LSU forward Angel Reese went viral after taunting Iowa player Caitlin Clark in the final moments of the National Championship game…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Louisiana Oil & Gas Association founder and President-Emeritus Don Briggs has died. He passed away at his home in Lafayette Sunday. Briggs was a giant of the energy industry and a powerful advocate for domestic energy in Baton Rouge and in D.C. Don Briggs…dead at 82.

Gas prices are on the rise again, up a dime over the last week; now at a statewide average cost of $3.18 for regular. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says it’s because oil producers abroad are cutting production, and it will likely get worse in May. Redman says crude jumped 6-percent this morning…:

CUT 10(10)      “…push it right.”

He expects a 30-cent hike in gas over the next month.

The state has a surplus of over a billion dollars as lawmakers go into regular session next week. What will they seek to do with it? The Public Affairs Research Council says it’s best to make one-time use of the money, because it’s non-recurring revenue. Some lawmakers propose doing something to fight the fentanyl crisis, and PAR President Steven Procopio says that could be a good move…:

CUT 14(07)      “…pad a resume.”

Lawmakers meet in Baton Rouge next Monday.

A Lafourche Parish deputy was killed Sunday, when his patrol unit was rammed by a chase suspect. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says LPSO Sgt. Nicholas Pepper was blocking traffic to keep bystanders safe during a brief standoff, but the suspect made another getaway; slamming into Pepper’s vehicle. Gossen says the investigation is ongoing…:

CUT 08(04)      “…for sure.”

The unnamed suspect is in the hospital with moderate injuries.

So what will the governor and lawmakers do with a $1.5-billion budget surplus? The governor wants to give teachers a $2000 or even $3000 pay raise. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says members may be unwilling…:

CUT 13(07)      “…exact amount.”

He says expect to see numerous agencies, programs, and projects will seek additional funding from the surplus. The legislature convenes next Monday.

Two people are under arrest for a fatal house fire that killed a Pineville man. 28-year-old Elizabeth Butler and 39-year-old Dorian Lewis are charged with negligent homicide and simple arson. The victim, 63-year-old Chong Daenan, leaves behind a wife and three kids.

Fasten your seat belts, gas prices are on the rise again. Teiko Foxx has the story…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Foxx.”

Tens of thousands of Louisiana Medicaid recipients could lose coverage, unless they take steps to update their information within the system. Governor John Bel Edwards says Medicaid eligibility reviews will begin in April, and it’s important to assure your contact info is up-to-date…:’

CUT 11(08)      “…keep your coverage”

He says look for a package from LDH in the mail and respond to it right away to prevent loss or interruption of benefits. LDH estimates more than 300-thousand people will be taken off of Medicaid during this re-eligibility process.

A date has been set for ceremonies to officially re-name Fort Polk, in Vernon Parish. The Armey has set June 13^th for the event, in which the fort will be re-dubbed Fort Johnson; named for World War I hero and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. William Henry Johnson.

District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is a political maneuver. Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. He is the first former (or seated) U.S. President to ever be formally accused of a crime. Scalise says the charges are alleged violation of federal law, and federal prosecutors have not seen fit to indict Trump. He questions why a New York City D.A. would press the issue…:

CUT 14(08)      “…standard in America.”

There’s one of these every year: a bill to proclaim something as the Louisiana state BLANK. This time, it’s a bill from CenLa Representative Lance Harris, proclaiming the pecan the official State Nut…:

CUT 03(12)      “…state nut.”

There are too many jokes here and they’re all far too easy.

Governor Edwards urges Medicaid recipients to update their contact information with the program, as eligibility checks are re-starting in April. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

Parishes in Northwest Louisiana are under a tornado watch until 9 tonight. Areas north of Natchitoches and from the Texas line to just east of Ruston should be prepared for severe thunderstorms and be alert to possible tornado warnings that may occur.

District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is a political maneuver. Scalise says the New York district attorney is pretty obviously acting in the best interests of his political party; not his constituents…:

Cut 13  (11)      “…politically-charged.”
Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

It’s another great week for crawfish consumers with an average 15-cent drop in prices this week. That’s according to Crawfish App co-founder Laney King. She says the drop in prices wasn’t at the dock this time, it was retailers who dropped their prices…:

CUT 06(09)      “…crawfish season.”

Which of course is Easter weekend.  You can expect to pay about $2.64 a pound this weekend for live crawfish.

District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is a political maneuver. Scalise says the New York City D.A. Alvin Bragg is abusing his power…:

CUT 12  (13)        “…after Donald Trump.”

Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Scalise says the indictment is clearly intended to hurt Trump’s 2024 election plans.

Governor John Bel Edwards urges Medicaid recipients to take action and check their eligibility status to avoid losing coverage. He says look for a package in the mail and reply right away…:

CUT 10(09)      “…contact information.”

Baton Rouge Police are investigating the death of a pedestrian Thursday night in Interstate 12. Officers say – for reasons unknown – 35-year-old Michael Williams ran out into the middle of the roadway and then stopped. He was struck by traffic and killed. The coroner rules the death an accident, but cops want to know WHY he did it.

State lawmakers are accused of coming up with nutty ideas, well one Central Louisiana lawmaker wants to make the pecan the official state nut…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

The state legislature is expected to take on teacher and law enforcement pay raises when they convene in about 12 days. Louisiana has over a billion dollars in surplus, thanks to pandemic relief and hurricane recovery money, so the Governor wants to give teachers a $3000-a-year raise. Others want to give more supplemental pay to LEOs. Houma Representative Tanner McGee says the latter will likely get some pushback…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…local responsibility.”

McGee says pay raises need to come from renewable funding sources.

Wildlife & Fisheries just graduated a class on 19 new field agents. Spokesman Adam Einck says they’ll spend their first 6 months on the job with a training officer. He says the additional agents were sorely needed…:

CUT 14  (14)        “…helps a lot.”

When you compare stress factors among states Louisiana isn’t at the top of the list but it sure is close. Brooke Thorington has more on WalletHub’s 2023 list of Most Stressed States…:

CUT 03(29)      “…Thorington.”

This is NOT a Louisiana story, but you should enjoy it. A pair of teenage carjackers in Germantown, Maryland are under arrest after they failed to make off with a man’s wheels. They accosted the man as he was finishing getting gas, forcefully took his keys and jumped in the car…only to find it had a standard transmission…which they could not fathom. They were apprehended a short time later after fleeing on foot.

The legislative session is right around the corner and with the state sitting on a large surplus of money, raising salaries will be a big topic. Governor Edwards proposes a three-thousand-dollar teacher salary increase. Republican Houma Representative Tanner Magee says legislators support raising teacher pay but by how much…:

CUT 07(08)      “…pay for it.”

Magee says federal pandemic relief money and hurricane recovery dollars have helped boost state revenues. But that money is going way, so pay raises need to be from sustainable funding.

April is Stress Awareness Month and according to WalletHub the Bayou State ranks number two among the most stressed states. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says they compared several factors like work, financial, health, and crime-related stress among the 50 states…:

CUT 10(10)      “…interrelated”

Mississippi topped the list as the most stressed state, followed by Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Nevada.

Should victims, families of defendants, the public, and the press have the right to know our criminal court system is working on their behalf? If passed, a new bill would provide that information at no cost…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Foxx.”

In New Orleans, a judge has ruled that DNA and fingerprint evidence MAY be used in the trial against 3 of 4 teens accused of carjacking an elderly woman last year and dragging her to her death.  73-year-old Linda Frickey died after her arm was torn off. Trial for the three begins Monday with jury selection. One teen was ruled incompetent to stand trial.

Will public school teachers get a pay raise when legislators convene for the regular session next month?…

CUT 02  (30)         “…Kieschnick”

Deputies in DeSoto Parish arrest a big rig driver after video of him driving very aggressively against another 18-wheeler went viral this week. The video shows 43-year-old Omar Martinez’s truck and another swerving back and forth across I-49 near Stonewall; trying to run on another off the road. A warrant is out for the other trucker as well. His identity has not been released.

A bill to create a Criminal Justice System Pilot Program providing free access to criminal court records and case information for the public and the press is on the table for the upcoming legislative session. The two-part legislation will offer transparency in adult court and relating to juvenile crime. Attorney Laura Rodrigue says with a rise in juvenile crime – the public has the right to know what is going on in the court system…:

CUT 04(12)      “…of violence.”

The legislation is authored by Kenner Representative Debbie Villio.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy graduated their 35^th class of cadets into the LDWF Enforcement Division. Graduates spent the last six months training to enforce the state’s recreational boating and wildlife and fisheries laws and LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says they’ll start work immediately…:

CUT 13(10)      “…being followed.”

The 19 graduates will help to fill vacancies in the Enforcement Division and spend the first six months assigned to a field-training officer.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell publicly addresses the failed recall effort to remove her from office. The Governor’s office determined there were insufficient valid signatures submitted by the NOLATOYA group to force a recall election. Cantrell says she now wants to put the whole matter in the rearview mirror…:

CUT 06(07)      “…New Orleans.”

Nearly 40-thousand signatures were deemed invalid by the Orleans registrar.

Early childhood educators in Louisiana are getting active shooter training this week. Institute for Childhood Preparedness Director Andrew Roszak says this age group – zero to five – is often overlooked, and his group offers specialized instruction on how to respond and even prevent an active shooter…:

CUT 03(09)      “…response plans.”

Workshops are being held statewide this week.

The city of Abbeville moves closer to imposing a curfew in an effort to curb teen criminal activity. The council voted unanimously to put one in place for kids under 18; Sunday through Thursdays 8:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. No start date for the curfew has been set.

College basketball player Antoine Davis finished four points short of breaking LSU legend Pete Maravich’s NCAA career scoring record, and Davis is upset he didn’t get another game…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Would you know what to do if an active shooter enters a Head Start Program with a classful of toddlers? Brooke Thorington has more on what state education is doing to change that.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Antoine Davis finished four points short of breaking LSU legend Pete Maravich’s NCAA career scoring record and Davis is upset he didn’t get another game. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

Early childhood educators in Louisiana are receiving active shooter training this week. Institute for Childhood Preparedness Director Andrew Roszak says this age group, of zero to five, is often overlooked and they offer specialized instructions on how to respond and even prevent an active shooter.

Cut 3 (09) “…response plans.” 

The organization is conducting 11 training sessions in Louisiana this week blanketing the state from Shreveport to New Orleans in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education. Roszak says they’ve received positive feedback from individuals who’ve completed the training.

Cut 4 (11)  “…our community.” 

Last year there were 647 mass shootings in the U.S. and there have already been 79 this year alone.

Participants are able to practice the techniques they’ve learned in a controlled environment and receive feedback from professional instructors. Roszak says it’s very important for early childhood educators to be prepared for the worst to protect such a vulnerable age group.

Cut 5 (11) “…the fly.”

You learn more about the organization at childhoodpreparedness.org and also register for classes, Roszak says they have a few open slots left.

_______________________________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell publicly addressed the recall effort to remove her from office during a press conference today. Governor John Bel Edwards’ office determined there was an insufficient number of signatures submitted by NOLATOYA to force a recall election. Cantrell says she is grateful to the community that supported her through this and this speedbump is now in the rearview mirror.

Cut 6 (07)  “…New Orleans.” 

More than 67,000 signatures were submitted but only 27,243 of the signatures were deemed valid; far below the 45-thousand needed. Cantrell is optimistic that the city will be able to move forward and refocus.

Cut 7 (06)  “…serve everyone.” 

Cantrell is the first Black woman to be elected mayor but her popularity has dwindled since crime escalated. Cantrell says she will continue her leadership as Mayor and will work collectively with everyone to build a better city.

Cut 8 (11)  “…who did NOT” 

NOLATOYA organizers plan to challenge the recall results.

_______________________________________________

A shelter-in-place was ordered and all lanes of Interstate 10 leading to the Calcasieu River Bridge were shut down this morning as a result of a chlorine leak from Bio Lab in Westlake. State Police Sergeant James Anderson says multiple agencies responded…

Cut 9 (11) “…shelter in place was lifted”

Anderson says a vapor cloud was spotted in the sky and air monitors determined it was chlorine. He says a shelter in place and the I-10 near the Lake Charles bridge were closed for about two hours, before re-opening just before noon.

Cut 10 (06) “…around this.” 

________________________________________________

The LSU Lady Tigers left today for Greenville, South Carolina, where they’ll play Utah on Friday afternoon in a Sweet 16 matchup in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. A rally was held on campus for the team before they left for the airport. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team is two wins away from LSU reaching the final four for the first time since 2008…

Cut 11 (11)  “…Geaux Tigers”

LSU plays Utah in the Regional semi-final on Friday at 4 PM.

_______________________________________________

College basketball player Antoine Davis says he feels cheated for not having an opportunity to break Pete Maravich’s NCAA scoring record. Davis ended up four points short and the C-B-I did not add his school, Detroit-Mercy, to its tournament so he can pass Pistol Pete. Maravich’s eldest son, Jaeson, is glad…

Cut 12 (11) “…the 80s” 

Many felt it was right to exclude Detroit-Mercy from the C-B-I, because they had a losing record at 14-19. Jaeson Maravich says it blows his mind that Davis would say he’s upset that he was not given one more game to break the record…

Cut 13 (10) “…I really do”

Maravich scored 3,667 points during three varsity seasons at LSU. Jaeson Maravich points out that Davis had five years to break the record, because he got an extra year as a result of the COVID pandemic…

Cut 14 (08)  “…shot clock”

Davis missed four three-pointers in the final two minutes of his last college game.