PARCC testing is underway for students in grades 3-8 in Louisiana. It’s the first time the Common Core standardized test is being administered here. State Department of Education Superintendent John White says these tests are about getting a simple description of what kids should be able to do at the end of each grade…:
CUT 7 (10) “we’re doing that”
White says promotion from one grade to the next will be decided at the district level.

The names of the 4 Louisiana National Guard soldiers who died in a helicopter crash along with 7 marines from North Carolina last week are expected to be released at this hour. The servicemen each did two tours in Iraq and also worked during hurricanes in Louisiana and the 2010 BP oil spill. Governor Bobby Jindal has ordered all flags at state buildings be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it is reported that nearly 23 million Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 are not getting tested as recommended. Scott Carwile reports…:
CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

LSU will be going to the dance for the first time since 2009. The purple and gold are the nine-seed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and will face North Carolina State this Thursday night in Pittsburgh.