeing this team in March.

Cut 10 (09)“…contender now”

The IRS says tax returns are eight percent smaller on average so far this year, but Kevin Barnhart full story…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

In Baseball, The Phillies are reportedly close to signing former LSU ace pitcher Aaron Nola to a four-year, 45-million dollar contract extension.

LSU Ag Center Aquaculture Specialist Greg Lutz has some good news crawfish fanatics: this year’s crop is lookin pretty good. Lutz wants to remind folks that no matter how the season goes, and no matter what the price or availability is, don’t blame the trappers who bring the supply in every year, blame Mother Nature.

Cut 6 (10) “…find em”

The competition to secure a good spot for Mardi Gras parades can be intense, but one Facebook user says he’s willing to ease that burden… for a price.  New Orleans resident Kenneth Sampey posted an offer to hold a 10×10 spot on St. Charles Avenue for Fat Tuesday.  The fee for the service?  Two grand.  Sampey says he made the post out of jest, not expecting it to get the attention that it did.

Cut 3 (12) “…for the price.”

Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton announces his sixth term as sheriff will be his last as he will not pursue re-election.  Hilton, whose father also served as a sheriff, has grown up around the area, and says the decision to leave law enforcement was not an easy one.

Cut 7 (11) “…like to do.”

No. 19 LSU is about to shoot up the rankings after an incredibly impressive 73-71 win over the 5^th team in the nation, the storied Kentucky Wildcats. It was a total team effort with four Tigers in double digit scoring, and ended on a dramatic tip in finish by Kavell Bigby-Williams. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says it’s a historic win that will sit in the pantheon of great LSU basketball moments.

Cut 9 (11) “to me”

Matt Doyle has some good news about this year’s crawfish crop…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton is not seeking re-election, making his sixth term his last.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_______________________________

The IRS says tax returns are eight percent smaller on average so far this year, but Kevin Barnhart full story…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

LSU Ag Center Aquaculture Specialist Greg Lutz has some good news crawfish fanatics: this year’s crop is lookin pretty good. Despite some topsy-turvy weather lately, he says all the conditions are ripe for a solid, but not record setting year for size and supply.

Cut 4 (10) “…out there.”

Winter weather has rocked back and forth, but hasn’t been as brutally cold as last year. Lutz says we’re still likely a bit away from the ideal water temperatures for mud bug growth, but it’s likely not too far off.

Cut 5 (10) “…growing.

Lutz wants to remind folks that no matter how the season goes, and no matter what the price or availability is, don’t blame the trappers who bring the supply in every year, blame Mother Nature.

Cut 6 (10) “…find em”

___________________________________________________

Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton announces his sixth term as sheriff will be his last as he will not pursue re-election.  Hilton, whose father also served as a sheriff, has grown up around the area, and says the decision to leave law enforcement was not an easy one.

Cut 7 (11) “…like to do.”

Hilton was elected sheriff in 1992, serving four terms before retiring.  Then he came back out of retirement for two more terms.  Hilton says he intends to stay retired this time.

Cut 8 (08) “…when I retired.”

Hilton says of all the accomplishments he’s achieved in law enforcement, he’d like for his dedication to school safety be the highlight of his legacy.

Cut 9 (10) “…be remembered for.″

_________________________________

The IRS is reporting that tax returns are eight percent lower than they were in 2018, and that on average those who do get a return are nabbing about 170 dollars less than last year, before the 1.5 trillion dollar GOP tax reform went into effect. Wegmann Dazet Tax Manager Frank Holzenthal says the numbers indicate on a whole, most folks received a slight tax cut.

Cut 10 (11) “…more taxes”

The phenomenon has led many to believe that their total amount of taxes paid has gone up this year. Holzenthal says it’s likely because most of those people have seen small increases to their take home pay, and he advocates comparing this year’s tax liability line with last year’s for a better picture.

Cut 11 (10) “…little bit.”

A several polls run in the first half of last year indicated that a slim majority of Americans did not notice larger paychecks as a result of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

That being said, Holzenthal cautions that even if you compare your total liability with last years, most people won’t notice a substantial difference as a result of the tax reform.

Cut 12 (09) “…is structured”

_____________________________

River levels for the Mississippi are very high right now and they are forecast to continue to rise.  President of the 5^th Louisiana Levee District Reynold Minsky says as bad as it is, it could be much worse, but the future is highly dependent on the weather conditions in many areas of the river.

Cut 13 (12) “…range of valleys.”

Minsky says the levees in northeast Lousiana should be able to handle all of the water that’s put on them to a point.

Cut 14 (09) “…have to sandbag.”

Minsky says if there is any overtopping of the levee system, it’d likely take place in Tensas Parish.

Cut 15 (09) “…on the outside.”

March food stamps are set to arrive early, and recipients should be checking their mailboxes for benefits on the first and second of the month, whereas SNAP traditionally arrives sometime between the first and 15^th. Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the early delivery is to make up for the significant gap recipients faced due to the last government shutdown.
Cut 9 (09) “in January”

The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election.  State Director Dawn Starns says the shutdown was the primary driver, but another issue tugging at optimism for small business owners was difficulty hiring qualified workers. Starns says 23 percent of members reported that as an issue.
Cut 4 (07) “…job openings″

15 percent of companies said taxes were their biggest concern.

Allegiant Air will begin non-stop service between Shreveport and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in Florida on May 17th. Shreveport Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Mark Crawford says fares start at 49-dollars each way and flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays…
cut 12 (07) “….in an hour and a half”
The seasonal service is scheduled to run through Monday, September 2nd.

LaFourche Parish deputies have made an arrest in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old, who was struck by a bullet that entered his mother’s home in Lockport on Sunday. Lt. Brennan Matherne says 17-year-old Jyairus Folse fired several shots into the home and one them struck Alton Adams of Bayou Blue in the back…
cut 8 (13) “….in this shooting”
Matherne says they still don’t exact reason why Folse shot at the home.

The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election, a notable drop off from recent record highs. State Director Dawn Starns says much of the recent drop off can be attributed to the last, and potentially upcoming, government shutdown.

Cut 3 (08) “…the future.”

Starns noted the 101.2 rating is still above the historical average of 98.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyairus Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.  Lt. Brennan Matherne says Folse has also been charged with 6 counts of attempted second-degree murder for each person in the home.

Cut 7 (06) “…inside the trailer.”

March food stamps will arrive early as recipients should check their mailboxes for benefits on the first and second of the month, whereas SNAP traditionally arrives sometime between the first and 15^th. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says  there’s an important reason why the benefits are being staggered over two days, and it’s to allow the most vulnerable populations access to groceries first.

Cut 11 (12)   “…the second.”

Allegiant Air will begin non-stop service between Shreveport and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in Florida on May 17th. Shreveport Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Mark Crawford says this new service to Destin-Fort Walton Beach is the eighth non-stop route offered from Shreveport…

Cut 14 (10)       49 dollars one way” 

Allegiant has flown out of the Shreveport Regional Airport for the last 13 years.

The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election, a notable drop off from recent record highs. State Director Dawn Starns says overall compensation for workers in independent firms did increase in January, as just over a third of companies reported paying their workers more, or offering better benefits.

Cut 5 (06)“…compensation”

March food stamps will arrive early as  recipients should check their mailboxes for benefits on the first and second of the month, whereas SNAP traditionally arrives sometime between the first and 15^th. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the early delivery is to make up for the significant gap recipients faced due to the last government shutdown.

Cut 9 (09) “in January”

Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyairus Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.  Lt. Brennan Matherne says the suspect hasn’t disclosed to investigators a reason for the shooting.

Cut 6 (10) “…in this situation.”

Bond has been set at $5 million.
Allegiant Air will begin non-stop service between Shreveport and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in Florida on May 17th. Shreveport Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Mark Crawford says fares start at 49-dollars each way and flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays…

Cut 12 (07)   “…in an hour and half”

Small business optimism is at its lowest levels in over two years, and the National Federation of Independent Business has a good idea as to why…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU baseball fans can now enjoy beer and wine at games at a new addition outside of Alex Box Stadium known as The Yard.  Sr. Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says fans don’t have to worry about missing any action while hanging out in The Yard.

Cut 14 (08) “…second of it.”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old south Louisiana man who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyairus Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.  Lt. Brennan Matherne says Folse has also been charged with 6 counts of attempted second-degree murder for each person in the home.

Cut 7 (06) “…inside the trailer.”

Bond has been set at $5 million.
March food stamps are set to arrive early, and recipients should be checking their mailboxes for benefits on the first and second of the month, whereas SNAP traditionally arrives sometime between the first and 15^th. Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the early delivery is to make up for the significant gap recipients faced due to the last government shutdown.

Cut 9 (09) “in January”

The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election.  State Director Dawn Starns says the shutdown was the primary driver, but another issue tugging at optimism for small business owners was difficulty hiring qualified workers. Starns says 23 percent of members reported that as an issue.

Cut 4 (07) “…job openings″

15 percent of companies said taxes were their biggest concern.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old south Louisiana man who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyarius Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.  Lt. Brennan Matherne.

Cut 6 (10) “…in this situation.”

The race for the governor’s mansion is now just eight months away, with incumbent Democrat John Bel Edwards currently set to face off in a jungle primary against Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the race has been quiet so far, but is set to blast off soon.

Cut 10 (08) “…they’re spending”

Candidates have already begun their social media campaigns, with all three sporting an active Facebook page and accompanying paid ads on the site. If no candidate receives over 50 percent of the vote in the fall primary, the top two will head to a run-off in December.

And now commodities

Eight months from today is Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary as Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards faces two Republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a big part of the debate will discuss state issues and how to move the state forward, but the national climate will bleed over and mix with local issues…
cut 11 (10) “….healthcare”

Following the popularity of The Chute at Tiger Stadium, LSU baseball fans can now look forward to The Yard.  The Yard is composed of two areas around Alex Box Stadium where fans can purchase and consume beer and wine during games so long as they are at least 21 and have purchased a wristband for the area.  Sr. Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says the area comes in response to fans to enjoy alcohol as part of their game day experience.

Cut 13 (06) “…$6 a beer.”

The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election, a notable drop off from recent record highs. State Director Dawn Starns says much of the recent drop off can be attributed to the recent, and potentially upcoming, government shutdown.

Cut 3 (08) “…the future.”

Starns noted the 101.2 rating is still above the historical average of 98.

The Department of Environmental Quality has an online, interactive map on its website that lets anglers see the fish consumption and swimming advisories for rivers, lakes, and bayous in Louisiana. Two of the advisories warn against both swimming and fishing and two other warn only against swimming, but the majority are warnings about contaminants in the fish.  DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs says once you see the advisories, click the icons because each area has its own, unique, restrictions.

Cut 8 (06) “…how much.”

Eight months from today, Louisiana voters will head to the polls to vote on who will be Louisiana’s governor for the next four years. In 2015, the race centered around former US Senator David Vitter’s ties to a prostitution scandal, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this year’s race will focus more on policy issues…
cut 12 (11) “….a governor”
Qualifying for all of the statewide races is in early August.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $20.7 billion for Valentine’s Day.  Fewer Americans are spending money on Valentine’s Day compared to other years, but NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says those that are making purchases are spending enough money to make it a record-breaking year.Cullen adds animals are also reaping the benefits of the holiday.

Cut 6 (10) “…more than doubled.”

The state department of environmental quality’s website has a new interactive map that shows swim and fish advisories for 58 bodies of water statewide…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
A 17 year old has been arrested in connection with the death of a 19-year-old south Louisiana man who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyarius Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.   Folse has also been charged with 6 counts of attempted second degree murder for each person in the home.  The motive remains unknown and the bond has been set at $5 million.