Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says the department will begin stocking 17 sites across the Bayou State with Rainbow Trout. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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For the first time in 15 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics issues new guidelines for the treatment of childhood obesity. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s Department of Children & Family Services says emergency additional food stamp benefits for the pandemic end next month. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries began stocking 17 sites across the state with adult-size Rainbow Trout as part of the department’s Get Out & Fish Program. The program hopes to encourage both experienced and beginner anglers to head out and enjoy the Sportsman’s Paradise. Fish will be stocked at sites designed for bank fishing and Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says the program provides a unique opportunity…

Cut 4 (08)  “…starts to rise.”

Rainbow Trout are native to rivers and lakes in Western North America, but their rise in popularity as a sport fish has increased stocking programs across the U.S. Williams says the LWDF stock the fish during the winter months as water temperatures cool down, and anglers are encouraged to keep their catch so the trout are harvested before the temperatures rise…

Cut 5 (06) “…winter months.”

Anglers can find a list of all 17 sites on the LDWF Get Out & Fish webpage along with directions, hours of operations, and any information you may need for each location. Williams also says the site has a map with each site and links to videos on tips and tricks to catch the fish…

Cut 6 (10)  “…something different.” 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics issues its first comprehensive guidelines in 15 years on the treatment of childhood obesity. Dr. Amanda Staiano (Sty-on-oh) with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center says the watchful waiting approach to see if a child matures to an appropriate weight has been revised.

Cut 7 (10) “…to lose weight.”

Tools like nutritional counseling, a healthy sleep program, and more physical activity. And for some children that includes medication and weight loss surgery.

Staiano says the guidelines begin as early as age two and the sooner they can address a child’s weight issues the better.

Cut 8 (12)  “…behaviors.”

The new guidelines recommend both children and adolescents be offered intensive treatment and Staiano says once they are teenagers many are eligible for FDA-approved medication and weight loss surgery.

Cut 9 (08)  “…health trajectory.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, Staiano says insurance companies are expected to cover the new treatment guidelines. If you have concerns about childhood obesity, she says to discuss it with your child’s pediatrician.

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The LSU gymnastics team is increasing their security after a large group of teenage boys swarmed to see 20-year-old junior Olivia Dunne at a meet in Utah Friday night. Gymnastics coach Jay Clark fears the situation will only get worse after a reporter covering the competition posted a video of the incident.

Cut 10 (08) “…we go.”

Dunne issued a statement on social media afterward asking fans to be respectful of gymnasts and the gymnastics community. Dunne is one of the most followed athletes on social media.

Clark says while social media and name, image, and likeness deals help put new faces on a sport that otherwise the public might not see, it also has its disadvantages.

Cut 11 (07)  “…with Olivia.”

As Dunne and her teammates’ coach Clark says it’s his responsibility to ensure their safety and while 99 percent of it is probably harmless autograph-seeking, picture-taking, kind of behavior…

Cut 12 (11) “…precautions.”

The 10th-ranked team will compete in Lexington Friday against the 12th-ranked University of Kentucky.

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Emergency additional food stamp benefits for the COVID pandemic are about to end. The USDA says February will be the final month. DCFS administers the extra benefits for Louisiana. Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says the benefits can run from an extra $95 a month for food, to over $300 extra; depending on how many are in the home. She says they have been paid out since March 2020, when the pandemic took hold…:

Cut 13 (11)  “…as we can.”

The federal government made the additional funds available after the pandemic put folks on lockdown and temporarily closed places of employment. Howard says they want to let people know the added benefits are ending February 28^th…:

Cut 14 (08)  “…the households.”

Normal SNAP benefit amounts return March 1^st; meaning a family of three would receive about $335-a-month for groceries. Howard says this may not be good time for many families to have a reduction in monthly SNAP…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…returned to work.”

She says persons who find they cannot meet their family needs should contact DCFS and talk with a case worker.

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Louisiana Tech will travel to face North Texas tonight in Denton. The Bulldogs are coming off a close win over UTEP on Saturday and are tied for third in Conference USA with a 3-2 conference record. The Mean Green are half a game ahead in second place at 4-1 and boast one of the top defenses in the country. They rank third in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 52.9 points per game. Bulldogs coach Talvin Hester credits the impressive numbers to the slow pace of play for North Texas, who rank dead last in the country in tempo, compared to the fast-paced offense of LA Tech…

Cut  16 (20)  “…used to guarding.” 

The Bulldogs feature 4 players averaging double-digit scoring during conference play. Cobe Williams has filled the stat sheet averaging 18 points, 4.2 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals a game. Hester says his young team is continuing to grow and has been particularly impressed by how forward Dravon Mangum and guard Quandre Bullock have stepped up to make an impact off the bench…

 Cut 17 (17) “…the next guy.” 

The Conference USA looks to be extremely competitive this year. Led by a 14-1 overall Florida Atlantic team undefeated in league play, there are four two-loss teams including LA Tech and North Texas the lone one-loss team. Hester says every league game is a dogfight, and this is the toughest he’s seen the conference in his time at Ruston…

Cut 18 (17) “…need to play.” 

Tip-Off is tonight at 7:00

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Cut 19 (18) “…on Saturday.”

Cut 20 (20)  “…the floor.” 

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The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring, after Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser decided NOT to run. Schroder now joins A.G. Jeff Landry as the only two declared candidates with statewide name recognition. He says, unlike Landry, he’ll have an open ear to all ideas, if elected…:

CUT 07(10)      “…in this state.”

The Mega Millions jackpot reaches $1.1-billion, with a lump sum cash value of $568-million. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says this jackpot has been rolling over since October 18^th…:

CUT 12(09)      “…it home.”

He says in the last week alone sales in Louisiana for Mega Millions have been $3.5-million.

New Orleans Police make an arrest in the Christmas night mass shooting that killed 2 and injured 4. A Crimestoppers tip led to the capture of 19-year-old Elijah Williams, who is now charged with murder and attempted murder. No bond has been set.

It’s official. Mega-country store/gas station chain Buc-ee’s is coming to Louisiana. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

State Treasurer John Schroder explains his decision to run for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

State health officials say there’s a new COVID variant going around that seems much more transmissible than Omicron. Called “XBB 1.5” the virus is apparently spreading fast, but has not triggered a significant increase in hospitalizations. They recommend getting vaxxed or boosted soon.

A deal is in place to bring roadside mega-country store/gas station Buc-ee’s to Ruston. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says he looks forward to Buc-ee’s helping his city become a travel destination. When complete in about 2 years, Buc-ee’s will feature 53-thousand square feet of shopping space, have 120 gas pumps and boast the “Cleanest Restrooms in Town.” It will employ over 200 people. Mayor Walker says Buc-ee’s reputation as a place to work is pretty good…:

CUT 11(12)      “…good paying jobs.”

A traffic stop on I-49 in Alexandria turns up a lot of drugs in an unusual form; chocolate bars made with psychoactive mushrooms. Rapides Sheriff’s spokesman Tommy Carnline says they think the magic mushrooms may be coming in from Colorado…:

CUT 05(12)      “…mushrooms now.”

A traffic stop on I-49 in Rapides Parish turns up drugs, but…not what you’d think. Rapides Sheriff’s spokesman Tommy Carnline says a search of suspect Jacob Boulet’s car found hundreds of chocolate bars made with psycho-active mushrooms; so-called magic mushrooms. They also found dried ‘shrooms and some marijuana. He says their drug dog, Beny, sniffed out the dope. Carnline says Beny is the RPD’s MVP…:

CUT 04 (10)      “…in our community.”

Mega Millions reaches a jackpot of just over a Billion dollars for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says you may NOT win the big money, but thousands win smaller amounts every week..:

CUT 14 (11)      “…purchase a ticket.”

Ticket sales close at 9 tonight. 10.

In the 2023 Louisiana Governor’s race…Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has opted OUT and decided to run for another term in his current job. However, State Treasurer John Schroder says he is IN, becoming the second republican to declare for the race. He says he wants to change Louisiana’s trajectory…:

CUT 06 (12)      “…three things.”

Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy, an Independent, is also running for governor, along with attorney General Jeff Landry. Others are expected to enter the race soon.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s detectives are investigating to deaths of a married couple, found shot to death inside their home. The victims are identified as Coby and Janell Manuel, both 59. Investigators say they were found Monday and had been dead at least 24 hours. An investigation is underway and the sheriff says tips on the crime are most welcome.

Edit

Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish says no charges are planned for a Hammond mom who shot and killed a masked man breaking into her home over the weekend. The woman says she acted to protect her two kids. 51-year-old Robert Rheams was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives say she was exercising her rights under Castle Doctrine.

It’s official. Mega-country store/gas station chain Buc-ee’s is coming to Louisiana. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring. This comes after Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser decided to seek re-election to that job, rather than go for the Governor’s Mansion. Nungesser says it was a tough decision, but he’d rather continue his work as the state’s leader for the tourism industry as it battles back from the pandemic…:

CUT 08(09)      “…love what I do.”

The Mega Millions jackpot reached $1.1-Billion for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says be sure to check your tickets, because many win and don’t know it. He says someone won $50K last summer and hasn’t claimed it…:

CUT 13(11)      “…check them all.”

With the Louisiana Lottery app you can scan your tickets and tell right away if you won. Tickets must be purchased by 9 PM to be eligible for tonight’s drawing at 10 PM.

You may have heard, but our State Treasurer John Schroder is officially running for governor next fall. He explains why he’s in…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Palermo.”

Deputies in St. Mary Parish hope the public can help them find 14-year-old Alexis Horton of Amelia; last seen Monday night around dinner time. She is white, 5’3”, 120 pounds and has brownish hair. Call the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337)-828-1960.

A traffic stop in Rapides Parish on I-49, seizes 70 pounds of mushroom chocolate bars. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says officers smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle driven by Jacob Boulet (Bolt) and their canine dog, Beny, made an interesting find; nearly 500 psychoactive mushroom chocolate bars…:

CUT 03(11)      “…at the top.”

He says they believe the ‘shrooms come if from Colorado.

A deal is in place to bring roadside mega-country store/gas station Buc-ee’s to Ruston. People drive from all around to visit Buc-ee’s locations across Texas and the South. Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says the proposal is for Buc-ee’s to be just north of I-20, across from Ruston High at Tarbutton Road…:

CUT 10(11)      “…coming to our city.”

A $50-million project; Buc-ee’s hopes to open within two years and employ over 200.

A traffic stop in Rapides Parish on I-49, seizes 70 pounds of mushroom chocolate bars. And while seizing mushrooms sounds odd Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says they are seeing more of the psychoactive fungus, and they believe this particular stash is from Colorado.

Cut 5 (12) “…mushrooms now.”

The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has decided to run for re-election instead. Nungesser says it was a tough decision, but he rather continue his work as the state’s leader for tourism as it battles back from the pandemic…

Cut 8 (09)  “..I love what I do” 

The city of Ruston will be the site of the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana. The city council approved plans last night for the popular Texas chain. Mayor Ronnie Walker says it will make Ruston a trip destination.

Cut 9 (11) “…even more often.” 

The travel center is expected to open in 2025.

The Megamillions Jackpot reaches $1.1 billion, with a cash value of $568 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says this jackpot has been turning over since October 18^th.

Cut 12 (09) “…it home.”

Louisiana ticket sales in the last week alone for Megamillions have been $3.5 million. Tickets must be purchased by 9 PM to be eligible for tonight’s drawing at 10 PM.

The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring. Schroder is a former state representative who has been Louisiana’s treasurer since 2017. Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lake Charles Independent Hunter Lundy are the only others to yet declare for the race. Schroder says he’ll have an open ear to all ideas if elected…:

CUT 07(10)      “…in this state.”

Other to watch are Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and New Orleans Councilwoman Helena Moreno. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross still says Landry is the guy to beat…:

CUT 15(11)      “…in that regard.”

Big and weird drug bust in Alexandria. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tommy Carnline says officers doing a traffic stop smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle driven by Jacob Boulet (Bolt) and their canine dog, Benny, alerted on 487 psychoactive mushroom chocolate bars. Plus some weed, ecstasy and gear. Carnline says “who’s a good boy?!?”

CUT 04(10)      “…in our community.”

Boulet faces a list a charges.

Available now online, is Louisiana’s 2023 Coastal Master Plan. The plan is a roadmap for combating the state’s ongoing erosion, land loss, and flood risk problem. Ben Haase is executive director of the state’s Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority (CPRA). He says the plan encompasses literally ALL of Louisiana’s coastal areas…:

CUT 09(10)      “…of our coast.”

See it online at “coast.la.gov.”

The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring. Schroder is a former state representative who has been Louisiana’s treasurer since 2017 and wants to be governor to change the state’s direction
cut 6 (12) “…three things”
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has decided against a run for governor and will run for re-election.

We know U-S Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy will not run and U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that opens the door for a major Democrat to get in the race…
cut 14 (08) “…serious run”
DOTD secretary Shawn Wilson and Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt are two possible Democrats who may run.

The state launches a hotline to report suspected juvenile sex trafficking…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Authorities seize 70 pounds of mushroom chocolate bars during a traffic stop on Interstate 49. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says officers smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle driven by Jacob Boulet (Bolt) and their canine made an interesting find, 487 psychoactive mushroom chocolate bars.
Cut 3 (11) “…at the top”