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” 

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” 

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 6^th 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.

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 2^nd degree murder charges, 25-year-old Tyler D Lewis, principal to 2^nd degree murder. Two 17-year-olds were also arrested. One faces accessory after the fact to 2^nd 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 6^th 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. “

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”