A Prairieville student is in custody after a hidden camera linked to the student was discovered in the girls locker. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Health Secretary, Courtney Phillips has submitted her resignation from office. Phillips oversaw the department during the national health crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic. The department was under scrutiny for its processing of Medicaid payments and a failed nursing home evacuation plan after Hurricane Ida that led to multiple elderly deaths in a Tangipahoa warehouse.

Governor John Bel Edwards said the department made strides in health equity and maternal mortality under Phillip’s leadership. Phillip will be replaced by longtime Health Department Attorney Stephen Russo. Phillips’s resignation will take effect on Thursday, April 6.

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton has filed a bill to ban the discussion of sexual preference or gender identity in the classroom. HB 466 would also prohibit school employees from sharing their own orientation with kids and the use of “preferred pronouns” opposite of the gender of the child’s birth records. Horton says when a child is in the classroom education should be the focal point.

Cut 9 (10)  “…subject at hand.”

Horton’s bill will be heard in the upcoming legislative session.

Rapides Parish boys and girls high school basketball teams won the state championship but are not able to purchase rings due to insufficient funds. Northwood-Lena is the first school to win a title on both girls’ and boys’ teams in the same season. Northwood-Lena Coach Alan Tinsley says the total cost of the rings is estimated at $14,000 that was not placed in the budget.

Cut 14 (09)  “…that works.”

Donations can be made to Northwood-Lena High School.

A 13-year-old Prairieville student is facing charges after a camera disguised as an ink pen, was found in the girl’s locker room. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Donovan Jackson says the pen cam was found by a student, who alerted school officials. Jackson says it is important for children to understand the consequences of something like this, because the boy not only faces criminal charges, but expulsion from school…:

CUT 11(08)      “…their actions.”

Where and how the teen got the spy device is also under investigation.

A Bossier Parish lawmaker files a bill to forbid classroom discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says the bill codifies adherence to traditional learning…:

CUT 08(09)      “…that’s it.”

The same bill failed to pass last year.

A celebratory parade for the NCAA Champion LSU Lady Tigers will take place tomorrow evening; snaking through the LSU campus and ending at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The university says the parade will be at 6:30 p.m., and a celebration at the PMAC will get underway at 7.

Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Northwood High in Lena have earned state championship title rings this year, but they need help to cover the cost of getting them. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 03(33)        “…Foxx.”

A 13-year-old Prairieville student is facing charges after a camera disguised as an ink pen, was found in the girl’s locker room. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

A four-day school week? LaSalle Parish School Board members have unanimously voted to move to a Tuesday through Friday school week. Under the plan each of the four days will be slightly longer for kids. In LaSalle, schools would start at 7:50 am and end at 3:35 pm.

A Bossier Parish lawmaker has, again this year, filed a bill to forbid classroom discussion of sexual preference or gender identity. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s HB 466 would also prohibit teachers and school employees from discussing their own orientation with kids. She says she knows of an educator in Shreveport who does this…:

CUT 07(12)      “…elementary students.”

Horton says a child’s time in school should be spent learning; not being indoctrinated.

Rapides Parish high school basketball teams won the state championship but were unable to clinch the rings due to a lack of funding. Northwood-Lena is the first school to win a title on both girls’ and boys’ teams in the same season. Coach Alan Tinsley says after paying for other team essentials during the year – there are no funds available to commemorate the achievement…:

CUT 13(10)      “…championship rings.”

All donations can be made by contacting Northwood-Lena High School.

Some will call it a “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but Bossier Parish Representative Dodie Horton has filed legislation to ban classroom discussion of sexual preference or gender identity. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Palermo.”

Deputies in St. John Parish arrest an alleged drug dealer for selling to a woman who overdosed on his wares. 31-year-old Shelbi Ori died on New Year’s Eve. An investigation led to 55-year-old Clyde Madere, who admitted selling her the drugs – laced with fentanyl. Madere has drug related arrests dating back to 1986; 50 of them. His latest arrest is for 2^nd degree murder.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and distracted drivers in Louisiana are involved in at least 5,000 crashes a year.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Mark Lambert says driving is an activity that requires your full attention…:

CUT 04(11)      “…cell phone.”

On average, drivers in Louisiana use their cell phones 2.4 times each time they drive.

In Prairieville, a 13-year-old Galvez Middle School student is facing video voyeurism charges after a camera, disguised as an ink pen, was located in the girl’s locker room last week.  Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Donovan Jackson says they’ve contacted the parents of all of the students who were involved…:

CUT 10(08)      “…locker room.”

Where and how the 13-year-old student obtained the camera is also being investigated.

Bossier Parish Representative Dodie Horton has filed a bill to ban classroom discussion of sexual preference or gender identity. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A 13-year-old Prairieville student is facing charges after a camera disguised as an ink pen, was found in the girl’s locker room. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams earned state championship title rings this year in Rapides Parish but need help to cover the cost of getting them. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month and distracted drivers in Louisiana are involved in at least 5,000 crashes a year.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Mark Lambert says driving is an activity that requires your full attention.

Cut 4 (11)  “…cell phone.”

Using a cell phone, eating while driving, or talking to passengers are the most common distractors. In 2021, distracted drivers were involved in 5,030 accidents in which at least one person was injured or killed according to data from the Center for Analytics in Research and Transportation Safety at LSU. Lambert says 53 of the wrecks resulted in at least one fatality, the highest number of distracted-related fatal crashes in Louisiana since 2009.

Cut 5 (07) “…real problem.”

Louisiana law prohibits the use of cell phones and sending text messages while driving and adult drivers could be fined up to $1,000. Lambert believes distracted driving is underreported and drivers should consider the possible consequences before picking up an electronic device.

Cut 6 (12)  “…and others.”

On average, drivers in Louisiana use their cell phones 2.4 times each time they drive.

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A Bossier Parish lawmaker has, again this year, filed a bill to forbid classroom discussion of sexual preference or gender identity. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s HB 466 would also prohibit teachers and school employees from discussing their own orientation with kids. She says she knows of an educator in Shreveport who does this…:

Cut 7 (12) “…elementary students.”

Horton says her bill could be characterized as an anti-grooming measure. She filed a similar bill last year, but it failed to gain traction. She says the measure would prohibit classroom instruction of anything that deviates from state standards or curricula – especially topics of sexual identity and orientation. Horton says the bill codifies adherence to traditional learning…:

Cut 8 (09) “…that’s it.”

Horton’s bill would also bar the use of so-called “preferred pronouns” that do not match the gender the student was born. Exceptions would be made if parents make written requests of such, but can be refused if the teacher has a religious or moral issue with it. Horton says a child’s time in school should be spent learning…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…subject at hand.”

_______________________________________________

In Prairieville, a 13-year-old Galvez Middle School student is facing video voyeurism charges after a camera, disguised as an ink pen, was located in the girl’s locker room last week.  Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Donovan Jackson says they’ve contacted the parents of all of the students who were involved.

Cut 10 (08) “…locker room.” 

Jackson says it is important for children to understand the consequences of something like this, which can be severe. In addition to criminal charges, the young man could also face expulsion.

Cut 11 (08)  “…their actions.”

The camera was found last week by another student, who Jackson says took the device home but when he discovered it was a recording device instead, the school was notified. The school then alerted the authorities.

Cut 12 (07)  “…situations.”

Where and how the 13-year-old student obtained the camera is also being investigated.

____________________________________________________

Rapides Parish high school basketball teams won the state championship but were unable to clinch the rings due to a lack of funding. Northwood-Lena is the first school to win a title on both girls’ and boys’ teams in the same season. Coach Alan Tinsley says after paying for other team essentials during the year – there are no funds available to commemorate the achievement.

Cut 13 (10) “…championship rings.” 

The estimated cost for rings for thirty-five players and coaches is approximately $14,000. Tinsley says the cost of the rings is incurred by the teams.

Cut 14 (09)  “…that works.”

The team is asking community leaders and local businesses to chip in to help purchase the rings and currently working on a t-shirt fundraiser. Tinsley says it was a blessing to have churches to donate but there’s a need for more additional funding.

Cut 15 (09)  “…the school.”

All donations can be made by contacting Northwood-Lena High School.

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The LSU women’s basketball team is back home celebrating its national championship win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Head Coach Kim Mulkey delivered on a promise of bringing the national championship to her home state. It only took her two seasons, but she credits the players who came to LSU and the fans…

Cut  16 (24)  “…better and better.” 

LSU held a welcome home celebration for the Lady Tigers yesterday afternoon and Mulkey is looking forward to a parade and another celebration in the PMAC tomorrow night…

Cut 17 (13) “…cheers” 

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Jerry Arledge is stepping down as West Monroe High School’s head coach and has been named the school’s athletic director. Arledge has been with West Monroe for 31 seasons and was the defensive coordinator when the school won eight state titles from 1992 to 2012. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says it’s the end of an era.

Cut 18 (13) “…in 2013.”

Dietrich says when Arledge was named head coach his tenure was marked with great success but was eclipsed because a state championship eluded him.

Cut 19 (18) “…that goal.”

A search for Arledge’s replacement is underway.

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Cut 20 (07)  “…dugout”  

LSU forward Angel Reese is receiving criticism after taunting Iowa player Caitlin Clark in the final moments of the National Championship game. And because Clark who’s made similar gestures in the past, Reese defended her actions and pointed out the hypocrisy of it all.

Cut 4 (10)  “…me tonight.” 

LSU Chancellor William Tate defended Reese also saying quote “If you have a problem with it, beat her. That’s all I have to say. If you can’t beat her, sit down.” End quote.

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

Cut 8 (04)  “…for sure.” 

The unnamed suspect is in the hospital with moderate injuries.

Gas prices are on the rise again, up a dime from last week. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says we normally see prices go up this time of the year as refineries switch from winter to summer-grade gasoline.

Cut 9 (11) “…all of that”

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.18.

The legislative session begins a week from today and lawmakers are happy there’s a large budget surplus. More than one-point-five billion dollars will need to be allocated and Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says several agencies, programs, and projects are seeking funds…

Cut 12 (12) “…over this” 

Governor Edwards is pushing for teacher pay raises.

A Lafourche Parish sheriff’s deputy was killed Sunday, during a pursuit of a suspect. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says it started early Sunday morning in Houma with a man running from a routine traffic stop. LPSO Sgt. Nick Pepper got involved when the chase crossed into Lafourche…:

CUT 06  (07)        “…the suspect.”

The unnamed suspect made a second getaway attempt; ramming into Pepper’s patrol unit and killing him. Once that man is out of the hospital, he faces serious charges.

Up once again go the prices of gas and diesel fuel. Regular gas is up over a dime in just one week. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says plan on gas going up about 30 more cents over the next month…:

CUT 11  (11)        “…a month ago”

Why? Redman says OPEC cutting production drastically is the cause; forcing crude oil prices upward.

LSU forward Angel Reese is making headlines not for her playing but for taunting Iowa star player Caitlin Clark in the final moments of the game. Reese waved her hand and pointed to her finger where her championship ring would go, a gesture that Clark herself has done on the basketball court. Reese called out the hypocrites…:

CUT 03(07)      “…say nothing.”

LSU Chancellor William Tate has chimed in on the Angel Reese flap. Defending his champion player, he said today, “If you have a problem with it, beat her. That’s all I have to say. If you can’t beat her, sit down.”

By the way, a celebratory parade for the NCAA Champion Lady Tigers will take place Wednesday in Baton Rouge. The university says the parade will be at 6:30 p.m., and a celebration at the PMAC will get underway at 7 p.m. Additional details about the parade route have not yet been released. The Lady Tigers took down the Iowa Hawkeyes Sunday, April 2, 102-85, which was a championship game scoring record.

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.