43-year-old Hannah Landon of Harahan has been arrested and charged in the death of her boyfriend’s six-year-old daughter. The father reported Belle Fontenelle missing Wednesday morning and she was found inside a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn that afternoon. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Tuesday evening video footage from the neighborhood led them to arrest Landon.

Cut 3 (06) “….that wagon.”

Landon was located at the hospital Wednesday afternoon and is charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

The USDA approves a fourth round of Pandemic-EBT for Louisiana. Department of Children and Family Services Economic Stability Director Tim Jenkins DCFS will issue benefits to school-aged children; K-12, along with zero- to five-year-olds who are currently receiving SNAP.

Cut 15 (10)  “…for the summer.”

The Bayou State is among more than 25 states that received the approval.

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has won a national championship for the university and, now she wants a updated basketball arena. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center lacks revenue generating suites. After winning the school’s first national championship in basketball, Mulkey told WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge its time to start talking about a new arena

Cut 7 (12)  “…it’s time” 

Mulkey says she doesn’t have a preference on whether a new arena is needed or should the school complety renovate the PMAC.

A Louisiana High School Senior has secured $1.2 million in academic and merit scholarships for college. Kelsie Tillage, a senior at Southern University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, was accepted into several top universities including Tufts, Spelman, UNC, Rhodes, and more. She also found time to participate in several volunteer ventures.

Cut 9 (10)  “…grew to.”

Tillage is a John Hopkins CTY scholar and was awarded the Gold Medal Congressional Award in 2022, the highest honor a youth civilian can achieve through the US Senate and House of Representatives.

Legislation that would prohibit school faculty and staff from discussing gender identity and sexual preference topics in the classroom clears its first legislative hurdle. Bossier Parish Republican Representative Dodie Horton sponsors the legislation. In the House Education Committee, Baton Rouge Rep. Barbara Frieberg believes this is not a matter for the legislative.

Cut 4 (09)  “…shouldn’t control this.”

Horton says local school districts tell her the policy would be more defensible from a legal standpoint if it is set into state statutes…:

Women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey brought a national championship to LSU, now she wants a new or remodeled basketball arena.  Mulkey made her demand during a speech in front of the Baton Rouge Rotary Club…

Cut 6 (12)  “…dangerous in there” 

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center is actually 51 years old and 2009 was the last time major work was done to the facility.

A Louisiana High School teen has earned $1.2 million in scholarships for college. Kelsie Tillage, senior at Southern University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, says when she applied she wasn’t sure if she qualified.

Cut 8 (10) “…this feat.”

Tillage already has 30 college credit hours at Southern University with a 4.25 GPA. She will attend Spelman College this fall.

After exhausting all other options, St. Charles Parish files a lawsuit against FEMA seeking transparency of the Risk Rating 2.0 calculations. Parish President Matthew Jewell says  the new pricing system has not been shared.

Cut 12 (07)    “…this model.” 

The federal lawsuit is filed on the basis of being denied a public document under the Freedom of Information Act.

Rapides Parish Sheriff Deputies have arrested two men in the death of an Alexandria man found in a ditch on LA Highway 1 North last week. 42-year-old Rochaune Prenell of Alexandria was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds by a mowing crew. Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says authorities were able to close in on two individuals.

Cut 8 (09)  “…was identified.” 

Authorities arrested 32-year-old Donald Ray Sias, Jr. and O-tha Lee Tatum, Sr. both of Alexandria. Sias was in jail for unrelated charges and rearrested for carjacking, second-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. Tatum was also arrested for obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy.

Prolec GE  will invest $28 million to expand its Caddo Parish facility in Shreveport and create new jobs.  Prolec GE Business Unit Director Sergio Fernandez says construction on the new line will begin in June and is expected to reach full production capacity in June 2024.

Cut 5 (13) “…June 2024.”

The company manufactures products for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

The Senate Insurance Committee advanced a bill that would prohibit insurers from using gender as a factor when setting auto insurance rates. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau – the bill’s author – says female drivers are often charged more than men.

Cut 10 (12) “…charged more.” 

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says insurance carriers are not discriminating against females. He says companies refer to it as predictive modeling that differentiates between young women and men, and older women and men.

Cut 12 (12) “…of Louisiana.” 

Chair of the Insurance Committee, Senator Kirk Talbot opposes the legislation for fear that it would cause insurance rates for male drivers to increase.

Legislation that provides an incentive payment of $5,000 to newly employed law enforcement officers was approved by a House Committee yesterday. Houma State Representative Jerome Zeringue says the bill mirrors legislation implemented in Florida.

Cut 9 (09) “….this program.”

HB 563 – authored by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder – creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment Incentive Program allowing individuals to work with the sheriff’s office, city, or state police. The bill now heads to the House Floor.

President Joe Biden announced he will run for re-election in 2024 in a video released today. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says a large percentage of party voters would prefer another candidate.

Cut 4 (12)  “…clear answer” 

Biden’s announcement comes four years to the day after the launch of his 2020 campaign.

Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill proposing offenders convicted of distributing 28 grams or more of fentanyl receive the same sentence as a person convicted of murder, life in prison without the possibility of parole was approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee today.

Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot believes any individual convicted of a fentanyl-related crime should also receive the same sentence…

Cut 7 (14)  “…large amount” 

Legislation to allow pet’s remains to be buried with their owners was approved by the House Commerce yesterday. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The SEC is considering severe penalties to stop the storming of the field by fans after big victories. According to Sports Illustrated, the league is looking at taking away future home games or possibly forcing forfeitures. LSU was fined 250 thousand dollars twice in 2022 as fans rushed the field after wins over Ole Miss and Alabama.

Georges Media Group, publisher of The Times-Picayune and The Advocate will expand its news coverage to the Shreveport-Bossier City market with a digital news service. Publisher Judi Terzotis says the Shreveport-Bossier Advocate will be community focused.

Cut 5 (11)   “…that market.”

The news bureau will launch this summer and will hire local journalists covering general topics.

St. Charles Clean Fuels is exploring building a $4.6 billion ammonia production and export facility in St. Charles Parish. Company project director Ramesh Raman tells LRN they plan to create over 200 new direct jobs manufacturing so-called “blue ammonia”…:

Cut 7 (06) “…states as well.”

A final investment decision will be made early next year.

A second arrest has been made by Winn Parish Sheriff in connection with the shooting death of Calvin High School teacher and softball coach Kevin Chad Camp last weekend. Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jurdan says 42 year old Jessica Michelle Shea, was arrested Thursday

Cut 3 (06) “…of juvenile.”

Camp’s 17-year-old son Andrew shot his dad during an argument and is facing manslaughter.

Celebrate Scottish heritage and culture at the 2023 Scottish Tartan Festival in downtown Minden today.  Organizer Shelia Hoh says for the first time, the festival will hold the Highland games.

Cut 13 (07) “…athletic games.” 

There will be festival food along with traditional Scottish food.  For a schedule of events, go to scottishtartanfestival.com.

The House Insurance Committee approved a bill requiring homeowner insurance companies to provide discounts on their premiums to property owners who fortify their roofs to building code standards. The bill’s author Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says it’s about giving consumers incentives to fortify their homes.

Cut 9 (10) “….stabilize rates.”

Garofalo says if more homeowners fortify their homes, it helps the homeowner and the insurance company. The bill heads to the House floor.

Jefferson Parish deputies shot and killed a man wanted for questioning – after he allegedly pointed a gun at them outside a house in Metairie. Authorities were called to a  home in the 1700 block of Harvard Avenue when the man arrived in a vehicle – got out, and pointed a handgun at the deputies. At least one deputy fired and the suspect was struck multiple times. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. The suspects name has not been released.

Legislation requiring insurance companies to provide discounts to ratepayers who fortify their roofs to higher standards was approved by the House Insurance Committee. Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo – the bill’s author – says if more homeowners fortify their roofs, that would mean less damage after a hurricane.

Cut 11 (09)  “…long term”

HB 309 heads to the House floor.

A bill that would vie a tax break to the oil industry was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee. Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier says the state’s tax is higher than most states.

Cut 6 (10) “…3.75 percent.”

The bill passed on an 11-2 vote and heads to the House floor for discussion.

Get ready for kilts and a Scottish good time at the 2023 Scottish Tartan Festival in Minden today. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

Jefferson Parish deputies shot and killed a man wanted for questioning – after he allegedly pointed a gun at them outside a house in Metairie. Authorities were called to a  home in the 1700 block of Harvard Avenue when the man arrived in a vehicle – got out, and pointed a handgun at the deputies. At least one deputy fired and the suspect was struck multiple times. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. The man’s name or age has not been released.

A second arrest has been made in connection with the shooting death of Calvin High Softball Coach Kevin Chad Camp. Winn Sheriff Cranford Jordan says 42-year-old Jessica Shea of Winnfield is also charged with obstruction of justice and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

CUT 04(11)      “…stemming from.”

Camp’s 17-year-old son, Andrew, shot his dad during an argument and is facing a manslaughter charge. Jordan says

The House Ways and Means Committee has approved a bill that would give a tax break to the oil industry. Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier’s measure would gradually reduce the state’s severance tax from 12.5 percent to 8.5 percent by the year 2032. He says cutting the severance tax would result in more oil production…:

CUT 07(09)      “…going down.”

The state would lose $90-million in tax revenue over the next five years If the bill is approved.

A bill mandating homeowner insurance companies to provide discounts or credits on their premiums of property owners who fortify their roofs to building code standards was approved by the House Insurance Committee. The bill’s author Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says it’s about giving consumers incentives to fortify their homes.

Cut 9 (10) “….stabilize rates.”

Garofalo says his bill would also require companies to reduce premiums to insurers who install mitigation improvements or retrofit their property to reduce the amount of loss from a windstorm or hurricane.

The 2023 Scottish Tartan Festival is underway today in Minden.  Organizer Sheila Hoh says the festival will be held downtown and everyone should expect a great time.

Cut 12 (06) “…of course.” 

Visit scottishtartanfestival.com for more information.

Legislation to make general criminal song lyrics inadmissible in court advances from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Five people are dead after four separate shootings in the span of four hours across New Orleans last night. Police the first shooting occurred in the Lower Garden District around 7 pm where a man had been shot several times and pronounced dead. An hour later two men with gunshot wounds were found in the Lower Ninth Ward – one died from his injuries. A teenage male was also found shot dead in New Orleans East and one person was pronounced deceased near Louisa. The investigations are ongoing.

House Criminal Justice Committee passed legislation to make simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence. Kenner Representative Debbie Villio says victims of burglary feel violated and unsafe after the act has taken place.

Cut 4 (07)  “…anger and frustration.”

Villio says burglary deserves stronger punishment because she has been a victim of burglary. Meghan Garvey, with the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, says an offense cannot be considered a “violent crime” if violence has not occurred.

Cut 5 (09)   “…this is not.”

Villio says the perpetrator that entered her home stole her handgun and left a kitchen knife on her bed after. The committee advanced Villio’s HB 65 to the House floor.