The Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team’s two-day detail resulted in the arrest of 55 individuals,  and 83 citations. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

Spring officially begins tonight. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says While spring season brings milder temperatures, it’s also the peak season for tornadoes. And severe weather including lots of precipitation through the beginning of May.

Cut 4 (07) “…early May.” 

Mega Millions excitement is in the air as the jackpot is approaching 900 million dollars. Whether you take the cash payout or the annuity, that’s a lot of money and it’s approaching a record says Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery…

Cut 9 (10) “…Currently”

The LSU Tigers dropped from two to number five in the D-1 baseball poll after losing the opening SEC series. Mississippi State scored 33 runs and the Tigers committed six errors as dropped two out of three in Starkville. Coach Jay Johnson says they scored enough runs to win a series on the road, but didn’t pitch well enough and the errors were also costly…

Cut 16 (16) “..our best” 

A second poll from JMC Analytics indicates there is even less support for changing Louisiana’s elections to a closed primary than there was last December says Pollster John Couvillon. In the first special session, lawmakers voted to move Congressional, PSC, BESE and Supreme Court elections to a closed primary starting in 2026.

Cut 10 (11) “…it had. “

The Louisiana 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 even though DCFS was notified of previous overdoses the system failed to protect the toddler.

Cut 6  (10) “…child’s safety.” 

Coushatta Casino Resort is breaking ground on a new $150 million 204 room hotel expansion in Kinder this week. Director of Marketing Robert Thornton says the hotel will create 150 to 200 additional permanent jobs in Allen Parish and He says it’s not all about monetary gain. It’s also about getting the tribe’s culture out to the public.

Cut 5 (10)  “…historical figures.”

The hotel has not yet been named. The project is expected to be complete by late 2025.

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.”

During a traffic stop on Interstate 49, Rapides Area Drug Enforcement recovered a quarter pound of fentanyl that they say has a street value of $18,000. RADE had been conducting surveillance since being informed that 27-year-old Craig Deandre Brown would be trafficking the drug. After stopping Brown for improper lane usage, a subsequent k-9 alert led to a vehicle search and pat down. Officers uncovered the fentanyl in Brown’s pants and he was arrested without incident.

A new poll from JMC Analytics indicates there is still 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 starting in 2026. Pollster John Couvillon says he surveyed 660 likely voters and 48 percent of them did not even know it was changed.

Cut 9 (13) “…2026.” 

The State Inspector General has issued a report on the death investigation of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022 in Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (39)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The McNeese Cowboys are preparing for their first NCAA Tournament Basketball game since 2002. McNeese is 30-3 and they are just one of four teams in the country with at least 30 wins. Junior forward Christian Shumate says they are ready to play on the big stage…

Cut 13 (06) “…a team”  

The Louisiana Office of Inspector General has issued a report on their investigation of the 2022 fentanyl overdose death of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson. Inspector Stephen Street says even though DCFS was notified of previous overdoses the system failed to protect the toddler and it’s an unfortunate truth that these types of tragedies with children are more common than we want them to be.

Cut 8 (08) “…to handle.” 

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

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, the new closed primary election system will cost the state an additional 135-million dollars over ten years. JMC Analytics pollster, John Couvillon says when the respondents heard the cost of a party primary system, 72-percent said they oppose switching from open primaries.

Cut 11 (06) “…minimal popularity.”

A bill has been filed in the regular session that seeks to include statewide offices, including elections for governor and legislative seats into the closed primary system.

We are not done with winter yet, below freezing temperatures are possible tomorrow morning. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports freeze warnings and watches have been posted…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Bill Jaquemin.” 

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 new hotel is needed to keep up with consumer demand…

Cut 3 (12) “…that regard.”  

House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes a $95 billion foreign security aid bill passed by the Senate, but the Republican from Bossier Parish has told Politco he’s interested in approving a standalone funding bill for Ukraine, despite objections from his own party. Former LSU basketball player and Ukrainian, Roman Rubchenko was on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster and says the urgency is high because Ukraine is running low on ammunition…

Cut 11 (11) “…attack items”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the cleanup of debris from car accidents falls on wrecker services and he has asked law enforcement agencies to make sure tow trucks clear the following car crashes. Nungesser says sometimes that debris ends up on the road

Cut 5 (08)  “…miss it.”
A litter study by Keep Louisiana Beautiful found nearly 10 percent of all litter on Louisiana’s roadways consists of car accident debris.

Louisiana National Guardsmen participating in Operation Lone Star have arrived in Texas. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The McNeese men’s basketball team is in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002 and the Lake Charles community is crazy about the Bayou Bandits.  Jim Gazzolo covers the team for the American Press and says it didn’t take for first year head coach Will Wade to win over the fanbase…

Cut 14 (11) “…amazing thing”

Louisiana National Guardsmen participating in Operation Lone Star have arrived in Texas. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col Noel (No-elle) Collins says the soldiers for the first rotation are part of the 2^nd of the 108^th Cavalry Regiment out of Shreveport. She says they are properly trained and equipped to assist with Operation Lone Star.

Cut 8 (08) “…of Texas.” 

The mission is scheduled to wrap in mid-June.

A litter study by Keep Louisiana Beautiful found nearly 10 percent of all litter on Louisiana’s roadways consists of car accident debris. And Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the cleanup of debris from car accidents falls on wrecker services. And he’s working with law enforcement to make sure tow trucks do their job.

Cut 4 (12) “…job properly” 

The McNeese State fanbase is excited to see where the men’s basketball team will play in the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Show is at 7 PM Sunday and the LSU Lady Tigers will find out who they will play in the Tournament. The Lady Tigers are 28-and-5 and two of their losses came against top ranked South Carolina. ESPN Bracketologist Charlie Creme says a third meeting with the Gamecocks will have to wait until the Final Four in Cleveland…

Cut 13 (11) “…Final Four”  

House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes a $95 billion foreign security aid bill passed by the Senate, but the Republican from Bossier Parish has told Politco he’s interested in approving a stand alone funding bill for Ukraine, despite objections from his own party Former LSU basketball player and Ukrainian, Roman Rubchenko is pleading with Congress to provide this aid…

Cut 10 (13) “…was introduced” “

Many times, after a car crash, there’s  debris left behind which adds to the state’s litter problem. So Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has asked State Police, police chiefs and sheriffs to make sure vehicle bumpers, glass, tire fragments and personal belongings are picked up after the vehicles are towed away. He says it will make our roadways cleaner and safer…

Cut 3 (08) “…adds to the litter”  

Louisiana National Guardsmen participating in Operation Lone Star have arrived in Texas. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Lady Tigers will find out Sunday night who they will play in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The defending national champs won ten in a row before losing to South Carolina last Sunday. ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme predicts LSU will be a two seed…

Cut 12 (12)  “…Mississippi State.”

The Metro Council passed an ordinance clearing the first hurdle for a new sports and entertainment arena at LSU with changes to the Raising Cane’s River Center.  Colleen Crain has more on what’s next…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The tenth and final medical marijuana pharmacy facility opens in Jefferson Parish. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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The average price for a pound of crawfish has dropped another dollar this week. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 The sports and entertainment arena on LSU’s campus is a step closer after the Metro Council passed an ordinance that, with some exceptions, will limit entertainment seating at the Raising Cane’s River Center and make it more of a convention center when the new arena opens. LSU Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says the public-private project elevates Baton Rouge’s appeal as a world class destination…

Cut 4 (10) “…for LSU.”

The new arena with up to 13,000 to 15,000 or more seats will replace the 50-year-old PMAC for sporting events and attract large live entertainment acts. It’s expected to cost between 350 to 400 million dollars, but Worsham says developers will fund the project not taxpayers or the Tiger Athletic Foundation…

Cut 5 (13) “…entertainment acts.” 

Worsham says the Tiger Athletic Foundation is overseeing the project because of their experience with large capital projects and public-private ventures. He says privately owned arenas on campuses is the model that is working in places like U T in Austin, Florida State in Tallahassee, and Arizona State in Tempe…

Cut 6 (09) “…Baton Rouge.”

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The state’s 10^th and final licensed medical marijuana pharmacy opens in Jefferson Parish. Crescent City Therapeutics Owner Lovie Rodgers says the Kenner pharmacy will serve the state’s second most populated parish.

Cut 7 (10) “…Grand Isle.”

The permit for the pharmacy was the state’s most sought-after permit with 33 applications. Crescent City Therapeutics is the second licensed pharmacy in New Orleans Metropolitan area.

Rodgers says the state-of-the-art facility houses a veteran group of experts. The new facility offers walk-in services, free delivery, private consultation rooms…

Cut 8 (06) “…your day.” 

Rodgers says medical marijuana is another option for patients who don’t want to use opiates or other products that could cause harmful side effects. And the new location offers a personalized experience for individuals.

Cut 9 (12)  “…their experience.”

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It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend and a lucky one for mudbug fans with another dollar drop in the average price for a pound of crawfish. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says consumers can expect to pay an average of $6.99 a pound for boiled crawfish this weekend.

Cut 10 (11) “…some are lower.”

King says you can find live crawfish for as low as $3.75 a pound on The Crawfish App.

Since the beginning of March, the average price for mudbugs has dropped two dollars a pound. King says prices are down because the supply has finally exceeded consumer demand.

Cut 11 (12) “…(x2) the supply.” 

King says it’s been a very tough year for the crawfish industry after last summer’s drought and extreme heat severely impacted the crop and prices this season are reflective of the limited supply.

Cut 12 (08) “…$140 to $150 for a sack.” 

In addition to downloading the Crawfish App on your phone, you can sign up for their weekly newsletter at TheCrawfishApp.com and follow them on Facebook.

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A cold front system bearing down on the state will bring rain to the Bayou State today through St. Patrick’s Day. Climatologist Barry Keim says the cold front will gradually move across the state and eventually stall in south Louisiana producing plenty of clouds and scattered showers.

Cut 13 (13)  “…half of the state.”

Keim says to keep that raincoat and umbrella handy because the entire state should see rainfall this weekend, but most of the precipitation will be in south Louisiana.

Cut 14 (11) “…weekend.”

Out of the three days, Keim says the chances of severe weather are greater today and Sunday, and Saturday is the best day out of the three if you have outdoor plans.

Cut 15 (12) “…on Sunday.”

On Sunday, Keim says the southern half of the state will have another round of rain.

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team begins SEC play tonight as they visit the Mississippi State Bulldogs for a three-game set in Starkville. The Tigers are 16-and-2 and the strength has been their starting pitching. Tiger pitching has compiled 234 strikeouts and that leads the nation. Coach Jay Johnson expects his guys to keep throwing strikes

Cut 16 (16) “…that’s awesome.” 

LSU’s starter tonight, Luke Holeman, is tied for fifth in the country with 40 strikeouts in four starts.

The Tigers have yet to hit their stride at the plate. They are sixth in the SEC in hitting with a team average of .304. Johnson knew there would be a drop-off at the plate after losing Golden Spikes Award winner Dylan Crews

Cut 17 (21) “…to me.” 

Mississippi State enters SEC play with a 13-5 record. The Bulldogs have only hit 15 home runs, but nine of those blasts have come Dakota Jordan, who is the reigning SEC Co-Player of the Week. Johnson says they’ll have to be careful with him…

Cut 18 (18)  “…good test” 

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New Saints linebacker Willie Gay met with the media today. Gay is known for his speed and playmaking ability. In his four seasons in Kansas City, Gay had 218 tackles, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 19 passes defended. Gay is anxious to showcase his abilities in New Orleans…

Cut 19 (18) “…do it all man.” 

Gay is looking forward to playing with starting linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner…

Cut 20 (10) “…for sure.”

Senate Education advanced a bill promoting awareness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 9-8-8. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow’s bill would require schools post the 24/7 free counseling number on their website and school ID cards. Barrow quoted concerning suicide statistics from 2021…

Cut 11 (12) “…to me.”

If you’re planning on traveling over the Easter weekend, plan to budget around $3.15 for a gallon of regular gas. Triple A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says gas prices will keep rising into the summer as demand will also be up…

Cut 8 (07) “…a gallon.” 

The McNeese men’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

For years cars have had a 60 mph speed limit over the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and trucks were limited to 55 but DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says phase 2 of the basin safety corridor will raise trucks to 60 mph.

Cut 14 (10) “…speed limit.”

Sign replacement and camera placement begins Monday night with overnight lane closures through March.

One of Two bills related to mental health on school campuses that advanced out of Senate Education is Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham’s bill allows public schools to employ or allow a volunteer chaplain to provide support services for students and teachers. Abraham says fifteen other states are currently considering such laws.

Cut 10 (09) “…these schools.”

McNeese is headed to its third ever NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance. Shahada Wells earned most valuable player honors for the tournament as he had 27 points and six assists in the win over Nicholls.

Cut 5 (08)  “…make a run.”

The Bayou Bandits will learn of their NCAA Tournament destination on Selection Sunday at 5 PM.

The Speed limit for trucks crossing the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is being raised to 60 so the maximum speed will be the same for all vehicles. Phase 2 of the Safety Corridor starts Monday night…

Cut 29

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 16 cents since last month. Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.07. Triple-A Fuel analyst Don Redman says higher crude oil prices is raising the price at the pump…

Cut 6  (09) “…a barrel.”