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.

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.” 

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.

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.