4:30 PM Newscast March 21

The parents of Lacey Fletcher, the 36-year-old who was found melted into the couch due to severe neglect in Slaughter, were sentenced to 40 years with 20 years suspended. East Feliciana District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says he wanted Clay and Shelia Fletcher to receive the maximum of 40 years due to the horrific way their special needs daughter died.

Cut 9 (07) “…the couch.” 

Lacey was found on January 3, 2022, covered in maggots and sores in a couch rotting in her own waste.

Wednesday night, a 45-year-old Ponchatoula woman was found covered in blood lying between her bed and a dresser at a Meadow Wood Dr. residence in Ponchatoula. First responders’ extensive means to revive the victim, Lisa Hernandez, were unsuccessful. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says Investigators were unable to determine cause of death and are investigating her death as a homicide.

The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that will give all parents the opportunity to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Last night, Grambling State men’s basketball team came from behind to beat Montana State in the Tigers first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Grambling takes on top-seeded Purdue in Indianapolis tomorrow night. Tigers Head Coach Donte Jackson says his team faces a monumental task.

Cut 5 (06)  “…ready to play”

3:30 PM Newscast March 21

The death of a 45-year-old Ponchatoula woman is under investigation. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says Lisa Hernandez was found covered in blood lying between her bed and a dresser Wednesday night. First responders’ extensive means to revive Hernandez were unsuccessful. Investigators were unable to determine cause of death and are investigating the incident that occurred at a Meadow Wood Dr. residence as a homicide.

The parents of Lacey Fletcher, the 36-year-old who was found melted into the couch due to severe neglect in Slaughter, were sentenced to 40 years with 20 years suspended. East Feliciana District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says he’d like to bring charges against the friends and fellow church members who testified on behalf of the Fletchers, because they never intervened.

Cut 11 (06) “…10 years.”

The coroner ruled that Lacey died from “acute medical neglect” inflicted over a period dating back to at least 2010.

The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation that will one day allow every family to apply for state dollars to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is a co-author of the bill and says parents should have options on how their child should be educated…

Cut 6  (12) “…is educated.” 

The Public Affairs Research Council says the L-A Gator Scholarship Program would cost 650-million dollars annually in five to seven years.

Crawfish prices have been dropping. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says supply is outpacing demand but he hopes the cool weather this week doesn’t impact supply too much…

Cut 13 (09) “…the traps.”  

The average price for a pound of crawfish in Louisiana is $5.50.

2:30 PM Newscast March 21

The parents of Lacey Fletcher, who was found melted in a couch after years of neglect, were sentenced to 40 years, with 20 years suspended. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says crawfish prices keep dropping and supply remains steady. He says prices have been dropping since the start of March, so if you enjoy eating crawfish, get them this weekend …

Cut 12 (06) “…down again.”

The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation to allow families to apply for state dollars to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. The L-A Gator Scholarship Program at first would provide taxpayer dollars to low-income families and be open to all families starting with the 2028-29 school year. Dannie Garrett, who handles government relations for the Louisiana School Boards Association says the Education Savings Accounts spend taxpayer dollars without the accountability demanded of public schools and there’s no evidence it will improve education.

Cut 8 (07) “…better” 

The Grambling State men’s basketball team keeps making history. In their first ever NCAA Tournament game last night. The Tigers rallied to beat Montana State 88 to 81 in overtime. Head Coach Donte Jackson says though they trailed by nine points at halftime, his players were unfazed….

Cut 4 (08) “…bad situation” 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 21

The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that will give all parents the opportunity to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has identified Russell Francis, Junior as the man who was killed in the officer-involved shooting Tuesday night. LPSO says the 39-year-old hit a police unit when trying to escape and attempted to run over officers. The officers involved are on administrative leave.

The parents of Lacey Fletcher, the 36-year-old who was found melted into the couch due to severe neglect in Slaughter, were sentenced to 40 years with 20 years suspended. East Feliciana District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Clay and Shelia Fletcher showed no remorse for the haunting death of their daughter.

Cut 10 (12) “…special needs child. “

Lacey was found on January 3, 2022, covered in maggots and sores in a couch rotting in her own waste.

The Grambling State men’s basketball team keeps making history. The Tigers played in their first ever NCAA Tournament game last night and they rallied to beat Montana State 88 to 81 in overtime. Head Coach Donte Jackson.

Cut 3 (11) “…just amazing.”  

They’ll play Purdue tomorrow night at 6:25.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 21

The parents of Lacey Fletcher, the 36-year-old who was found melted into the couch due to severe neglect in Slaughter, were sentenced to 40 years with 20 years suspended yesterday. East Feliciana District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says he wanted Clay and Shelia Fletcher to receive the maximum of 40 years due to the horrific way their special needs daughter died.

Cut 9 (07) “…the couch.” 

Lacey was found on January 3, 2022, covered in maggots and sores in a couch rotting in her own waste.

A proposal that would offer Louisiana families state dollars to pay for private school passed in the Senate Education Committee. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews, who opposes the bill, says families who have children attending a well performing schools should not be eligible for this program. She questioned Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds…

Cut 7 (13) “…their opinion”  

Grambling State men’s basketball team won their first ever NCAA Tournament game last night in an 88 to 81 victory against Montana State. The Tigers will take on top-seeded Purdue in Indianapolis tomorrow night. Tigers Head Coach Donte Jackson says his team faces a monumental task in trying to upset the Boilermakers.

Cut 5 (12)  “…ready to play”

Tip-off tomorrow night is at 6:25.

For the first time in 22 years, McNeese men’s basketball team will play in the NCAA Tournament after beating Nicholls in the Southland Conference Championship last week. The Cowboys will take on Gonzaga Bulldogs in Salt Lake City, Utah tonight. McNeese guard Shahada Wells…

Cut 14 (12) “…just bring it” 

Tipoff is at 6:25 central time.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Grambling keeps its historic season alive after they defeated Montana State in overtime 88 to 81. A big contributor in the Tigers win was Senior Guard Jourdan Smith who scored 18 points and had 10 rebounds in the game. Smith says that he was determined to not let Grambling’s historic season end in the First Four.

Cut (20) “… good test.”

Grambling will play Purdue tomorrow at 6:45 with tip off on TBS.

And tonight McNeese will take on Gonzaga in Salt Lake City at 6:25 on TBS. The Pokes are trying to win their first ever NCAA tournament game.

And the Pelicans will try to exceed their win total from last year when they take on the Orlando Magic tonight at 6:00 pm. The Pelicans are currently two and a half point favorites to beat the Magic and are only one game behind the Clippers for the fourth spot in the Western Standings.

LSU football will look to replicate the offensive success it found last year without Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr. who are projected to be first round picks in this year’s NFL draft. Garrett Nussmeir says that the Tigers can’t focus on who will or will not be on the team from last year.

Cut 16 (17) “… self too.”

UL-Lafayette’s 31 game win streak over Louisiana Tech in softball ended yesterday when the Bulldogs defeated the Ragin’ Cajuns 5 to 3. LA Tech tied UL-Lafayette’s earlier three run lead in the third inning and never look back as the Bulldogs pulled through to beat the Cajun’s for the first time since 1998.

In college baseball last night, Louisiana Tech defeated Nicholls 6 to 4, Northwestern State lost to Sam Houston State 5 to 2, and UL-Lafayette defeated McNeese 4 to 1.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 21

The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation that will one day allow every family to apply for state dollars to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is a co-author of the bill and says parents should have options on how their child should be educated…

Cut 6  (12) “…is educated.” 

The L-A Gator Scholarship Program would begin with the 2025-26 school year.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills includes legislation that would repeal the rule that prohibits a homeowners insurance company from dropping a policyholder after three years. Temple’s plan sparked debate with New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis….

Cut 11 (06) “…I’m in.”

Duplessis believes the state’s infrastructure, and hurricanes are more of a barrier to insurers than the rule.

172 graduating medical students from LSU School of Medicine New Orleans found out which residency program they will be attending after graduation. 80 students will remain in the Bayou State.  Interim Dean Dr Richard DiCarlo says Louisiana has one of the highest retention rates and it is very encouraging when their graduates remain in-state.

Cut 7 (12) “…LSU Programs.”

An interactive exhibit at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans allows visitors to have virtual conversations with veterans including a military nurse, an aircraft factory worker, and a former USO performer. VP of Education Peter Crean says the jewel of their collection is their close to 12,000 oral histories.

Cut 5 (12) “…exactly that.” 

10:30 LRN Newscast March 21

A bill to end the state’s three-year rule, which prohibits insurers from dropping a policyholder they’ve insured for three or more years heads to the Senate floor. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this legislation is part of his plan to bring more insurers into Louisiana which would stabilize rates.

Cut 10 (09) “…to that.”

Former Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon considered the three-year rule one of the best consumer protection in Louisiana.

172 LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students found out where they will enter their residency Friday. And 80 graduates will remain in-state for their residency. Interim Dean Richard DiCarlo says part of their mission is to create the doctors for Louisiana’s future…

Cut 8 (11) “…to practice.” 

Graduates earn their long white coats with their title, Medical Doctor in May and begin their residency in June.

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans unveils a new interactive experience that allows visitors to have virtual conversations with veterans. Medal of Honor Winner Hershel Woodrow “Wood” Wilson is among the voices. VP of Education Peter Crean says they are trying to preserve the history of WWII with the voices of those who lived it.

Cut 6 (11) “…with a WWII veteran.”

The museum is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm.

The Grambling State men’s basketball team keeps making history. The Tigers played in their first ever NCAA Tournament game last night and they rallied to beat Montana State 88 to 81 in overtime. Head Coach Donte Jackson says his players were unfazed….

Cut 4 (12) “…right direction” 

Grambling plays again tomorrow night and they are facing a big test as they’ll take on top-seeded Purdue in Indianapolis.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 21

The Senate Insurance Committee passed a bill that would repeal the rule that prohibits a homeowners insurance company from dropping a policyholder after three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s want to bring more insurers into the state to lower rates for consumers. Temple’s plan sparked debate with New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis who challenged Temple on whether removing the rule for insurers will reduce premiums for consumers.

Cut 11 (06) “…I’m in.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans senior medical students found out where they will be going to complete their residency training. 80 of its 172 graduating medical students will remain in Louisiana for their residency. Interim Dean Dr Richard DiCarlo says Louisiana has one of the highest retention rates in the country for students in public medical school…

Cut 7 (12) “…LSU Programs.”

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans unveils a new interactive feature where visitors can have a virtual conversation with veterans and others who served during the war effort. VP of Education Peter Crean says it’s a unique experience.

Cut 4 (13) “…you’re asking.”

Crean says a lot of work went into capturing the voices of the aging veterans and their responses. Over two days they were asked more than a thousand questions.

For the first time since 2002, McNeese men’s basketball team will play in its first NCAA Tournament. Cowboys Head Coach Will Wade…

Cut 15 (15) “…down big.”

The Cowboys are 30-3 on the season and they rank fifth in the country in scoring defense, allowing 62 points a game. The Cowboys will face Gonzaga tonight at 6:25 central time in Salt Lake City, Utah.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A bill to end the state’s three-year rule, which prohibits insurers from dropping a policyholder they’ve insured for three or more years heads to the Senate floor.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Senate Education Committee has approved a school choice bill that would replace the current voucher system and give parents, regardless of income, the opportunity to receive state dollars to help pay for a private school education or other school-related expenses. The Public Affairs Research Council says the L-A Gator Scholarship Program would cost 650-million dollars annually in five to seven years.
LSU Health New Orleans says 172 of its graduating medical students participated in the National Resident Match Program and 80 of them will remain in Louisiana for their residency. Interim dean at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Richard DiCarlo, says their graduates who matched residency programs in other states will attend some of the most prestigious out-of-state programs…
cut 9 (13) “….Vanderbilt”

Grambling State won its first NCAA men’s basketball tournament game last night, beating Montana State in overtime. Tonight, McNeese will face Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Will Wade says this is his greatest coaching accomplishment, taking the Pokes to the Big Dance in his first year as head coach….
cut 13 (13) “…just phenomenal”
Tip off is at 6:25.