The regular legislative session is less than two months away, and the soaring cost of insurance is expected to be one of the big issues. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Though Pope Francis, hospitalized with respiratory issues is improving and his condition has been upgraded from critical to serious, Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh), host of a daily EWTN talk show, says, he is not out of the woods yet and Catholics everywhere are praying for the Pope’s recovery.

Cut 7 (12) “…in the hospital.”

McNeese men’s basketball is regular season champs of the Southland Conference for a second straight season. This is only the second time the Cowboys have won back-to-back regular season championships. The first time they did it was the early 2000s. Coach Will Wade says it takes consistency to go back-to-back…

Cut 10 (10) “…different guys.”

It’s a beautiful warm Louisiana day. The cold weather appears to be behind us and Louisiana’s strawberry crop seems to have survived the historic snowfall and freezing weather. Darryl Poche, co-owner of Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm, says as the spring weather rolls in it will be a few short weeks before strawberries are ready to be picked.

Cut 14 (08) “…at that time.”

A State Police Captain was arrested this morning, accused of driving drunk while off duty and hitting a Baton Rouge Police unit in a multi-vehicle crash. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Catholics in Louisiana and all around the world are praying for Pope Francis, who’s hospitalized with respiratory issues. Since his condition was upgraded from critical to serious. EWTN, talk show Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh), says as he recovers in the hospital, Pope Francis has resumed some of his duties, but there are others helping.

Cut 8 (10) “…holy father’s responsibilities.”

The soaring cost of insurance is expected to dominate the upcoming regular legislative session. Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana says the cost of insurance is taking a huge chunk out of families’ budgets statewide.

Cut 3 (09) “…pay for insurance.”

He contends the huge premiums can be attributed in part to Louisiana’s lax regulation of the insurance industry.

Warmer weather is returning and after an historic freeze, strawberry season is upon us. Darryl Poche co-owner of Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm in Livingston Parish says it looks like the worst done for this year.

Cut 13 (08)  “…white with blooms.”

Poche says as spring weather rolls in it will be a few short weeks before strawberries are will be ready to be picked.

DOGE’s Elon Musk is calling on federal employees to document their work or resign. In an appearance on Fox News today, Governor Jeff Landry says he conducted a similar exercise when he was Louisiana’s Attorney General. Landry says he called on employees at the state department of justice to reapply for their job and explain their duties…

Cut 12 (10) “…out there.”

Louisiana’s regular legislative session will begin April 14^th and House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment from Grant Parish says his committee will have a busy agenda….

Cut 7 (08) “…issue to our constituents.”

Firment says this year the priority is auto insurance, in particular the commercial auto insurance sector, where high costs are forcing businesses to park trucks and lay off workers.

A man who was slated to be the first death row inmate executed in Louisiana in 15 years has died. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana State Police responded to a fatal crash involving a Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol unit on U.S. Highway 84 near Cut-Off Road Saturday. Trooper Eddie Thomas says the crash resulted in the death of 70-year-old Ella Winn of Coushatta.

Cut 6 (14) “…lights and sirens activated.”

Thomas says Winn was traveling east in 2022 Nissan Rogue and for reasons still under investigation, Winn’s vehicle turned left and collided with the Tahoe.

The first person who was to be executed in Louisiana in 15 years has died over the weekend. 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado who spent more than 30 years on death row was scheduled to be executed by way of lethal gas on March 17th. Attorney General Liz Murrill said she had no plans of calling off the execution had Sepulvado lived.

Cut 3 (06) “…relevant to me.”

In 1992, Sepulvado was convicted for the murder of his six-year-old stepson, Wesley Allen Mercer.

A weekend crash involving a Red River Parish Sheriff’s patrol unit claimed the life of 70-year-old Ella Winn of Coushatta. State Trooper Eddie Thomas says the unit was responding to an emergency with lights and siren activated when Winn, for reasons still under investigation, turned left and collided with the patrol vehicle.

Cut 7 (12) “…hospital for treatment.”

Thomas urges drivers to follow traffic laws, stay alert, and always wear seat belts.

New Orleans hosted a successful Super Bowl earlier this month and can now look forward to hosting the Super Bowl of wrestling next year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Manning Family Children’s Hospital, Formerly Children’s Hospital New Orleans is welcoming Houma Pediatrics and Thibodaux Pediatrics to its pediatric primary care team. Manning Family Children’s Hospital Physician Dr. Mark Kline says they provide comprehensive pediatric care with 30+ satellite locations.

Cut 11 (14) “…get the word out.”

A man who was slated to be the first death row inmate executed in Louisiana in 15 years has died. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

DOGE’s Elon Musk is calling on federal employees to document their work or resign. In an appearance on Fox News today, Governor Jeff Landry says he conducted a similar exercise when he was Louisiana’s Attorney General and he says federal workers concerned about losing their job shouldn’t worry, if they are productive…

Cut 14 (05) “…no problem.”

At least three federal agencies have told their employees to ignore Musk’s request.

A weekend crash involving a Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol unit on U.S. Highway 84 near Cut Off Road cost a 70-year-old woman her life when she made a left hand turn in front of the patrol unit. State Police responded. Trooper Eddie Thomas urges drivers to follow traffic laws, stay alert, and always wear seat belts.

Cut 8 (09) “…life and death.”

Impairment isn’t suspected but samples were taken, and the investigation is ongoing.

Manning Family Children’s formerly Children’s Hospital New Orleans is welcoming Houma Pediatrics and Thibodaux Pediatrics to its pediatric primary care team in March. Manning Family Children’s Hospital Physician and Chief D. Mark Kline says they want to expand their access.

Cut 10 (11) “…who needs us.”

After a 15-year pause, executions in Louisiana are scheduled to start up again next month. Barring any delays or court orders Jessie Hoffman, who raped and killed Molly Elliott execution-style in 1996 will be executed by way of lethal gas. Collin Sims, the district attorney for Washington and St. Tammany parishes, says seeking the death penalty and carrying one out are not moves to be taken lightly.

Cut 5 (07) “…that it is.”

During Carnival season, while parade-goers collect beads and throws, impaired drivers will receive handcuffs as part of Louisiana’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Greg Fischer says police will be out in force.

Cut 7 (10) “…the absolute truth.”

According to the 2024 Louisiana Child Care Parent Poll Childcare disruptions impacted employment, with 70-percent of parents missing work in the past three months. Mattilyn Batson with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children contends that without action, families will face financial strain, and Louisiana’s workforce will suffer from lost economic potential.

Cut 15 (13) “…early learning centers.”

Louisiana Tech baseball is in Hattiesburg this weekend for a three-game series against former Conference USA rival Southern Miss. The Bulldogs opened the season by sweeping a four-game series from Maine. Tech Coach Lane Burroughs like how well his team played defensively

Cut 16 (16) “…moments”

Louisiana will carry out its first execution in 15 years next month. Barring any delays or court orders, Jessie Hoffman, who raped and killed Molly Elliott execution-style in 1996 will be executed by lethal gas. Collin Sims, the district attorney for Washington and St. Tammany parishes says while the execution of a death row inmate may bring justice and closure, it is not something to be celebrated.

Cut 6 (08) “…and it’s horrible.”

It’s Carnival Season and the Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over Campaign underway in Louisiana.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Greg Fischer since 2020, more alcohol-related fatalities and injuries occurred during Carnival than any other holiday.

Cut 8 (11) “…a serious injury.”

To enhance enforcement, National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration funds additional patrols.

New Orleans has emerged as a potential home for an NHL expansion team. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The 2024 Louisiana Child Care Parent Poll found that over half of parents worry about affording childcare, with costs averaging 633 dollars a month per child.  Mattilyn Batson, the director of policy and research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children says for those without subsidies, expenses rise to nearly 12 hundred dollars monthly.

Cut 14 (08) “…dollars a year.”

Executions in Louisiana are scheduled to resume next month following a 15-year pause. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway aiming to curb alcohol-related crashes. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Greg Fischer says National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration funds additional patrols and officers statewide will arrest impaired drivers. Fischer warns that drinking and driving could turn Carnival celebrations into an early end in handcuffs.

Cut 9 (06)  “…that’s the truth.”

The campaign runs through Mardi Gras.

The 2024 Louisiana Child Care Parent Poll shows parents are struggling with cost and availability to child care. Mattilyn Batson, the director of policy and research at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, highlights the struggles parents face balancing work with childcare access and affordability.

Cut 13 (11)  “…not work at all.”

New Orleans joins a long list of cities pursuing an NHL expansion team, including Houston, Atlanta, Quebec City and Phoenix, which just lost its team last year.  New Orleans. NHL Network analyst – and former NHL goalie – Kevin Weekes says an ownership group had a productive meeting with Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly and he says that’s big.

Cut 11 (13) “…deputy commissioner’s calendar.”

After a 15-year pause, executions in Louisiana are scheduled to start up again next month. Among the first slated to be executed is Jessie Hoffman, who raped and killed Molly Elliott execution-style in 1996. Collin Sims, the district attorney for Washington and St. Tammany parishes, requested the death warrant.

Cut 4 (07) “…and heinous offenders.”

Sims says seeking the death penalty and carrying one out are not moves to be taken lightly.

During Carnival season, while parade-goers collect festive beads, impaired drivers will receive handcuffs as part of Louisiana’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Greg Fischer says police will be out in force.

Cut 7 (10) “…the absolute truth.”

Results from the 2024 Louisiana Child Care Parent Poll, conducted by the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, show parents are struggling with childcare cost and access. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A new city has emerged as a candidate for an NHL expansion team – New Orleans. NHL Network analyst – and former NHL goalie – Kevin Weekes says an ownership group had a productive meeting with Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly. Weekes says while the identity of this ownership group is currently unknown, they are hockey people from top to bottom.

Cut 10 (09) “…hockey fans themselves.”

A woman is killed in St. Landry Parish, and her boyfriend is the accused killer. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

State Representative Mike Johnson from Pineville says more than 12 million malnourished trees from the 2023 drought that have become infested with pine beetles need to be taken down. Johnson says Cleco and the Louisiana Department of Transportation have started the process by removing dead trees along roads and highways, but more needs to done with trees on private property

Cut 3 (07) “…when those trees will fall.”

Southeastern Louisiana is celebrating its 100^th year as a college and the school located in Hammond is reporting a seven-percent increase enrollment for the spring semester. University president Doctor William Wainwright says S-L-U continues to drive the local economy…

Cut 10 (11) “…regional economy.”

Enrollment at S-L-U is pushing 15-thousand students.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore has reportedly hired 54-year-old Doug Nussmeier as his offensive coordinator.  Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson, says Moore is looking to connect with the city and having a former Saints player on his staff helps him do that…

Cut 14 (08) “…bit of that.”

Doug Nussmeier is also the father of LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier