Two more forest fires broke out in Beauregard Parish today and firefighters have also been battling wildfires in northwest and southeast Louisiana. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the dead winter grass is helping to fuel these fires and he says firefighters have battled blazes where the burning dead grass was above standing water.

Cut 13 (12) “…willdfires.”

Strain says crews have battled more than 40 wildfires in Louisiana since the weekend.

The Louisiana Insurance Department says private auto insurance rates declined on average nearly six-percent last year, while homeowners’ insurance rates rose slightly. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the average change for homeowners’ insurance was four-percent, but last year was the first time since 2020 that they had more three insurance providers file for a rate decrease…

Cut 4 (10) “…rate decrease.”

The United Cajun Navy has joined the search for the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

For the third year in a row, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is ranked as the top community college in the state. The ranking comes from Niche (“neesh”), a data-driven college ranking platform. Chancellor Dr. Heather Poole says there are many factors that go into CLTCC’s dominance in the state ranking.

Cut 9 (14)  “…their program immediately.”

Dry and windy gusts continue to fuel wildfires in Louisiana. Two more forest fires broke out in Beauregard Parish today and firefighters have also been battling wildfires in northwest and southeast Louisiana. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says do not do any outdoor burning even if you are a prescribed burner…

Cut 12 (12) “…containment zone.”

The United Cajun Navy is in Tucson, helping in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. Incident Commander Josh Gill says the Cajun Navy has activated its “Saw It, Report It” system, allowing people to quickly submit tips via their smartphones.

Cut 8 (11) “…finding Miss Guthrie.”

New data from the Louisiana Department of Insurance shows private auto insurance rates declined in 2025, while commercial auto insurance rates continue to rise. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

For the tenth year in a row, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser officially kicked off crawfish season by pardoning a crawfish. This year’s lucky crawfish is one named Tony, named for the legendary Tony Chachere. While Tony will live out his time at Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, all his fellow crawfish will eventually make their way into the bellies of you and me.

The United Cajun Navy is now involved in the search for the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, during the early morning hours on February 1st. Incident Commander Josh Gill says he and his team are canvassing the area near Nancy Guthrie’s home with flyers and are speaking to as many people as they can.

Cut 7 (06) “…to this family.”

New data released by Louisiana’s Insurance Department shows private auto insurance rates declined on average nearly six-percent in 2025, while homeowners insurance rates rose slightly. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the decrease in auto premiums is due to a reduction in accidents. He believes rates will continue to drop as a result of tort legislation approved last year.

Cut 3 (07) “…claims happen.”

Commercial rates increased nearly six-percent on average in 2025.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College is once again ranked as the top community college in the state by Niche, a data-driven college ranking platform. Chancellor Dr. Heather Poole says one factor behind CLTCC’s dominance is that it provides wraparound services for all students as they go through their programs that will directly lead to their careers.

Cut 10 (07) “…track looks like.”

This is the third year in a row that Niche ranked CLTCC as the top community college in the state.

In its 35th year, the Louisiana Lottery has eclipsed five-billion dollars in revenue transfers to Louisiana’s Minimum Foundation Program, which dedicates the money to K-through-12 education. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the recent billion-dollar Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots may have had something to do with crossing that milestone.

Cut 15 (10) “…really big jackpots.”

There’s been a desire for a long time to build a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, but finding the funding for the projected three-billion dollar project has been difficult. A state lawmaker has come up with a idea that could lead to the necessary federal funds and that is name the new bridge after President Donald Trump….

Cut 9 (12) “….done for Louisiana”

That is Monroe Representative Michael Echols who has filed a bill calling on the proposed bridge to be named after the current president.

The United Cajun Navy is now involved in the search for the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, during the early morning hours on February 1st. Incident Commander Josh Gill is on the ground in Tucson.

Cut 6 (08) “…the sheriff’s department.”

Gill says he and his team are canvassing the area near the 84-year-old’s home with flyers and are speaking to as many people as they can.

As the Louisiana Lottery celebrates one milestone, it celebrates a second milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tonight is the State of Union and House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish says the plan is to have the Gold Medal men’s U-S Hockey team in attendance…

Cut 19 (12) “…America’s team”

The women’s US Hockey team declined Trump’s invitation to attend the State of the Union.

Amazon has selected Louisiana to invest 12-billion dollars for a data center campus. The interconnected campuses will be built in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Governor Landry says it’s believed to be the biggest single investment by a company in the history of northwest Louisiana – as well as one of the most important.

Cut 4 (10) “…and digital infrastructure.”

Landry says these three data centers will create thousands of jobs.

Louisiana has tried for years to get funding to build a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge to alleviate the traffic congestion. The projected price tag is three billion dollars, but Monroe Representative Michael Echols believes if they name the new bridge after President Trump, the state will receive the funding it needs…

Cut 8 (12) “..this thing built”

Echols has authored a bill for the upcoming session to call a third Baton Rouge bridge the Donald J Trump Expressway.

The Louisiana Lottery announces it has given public education in Louisiana more than five billion dollars. When the Louisiana Lottery Corporation was created 35 years ago, state lawmakers said 35-percent of lotto revenue must go to K-through-12 schools..

Cut 14 (11) “…Minimum Foundation Program”

That’s Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher.

LSU sophomore Kailin Chio has emerged as one of the top gymnasts in the country. She scored perfect 10’s on the balance beam and vault last Friday versus Oklahoma and has won 22 event titles this year, one shy of the 23 event titles she had last year. Head Coach Jay Clark…

Cut 11 (12) “…to be”

The Second ranked LSU gym team hosts third ranked Alabama on Friday night.

Amazon is investing 12 billion dollars in northwest Louisiana as the technology company will build three data centers, two of them in Caddo Parish and the other one in Bossier Parish. Governor Jeff Landry says these data centers will create thousands of jobs…

Cut 5 (12) “…northwest Louisiana”

The project is expected to create 540 new jobs that pay salaries that are 50-percent higher than the state average. Construction on the data center campuses is expected to begin immediately, with operations launching in phases over the next several years.

Former Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham is leaving his job as second in command at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a statement, Abraham says he can no longer work for the CDC because of unforeseen family obligations.

By state law 35-percent of Louisiana Lottery Revenues are re-directed to pay for public education. The Louisiana Lottery is pleased to announce they’ve just crossed the five-billion dollar transfer threshold and spokesperson Chrislyn Maher says those recent big Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots helped them cross this milestone…

Cut 15 (10) “…really big jackpots”

LSU sophomore Kailin Chio is one of the best gymnasts in college athletics. Chio scored a perfect 10 on the beam and the vault last Friday against top ranked Oklahoma. Coach Jay Clark says what Chio is doing is amazing, but for them to win a national title, the other athletes need to hit their routines too…

Cut 12 (11) “…scores up there”

Second ranked LSU hosts 3^rd ranked Alabama.

Amazon is investing 12-billion dollars in northwest Louisiana as the technology company plans to build three A-I data centers in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. This would result in 540 permanent jobs. Data centers use large amounts of water and they also need a lot of power to operate. But Governor Jeff Landry says Amazon has told the state officials’ power bills will not go up…

Cut 6 (08) “…these projects”

Landry says Amazon Web Services also plans to invest 400-million dollars in public water infrastructure.

The Louisiana Lottery says it has now transferred five-billion dollars to the state treasury that’s used to fund public schools….

Cut 13 (08) “…from ticket sales”

Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher says state law requires that 35-percent of Louisiana Lottery revenues must go towards public education.

If another Mississippi River Bridge is built in the Baton Rouge area, one state lawmaker believes it should be named after President Trump. Monroe Republican Representative Michael Echols says if his legislation is approved, the proposed bridge that would be built south of the current Mississippi River Bridge would be named the “President Donald J. Trump Expressway.”

Cut 7 (10) “…get that done.”

Cost is a big hurdle when it comes to building a bridge that would connect LA-Highway One in Iberville Parish to LA Highway 30. The projected price tag is three billion dollars.

An elevated fire danger exists once again today because of dry and windy conditions. Fire officials say they contained a wildfire near South Beauregard High School. According to Ward Six Fire, the blaze started when someone driving on the highway lost a wheel and the wheel was hot enough to the start a fire in the dry grass along the road.

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (34) “….I’m Colleen Crain”

Governor Landry has asked the U-S Department of Education to expand its investigation of diversity, equity and inclusion practices at the state’s higher education board to also include all public colleges and universities. Earlier this month, the federal government began looking into whether the Board of Regents violated the Civil Rights Act by calling on public universities to increase the number of underrepresented minorities.

There’s been a desire for a long time to build a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, but finding the funding for the projected three-billion dollar project has been difficult. A state lawmaker has come up with a idea that could lead to the necessary federal funds and that is name the new bridge after President Donald Trump….

Cut 9 (12) “….done for Louisiana”

That is Monroe Representative Michael Echols who has filed a bill calling on the proposed bridge to be named after the current president.

The Louisiana Lottery announces it has given public education in Louisiana more than five billion dollars. When the Louisiana Lottery Corporation was created 35 years ago, state lawmakers said 35-percent of lotto revenue must go to K-through-12 schools..

Cut 14 (11) “…Minimum Foundation Program”

That’s Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher.

Amazon has selected Louisiana to invest 12-billion dollars for a data center campus. The campus is being built in northwest Louisiana in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Governor Landry says it’s believed to be the biggest single investment by a company in the history of northwest Louisiana – as well as one of the most important.

Cut 4 (10) “…and digital infrastructure.”

Landry says these three data centers will create thousands of jobs.

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson is proposing stiffer penalties for students convicted of making threats towards a school. Prison time could be anywhere from two to 15 years…

Cut 17 (14) “…consequences”

Johnson’s legislation will be heard in the upcoming legislative session.

A state lawmaker has come up with a plan to get the federal government to help pay for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge — and that is to name it after President Trump.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

LSU sophomore Kailin Chio is one of the top gymnasts in the country. She scored two 10s in last week’s meet against Oklahoma, even though she didn’t think her vault, which received a perfect score was that great…

Cut 10 (13) “…the other ones”

2^nd ranked LSU hosts 3^rd ranked Alabama on Friday.

An announcement so big in Shreveport that Governor Landry was the one to make it. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

A state lawmaker has come up with a plan to get the federal government to help pay for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge — and that is to name it after President Trump. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

As the Louisiana Lottery celebrates one milestone, it celebrates a second milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________

Amazon has selected Louisiana to invest 12-billion dollars for a data center campus. The campus is being built in northwest Louisiana in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Governor Landry says it’s believed to be the biggest single investment by a company in the history of northwest Louisiana – as well as one of the most important.

Cut 4 (10) “…and digital infrastructure.”

Landry says these three data centers will create thousands of jobs.

Cut 5 (12) “…in northwest Louisiana.” (applause fades)

Among them are 540 on-site jobs that pay salaries that are 50-percent higher than the state average.

One of the most controversial aspects of data centers is all the electricity that’s required to power them and the effects that it may have on residents’ utility bills. Landry said Amazon is taking care of all of that.

Cut 6 (08) “…for these projects.”

Construction is expected to begin immediately.

____________________________________________________

If another Mississippi River Bridge is built in the Baton Rouge area, one state lawmaker believes it should be named after President Trump. Monroe Republican Representative Michael Echols says if his legislation is approved, the proposed bridge that would be built south of the current Mississippi River Bridge would be named the “President Donald J. Trump Expressway.”

Cut 7 (10) “…get that done.”

Cost is a big hurdle when it comes to building a bridge that would connect LA-Highway One in Iberville Parish to LA Highway 30. Echols says if Louisiana commits to naming the bridge after the President, there’s a better chance it will happen.

Cut 8 (12) “…this thing built.”

Echols says U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson loves the concept and sent it to the White House. A new bridge could cost as much as three-billion dollars. Echols says most of the funding will need to come from the federal government; so if naming the bridge after President Trump gets it done, why not do it?

Cut 9 (12)  “…done for Louisiana.”

______________________________________________________

Sophomore Kailin Chio is becoming the next great female athlete at LSU. The All-American from Nevada became the first gymnast this year to score two perfect 10s at the same meet, as she accomplished the feat last Friday against top-ranked Oklahoma. Chio had a perfect score on beam and vault, but she believes she’s had better vaults this season.

Cut 10 (13) “…the other ones.”

Chio has scored four perfect 10s through seven meets so far this season, moving her total to five in her career. Chio was the SEC Freshman of the Year last year; and she’s having a sensational sophomore season, as she’s won 22 event titles, which is one shy of the 23 she had last year. Head coach Jay Clark says Chio is performing at a high level.

Cut 11 (12) “…her to be.”

LSU failed to beat Oklahoma last Friday; but it was the Tigers highest road score of the season, and they are still ranked second in the country. LSU is a national title contender again this year, but Clark says they can’t rely on Chio to keep scoring 10s.

Cut 12 (11) “…scores up there.”

Second-ranked LSU will host third-ranked Alabama Friday night and will also compete Sunday at the Raising Cane’s River Center against three other teams — Alabama, Arizona and North Carolina.

______________________________________________________

As the Louisiana Lottery celebrates one milestone this year, it’s now celebrating a second milestone. In its 35th year, the Louisiana Lottery has eclipsed five-billion dollars in revenue transfers to Louisiana’s Minimum Foundation Program, which dedicates the money to K-through-12 education. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has been very popular through the years.

Cut 13 (08)  “…from ticket sales.”

As part of its deal with the state, the Louisiana Lottery is required by law to transfer about 35-percent of its revenue to the state’s Minimum Foundation Program. Maher says they came very close to the milestone in the last fiscal year.

Cut 14 (11) “…Minimum Foundation Program.”

Speaking of “billion,” Maher says those Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots that hit the “B” mark may have had something to do with crossing the five-billion-dollar transfer threshold to the Minimum Foundation Program.

Cut 15 (10) “…really big jackpots.”