The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that will give all parents the opportunity to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has identified Russell Francis, Junior as the man who was killed in the officer-involved shooting Tuesday night. LPSO says the 39-year-old hit a police unit when trying to escape and attempted to run over officers. The officers involved are on administrative leave.

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. East Feliciana District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Clay and Shelia Fletcher showed no remorse for the haunting death of their daughter.

Cut 10 (12) “…special needs child. “

Lacey was found on January 3, 2022, covered in maggots and sores in a couch rotting in her own waste.

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.

Cut 3 (11) “…just amazing.”  

They’ll play Purdue tomorrow night at 6:25.

To reduce insurance rates, the House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill that would extend the time from one to two years to file a civil lawsuit. Governor Jeff Landry this says will give an insurer and the claimant additional time to reach a settlement without having to go to court…

Cut 7 (11) “…will go down”  

Landry says he’s heard from the insurance industry that fewer lawsuits can result in lower premiums.

The Senate Insurance Committee advanced legislation to repeals the state’s three-year rule. The rule prevents insurance companies from dropping homeowners who have been with the same company for more than three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this bill is part of his plan to bring more insurers to the state and stabilize rates.

Cut 10 (08) “…to that.”

Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn’s bill to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law has passed the full House in a 60-43 vote. Under the proposed bill, motorcycle riders 21 and older would have the option of wearing safety helmets if they can prove they have health insurance. Shamerhorn says riders have the right to make the final call.

Cut 4 (12) “…you make.” 

The state’s current law requires both riders and passengers to wear safety helmets regardless of age.

Opponent of the bill, Monroe Representative Pat Moore believes this legislation will lead to more highway deaths. She says insurance company payouts translates to increased insurance rates.

Cut 5 (13)  “…of Louisiana.”

The measure heads to the Senate for more debate.

A move to do away with the state’s mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists has cleared another legislative hurdle. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Jacoby Johnson who’s accused of stabbing four women on Louisiana Tech’s campus last November, has changed his plea. His attorney has asked him to change his plea from not guilty to not guilty by reason of insanity. He faces one count of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. A pre-trial hearing is set for May 21^st.

To reduce insurance rates, the House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill to extend the time from one to two years to file a civil lawsuit. Governor Jeff Landry this says will give the insurer and claimant additional time to reach a settlement without having to go to court. Landry says most other states have a two-year prescriptive period and they see less lawsuits.

Cut 8 (09) “…this math.” 

Landry says he’s heard from the insurance industry that fewer lawsuits can result in lower premiums.

Former Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, who served four terms died Monday at his home. Hollingsworth served as mayor from 1999 to 20015. Current Mayor Ronnie Walker says Hollingsworth was always looking to improve Ruston and spearheaded their downtown revitalization.

Cut 12 (07) “…ever had.”

Hollingsworth was 89.

The House Civil Law Committee approves a bill extending the amount of time a civil lawsuit can be filed from one to two years. Jeff Palermo explains why it has the support of the governor…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A four-year-old who Baton Rouge Police says accidently shot himself this morning is in critical condition. The shooting happened in north Baton Rouge and the child was reportedly wounded in the upper torso and Chief Thomas Morse says the gun involved was an illegal handgun with a conversion switch. DCFS is also investigating.

The Lafayette Police Department was involved in the fatal shooting last night. Sergeant Robin Green says officers had to use lethal force after a suspect in a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex tried to injure officers with his vehicle. The suspect initially but was found short time later

Cut 11 (12) “…shooting occurred.”

No officers were injured in the incident. The identity of the deceased suspect have not been released.

Former Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, who served four terms died Monday at his home. Current Mayor Ronny Walker says Hollingsworth, who was a father of five, was well thought of not only for his accomplishments but for his character as well.

Cut 13 (12) “…for advice.”  

Hollingsworth was 89.

To reduce insurance rates, the House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill to extend the time from one to two years to file a civil lawsuit. Governor Jeff Landry this says will give the insurer and claimant additional time to reach a settlement without having to go to court. Landry says most other states have a two-year prescriptive period and they see less lawsuits

Cut 8 (09) “…this math.” 

Landry says he’s heard from the insurance industry that fewer lawsuits can result in lower premiums.

Former Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, who served four terms died Monday at his home. Hollingsworth served as mayor from 1999 to 20015 and was the brainchild of the Ruston 21 plan for capital improvements, economic development, and land-use improvements. Hollingsworth is remembered for strengthening the town’s relationship with Louisiana Tech. The former radio station owner and broadcaster was 89.

A move to do away with the state’s mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists has cleared another legislative hurdle. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Legislation to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law passed the full House in a 60-43 vote. The law has been in place since 2004. Bill author, Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn says wearing a helmet is a freedom of choice.

Cut 3 (12) “…protect yourself.”  

Under the proposed bill, motorcycle riders 21 and older would have the option of wearing safety helmets if they can prove they have health insurance.

Opponent Monroe Representative Pat Moore believes this legislation will lead to more highway deaths and she says there are benefits that come from wearing a safety helmet.

Cut 6  (06) “…possibly dying.” 

The measure heads to the Senate for more debate. Currently Louisiana is one of 17 states that require full time helmets while riding a motorcycle.

To reduce insurance rates, the House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill to extend the time from one to two years to file a civil lawsuit. Governor Jeff Landry this says will give an insurer and the claimant additional time to reach a settlement without having to go to court…

Cut 7 (11) “…will go down”  

Landry says he’s heard from the insurance industry that fewer lawsuits can result in lower premiums.

The school choice legislation favored by Governor Landry would replace the current voucher system which allows low-income families to receive taxpayer dollars to send their child to a private school. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the new program would give all families the opportunity to receive state dollars for private school education….

Cut 15 (10) “…serious debate about this.”
Cost will be a main question.

The civil rights group, Village 337, is demanding the release of an 11-year-old girl after her first-degree murder charge was dropped on Thursday but still faces obstruction of justice charges in the shooting death of 36-year-old Kameron Bedsole in New Iberia.  337 Vice President Angela Eaglin believes the teen should be released.

Cut 30 (10) “…facing time.”

Sentencing will be held April 16th and the attorneys are under a gag order.

A bill that would ban TikTok or force its China-based parent company, ByteDance to sell it has passed the US House. Senator Bill Cassidy talked about the problem with a China-based app doing business in the US.

Cut 10 (10) “…their information.”

Cassidy expressed concern for young Americans who engage with the app because of where control of the app is originates.

House Transportation Committee has approved legislation that would prevent the state or local governments from placing restrictions on buying or selling gas-powered vehicles. It’s to prevent government mandates that would say a certain percentage of vehicles on the road should be electric. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver is the author…

Cut 12 (06) “…to develop.” 

This measure heads to the House floor.Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the author of the Louisiana Gator Scholarship program, which seeks to give all families an opportunity to receive taxpayer dollars to send their child to a private school. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says

it’s unclear how much money the state is willing to pay for this program and will it take away from other state services?

Cut 16 (07)  “…programs.” 

The bill has yet to be scheduled for debate in the House Education Committee.

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.”

In Natchitoches, Sabine, and Rapides Parishes, the Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team’s (VCAT) two-day detail resulted in the arrest of 55 individuals, and 83 citations were issued. Trooper Casey Wallace says while local law enforcement agencies are constrained by their jurisdictions, he points out that criminals aren’t…

Cut 7 (09) “…do it together.”  

Spring starts at 10:06 tonight. Teiko Foxx spoke with a weather forecaster who airs what kind of weather conditions to expect in Louisiana.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

And somebody could win MegaMillion’s 6^th largest jackpot tonight that’s climbed to $875 million with an estimated lump sum payout of $413 million. The Louisiana Lottery reminds you to play responsibly, and that it only takes one ticket to win.

The Office of Inspector General has issued a report on their investigation of the death of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022 in Baton Rouge. Inspector Stephen Street says nine-days before the child’s death a third call was made to DCFS from a physician asking if any action had been taken and confirmation that fentanyl was found in the child’s system on June 4^th.

Cut 7 (09) “…that was.”  

Street says it’s an unfortunate truth that these types of tragedies with children are way more common than we want them to be.

Cut 8 (08) “…to handle.” 

DCFS says they are hiring more caseworkers acknowledging they are short staffed.

The child’s mother Whitney Ard faces murder charges and the father Mitchell Robinson, Junior pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges.

A bill to eliminate vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana will be heard in House Transportation Tuesday. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s bill would remove the requirement to have an up-to-date-inspection sticker.

Cut 4 (07) “…for it.”

As for opposition, he says he’s gotten pushback from the owners of vehicle inspection sites and from state police.

Cut 5 (11) “…of that.” 

Bagley says he also hasn’t received any opposition from Governor Jeff Landry’s administration over House Bill 344.

For vehicle owners in five parishes (Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge) that are required by the federal Clean Air Act to have emission inspections every two year they would be charged eight dollars for those inspections.

1:30 G

The Office of Inspector General has issued a report on their investigation of the death of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022 in Baton Rouge. Inspector Stephen Street says ninedays before the child’s death a third call was made to DCFS from a physician asking if any action had been taken and confirmation that fentanyl was found in the child’s system on June 4^th.

Cut 7 (09) “…that was.”  

DCFS says they are hiring more caseworkers acknowledging.

The McNeese Cowboys are preparing for their first NCAA Tournament Basketball game since 2002. The Pokes are a 12 seed and will face fifth-seeded Gonzaga on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Coach Will Wade says there are only 68 teams left playing and all of them are good…

Cut 12 (09)  “…hard to do.”

A new poll from JMC Analytics indicates minimal support for changing Louisiana’s elections to a closed primary. In the first special session, lawmakers voted to move Congressional, PSC, BESE and Supreme Court elections to a closed primary in 2026. Pollster John Couvillon says their poll indicates closed primaries have become less popular in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (11) “…it had. “

A bill has been filed in the regular session to include statewide offices in the closed primary system.

Coushatta Casino Resort will break ground on a new $150 million 204-room hotel expansion in Kinder this week. Director of Marketing Robert Thornton says the expansion will increase total capacity to over a thousand rooms…

Cut 4 (08) “…the casino.” 

The project is projected to be completed in late 2025.