The House Civil Law Committee has voted against a proposal to give residents a chance to vote on whether abortion should be legal in Louisiana. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (36)  “I’m Colleen Crain” 

A bill to allow judges to sentence sex offenders whose victims are younger than 13, to surgical castration will be heard in Senate Judiciary C Tuesday. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, author of the bill believes sexual assault has a lifelong impact on children. She says the state would be responsible for surgical costs.

Legislation to do away with the requirement for Louisiana drivers to have an inspection sticker on their vehicle passes the House Transportation Committee. State Police Captain Bryan Lee says State Troopers and police officers can’t tell if a vehicle’s tires are worn, which is something that can be spotted during a vehicle inspection. He says bald tires are a safety threat…

Cut 10 (07) “…bad tires. “

The elimination of inspection vehicles would cost State Police and the Office of Motor Vehicles 14-million dollars a year.  Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says there are several inspection stations that do not take it seriously, so why require it…

Cut 11 (09) “…they’re not.”

The measure will now head to House Appropriations for more discussion.

Democrat Henry Whitehorn, who won by a single vote margin in November, has been elected as Caddo Parish first African American Sheriff. Political Analyst Scott Hughes points out the unity and commitment from Democrats and the African American community to place Whitehorn into leadership.

Cut 4 (10) “…128 boxes.” 

Whitehorn secured 53 percent of the vote against his opponent Republican John Nickelson. Whitehorn who won by a one vote margin in November, will be sworn in this summer.

A recall effort is underway to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape, who officially took office today after it was revealed he was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Franklin Senator Beth Mizell says there will be a gathering at the state capitol this afternoon.

Cut 6  (09) “…that office.” 

The LSU women’s basketball team defeated Middle Tennessee Raider’s in a final score of 83-56 Sunday and advance to the Sweet 16 for the second straight year. Angel Reese stepped up her game in the second half and scored 14 points. Coach Kim Mulkey says in the second half they picked up the pace offensively and played with more effort…

Cut 19 (17) “…third and fourth quarter”  

LSU will play the winner of tonight’s game between UCLA and Creighton in the Sweet 16 on Saturday.

Legislation to ban the sale, possession, and use of the recreational inhale nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas passed the House Criminal Justice Committee in a unanimous vote. Nitrous oxide cartridges are packaged in attractive bright colors and sold in unlimited quantities without age limits. Concerned citizen, Samantha McCann testified before the committee…

Cut 6 (08) “…stop him.”

The bill heads to the full house for consideration.

LSU Health Shreveport Director of the Rehabilitation Science Program Dr. Cory Coehoorn (coo-horn) says they are joining forces Air Force Global Strike Command to study the physical and cognitive effects B-52 aircrew members go through during long deployments.

Cut 13 (08)  “…things like that.”

Coehoorn says this is a first and they are excited about the study. He anticipates the research project will take flight in the next six months.

A bill to end the state’s insurance crisis has been labeled as beneficial to the insurer, not the consumer. Jeanne Burns has Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s reaction…

Cut 2 (28)  “I’m Jeanne Burns.” 

Democrat Henry Whitehorn has been elected the first African American Sheriff of Caddo Parish. Whitehorn won with 53 percent of the votes beating his opponent Republican John Nickelson. A one vote margin by Whitehorn in November landed the election results in court after Nickelson demanded a recount. Whitehorn will be sworn in as sheriff on July 1^st.

The Criminal Justice Committee unanimously passed legislation to ban the sale, use, and possession of nitrous oxide statewide.  Bill author, Rep Joe Stagni (Stag Knee) says Nitrous oxide has become a highly addictive drug with devastating consequences.

Cut 4 (11) “…laughing matter.”

The party drug is sold at gas stations and smoke shops across the state.

Lawmakers are backing Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills to make the state more attractive to insurance companies. Temple says several of the bills focus on improving the state’s legal environment, which he says will bring more companies to the state and result in lower premiums…

 Cut 7 (10) “…litigate.”

High winds, hail and isolated tornadoes are possible as a cold front will sweep across the state today. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the greatest risk for severe weather could be found in northeast Louisiana..

Cut 3 (12) “…weather wise”  

Keim says one to two inches could fall from this storm system with some areas seeing more than two inches.

LSU Health Shreveport is joining forces with the Air Force to study the physical and cognitive effects of lengthy flights on B-52 aircrew members. Director of the Rehabilitation Science Program Dr. Cory Coehoorn (coo-horn) says  once the three-year study is complete,  they’ll look at….

Cut 15 (08) “…mission objectives.”

The LSU Lady Tigers will begin their NCAA tournament journey today in the Albany 2 regional when they host the Rice Owls who have been playing some of their best basketball of the season. LSU head Coach Kim Mulkey knows that Rice will present a challenge for the Tigers, if they are overlooked.

Cut 17 (11) “… play our best.”

The Tigers and Owls will tip off on ESPN at 3 pm.

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McNeese’s NCAA tournament run came to a close yesterday as the Cowboys lost to the Gonzaga Bulldogs 86 to 65. Head Coach Will Wade says that he will be sad to see his seniors leave.

Cut 22 (16) “… a community.”

McNeese ended its historic season with a 30 and 4 record.

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LSU will host the Florida Gators in the Box this weekend in a battle of top 10 SEC teams. Florida had a rough start to the season, but after beating Texas A&M to open up SEC play, the Gators seem to have found their footing. A big part of the Gators success this season has been the play of Junior Pitcher and first baseman Jac Caglianone who leads the team with a .414 batting average and 9 home runs. LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says that Caglianone has the skills as a hitter that will make him a high draft pick.

Cut 19 (18) “… draft boards.”

First pitch will be at 7 pm on the SEC Network

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And the Pelicans lost to the Orlando Magic yesterday 121 to 106. During the game, Brandon Ingram had to be helped off the court with a left knee injury early in the second half.

Tomorrow is Election day with the presidential primary on the statewide ballot and some areas have local races. Nearly 170,000 voters have already cast their ballots. Secretary of State spokesperson Joel Watson says Caddo Parish has had the largest turnout in the state with approximately 25,000 ballots already cast.

Cut 8 (08) “…voting period.” 

The polls are open from 7 am until 8 pm.

As the First Round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament starts today, many are wondering if this be the last one for Lady Tiger stars, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith? If they enter the WNBA, things will certainly change without their college NIL deals… Reese says brand relationships have been built and will last into the future…

Cut 4 (10) “…past college.

House Education approves a bill to repeal state laws requiring educators to teach students about CPR, eating disorders, adoption and substance abuse and more. Instead, BESE would decide if they should be taught Rosepine Representative Charles Owens is the author of the legislation..

Cut 13 (08)  “…our classroom.”

Owens says for teachers to teach these type of lessons, they have to be trained. He says instead of state lawmakers deciding if these are worthy subjects, leave it up to the state’s top school board, BESE…

Saturday is election day with the presidential primary on the statewide ballot and some areas have local races. Secretary of State spokesperson Joel Watson says about 170,000 voters have already cast their ballots either by absentee or early voting. And for a spring low-profile election he says that’s a notable.

Cut 7 (13) “…voting period.”

Watson says voter turnout is more prominent in municipalities that have local races. Caddo Parish has had the largest turnout in the state with approximately 25,000 ballots already cast.

The First Round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament starts Friday but will this be the last one for Lady Tiger stars, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith? If they enter the WNBA, things will certainly change without their college NIL deals… Van Lith says NIL deals may not continue to the same degree playing in the WNBA but that doesn’t mean the loss of endorsement dollars…

Cut 6 (12) “…the league.” (6)

Thanks to the Fast Forward program, Raiden Scott has graduated from college before he receives his high school diploma from Minden High School. Principal Becky Johnson says the high school senior started taking classes last year through Bossier Parish Community College and Southern University Shreveport.

The dual enrollment program allows high school students to take college courses while in high school and earn college credits at the same time. Johnson says Raiden is planning on going into the medical field.

Cut 11 (08) “…to me.”

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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.”