4:30 PM Newscast April 2

Governor Landry is displeased the LSU Lady Tigers were not on the court for the national anthem prior to the game against Iowa. Landry says he respects coach Kim Mulkey, but there should be a deep respect for those who serve to protect and unite us under one flag. Mulkey says she didn’t know when the anthem was played….

Cut 13 (13) “..intentionally done.”

In a post on social media, Landry says he wants the Board of Regents to put a policy in place that requires student athletes be present for the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarship. 

A new 20-foot by 30-foot pavilion at Jimmie Davis State Park in Jackson Parish has opened. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the North Central Baptist Association paid for and constructed the new facility.

Cut 3 (08) “…church services.”  

The idea of holding a constitutional convention before the current session ends isn’t gaining much traction among some lawmakers. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a proposal that would provide thousands of dollars to a family to pay for private school tuition or other education expenses.  Once the program gets fully implemented it will cost the state an estimated 500-million dollars annually. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley is hearing concerns about taking money away from public schools…

Cut 9 (10) “…this bill” 

3:30 PM Newscast April 2

There is pushback to ending the regular session early so a constitutional convention can be held. A bill has been filed to begin the constitutional convention on May 20th, but the regular session is not scheduled to end until June 3rd. Senate President Cameron Henry says there are a lot of unknowns.

Cut 6  (10) “…the horse.” 

 

A bill that would provide thousands of dollars to a family to pay for private school tuition or other education expenses has passed the House Appropriations Committee. 14 other states have similar education savings accounts and bill author Julie Emerson says they’ve learned from other states’ mistakes and there are provisions in the proposed legislation that makes sure the dollars made available through the Gator Scholarship Program goes to education…

Cut 12 (08) “…implemented this” 

 

After last night’s season ending loss, LSU’s Angel Reese opens up about the hate she’s received since winning the national championship. Beau Gaspard has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Beau Gaspard” 

 

 

The North Central Baptist Association paid for and constructed a new 20-foot by 30-foot pavilion at Jimmie Davis State Park in Jackson Parish. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says its local partnerships that benefit state parks and the local community. He hopes community events attract Louisianans of all ages to state parks especially the youth.

Cut 5 (09)  “…great outdoors.”

2:30 PM Newscast April 2

Louisiana State police are investigating the death of a 20-year-old man shot by a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy in Ponchatoula Monday afternoon after police say, Warren Burton pointed a gun at the deputies who were at a residence to serve an order of protective custody. State Police says deputies tried to negotiate with Burton to put the firearm away when Burton pointed it at the deputies. Burton died on the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

A new 20-foot by 30-foot pavilion at Jimmie Davis State Park in Jackson Parish has opened. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the North Central Baptist Association paid for and constructed the new facility. The NCBA has used the smaller pavilion for other activities including summer day camps. Nungesser hopes this project sparks interest among other church organizations to partner with state parks.

Cut 4 (12) “…around Louisiana.” 

The idea of holding a constitutional convention before the current session ends isn’t gaining much traction among some lawmakers. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a proposal that would provide thousands of dollars to a family to pay for private school tuition or other education expenses. Fourteen other states have implemented education savings account programs like the one this bill proposes to create. Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says the E-S-A program in Arizona has turned out to be more costly than projected and there’s fraud too…

Cut 11 (10) “…beauty supplies”

 

4:30 PM Newscast April 1

State Police are investigating a foot pursuit that ended when a Lafayette Police officer shot a suspect who was armed with a rifle Late Sunday evening. Investigators say a foot pursuit began after police responded to a disturbance on Lilly Street. Authorities say the officer shot at the armed suspect as he neared a crowd in a public park. The suspect was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to fine large businesses up to $50,000 for mandating COVID vaccines. Small businesses could be fined up to $10 thousand. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says his bill would empower the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate complaints against employers.

Cut 7 (11) “…mandate that.”  

The bill now goes to the Senate for discussion.

The Louisiana-based food delivery service ASAP has ceased operations. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Last week a $1.13 billion MegaMillions jackpot was won with a ticket purchased in New Jersey. And another huge jackpot is up for grabs as the Powerball tally reaches one billion dollars. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says it has a cash value of $484 million. Annison says if you want a chance at becoming a billionaire, be sure to purchase your tickets by 9pm…

Cut 11 (04) “…to win.”

3:30 PM Newscast April 1

A former Louisiana State Trooper was arrested Monday morning for malfeasance in office and filing false public records. 56- year-old Brett Dupre retired last August while on leave for an investigation into two crashes that occurred in April of 2023 in St. Tammany Parish. LSP says Dupre intentionally failed to properly investigate the crashes involving impaired drivers and did not take the drivers into custody. Troop L Supervisors re-examined the incidents and the alleged impaired drivers were charged. Dupre faces 2 counts of malfeasance in office and one count of filing false public records.

 

The Louisiana House approves a bill that could result in fines of up to $50,000 on hospitals, public agencies, and other employers for mandating the COVID-19 vaccine. Bill sponsor, Monroe Representative Michael Echols…

Cut 6  (12) “…the bill.” 

 

ASAP, the Louisiana-based food delivery company formally known as Waitr, is closing, making their announcement over the weekend. UNO business professor Mark Rosa says a combination of COVID, rising inflation, and interest rates is creating more failing businesses.

Cut 3 (11) “…out of business.”  

Waitr originated in Lake Charles, then moved operations to Lafayette in 2016. In 2022 Waitr changed its name to ASAP after a copyright infringement lawsuit.

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has blasted Los Angeles Times writer Ben Bolch for describing the Lady Tigers as villains and dirty debutantes. Coach Kim Mulkey called the column sexist.

Cut 12 (12) “…say that” 

2:30 PM Newscast April 1

Hospitals, public agencies, and other employers that mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for their employees could face fines of up to $50,000 if a bill that passed the Louisiana House becomes law. Sponsor, Monroe Representative Michael Echols says the bill’s provisions reflect ongoing debates among his constituents. He says opponents advocate for public health measures. But he believes it’s about individual freedom.

Cut 8 (09) “…do it.” 

 

The bill heads to the Senate for discussion.

ASAP, the Louisiana-based food delivery company formally known as Waitr, announced its closure over the weekend. UNO business professor Mark Rosa says in the business world there are winners and losers. He says you always cheer for the home team, but the odds are usually against a small company, especially in the early stages.

Cut 5 (12)  “…longer possible.”

 

LSU women’s basketball player Hailey Van Lith calls an L-A Times column racist after it describes her team as villains and dirty debutantes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

 

 

Just last week a $1.13 billion MegaMillions jackpot was won and now the Powerball is up to a billion dollars. If you choose to play, Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery reminds you to sign the back of your ticket and always check your ticket after the drawing because…

Cut 10 (09) “…outlet. “

3:30 PM Newscast March 29

After passing the House, a measure that aims to ease the workload of educators heads to the Louisiana Senate. Vernon Parish Representative Charles Owen wants to leave topics like CPR, eating disorders, adoption and substance abuse to parents. He believes this is a step in retaining qualified educators in Louisiana and showing their profession is important.

Cut 11 (09) “…they matter.”

New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu has filed legislation that calls for a constitutional convention so state lawmakers and delegates appointed by the governor can write a new state constitution. Beaullieu says the goal is to move certain items out of the constitution and put them into state law.

Cut 12 (08) “…this convention” 

Voters would decide on any new constitution at the polls in November.

A Bossier City woman’s ploy to fool her boyfriend that she’d birthed their child ends with attempted kidnapping charges in Baton Rouge.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The defending national champion LSU women’s basketball team is taking an underdog mentality into its Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA on Saturday. The Lady Tigers are the three-seed, while the Bruins are the two seed and led by six-foot-seven Lauren Betts. But LSU Coach Kim Mulkey says UCLA has more than just Betts…

Cut 3 (10) “…fight hard”  

2:30 PM Newscast March 29

A Bossier City woman faces attempted kidnapping charges after telling her estranged boyfriend she gave birth in Alexandria and that their premature child was being treated Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. BRPD spokesperson Darren Ahmed says 21-year-old Dinesty Selmon preyed on a child that had the least visitors. Her boyfriend became suspicious because the name she gave him didn’t match the one listed in the room. Ahmed says the child was never taken from the room by Selmon however…

Cut 8 (12) “…kidnapping.” 

The defending national champion LSU women’s basketball team is taking an underdog mentality into its Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA on Saturday. The last team to win back-to-back national championships in women’s basketball is UCONN. They won four in a row from 2013 to 2016. LSU All-American forward Angel Reese admits there are more expectations this year

Cut 4 (10) “…we’re wining, we’re winning.” 

The Louisiana House passed a measure that aims to ease the workload of educators. Vernon Parish Representative Charles Owen believes topics like CPR, eating disorders, adoption and substance abuse should be taught by parents. And teachers should spend more time teaching core subjects like English, math, and science to students in the classroom. He recalls Amanda Bealer, an educator in Leesville, who walked away from teaching because of heavy classroom demands.

Cut 10 (13) “…they’re profession. “

New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu has filed legislation that calls for a constitutional convention so state lawmakers and delegates appointed by the governor can write a new state constitution. Beaullieu’s bill calls for the constitutional convention to begin May 20th and run until July 15th, but he believes it will not take that long…

Cut  14 (11) “…we can do that”

3:30 PM Newscast March 28

A 76-year-old pedestrian was killed while walking on Hwy 371 just south of Ringgold Wednesday night around 10:00 PM. Louisiana State Police says Major Love of Ringgold was walking in the northbound lane when a 2014 Ford Fusion traveling in the same direction, struck Love. The driver of the Fusion was not injured. Ford was pronounced deceased at the scene. Toxicology samples were collected and impairment on the part of Love is suspected. State police remind pedestrians to always walk against traffic in well-lit designated areas and wear reflective or light clothing.

After her daughter was tragically killed on a busy highway while trying to save a dog, Kristen Perkins chose to honor her memory by starting “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue.” (pronounced Leal-dell) The Rapides parish rescue in Glenmora might be small but Perkins’ heart for animals is huge.

Cut 6  (10) “…be thrilled.” 

The Louisiana House approves legislation that repeals the three-year rule, which prohibits homeowners insurance companies from dropping policyholders that have been a customer for more than years. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Expect higher prices for Louisiana honey. Supply is down because of Last year’s historic drought State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain felt the reduction in honey production firsthand as he’s also a licensed beekeeper…

Cut  14 (07) “…impact”

2:30 PM Newscast March 28

The Louisiana House has approved an insurance reform measure that repeals the three-year rule which bars homeowners’ insurance companies from dropping policyholders who have been insured with them for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says his legislation will help attract more insurers to Louisiana, but Critics says there is no guarantee and Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says you’re getting rid of a great for consumer protection policy for a hope that it will result in lower premiums…

Cut 4 (06) “…than others.” 

Crawfish wasn’t the only crop that suffered from Last year’s historic drought. Louisiana’s honey supply is down, and State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says a lower supply, means the price has gone up….

Cut 13 (12) “…26-percent”   

After her daughter was tragically killed while trying to save a dog two years ago, her mother is keeping her legacy alive in a unique way. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today. The center provides resources and assistance to small businesses impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams says small businesses are eligible for loans to help with financial loss.

Cut 9 (10) “…lost revenues”