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.

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.

A bill that would allow motorcycle riders over the age of 21 the option to ride without a helmet passed in the full House. Bill’s author, Representative Rodney Shamerhorn says wearing a helmet should be a personal choice.

Cut 3 (12) “…protect yourself.”  

The state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law, which has been in place since 2004, passed in a 60-43 vote. Monroe Representative Pat Moore opposes the bill. She says the legislation would increase highway deaths. And that would increase insurance rates.

Cut 5 (13)  “…of Louisiana.”

Louisiana is one of 17 states that require full time helmets while riding a motorcycle.

Legislation that would extend the time insurers and claimants can file a civil lawsuit from one to two years was unanimously approved by the House Civil Law Committee. Governor Jeff Landry says this gives all parties involved more time to reach a settlement…

Cut 7 (11) “…will go down”  

89 year old Dan Hollingsworth, former Ruston Mayor, died at his home on Monday. Hollingsworth served four consecutive terms from 1999 to 2015 as mayor. Current Mayor Ronny Walker says Hollingsworth will be remembered for strengthening the town’s relationship with Louisiana Tech.

Cut  14 (07) “…the future.”

A bill to get rid of vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana will be heard in House Transportation today. Author of the bill, Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley  says they are simply a money grab.

Cut 6 (07) “…the years.”

Bagley says no other states in the south require break tags or inspection stickers, except for Texas which is phasing there’s out. Bagley. Commercial and student transportation vehicles would still be required to have inspection stickers.

David Cauthron, a former Addis police officer, pled guilty Monday to two counts of manslaughter related to a deadly car crash on New Year’s Eve in 2022. Cauthron slammed his unit into a vehicle with killing two teens and severely injuring a U-L Lafayette during a high-speed chase. West Baton Rouge District Attorney Tony Clayton says Cauthron’s actions and comments before the accident were critical in the case.

Cut 7 (11) “…to hurt.”

The LSU Health New Orleans A-L-S clinic Co Director Dr. Stephen Kantrow says the clinic has been recognized as an A-L-S Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence for its commitment to providing quality care in ALS-related research. He says the collaborative effort simplify the patient health care experience.

Cut 15 (13) “…difficult diagnosis.”

Kantrow says the ALS team specializes in neuromuscular disorders and other conditions associated with ALS. He says patients visit the multidisciplinary clinic every three months.

The Grambling State men’s basketball team is preparing to play in their first ever NCAA Tournament game tomorrow night against Montana State. Tigers Basketball Head Coach Donte Jackson understands the significance to his players…

Cut 10 (08) “…play basketball.”

A proposal to eliminate vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana will be heard in House Transportation today. This will be Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s third attempt to eliminate break tags or vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana. As for opposition, he says he’s gotten pushback from the owners of vehicle inspection sites and from state police.

Cut 5 (10) “…of that.” 

Bagley says he also hasn’t received any opposition from Governor Jeff Landry’s administration over House Bill 344.

Former Addis police officer David Cauthron is set to serve 10 years in prison for driving around 100 miles per hour into an intersection and slamming into a vehicle, killing two teenagers and severely injuring a U-L Lafayette student. West Baton Rouge District Attorney Tony Clayton….

Cut 9 (12)  “…hear all that.”

Cauthron also pled guilty to one count of negligent injuring.

LSU Health-New Orleans ALS Clinic has been recognized as an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence. Co Director Dr. Stephen Kantrow says the recognition shows their commitment to providing quality care in ALS-related research.

Cut 13 (11)  “…way possible.”

In 2014, the ALS Association named LSU Health-New Orleans ALS Clinic as an ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center.

Grambling State University is in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in the history of the school. Tigers Basketball Coach Donte Jackson credits his players for buying in to the culture the staff is building in Grambling and says it’s an amazing feeling…

Cut 12 (10) “…your back.” 

Grambling plays Montana State in Dayton Ohio Wednesday night.

New Saints linebacker Willie Gay met with the media today and after 4 years of being in the Kansas City Chiefs defense, and Gay says that he is anxious to showcase his abilities in New Orleans.

Cut 19 (18) “… do it all man.”

Gay recorded 218 tackles, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and 19 passes defended in his four years at Kansas City.

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The New Orleans Pelicans will face the LA Clippers for the last time this regular season, when the predicted 4th and 5th seeded teams face off at 7 pm in the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans has won two of the last three games in the series and are currently 7 and a half point favorites over the Clippers.

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And in softball news, LSU will take on Ole Miss this weekend with first pitch on Saturday at 6 pm.

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LSU baseball will visit Mississippi State to start their SEC play this season. The Bulldogs are 13 and 5 heading into the series and have only hit 15 home runs this season. Nine of the fifteen have come from Sophomore outfielder Dakota Jordan, who is currently the SEC co-player of the week. LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says that LSU will have to be cautious when pitching to Jordan.

Cut 18 (18) “… good test.”

First pitch between the Tigers and Bulldogs will be at 6pm

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In college basketball news, the SWAC tournament saw Southern lose to Bethune-Cookman 73 to 58. Bethune-Cookman will move on to play Grambling in the semifinal round today at 2 pm.

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And in high school football news, Southside high school in Youngsville, Louisiana has hired a new football Head Coach in three time state champion Jess Curtis.

Legislation related to mental health on school campuses advance from Senate Education. Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham’s bill allows public schools to employ or allow a volunteer chaplain to provide support services for students and teachers. He says in the two states that do allow chaplains…

Cut 9 (07) “…are zero.” 

Abraham says fifteen other states are currently considering such laws, and it’s not just students who benefit.

The state department of transportation announces they will begin installing speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge starting on Monday. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the speed limit is also changing for trucks going from 55 miles per hour to 60, which is the same speed for cars…
cut 14 (10) “…speed limit”
The speed cameras will not issue tickets, but the plan is for that to happen in the future.

The McNeese Cowboys advance to the NCAA men’s Basketball Tournament by defeating Nicholls 92-76 in the Southland Tournament Championship game. Shahada Wells earned most valuable player honors for the tournament as he had 27 points and six assists in the win over the Colonels. Wells is excited to lead McNeese to its third ever NCAA Tournament appearance

Cut 5 (08)  “…make a run.”

The Bayou Bandits will learn of their NCAA Tournament destination on Selection Sunday at 5 PM.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 16 cents since last month. Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.07. Triple-A Fuel analyst Don Redman says higher crude oil prices is raising the price at the pump…

Cut 6  (09) “…a barrel.” 

Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says 61-year-old Ronald Britt, a Lafayette truck driver, was charged with negligent homicide for speeding during the super fog event on I-55 last year.

Cut 6  (11) “…Mrs. Fleming” 

The massive 168 vehicle pileup killed seven people. Britt is facing several charges.

Republican Senator Beth Mizell legislation that would prohibit possession, import, and ownership of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years old and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Mizell says Homeland Security was became concerned about trafficking after receiving a package with a childlike doll inside.

Cut 8 (13) “…in Metairie.” 

And while nine other states already have such laws, Mizell says legislation does not exist in Louisiana to allow law enforcement to take individuals into custody.

Booking mug shots of suspects charged in non-violent or minor crimes would once again become available under legislation heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Tangipahoa Sheriff Office has arrested 26-year-old Cameron McKnight in connection with several sex crimes. Last month, authorities received a complaint of alleged indecent behavior between McKnight, a former educator, and students. Detectives substantiated allegation and obtained a warrant for McKnight’s arrest. He was charged with several offenses including indecent behavior with juveniles. The investigation is ongoing.

A law passed in 2022 that prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses is once again making its way to the Senate floor. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was the only no vote. Barrow says once a mug shot goes public, it never goes away and it change and alter a person’s life…

Cut 13 (13) “…going forward.”  

Legislation banning trafficking, importing, and ownership of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, the bill’s author, says some companies create dolls based on the likeness of real children. She says her legislation could help prevent assaults on children by pedophiles or potential abusers.

Cut 10 (11) “…these dolls.”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

Taylor Swift’s fans have another chance to score a golden ticket to her sold out October 26^th show at the Superdome. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can win a pair and help “Mastermind” Ochsner Health’s Neuroscience Institute.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

61-year-old Ronald Britt, a Lafayette commercial truck driver, has been charged with negligent homicide in connection to the super fog pile up on I-55 involving 168 vehicles and seven deaths in St. John the Baptist parish last October. Britt was speeding when he crashed into the back of a vehicle resulting in a chain reaction crash.

Jameis Winston and the Saints will be heading in different directions this season as Winston signed a one year deal with the Browns. The veteran backup came to New Orleans in 2020 to learn from Sean Payton and Drew Brees, but a season ending knee injury in 2021 and back injury in 2022 limited his potential according to the Saints Locked On Podcast Host Ross Jackson.

Cut 17 (19) “… he will be missed.”

The Saints became active in the new league year as they signed former Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay to a one-year 5 million dollar deal.

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In college basketball news, Nicholls and McNeese will play in the Southland Conference final today at 4 pm on ESPN2. McNeese defeated Lamar 76 to 57 to win their semifinal game and Nicholls defeated Texas A&M Corpus Christi 81 to 73.

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LSU baseball was able to defeat North Dakota State 6 to 1 with Catcher Brady Neal playing Right Field. The move allowed Neal to get in the lineup in an outfield offense that hasn’t produced many runs this season. Neal got on base in all four of his at bats helping the Tigers to their 6 run performance and the Tigers and Bison will play again today at 4 pm.

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In other college baseball news, ULM barely lost to Ole Miss 5 to 3 after the Rebels had a two run ninth inning and Northwestern State snapped it’s five game losing streak by beating Louisiana Tech 11 to 5 yesterday.

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And LSU Softball had a big night yesterday as the Lady Tigers defeated the Longhorns 7 to 4. The win has LSU on a 23 game win streak heading into their series against Ole Miss this weekend and LSU Head Coach Beth Torina says that the Rebels will present a challenge for the Tigers.

Cut 20 (16) “… negated.”

The Tigers will host the Rebels Friday with the first pitch at 6 pm