Two cities in the Bayou State are among the Top 30 Allergy Capitals in the country. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement on the deaths of Louisiana natives killed in the Nashville mass shooting yesterday. Governor Edwards asked the entire state to pray for the families of Cynthia Peak and Katherine Koonce and all the victims of Monday’s evil mass shooting at Covenant Presbyterian School. Three children and three adults were killed.

Recent Cyberattacks have targeted seven Louisiana colleges this year.  Nearly a month ago, Southeastern Louisiana was the target of a cyberattack that impacted online classes, entry to dormitories, campus activities, sporting events, and more. Southeastern Louisiana Professor Dayne Sherman said it was a situation that should have been prevented.

Cut 8 (09)  “…thousand students.” 

The university has upgraded its digital security measures to ensure the safety of student and faculty data information.

A completed autopsy report on Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and found several days later rolled up in plastic and a rug, shows he died from a combination of drugs, including fentanyl. East Baton Rouge Coroner Doctor Beau Clark…

Cut 13 (07) “…accidental.”

Authorities have arrested a well-known drug dealer and a prostitute in the case. Cops are still searching for a second prostitute who was with Millard before he died.

The autopsy report for Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and whose body was later found wrapped in plastic and a rug indicates the cause of death is a combination of alcohol, cocaine, and fentanyl. The East Baton Rouge coroner has ruled the death accidental.

The Senate Insurance chairman plans to file legislation to make Insurance Commissioner an appointed position, instead of elected. Jeff Palermo reports the current insurance commissioner opposes the idea…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Seven Louisiana colleges were victims of cyberattacks over the last four months and Southeastern Louisiana Professor Dayne Sherman says there should have been more preventive measures in place to protect the university’s system and a greater effort for the restoration recovery phase.

Cut 9 (06) “…these problems”

Security measures are ongoing to ensure the safety of data information and systems.

If you suffer from allergies, it’s probably not surprising that Baton Rouge and New Orleans rank in the top 30 Allergy Capitals in the U.S. Hannah Jaffee with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation says New Orleans ranks 22 and Baton Rouge came in last among the top 30. When you compare the cities individually, she says Baton Rouge and New Orleans rank worse than average for pollen.

Cut 11 (10)  “…for allergy specialists.”

Allergy sufferers should limit their time outdoors on days with high pollen counts and see an allergist before the season begins to work on a treatment plan.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon opposes a proposal to make his job an appointed position instead of elected. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot plans to file the bill to make the office an appointed position.  Donelon says other states who have appointed insurance commissioners, usually have them in place for about three years and the learning curve is high for this job.

Cut 4 (07)  “…entails 

Donelon has served as insurance commissioner since 2006 and will not run for re-election.

If you suffer from allergies, it’s probably not surprising that Baton Rouge and New Orleans rank in the top 30 Allergy Capitals in the U.S. Hannah Jaffee with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation says they rank cities by tree, grass, and weed pollen counts.

Cut 10 (09) “…in the area.” 

You can also find a list of certified products like air filters and more at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s website at aafa.org.

A continuing wave of cyberattacks is targeting educational institutions and seven Louisiana colleges was hit in the last four months.  Southeastern Louisiana, UNO, LSU Ag Center, River Parishes Community College, Xavier University New Orleans, Nunez Community College, and Southern University at Shreveport network systems were also encrypted. TrustedSec Advisory Solutions Director Alex Hammerstone says universities are prime targets because there’s a bigger chance for a large financial outcome.

Cut 7 (11)  “…release it.” 

Nearly a month ago, Southeastern Louisiana was the target of a cyberattack that impacted online classes, entry to dormitories, campus activities, sporting events, and more. Southeastern Louisiana Professor Dayne Sherman said it was a difficult situation.

Cut 8 (09)  “…thousand students.” 

More than 30 cyberattack incidents have occurred in the U.S. this year.

Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says he will propose a bill to have the state Insurance Commissioner appointed instead of elected. Talbot says the individual selected should be qualified and ready to fight for the consumers.
Cut 4 (10) “…that office.”
Louisiana’s current Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon recently announced he is not running for re-election. He’s held the position since 2006. Donelon opposes Talbot’s legislation, because he believes voters should have a say in who represents them….
cut 3 (06) “….of the people”
Donelon also says other states who have appointed insurance commissioners, usually have them in place for about three years and the learning curve is high for this job.

At least seven Louisiana colleges have been hit with a cyberattack in the last four month. The attacks disrupted networking systems including education online learning platforms, the internet, email, and a possible threat to students and faculty personal information. TrustedSec Advisory Solutions Director Alex Hammerstone.
Cut 6 (08) “…capability.”
Among the schools impacted, Southeastern Louisiana, UNO and the LSU AgCenter.

Voters in Ouachita Parish have approved a property tax increase to fund the continued operation of an animal shelter and health unit as well as construction of a new shelter. Louisiana Humane Society President Jeff Dorson is glad to see voters approve the proposal, because there are a lot of parishes that do not even have an animal shelter…
cut 8 (11) “….or services”

Two of the three adults killed yesterday by a former student at The Covenant School in Nashville are from Louisiana. The head of school, 60-year-old Doctor Katherine Koonce, was a Baton Rouge native who went to University High and LSU. And substitute teacher, 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, grew up in Vernon Parish and attended Leesville High School.

Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot has authored legislation to either keep the Insurance Commissioner’s position as an elected position or an appointed one. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

A petroleum company, Placid Refining, is moving its headquarters from Dallas to Baton Rouge. West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce Director Anna Johnson says Placid Refining is also investing millions of dollars to upgrade its Port Allen refinery…

Cut 14 (11)  “…end of the year.”
The establishment of new corporate offices in Baton Rouge will create 20 new jobs.

In Ouachita Parish voters approved a millage increase to fund the construction of a new animal shelter. And while Louisiana Humane Society President Jeff Dorson is pleased for Ouachita, he says there are many more parishes that don’t provide animal services, so they are asking lawmakers to set aside funding from the budget surplus.

Cut 9 (12)  “…they have.”

In Desoto Parish voters rejected a millage increase for animal services.

A Sunset man has been arrested in St. Landry Parish in what is being called the largest drug bust for fentanyl in parish history. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre says the father – of six-year-old, Davonta Michel Jr., who was shot by his brother in February, has been charged with negligent homicide. 24-year-old, Davonta Michel Sr. of Raceland, has been arrested in the connection with the death of his son, Dvonta D.J. Michel Jr. The two boys found the gun in their father’s bedroom and the gun discharged while playing with it.

Republican Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says he’s working on a bill that would have the state Insurance Commissioner position appointed instead of elected. Talbot says the bill would allow the Governor to assign a candidate or a board could submit candidates in the process.

Cut 5 (12) “…one of those names.”

Louisiana is one of eleven states who still elect the Insurance Commissioner.

Placid Refining – a petroleum company -will move its headquarters from Dallas to Baton Rouge. The state solidified the project with an incentives package that includes a modernization tax credit of up to $500,000 that West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Anna Johnson says would be good for the city’s economy.

Cut 13 (11) “..back here.” 

The company’s West Baton Rouge facility has been in operation since 1975.

The legislative session begins in less than two weeks and the Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee is proposing to make the office of Insurance Commissioner an appointed position instead of elected. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says it would result in having an insurance commissioner with a high level of expertise in the insurance industry….
cut 6 (07) “…what happens”
Current Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, who is not running for re-election, says voters should continue to have a say in who is the insurance commissioner.

In Louisiana, we hear about Texas having a better climate for businesses, but a petroleum company, Placid Refining, is moving its corporate headquarters from Dallas to Baton Rouge and upgrading its Port Allen refinery. West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce Director Anna Johnson….
cut 15 (10) “….Capitol region”

Voters in Ouachita Parish approved a millage increase for the next decade to fund the construction of a new animal shelter and animal services. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Jefferson Parish School Board is looking at closing eight schools because of falling enrollment within the largest public school system in the state. Thomas Jefferson High School and Helen Cox High School are two of the schools under consideration for closure. The school board could vote on the plan on April 5th.

Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says he will propose a bill to have the state Insurance Commissioner appointed instead of elected. This comes nearly two weeks after longtime Commissioner Jim Donelon announced he was not running for re-election. Talbot says the individual selected should be qualified and ready to fight for the consumers.
Cut 4 (10) “…that office.”
Talbot’s bill is one of several insurance industry reform measures expected to be heard in the upcoming legislative session.

St. Landry Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says his deputies have made the largest fentanyl confiscation in the history of the parish as over five pounds of fentanyl was found inside the home of Benjamin Pittman in the Sunset area…
cut 11 (11) “….1.5 million people”
Pittman faces several charges.

Voters in Ouachita Parish have approved a property tax increase to fund the continued operation of an animal shelter and health unit as well as construction of a new shelter. Louisiana Humane Society President Jeff Dorson is glad to see voters approve the proposal, because there are a lot of parishes that do not even have an animal shelter…
cut 8 (11) “….or services”

A petroleum company, Placid Refining, is moving its headquarters from Dallas to Baton Rouge. West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce Director Anna Johnson says Placid Refining is also investing million of dollars to upgrade its Port Allen refinery…
cut 14 (11) “…end of the year”
The establishment of new corporate offices in Baton Rouge will create 20 new jobs.

The state’s insurance market is facing challenges and Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot plans to file a bill to make the Insurance Commissioner an appointed position instead of elected.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Two of the three adults killed yesterday by a former student at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee are from Louisiana. The head of school, 60-year-old Doctor Katherine Koonce, was a Baton Rouge native who went to University High and LSU. And substitute teacher, 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, grew up in Vernon Parish and attended Leesville High School.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says deputies made the largest fentanyl confiscation in parish history when they arrested a Sunset man, who had over five pounds of suspected fentanyl inside his home. Guidroz says Benjamin Pittman faces a slew of charges for possessing and manufacturing fentanyl…
Cut 10 (11) “…the streets.”
Guidroz says Pittman’s home was a major pill manufacturing facility.

In Ouachita Parish, voters overwhelmingly approved a millage increase to fund the construction of a new animal shelter. For the next ten years, a 1.75-mil property tax increase will allow shelter operations to continue. Louisiana Humane Society President Jeff Dorson says this is welcome news.
Cut 7 (10) “…essential service.”
But In DeSoto Parish voters rejected a millage increase for animal services.

The state’s insurance market is facing challenges and if left up to Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot legislators will soon decide on a bill that would either keep the Insurance Commissioner’s position as a publicly elected seat or be appointed by the Governor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Voters in Ouachita Parish approved a millage increase for the next decade to fund the construction of a new animal shelter and animal services. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Sunset man in what they are calling the largest drug bust for fentanyl in parish history. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says he will propose a bill to have the state Insurance Commissioner appointed instead elected. This comes nearly two weeks after longtime Commissioner Jim Donelon made the announcement not to seek re-election. Talbot says the individual selected should be qualified and ready to fight for the consumers.

Cut 4 (10)  “…that office.”

Talbot says Louisiana is one of eleven states who still elect the Insurance Commissioner. He says the bill would include a selection process in which the Governor could personally appoint or have a board submit qualified candidates for the process.

Cut 5 (12) “…one of those names.”

The bill would permit term limits ranging from two to six years. It would also require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to pass the legislature. Talbot says Louisiana’s insurance market is in a crisis and this could be a potential solution for better rates for consumers.

Cut 6 (07)  “…what happens.” 

The proposed legislation will consider the bill in the upcoming legislative session.

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In Ouachita Parish voters overwhelmingly approved a millage increase to fund the construction of a new animal shelter. For the next ten years, a 1.75-mil property tax increase will allow shelter operations to continue. Louisiana Humane Shelter President Jeff Dorson says this is welcome news for the parish.

Cut 7 (10) “…essential service.”

In DeSoto Parish voters rejected a millage increase for animal services.

Dorson says the situation is dire in Ouachita Parish because, in addition to their animal needs in the northeast Louisiana parish, they are having to bear the load for other parishes that go without, like Catahoula, Franklin, and Claiborne. Dorson says there are many more parishes without animal services.

Cut 8 (11) “…or services.”

In his 35 years as an animal advocate, Dorson says he’s never seen such an increase in animals that are either abandoned or surrendered at shelters. Because so many parishes lack animal services, Dorson says they are asking lawmakers to set aside a portion of the state budget surplus to help fund animal needs.

Cut 9 (12)  “…they have.”

In addition to direct donations to humane shelters, Dorson says the public can also purchase a Spay and Neuter cag tag which funds low-cost and no-cost programs in Louisiana.

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St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says deputies made the largest fentanyl confiscation in parish history when they arrested a Sunset man, who had over five pounds of suspected fentanyl inside his home. Guidroz says Benjamin Pittman faces a slew of charges for possessing and manufacturing fentanyl…

Cut 10 (11)  “…the streets.”

Guidroz says inside Pittman’s home was a major pill manufacturing facility and distribution hub, which contained different pill presses and mixers for the illegal manufacturing of pills. He says the amount of fentanyl inside the home was staggering…

Cut 11 (11)  “…1.5 million people.”

Guidroz says their narcotics enforcement team made the arrest and Pittman is a repeat offender…

Cut 12 (11)  “…well done.”

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Placid Refining is relocating its headquarters from Dallas to Baton Rouge and updating its existing Port Allen facilities. The state secured the project with an incentives package that includes a performance-based retention and modernization tax credit of up to $500,000 that West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Anna Johnson says helps attract new and existing businesses…

Cut 13 (11) “..back here.” 

The company’s West Baton Rouge facility has been in operation since 1975. Much of the investment will go towards equipment upgrades. The company finalized the purchase of its downtown Baton Rouge corporate headquarters in January and Johnson says the investment will take some time…

Cut 14 (11)  “…end of the year.”

The corporate offices will create 20 new direct jobs and Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will bring another 88 indirect jobs. With 108 new jobs in the Capital Region, Johnson says the energy sector is still the engine of the Louisiana economy…

Cut 15 (10)  “…Capitol region.”

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The Saints have signed a big-body wide receiver familiar with new starting quarterback Derek Carr. Bryan Edwards played with Carr and the Raiders in 2020 and 2021. In 2021 he started 12 games and caught 34 passes for 571 yards and three touchdowns. Edwards says seeing a couple of former Raider players now in New Orleans made the opportunity exciting for him…

Cut  16 (17)  “…my family.” 

Edwards was traded to Atlanta after the 2022 NFL draft and caught three passes for the Falcons last season. He spent the last three months of the season on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.

Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach is back with the Saints after signing a one-year deal with the Black and Gold. Roach had a career-high 26 tackles last season for New Orleans. He’s from Baton Rouge and played high school football at Madison Prep…

Cut 17 (19) “…in the room.” 

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LSU remains ranked number one in all of the college baseball polls after sweeping Arkansas in a doubleheader on Saturday. The Tigers are 21-and-3 and led offensively by Dylan Crews, who is leading the nation with a .531 batting average and Tommy White is hitting .392. The two have combined to hit 17 home runs and drive in 74 runs. Coach Jay Johnson says they are a big reason why they lead the nation in runs scored…

Cut 18 (14) “…have that.”

LSU hosts Grambling State tonight. A starting pitcher has not been announced. But Johnson wants to see sophomore right-hander Sam Dutton throw multiple innings…

Cut 19 (21) “…faith in.”

Dutton has only appeared in four games this season after appearing in 18 games last year.

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Cut 20 (20)  “…all year.”