A bill to repeal the state statute that allows for financially compensating people who served time in prison for crimes that they did not commit heads to the full house. The vote in the House Criminal Justice Committee was 7-to-4. Meredith Angelson testified against it, saying most wrongfully convicted people aren’t being fully compensated right now as it is.

Cut 11 (12) “…at ten years.”

About 200-thousand people are expected at the Vatican tomorrow for the funeral of Pope Francis. The funeral service will be held at Saint Peter’s Square, and he will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. Bishop Michael Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge got to meet Pope Francis in 2019 and says the pontiff was genuine.

Cut 4 (08) “…our questions directly.”

LSU will open a new instructional site in Baton Rouge for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to help address Louisiana’s critical nursing shortage. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Heavy rains have caused flooding in some areas, and one company is stepping up to help those affected. The two U-Haul stores in Lafayette are offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-box container usage for those impacted. The U-Box offer is for on-site storage at company centers.

The House Criminal Justice Committee votes to advance a bill that would repeal the state statute that allows for financially compensating people who served time in prison for crimes that they did not commit. Attorney General Liz Murrill testified in support of the bill, saying that the burden to compensate wrongfully-convicted people should be at the local level and not the state level.

Cut 10 (07) “…attorney in Orleans.”

This fall, LSU opens a new instructional site in Baton Rouge for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. School of Nursing Associate Dean Jennifer Manning says the addition of the Baton Rouge campus will keep more students in Louisiana instead of applying to other SEC schools in other states.

Cut 9 (11)  “…remain in the state.”

Pope Francis will be laid to rest tomorrow. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

An improperly installed child safety seat is being blamed for the death of a two-year-old Slidell boy. Preston Odone was killed when the pickup truck he was riding in veered off the roadway along eastbound I-12 in Covington. State Police say while Preston was in a car seat, he was not properly restrained.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill that would repeal the state statute that allows for financial compensation for people who served time in prison for crimes that they did not commit. Kenner Republican Debbie Villio proposed the bill to strike the current law, arguing that exonerees can still seek relief through the federal courts. Jarvis Ballard, who served 23 years of a life prison sentence for a sex crime that he did not commit, says that avenue would not have been an option in his instance.

Cut 12 (11) “…make any sense.”

About 200-thousand people are expected at the Vatican tomorrow for the funeral of Pope Francis. Bishop Michael Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge says Francis continued the work of his two immediate predecessors, popes John Paul the Second and Benedict the 16th.

Cut 5 (10) “…of the church.”

LSU opens a new instructional site in Baton Rouge this fall for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing  program. School of Nursing Associate Dean Jennifer Manning says students will receive the same rigorous curriculum as at LSU Health New Orleans.

Cut 8 (10) “…Baton Rouge area hospitals.”

One big goal behind the new Baton Rouge site is to help address the state’s critical nursing shortage.

As widely expected, LSU tackle Will Campbell was taken fourth overall in the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Campbell says he’s looking forward to playing with second-year quarterback – and fellow first round pick – Drake Maye.

Cut 14 (13) “…special season coming.”

Campbell is the second LSU offensive lineman ever to be taken in the first round.

Pope Francis will be laid to rest tomorrow. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

LSU will open a new instructional site in Baton Rouge for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to help address Louisiana’s critical nursing shortage. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana sends off one offensive tackle and welcomes another at the NFL Draft. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

About 200-thousand people are expected at the Vatican tomorrow for the funeral of Pope Francis. The pontiff died of a stroke Easter Monday at the age of 88 – just hours after he made Easter Sunday appearances. The funeral service will be held at Saint Peter’s Square, and he will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. Bishop Michael Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge got to meet Pope Francis in 2019 and says the pontiff was genuine.

Cut 4 (08) “…our questions directly.”

Bishop Duca says Pope Francis continued the work of his two immediate predecessors, popes John Paul the Second and Benedict the 16th.

Cut 5 (10) “…of the church.”

Pope Francis’ funeral will begin nine days of mourning. And Duca says after that, work will begin on selecting a new pope.

Cut 6 (07) “…elect a pope.”

Pope Francis served since 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict the 16th.

______________________________________________________

In fall 2025, LSU will open a new instructional site in Baton Rouge for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing  program to help address Louisiana’s critical nursing shortage. LSU School of Nursing Associate Dean Jennifer Manning says the expansion allows pre-nursing students in Baton Rouge to complete their degrees locally, a highly requested option.

Cut 7 (12) “…a space issue.”

Manning says students will receive the same rigorous curriculum as at LSU Health New Orleans, combining in-person and synchronous distance learning, with clinical training through Woman’s Hospital and Our Lady of the Lake.

Cut 8 (10) “…Baton Rouge area hospitals.”

Enrollment will start at 30 students and grow to 90. The first class is set to graduate in May 2028. Manning says the addition of the Baton Rouge campus will keep more students in Louisiana instead of applying to other SEC schools in other states.

Cut 9 (11)  “…remain in the state.”

_____________________________________________________

The House Criminal Justice Committee votes to advance a bill that would repeal the state statute that allows for financially compensating people who served time in prison for crimes that they did not commit. Current state law allows up to 40-thousand dollars per year of incarceration for compensation. Attorney General Liz Murrill testified in support of the bill, saying that the burden to compensate wrongfully-convicted people should be at the local level and not the state level.

Cut 10 (07) “…attorney in Orleans.”

The bill is controversial; the vote in the committee was 7-to-4. Meredith Angelson testified against it, saying most wrongfully convicted people aren’t being fully compensated right now as it is.

Cut 11 (12) “…at ten years.”

Kenner Republican Debbie Villio proposed the bill to strike the current law, arguing that exonerees can still seek relief through the federal courts. Jarvis Ballard, who served 23 years of a life prison sentence for a sex crime that he did not commit, says that avenue would not have been an option in his instance.

Cut 12 (11) “…make any sense.”

________________________________________________________

Will Campbell has become the second LSU offensive lineman ever to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. And as nearly all prognosticators predicted, he was selected 4th overall by the New England Patriots. After he was selected, Campbell said he’s excited to be playing for a franchise that has won six Super Bowls and is ready to help them return to their winning ways.

Cut 13 (14)  “…I’m just excited.”

Campbell says he’s looking forward to play with second-year quarterback – and fellow first round pick – Drake Maye.

Cut 14 (13) “…special season coming.”

Campbell says ever since Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf came to one of his practices, he knew he wanted to play in Foxborough.

Cut 15 (14) “…to meet everybody.”

________________________________________________________

The Saints chose to bolster their offensive line with the 9th overall pick in the NFL Draft by taking tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas. Banks was a unanimous All-American and won the Outland and Lombardi trophies last season while blocking for Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning for the Longhorns. Banks says he remembers playing in the Superdome in the 2024 Sugar Bowl, especially the electrifying atmosphere that the building yields.

Cut 16 (11) “…from either side.”

Banks says he’s looking forward to playing for another rookie – rookie head coach Kellen Moore.

Cut 17 (14)  “…team win games.”

Some draft experts had the Saints taking Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. They may have another chance to get him today – he was not taken in the first round.

__________________________________________________________

The most anticipated series of the season has arrived for the LSU baseball team as the 7th ranked Tigers host the 6th ranked Tennessee Volunteers in a matchup of the last two College World Series championship teams. Coach Jay Johnson says the Vols have an extremely talented team again this year…

Cut 18 (15)  “…offense.”

LSU enter the series on a two game losing streak as they lost in the final game of the Alabama series and suffered an ugly 13-3 defeat to instate foe Northwestern State. Johnson hopes his team will learn from the last two games…

Cut 19 (19) “…as it is”

LSU will start Kade Anderson on the mound tonight and Anthony Eyanson will start on Saturday. Sunday’s starter is to be announced. Tigers left hander Connor Ware is a possibility, he started the final game of the Alabama series. Ware was asked about the LSU-Tennessee rivalry…

Cut 20 (14) “….they’re not.”

Less than a month after voters rejected Amendment 2, Louisiana lawmakers are advancing a bill to increase teacher salaries. It would require school districts to use savings from the elimination of three state trust funds to provide the increases. A companion bill from Carencro representative Julie Emerson was designed to simplify the proposal in response to criticism that Amendment 2 was too complex.

Cut 4 (09) “…teacher pay raise there.”

The full Senate has approved legislation cracking down on “left-lane camping,” the act of lingering in the passing lane. First time offenders of the proposed law would face a fine of up to 150-dollars. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey jokingly suggested a harsher punishment.

Cut 11 (11) “…pass this.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee has advanced a bill that would ban fluoride in drinking water. The bill was written by Houma Republican Mike Fesi. Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says excessive levels of fluoride have been shown to lower IQs in babies. He calls it an issue of freedom of choice.

Cut 13 (10)  “…as a physician.”

Opponents, however, say fluoride has proven to be beneficial when used at the right concentration. Annette Droddy, who represents the Louisiana Dental Association’s 19-hundred dentists, says when cities remove fluoride from their drinking water, tooth decay goes up.

Cut 15 (09) “…removal of fluoride.”

The vote was 6-to-3, along party lines.

The biggest music festival in Louisiana opens today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

A one-year-old child is in DCFS custody after being found alone inside a Baton Rouge motel room. A housekeeper at the American Inn found the baby late yesterday morning and called police. So far, the baby’s parents have not been located; they haven’t even been identified. 

It’s a big day for former LSU star Will Campbell, as he will become the second Tiger offensive lineman ever to be taken in the first round of tonight’s NFL Draft. Several mock drafts have the Monroe native going to the New England Patriots. The cold can be jarring – but Campbell tells KNOE-TV sports he’s ready.

Cut 11 (14) “…get to work.”

LSU Shreveport baseball is invincible – literally. 44 games, 44 wins – and many by lopsided scores. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says his team has really gelled this year.

Cut 6 (14) “…pretty well together.”

The biggest music festival in Louisiana opens today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

_____________________________________________

Leaders for a Better Louisiana’s first quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard shows the state has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

The NFL draft is tonight, and former LSU and Neville football star Will Campbell is expected to be one of the first names called. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

The biggest musical festival in the state opens today. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival runs from Thursday through Sunday this week and next week. Producer and Director Quint Davis says it’s a never-ending celebration of Louisiana music.

Cut 4 (08) “…all the bands.”

Davis says while the festival celebrates Louisiana jazz music, the music is by no means limited to jazz.

Cut 5 (12) “…you can get.”

Other big-name artists taking the stage during the eight-day festival include the Dave Matthews Band, Santana and John Fogerty. Davis says, of course, no festival in New Orleans would ever be complete without some world-class Louisiana cuisine.

Cut 6 (13) “…a buttered bun.”

This year, Louisiana residents get a discount on their admission tickets. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course. It runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

______________________________________________________

For the first time in five years, Louisiana has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to the First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard by Leaders for a Better Louisiana. CEO Adam Knapp says the report notes a 1.1-percent increase in jobs over the past year and a 2.2-percent rise over two years, with 41-hundred more jobs than in February 2020.

Cut 7 (05) “…what we lost.”

Wages have risen 19-percent in four years, slightly below the Southern average. Better Louisiana calls this a major milestone, though Knapp stresses that the state still trails most Southern states in long-term job growth.  Knapp says Louisiana created a new strategic plan for each sector in the state.

Cut 8 (08) “…go after those.”

Business growth and residential construction lag behind regional averages, but population growth returned in 2024, especially in Baton Rouge and Lafayette.  Knapp attributes this to Louisiana’s lower cost of living.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dollar spends further.”

_____________________________________________________

Former LSU and Neville High football star Will Campbell will become the second Tiger offensive lineman to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft tonight. Campbell was a three-year starter at left tackle for LSU and he told KNOE-TV sports that he’s eager to find out where he’ll start his professional career.

Cut 10 (08) “…for it.”

Alan Faneca is the only other former LSU offensive lineman selected in the first round when he was the 26^th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Several mock drafts have the New England Patriots selecting Campbell with the fourth overall pick. The Monroe native told KNOE-TV sports he has no problem re-locating to the northeast.

Cut 11 (14) “…get to work.”

The NFL draft will begin at 7 tonight, and it’s taking place in Green Bay. Campbell is one of 12 potential first round picks who are at the draft and will likely get a hug from Commissioner Roger Goodell after he’s selected.

Cut 12 (10) “…going to be there.”

The audio is from KNOE-TV sports.

________________________________________________________

The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert is sponsoring the bill.

Cut 13 (05)  “…first 15-thousand.”

Hebert says his motivation stemmed from when his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage, but a year later was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Despite trying to convince his insurer to fight the claim, he ultimately chose to pay the 15-thousand dollars to settle the case. Hebert says it was nothing but a get-rich-quick scheme by the other driver’s attorney, and his bill would put a stop to that.

Cut 14 (12) “…a small sum.”

Greenwell Spring Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.”

Any amounts above 15-thousand would not be regulated. The vote was ten-to-two, along party lines.

________________________________________________________

Several LSU Tigers are expected to be selected during the seven-round draft. Draft expert and WWL Sports Talk Show Mike Detillier expects former St. James star and Tigers edge rusher Sai’vion Jones will be a mid round selection.

Cut 16 (16) “…fourth round selection.”

Jones had solid senior season at LSU with 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Mason Taylor played for three seasons at LSU and left Baton Rouge as the Tigers all-time leading receiver for a tight end in receptions and yards. Detillier says Taylor is an excellent pass catcher and still has to work on his blocking.

Cut 17 (18)  “…second round pick.”

__________________________________________________________

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis did not provide much of an update on quarterback Derek Carr’s situation when he met with the media yesterday. Loomis says they are still trying to determine the significance of Carr’s shoulder injury.

Cut 18 (09)  “…to you.”

The Saints have the ninth overall pick and could take a quarterback at that time or early in second round, since Carr’s future with the organization appears to be cloudy. But Loomis says Carr’s injury does not impact their draft strategy.

Cut 19 (19) “…our roster.”

The Saints are expected to take an offensive or defensive linemen with the ninth overall pick. Loomis would not show his cards when he met with reporters yesterday, only to say…

Cut 20 (20) “….8 to 10 years.”

The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert says his motivation stems from when his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage, but a year later was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Hebert says it was nothing but a get-rich-quick scheme by the other driver’s attorney, and his bill would put a stop to that.

Cut 14 (12) “…a small sum.”

Greenwell Springs Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.”

Any amounts above 15-thousand would not be regulated. The vote was ten-to-two, along party lines.

Governor Landry issued an executive order, establishing the French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission. The commission would recommend and facilitate the creation of a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attack early New Year’s Day, in which 14 innocent people celebrating the arrival of the new year were killed. In a statement, Landry said the senseless act shattered lives and has shaken the state, and the memorial would ensure that the victims will never be forgotten. The commission will deliver its recommendations to the governor within one year.

Former Louisiana House Speaker Bubba Henry has passed away at the age of 89. He led the House in the 1970s and was instrumental in the writing of Louisiana’s current constitution in 1973. Henry also served as a top adviser to former governor Dave Treen for four years.  Following that job, he spent decades as a lobbyist at the Legislature for decades.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says at the start of the Landry administration, there were only three residential treatment sites for mothers with substance use disorders. He says he wants to up that number to eight by the end of next year. Croughan says that’s not the only goal of Project MOM.

Cut 11 (09) “…care they deserve.”

Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher killed 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says the shooting ruined what had been a peaceful Easter Sunday at Mayfield Park.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that is unfortunate.”

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A woman and her nephew are charged with child abuse in Crowley after a two-year-old suffers several injuries, including two broken arms. Police say 19-year-old Xavier Vincent hurt the toddler as he was watching the child. They say the child’s mother, 34-year-old Jessica Chavers, neglected to properly supervise the child and failed to report the abuse. Vincent and Chavers are booked into the Acadia Parish Jail.

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium last night. LSU played a sloppy game in a 13-3 loss to Northwestern State. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says they got some breaks, but took advantage of them…

Cut 3 (14) “…applying.”

It’s Northwestern’s first win over a ranked team since 2019. It was an ugly game for LSU who committed three errors, walked four hitters, hit four batters and the only offense was three solo home runs. Coach Jay Johnson says it was a disappointing performance…

Cut 4 (05) “…whole thing.”

Bertrand says it was a great victory for their program…

Cut 5 (14) “…unbelievable team.”

Northwestern State returns to Southland play on Friday as the Demons are at Stephen F Austin. LSU hosts defending national champion Tennessee.

________________________________________________

Grand Isle has launched the “Jewel” oyster brand to revitalize its seafood industry through sustainable off-bottom farming. Backed by a 140-thousand-dollar grant from Louisiana Economic Development to JEDCO, the campaign promotes boutique oysters cultivated near the water’s surface.  JEDCO CEO Jerry Bologna says it will bring farmers under one umbrella brand.

Cut 6 (12) “…Jefferson Parish.”

Bologna says the Grand Isle Jewel campaign is aiming to bolster Louisiana’s $2.4 billion seafood industry and counter competition from imports.

Cut 7 (12) “…throughout the country.”

The initiative reflects Jefferson Parish’s commitment to preserving culinary heritage and creating economic opportunities through sustainable aquaculture. Bologna hopes Grand Isle will become a national model for innovation in oyster farming and seafood branding.

Cut 8 (08) “…premium seafood products.”

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. It’s called Project MOM – Maternal Overdose Mortality. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says while the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative increased screening rates, not nearly enough mothers have been getting treated for substance abuse.

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they deserve.”

Dr. Croughan says Lake Charles was the only region in the state that saw a decrease in overdose deaths through the Bridge Initiative – part of which may involve issuing the prescription drug naloxone to help rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

Cut 10 (12) “…within 48 hours”

Croughan says at the start of the Landry administration, there were only three residential treatment sites for mothers with substance use disorders. He says he wants to up that number to eight by the end of next year. Croughan says that’s not the only goal of Project MOM.

Cut 11 (09) “…care they deserve.”

Croughan says since 2018, overdose has overtaken every complication to become the number-one cause of maternal mortality in Louisiana.

________________________________________________

Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher shot 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter to death outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says they were at Mayfield Park earlier in the day with other family members.

Cut 12 (08) “…escalated into gunshots.”

Butcher is facing four charges, including second-degree murder. Chief Watson says the shooting ruined what had been a peaceful Easter Sunday at the park.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that is unfortunate.”