2:30 PM Newscast March 22

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove US Speaker Mike Johnson. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

House Education approves a bill to repeal state laws requiring educators to teach students about CPR, eating disorders, adoption and substance abuse and more. author of the legislation, Rosepine Representative Charles Owens says he wants to limit disruptions so that teachers can focus on classroom instruction.

Cut 15 (10) “…teachers.”

Dustin Annison of the Louisiana Lottery says skyrocketing jackpots have more players in Louisiana buying tickets which is good for the state. He says because of people’s curiosity and excitement, sales pick up when you have a large jackpot like the current close to 1-billion-dollar Mega Millions jackpot.

Cut 8 (08) “…seven million.” 

Mega Millions drawing is tonight at 10 pm. The Powerball drawing is on Saturday at 10 pm.

The Port Hudson State Historic Site will host its annual reenactment of the Siege of Port Hudson Saturday and Sunday. Park manager, Daniel Goyer says actors dressed in Union and Confederate military uniforms will act out the 1863 battle. He says fall of Port Hudson was an important point in the war.

Cut 4 (12) “…in two.” 

1:30 PM Newscast March 22

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wants US Speaker Mike Johnson out and she’s has filed a motion to remove him because he sided with the President on the $1.2 trillion government funding bill. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says to pass legislation Johnson, like McCarthy before him, has had to reach out to Democrats for bipartisan support and some Republicans aren’t pleased.

Cut 10 (11) “…against things. “

Johnson’s spokesperson says the Louisiana Republican always listens to the concerns of members but is also focusing on governing.

Rosepine Representative Charles Owens’ bill to repeal state laws requiring educators to teach students about CPR, eating disorders, adoption and substance abuse and more has passed house education. Owens says instead of state lawmakers deciding if these are worthy subjects, leave it up to the state’s top school board, BESE…

Cut 14 (10) “…our schools.” 

The Port Hudson State Historic Site will host its annual reenactment of the Siege of Port Hudson Saturday and Sunday. Park manager, Daniel Goyer says volunteers reenact the Battle of Port Hudson.

Cut 3 (08) “…war battle..”  

No one nationwide has won the MegaMillions jackpot since December 12th last year. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says the odds of winning are low but if you purchase the golden ticket…

Cut 7 (13) “…annual payments.” 

And the Powerball of $750 million, the cash payout is $357.3 million.

12:30 PM Newscast March 22

In DC Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove US Speaker Mike Johnson accusing him of betraying the House Republican party because he sided with President Biden on the $1.2 trillion government funding bill. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 9 (14) “…Kevin McCarthy.” 

House Education approves a bill to repeal state laws requiring educators to teach students about CPR, eating disorders, adoption and substance abuse and more. Instead, BESE would decide if they should be taught Rosepine Representative Charles Owens is the author of the legislation..

Cut 13 (08)  “…our classroom.”

Tonight’s Mega Millions drawing is up to nearly $1 billion dollars and Powerball is at $750 million for Saturday. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says the Mega Millions jackpot is one of the largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history.

Cut 3 (11) “…lottery jackpot.”  

The 5th-ranked LSU baseball team begins a three-game series against the sixth-ranked Florida Gators tonight in a rematch of last year’s College World Series championship series. Coach Jay Johnson says both teams are different, but each squad still has star players…

Cut 18 (17)  “…hit mistakes.” 

4:30 PM Newscast March 21

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 he wanted Clay and Shelia Fletcher to receive the maximum of 40 years due to the horrific way their special needs daughter died.

Cut 9 (07) “…the couch.” 

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

Wednesday night, a 45-year-old Ponchatoula woman was found covered in blood lying between her bed and a dresser at a Meadow Wood Dr. residence in Ponchatoula. First responders’ extensive means to revive the victim, Lisa Hernandez, were unsuccessful. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says Investigators were unable to determine cause of death and are investigating her death as a homicide.

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”

Last night, Grambling State men’s basketball team came from behind to beat Montana State in the Tigers first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Grambling takes on top-seeded Purdue in Indianapolis tomorrow night. Tigers Head Coach Donte Jackson says his team faces a monumental task.

Cut 5 (06)  “…ready to play”

3:30 PM Newscast March 21

The death of a 45-year-old Ponchatoula woman is under investigation. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says Lisa Hernandez was found covered in blood lying between her bed and a dresser Wednesday night. First responders’ extensive means to revive Hernandez were unsuccessful. Investigators were unable to determine cause of death and are investigating the incident that occurred at a Meadow Wood Dr. residence as a homicide.

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 he’d like to bring charges against the friends and fellow church members who testified on behalf of the Fletchers, because they never intervened.

Cut 11 (06) “…10 years.”

The coroner ruled that Lacey died from “acute medical neglect” inflicted over a period dating back to at least 2010.

The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation that will one day allow every family to apply for state dollars to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is a co-author of the bill and says parents should have options on how their child should be educated…

Cut 6  (12) “…is educated.” 

The Public Affairs Research Council says the L-A Gator Scholarship Program would cost 650-million dollars annually in five to seven years.

Crawfish prices have been dropping. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says supply is outpacing demand but he hopes the cool weather this week doesn’t impact supply too much…

Cut 13 (09) “…the traps.”  

The average price for a pound of crawfish in Louisiana is $5.50.

2:30 PM Newscast March 21

The parents of Lacey Fletcher, who was found melted in a couch after years of neglect, were sentenced to 40 years, with 20 years suspended. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says crawfish prices keep dropping and supply remains steady. He says prices have been dropping since the start of March, so if you enjoy eating crawfish, get them this weekend …

Cut 12 (06) “…down again.”

The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation to allow families to apply for state dollars to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. The L-A Gator Scholarship Program at first would provide taxpayer dollars to low-income families and be open to all families starting with the 2028-29 school year. Dannie Garrett, who handles government relations for the Louisiana School Boards Association says the Education Savings Accounts spend taxpayer dollars without the accountability demanded of public schools and there’s no evidence it will improve education.

Cut 8 (07) “…better” 

The Grambling State men’s basketball team keeps making history. In their first ever NCAA Tournament game last night. The Tigers rallied to beat Montana State 88 to 81 in overtime. Head Coach Donte Jackson says though they trailed by nine points at halftime, his players were unfazed….

Cut 4 (08) “…bad situation” 

AM Newscall Mar 21

If you’ve ever wanted to have a conversation with a WWII veteran, now you can. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 The interviews and the rankings are all done and Senior Medical Students now know where they’re going for residency after graduation. Colleen Crain has more on LSU’s Match Day.

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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A bill to end the state’s three-year rule, which prohibits insurers from dropping a policyholder they’ve insured for three years heads to the Senate floor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The National World War II Museum in New Orleans unveils a new interactive feature where visitors can have a virtual conversation with veterans and others who served during the war effort. VP of Education Peter Crean says it’s a unique experience.

Cut 4 (13) “…you’re asking.”

Crean says a lot of work went into capturing the voices of the aging veterans and their responses. Over two days they were asked more than a thousand questions.

Among the voices you can interact with are a military nurse, an aircraft factory worker, and Margaret Kerry a former USO performer who was later the model for Disney’s version of Tinker Bell.

The museum has roughly a quarter of a million artifacts, but Crean says the jewel of their collection is their close to 12,000 oral histories.

Cut 5 (12) “…exactly that.” 

Marine veteran and Medal of Honor Winner Hershel Woodrow “Wood” Wilson is among the voices, who sadly passed away in June of 2022 after recording his responses. Crean says they are trying to preserve the history of WWII with the voices of those who lived it.

Cut 6 (11) “…with a WWII veteran.”

The museum is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm.

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Senior Medical Students found out where they will be headed for residency Friday and Interim Dean of LSU School of Medicine New Orleans, Dr Richard DiCarlo says Louisiana has one of the highest retention rates in the country for students in public medical school…

Cut 7 (12) “…LSU Programs.”

DiCarlo says the high number of residents matching with an LSU residency program is a testament to the quality of the faculty and strength of LSU’s program. He says part of their mission is to create the doctors of he future to take care of the people of Louisiana…

Cut 8 (11) “…to practice.” 

Students who decide to leave Louisiana for residency often return to the Bayou state to practice after finishing at some prestigious programs, says DiCarlo…

Cut 9 (13)  “…Vanderbilt.”

Graduates earn their long white coats with their title, Medical Doctor in May and begin their residency in June.

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The Senate Insurance Committee advanced legislation that 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 into Louisiana which would stabilize rates.

Cut 10 (09) “…to that.”

Former Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon considered the three-year rule one of the best consumer protection in Louisiana.

Temple’s plan sparked debate with New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis who believes the state’s location, infrastructure, and hurricanes are more of a barrier to insurers than the rule. Duplesis challenged Temple on whether removing the rule for insurers will reduce premiums for consumers.

Cut 11 (06) “…I’m in.”

Temple wants to drive down risk  for insurers and analyze the re-insurance agreements held by the companies to make sure they have enough protection in case a storm hits. He says the state’s laws and regulations are the main problems when it comes to attracting insurers.

Cut 12 (13) “…to write.” 

The bill heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

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The McNeese men’s basketball team will play in its first NCAA Tournament game since 2002 when they face Gonzaga at 6:25 central time in Salt Lake City, Utah. Coach Will Wade says taking the Cowboys to the Big Dance in his first season as the head coach at McNeese is his greatest coaching accomplishment…

Cut 13 (13)  “…just phenomenal”

The Cowboys are 30-3 on the season and they rank fifth in the country in scoring defense, allowing 62 points a game. Guard Shahada Wells says playing great defense is what’s needed to advance in this tournament…

Cut 14 (12) “…just bring it” 

Wade says handling Gonzaga’s size and speed are the biggest challenges…

Cut 15 (15) “…down big.”

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LSU football had a record breaking offense in 2023, but a lot of the key pieces to that explosive unit are now getting ready for a career in the NFL. Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas are likely first round picks and leading rusher Logan Diggs has transferred to Ole Miss. New starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier says they can’t worry about what happened last year

Cut 16 (17)  “…self too” 

Daniels’ ability to rush the football for over one-thousand yards last season, took LSU’s offense last season to another level. Nussmeier says he’s not as fast or elusive as Daniels, but he can make plays with his legs too…

Cut 17 (19) “…your feet” 

This will be Nussmeier’s fourth season at LSU. The last two years, the Tigers won ten games. Nussmeier says surpassing the ten-win mark is the goal for this year…

Cut 18 (12)  “..championship culture” 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 20

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 incident at an apartment complex tried to injure officers with his vehicle.

Cut 10 (10) “…the scene. “

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

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.”

The father of five Hollingsworh was 89.

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 translate to increased insurance rates.

Cut 5 (13)  “…of Louisiana.”

The House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill that would extend the time to file a civil lawsuit from one to two years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple views the legislation as part of the solution to solving the insurance crisis.

Cut 9 (10) “…of solution” 

 

 

 

 

4:30 PM Newscast Mar 19

The 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 a certain percentage of vehicles on the road should be electric. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver is the author of the proposal…

Cut 12 (06) “…to develop.” 

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 the collaborative effort of multiple agencies recovered meth, cocaine, heroin, and different narcotics.

Cut 6  (10) “…understanding.” 

The goal of the operation was to detect, identify, and apprehend individuals involved in various criminal activities.

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.”

If you don’t hit the 6th largest Mega Millions jackpot Tuesday night, hold on for Wednesday night. Annison says The Powerball is growing too.

Cut 11 (13) “…top ten.”

He also says, if you don’t hit all the numbers there are several other prizes so check your ticket and remember it only takes one ticket to win so play responsibly.

3:30PM Newscast

Four people have been arrested in connection with a drive by shooting that killed 65-year-old Annette Trouvell of Lake Charles earlier this month. 18-year-old Jordan L Jones is facing 2nd degree murder charges, 25-year-old Tyler D Lewis, principal to 2nd degree murder. Two 17-year-olds were also arrested. One faces accessory after the fact to 2nd degree murder and the the other, unauthorized use of a vehicle after taking the family vehicle from which the shootings occurred. 36-year-old Chelsea R Hyatt was also charged with obstruction of justice because authorities says she knew her daughter was in the car and did not report it.

Spring officially begins tonight. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the Bayou State has been running above normal in rainfall totals since the beginning of the year.

Cut 5 (07)  “…the spring.”

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 such operations prove to be productive with multiple arrests, unfortunately they require lots of manpower which is a problem facing all law enforcement agencies.

Cut 8 (12) “…used to.” 

 

 

The drawing for the 6th largest Mega Millions jackpot is tonight. says Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery and he says this jackpot has been rolling over since December and the excitement is building with the jackpot, he says sales have seen an uptick…

Cut 10 (09) “…are large. “