The Harahan Police Department’s recent offer to screen methamphetamine for the Zika virus has captured the attention of social media and news outlets across the globe.  In a Facebook post, the department encouraged meth users to bring all of their drug to police for free testing.  Police Chief Tim Walker admits there is no meth actually contaminated with the Zika virus.  But has anyone been gullible enough to take him up on the offer of testing meth?
Cut 5 (06) “…would surprise me.”
Only one person in Louisiana was sentenced to death this year, David Brown of Lafourche Parish, who was convinced of sexually assaulting, then murdering a mother and her two daughters, and setting their house on fire in 2012. Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Durham attributes the decline in support for the death penalty, even in Bayou State, to public awareness of the extensive legal costs, the difficulty of finding chemicals for lethal injection, and the 11 exonerations for death row inmates in Louisiana since 1900.

Cut 7 (06) “…the country”

A new year begins tomorrow, which means new laws will go into effect, including one that allows you to set up a camera to monitor your elderly loved ones in their nursing home room. Since you can’t use the facility’s Wi-Fi, you’ll have to purchase a data plan from a cellular provider that will support the device.  River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says it’s for a good reason.
Cut 10 (11) “…of communication”
After weeks of preparation, LSU and U-C-F will finally play each other tomorrow in the Fiesta Bowl. The Knights bring a 25-game winning streak into the contest and an offense that averages 44 points a game. LSU enters the game with a 9-3 record. LSU Coash Ed Orgeron says the seven overtime loss to Texas A-and-M in the regular season finale also serves as motivation in this game…

Cut 14 (11) “…to approach it.”

The Harahan Police Department’s recent offer to screen methamphetamine for the Zika virus has captured the attention of social media and news outlets across the globe.  In a Facebook post, the department encouraged meth users to bring all of their drug to police for free testing.  Police Chief Tim Walker acknowledged the post was a stunt to bring attention to the issue of drug use.

Cut 3 (08) “…their free time.”

Only one person in Louisiana was sentenced to death this year, David Brown of Lafourche Parish, who was convinced of sexually assaulting, then murdering a mother and her two daughters, and setting their house on fire in 2012. Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Dunham says that follows a nationwide trend of an 85 percent decline in death sentences.

Cut 6 (08) “…the country”

A new year begins tomorrow, which means new laws will go into effect, including one that allows you to set up a camera to monitor your elderly loved ones in their nursing home room. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says the families must pay for the device and installation, cannot use the facility’s Wi-Fi, and…

Cut 9 (06) “…roommate″

After weeks of preparation, LSU and U-C-F will finally play each other tomorrow in the Fiesta Bowl. The Knights bring a 25-game winning streak into the contest and an offense that averages 44 points a game. Last year, U-C-F upset Auburn in the Peach Bowl 34-27. Some say Auburn wasn’t ready to play after losing in the SEC Title game. But LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says his guys are focused and desperately want to win

Cut 13 (12) “…be battle.”

A recent Facebook post by the Harahan Police Department is encouraging anyone who has purchased meth in Louisiana to have it tested for the Zika virus.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has issued cease and desist orders to eight fireworks stands in five parishes for illegal fireworks sales over the holiday weekend.  Investigators confirmed the unlawful sales were taking place at stands in Sabine, Lafayette, Acadia, St. Martin, and Iberia Parishes.  A large warehouse in Acadia Parish found to be storing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal fireworks was also shut down and cited.

A new year begins tomorrow, which means new laws will go into effect, including one that allows you to set up a camera to monitor your elderly loved ones in their nursing home room. The legislation was inspired by a case of suspected abuse of an elderly person by nursing home workers, and River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says he’s gotten a lot of positive feedback about the opportunity now available to families. As for the nursing homes…
Cut 11 (11) “…matter what.”
Only one person in Louisiana was sentenced to death this year, David Brown of Lafourche Parish, who was convinced of sexually assaulting, then murdering a mother and her two daughters, and setting their house on fire in 2012. Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Durham notes that more than half of all death sentences come from 2 percent of counties, or parishes, in the US. He says there’s two parishes in Louisiana that stand out when it comes to the number of death penalties issued.
Cut 8 (08) “…in Louisiana”
Louisiana has not performed an execution since 2010.

The Harahan Police Department’s recent offer to screen methamphetamine for the Zika virus has captured the attention of social media and news outlets across the globe.  In a Facebook post, the department encouraged meth users to bring all of their drug to police for free testing.  Police Chief Tim Walker admits there is no meth actually contaminated with the Zika virus.  But has anyone been gullible enough to take him up on the offer of testing meth?
Cut 5 (06) “…would surprise me.”
Only one person in Louisiana was sentenced to death this year, David Brown of Lafourche Parish, who was convinced of sexually assaulting, then murdering a mother and her two daughters, and setting their house on fire in 2012. Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Durham attributes the decline in support for the death penalty, even in Bayou State, to public awareness of the extensive legal costs, the difficulty of finding chemicals for lethal injection, and the 11 exonerations for death row inmates in Louisiana since 1900.

Cut 7 (06) “…the country”

A new year begins tomorrow, which means new laws will go into effect, including one that allows you to set up a camera to monitor your elderly loved ones in their nursing home room. Since you can’t use the facility’s Wi-Fi, you’ll have to purchase a data plan from a cellular provider that will support the device.  River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says it’s for a good reason.
Cut 10 (11) “…of communication”
After weeks of preparation, LSU and U-C-F will finally play each other tomorrow in the Fiesta Bowl. The Knights bring a 25-game winning streak into the contest and an offense that averages 44 points a game. But Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says you can’t overlook U-C-F’s defense led by defensive coordinator Randy Shannon

Cut 12 (12)   “…60 minutes.” 

The Harahan Police Department’s recent offer to screen methamphetamine for the Zika virus has captured the attention of social media and news outlets across the globe.  In a Facebook post, the department encouraged meth users to bring all of their drug to police for free testing.  Police Chief Tim Walker acknowledges it was a ruse and says the social media post has already received over 500,000 views in the two days since it was posted.

Cut 4 (06) “…world its interesting.″
Only one person in Louisiana was sentenced to death this year, David Brown of Lafourche Parish, who was convinced of sexually assaulting, then murdering a mother and her two daughters, and setting their house on fire in 2012. Executive Director Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Dunham says that follows a nationwide trend of an 85 percent decline in death sentences.
Cut 6 (08) “…the country”

Tomorrow it will be legal to have cameras installed in your loved one’s nursing home room to keep an eye on them. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

55 years ago today Saints head coach Sean Payton was born. Long before putting on his coaching visor to become the most victorious coach in the team’s history,

Payton was a college quarterback. He began his post college football career in the lesser known Arena Football League.

However, Payton’s NLF debut came courtesy of the 1987 NFL players’ strike, when he played briefly as a replacement player for the Chicago Bears.

He took up coaching in 1988. Happy birthday to Saints head coach Sean Payton and good luck to the team in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

LSU sophomore running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is with the Tigers in Arizona after he, and walk-on linebacker Jared Small were involved in a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge.

Authorities have ruled the shooting justified and Coach Ed Orgeron gave his comments on the situation.

Cut 9 (11) “…totally.″

The LSU Tigers will take on the University of Central Florida Knights in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona on Sunday afternoon.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy said FEMA was mistaken when it said it could not issue or renew National Flood Insurance Program policies during a partial government shutdown.

FEMA released a statement on Friday changing their policy from a previous announcement earlier this week. Cassidy issued a statement assuring that FEMA will start selling flood insurance policies again.

Over half a million homeowners in Louisiana currently have flood insurance through the program.

The holiday season had many nativity displays portraying the birth of Jesus in a stable surrounded by animals.

But one nativity scene in Louisiana had an actual living camel. The Tiger Truck in Grosse Tete added Casper the Camel from Texas for visitors to see over the summer.

With the holiday season, Tiger Truck Stop owner Mike Sandal installed nativity figures adjacent to the camel’s enclosure along Interstate 10 between Lafayette and Baton Rouge.

Casper the Camel will continue to be an attraction for motorists into the foreseeable future although the nativity statues may be stored away until the next holiday season.

A FEMA announcement regarding the partial government shutdown sparked concerns for homeowners and real estate professionals over funding for the National Flood Insurance Program.

However, Senator Bill Cassidy said FEMA made an error as he assured flood insurance policy holders that FEMA will maintain the government supported flood insurance program.

FEMA reversed course on Friday announcing a change to their policy from a previous announcement earlier in the week.

Thousands of homeowners in Louisiana currently have the flood insurance through the program.

The New Orleans Saints have a notable birthday as head coach Sean Payton turns 55 years old today.

His coaching career began in 1988 after playing quarterback in college and a short career in the Arena Football League. Payton did manage to play three NFL games as a Chicago Bear as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL players strike.

But he found greater success off of the field as a coach for various teams. Payton’s first NFL head coaching job was for the Saints beginning in 2006.

To date, he has more victories than any other Saints coach in the team’s history including a 2010 Super Bowl victory.

Authorities in St. Tammany Parish keeping an eye on river levels in the Covington area, which could affect residents in low lying areas.

Heavy rainfall on Thursday has portions of the state monitoring waterways including St. Tammany parish. St. Tammany Emergency Management Director Dexter Accardo.

Cut 8 (09) “…Clinton area.”

The Louisiana penitentiary at Angola has a program for inmates to train service dogs to benefit military veterans.

The “Prisoners Assisting Warriors Service” or PAWS for short, prepares canines to serve former military service members dealing with physical or mental challenges according to the Advocate newspaper.

The program began in July of 2017 and has placed three service dogs with veterans thus far.

Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlance describes the program as a unique opportunity that’s a “win-win.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy said FEMA was mistaken when it said it could not issue or renew National Flood Insurance Program policies during a partial government shutdown.

FEMA released a statement on Friday changing their policy from a previous announcement earlier this week.

Cassidy issued a statement assuring that FEMA will start selling flood insurance policies again.

Over half a million homeowners in Louisiana currently have the flood insurance through the program.

The state’s median household income still lags 14,000 dollars a year behind the national average.

To combat this, the Economic Development Department is emphasizing growth in high skill sectors that provide higher wages.

Secretary Don Pierson says workers should get the necessary training to qualify for those higher income jobs.

Cut 5 (11) “…they need.”

More information on workforce training programs, visit laworks.net.

A new world record was set in Shreveport for the largest gumbo ever cooked, all in celebration of the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Three people are under arrest in connection with a Christmas day murder in Bastrop.

39-year-old Shwanda Robinson was murdered in her apartment around 3:30 that morning.

Now 34-year-old Tiffany Coleman, 36-year-old Anthony Walker, and 18-year-old Markeice Ethridge are facing second degree murder charges.

The Economic Development Department says 2018 was a strong year for new business taking root in the state and the agency celebrates a year-to-year drop in unemployment rate. The highlight of 2017 was DXC Technology’s announcement of 2,000 high paying tech jobs in New Orleans, and Secretary Don Pierson says 2018 was another year of substantial gains in the tech and software sectors.

Cut 4 (12) “…grow″

LSU sophomore running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is with the Tigers in Arizona one week after he and walk-on linebacker Jared Small were involved in a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge, along with Defensive back Kary Vincent Junior who is returning to the team following the death of his father, Greedy Williams and Ed Alexander are skipping the bowl game to get ready for the NFL draft. The make up for the defensive lack of depth, Coach O plans on spicing up the offense.

Cut 11 (11) “…run game.”

A new world record was set in Shreveport for the largest gumbo ever cooked, all in celebration of the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Three people are under arrest in connection with a Christmas day murder in Bastrop. 39-year-old Shwanda Robinson was murdered in her apartment around 3:30 that morning, and 34-year-old Tiffany Coleman, 36-year-old Anthony Walker, and 18-year-old Markeice Ethridge are now facing seconds degree murder.

Teddy Bridgewater will start at quarterback for the Saints on Sunday against the Panthers, despite Drew only needing eight more passing yards to eclipse 4,000 yards for a 13th consecutive season. The future Hall of Famer is not worried about individual awards.

 cut 17 (17)     get he” 

Brees is thought to be in a tight MVP race with Kansas City QB Pat Mahomes, who’s on pace to be the first quarterback since Payton Manning in 2013 to throw for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.

Teddy joined the Saints in pre-season after an impressive off-season in New York. He previously started in Minnesota before a career threatening 2016 practice injury.

A win would also set a franchise record for wins in a season at 14-2 on the year.

LSU sophomore running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is with the Tigers in Arizona one week after he and walk-on linebacker Jared Small were involved in a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge, and will be joined in the locker room by Defensive back Kary Vincent Junior is also with the team despite recently losing his father to a month’s long battle with pneumonia. Head Coach Ed O says he’s proud of his team, and their character in the face of tragedy.

Cut 10 (11) “…very well”

The Tigers basketball team takes on ULM tonight in Baton Rouge. The Warhawks are 7-4 on the year, and have won their last four games. Southern takes on Marquette at 7pm. Southeastern and UL-Lafayette go at it 4pm tomorrow.

Duke trashed Temple 56-27 at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport yesterday, and at the game Chef John Folse served up the now official biggest bowl of gumbo ever made, at 6,800 pounds

Cut 14 (09) “…pounds of roux.”