4:30 PM Newscast March 25

Most of Western and Northern Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 8 PM meaning conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. the National Weather service recommendations say: review your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. The watch extends from East Texas through 29 parishes and into Central Mississippi and Southern Arkansas.

A recall effort is underway to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape, who officially took office today after it was revealed he was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says there will be a gathering at the state capitol this afternoon.

Cut 6  (09) “…that office.” 

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation to do away with the requirement for Louisiana drivers to have an up to date inspection sticker on their vehicle. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says getting the sticker is an inconvenience, an unnecessary expense and does nothing to keep our roads safer…

Cut 9 (09) “…into a fine.” 

One state lawmaker said the fine for an expired inspection sticker can be as much as 250-dollars.

Democrat Henry Whitehorn, who won by a single vote margin in November, has been elected as Caddo Parish first African American Sheriff. Political Analyst Scott Hughes points out the unity and commitment from Democrats and the African American community to place Whitehorn into leadership.

Cut 4 (10) “…128 boxes.” 

Whitehorn will be sworn in this summer.

3:30 PM Newscast March 25

A recall effort is underway to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape, who took office today. Tape was accused of sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s 7-year-old daughter in New Mexico but was never tried due to a technicality. After Dr. Chuck Preston retired, Tate ran unopposed before the charges came to light. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says if the recall effort is successful in removing Tape from office there will be a thorough vetting process for his replacement.

Cut 8 (07) “…is shocking.” 

Two deaths in Delhi are being called mysterious and Louisiana State Police have opened investigations after bodies were discovered on Park Street and Charter Street over the weekend. Authorities are awaiting autopsy reports.

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation to eliminate the need for drivers to have a vehicle inspection sticker. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

The LSU Lady Tigers are heading to the Sweet 16 after beating Middle Tennessee 83 to 56. LSU trailed by nine points early in the second half before they got it going. Coach Kim Mulkey was asked if an anticipated Washington Post story on her distracted the team

Cut 12 (05) “…absolutely not” 

2:30 PM Newscast March 25

A weekend bar fight at Freds near LSU led to the death of a Westwego man.  The fight happened just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday. 26-year-old Devin Michael Repath, in town for a bachelor party, was initially taken from the scene by ambulance in critical condition. Investigators are reviewing video from several cameras. Baton Rouge Police spokesman Lt. L’Jean McKneely said the investigation is still in its early stages.

Democrat Henry Whitehorn has made history by becoming the first black man elected as Caddo Parish Sheriff after a closely contested second runoff election. The former head of State Police secured 53 percent of the vote on Saturday, after winning by one vote over Republican opponent John Nickelson in November. Political Analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 3 (11) “…vote margin.”  

Now that the embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner has been sworn-in there’s a recall effort to remove him. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation to do away with the requirement for Louisiana drivers to have an up-to-date inspection sticker on their vehicle which would cost State Police and the Office of Motor Vehicles 14-million dollars a year.Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says there are several inspection stations that do not take it seriously, so why require it…

Cut 11 (09) “…they’re not.”

The measure will now head to House Appropriations for more discussion.

3:30 PM Newscast March 22

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove US Speaker Mike Johnson siding with President Biden on the $1.2 trillion government funding bill. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Whether or not Greene will be able to get others on board to oust Speaker Johnson, remains to be seen.

Cut 11 (07) “…his ousting.”

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

Tonight’s MegaMillions 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 6  (11) “…lottery jackpot.” 

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

Voters in Caddo Parish will try for a third time to elect a new Sheriff after the runoff ended in a one-vote margin that was contested last year. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The annual reenactment of the Siege of Port Hudson at the Port Hudson Historic Site is happening this Saturday and Sunday. Park manager, Daniel Goyer says in addition to the battle re-enactments, there are living history demonstrations, a Civil War-era dance class, and other activities. He suggests bringing ear plugs…

Cut 5 (05)  “…as well.”

To view a detailed schedule, visit LaStateParks.com

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”