Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is approaching a major milestone. It’s counting down to the delivery of its 400-thousandth baby. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson says Woman’s has delivered babies who now live all over the world.

Cut 7 (18) “…in Australia.”

For the second year in a row and the fourth time ever, McNeese is going to the Big Dance. The Cowboys beat Lamar on their home court, 63-54, to win the Southland Conference championship and earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Coach Will Wade…

Cut 18 (17)  “…last couple months.”

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The University of New Orleans has run into financial trouble, so would moving the school back under the management of the LSU system help? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

RV enthusiasts will soon have an easier time enjoying Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says work is underway to enhance all 72 RV sites in the park.

Cut 13 (11)  “…system right now.”

Natchitoches Parish is bracing for the upcoming closure of the International Paper mill in Campti. Colleen Crain has an update

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The suspect in a mass shooting in Mamou has been found in Montgomery county, Texas.  Officials arrested 19 year old Trea’land Castille following an intensive manhunt.  Castille allegedly opened fire during a Mardi Gras celebration in Evangeline Parish March 4^th.  He’s facing two counts of first degree murder, ten counts of attempted second-degree murder, along with several other charges.

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Early voting starts this Saturday in the state constitutional amendment election. You’ll be voting on four amendments, including Amendment 2, which for all intents and purposes rewrites Article 7 of the state constitution. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says it codifies some changes in the tax laws that the legislature passed in the special session last November and gives teachers a permanent pay raise of at least two-thousand dollars.

Cut 8 (14) “…permanent pay raise.”

The Louisiana Department of Health unveils the new Central Louisiana State Hospital in Pineville, a modern facility designed for up to 116 patients with severe mental illnesses. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the facility includes two new patient care buildings, a utility plant, and renovated therapy and medical staff structures.

Cut 11 (13) “…or one connected building”

The Louisiana Department of Health unveiled the new Central Louisiana State Hospital in Pineville, a modern facility designed for up to 116 patients with severe mental illnesses. The 33-million-dollar project focuses on rehabilitation, patient-centered care, and recovery. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the facility is needed, but far fewer beds are available.

Cut 10 (15) “…two-thousand patients.”

More than 400 workers at the International Paper mill in Campti will soon be out of work when the plant closes next month. However, Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says most won’t be unemployed for very long but says Governor Landry is focused on the ripple effect the closure could have.

Cut 5 (11) “…International Paper jobs.”

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Lake Charles is a basketball mecca this week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It looks like Derek Carr will remain with the Saints. The quarterback and the team have agreed to restructure his contract, converting most of his 2025 salary to a signing bonus. It’s biggest indicator that new head coach Kellen Moore will keep Carr as his starting quarterback.

Soon, more than 400 workers at the International Paper mill in Campti will be out of work when the plant closes next month. However, Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says most won’t be unemployed for very long, if at all.

Cut 4 (17) “…pulp service work.”

Early voting starts this Saturday in the state constitutional amendment election. You’ll be voting on four amendments, including Amendment 2, which for all intents and purposes rewrites Article 7 of the state constitution. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says it codifies some changes in the tax laws that the legislature passed in the special session last November.

Cut 7 (14) “…make every year.”

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There’s a new Central Louisiana State Hospital in Pineville, a modern facility designed for up to 116 patients with severe mental illnesses. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Lake Charles is a basketball mecca this week, with two tournaments being held in the city. Eric Zartler, executive director of the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority, says it’s it’s an event that the Lake Charles community gets behind.

Cut 15 (05) “…miles per hour.”

Crawfish are plentiful as it’s crawfish season out in full force – but so are crawfish thieves. Thus, farmers are working diligently to protect their hauls. Paul Zaunbrecher, a crawfish farmer in Acadia Parish, says some sophisticated thieves will steal the crawfish from the traps during overnight hours. He says drastic situations call for drastic measures.

Cut 11 (07) “…running the trap.”

At least one suspect is charged, with more to follow, in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Police say 23-year-old Caleb McCray was among a group which repeatedly punched Wilson in the chest, killing him. Wilson was pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards implored the school – and the city – to do better.

Cut 8 (09) “…make better decisions.”

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A Doyline couple is facing 72 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after finding a dozen dogs abandoned on a rural road and many more living in rough conditions at the home.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU women’s basketball team defeated Florida 101 to 87 in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament. The 101 points are the most by an LSU team in the SEC Tournament Aneesah Morrow had 36 points and 14 rebounds. LSU will play Texas in the semifinals.

One suspect in the hazing-related death of a Southern University student has turned himself in, and others are expected to follow suit. 23-year-old Caleb McCray is charged with manslaughter and felony hazing. Andrew Greenstein has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre w Greenstein.”

A Doyline (DOY-lean) couple faces 72 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after deputies linked them 12 abandoned dogs. 68-year-old Alan Crowley and 58-year-old Kimberly Crowley were arrested at their mobile home, where authorities found approximately 60 more dogs living in inhumane conditions. Sheriff Jason Parker…

Cut 5 (09) “…new homes.”

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Local crawfish farmers are busy right now, not just harvesting their crops but trying to outsmart would be crawfish thieves.  Some sophisticated crawfish thieves will steal the crawfish from the traps during overnight hours. .  Paul Zaunbrecher, a crawfish farmer in Acadia Parish, says

says the best way to stop crawfish theft is not to leave their sacks unattended.

Cut 9 (09)  “…they’re put down.”

The number one ranked LSU baseball team hit six home runs on their way to a 13 to 2 run rule victory over North Alabama last night. Because of the potential for rain late in the day, today’s game will start at noon.

In girls high school basketball, lots of repeat winners at the state tournament. Fairview won its 16^th state championship, Lafayette Christian won its fifth in a row, Wossman won its fourth in a row, Simpson won its first championship since 2001 and Lakeview won its first ever state championship by beating Arcadia 38 to 34.

Days before he’s expected to be executed, death row inmate Jessie Hoffman is pleading not to be put to death by Nitrogen Hypoxia…saying use of the gas is against his religion and is cruel and unusual. Hoffman is a Buddhist and says his main form of practicing the religion is through breathing meditation. Hoffman was sentenced to death for the 1996 abduction, rape, and murder of a woman in St. Tammany Parish.  His execution is scheduled for March 18^th.

One suspect in the hazing-related death of a Southern University student has turned himself in, and others are expected to follow suit. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse says 20-year-old Caleb Williams died of repeated punches to the chest while pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and one suspect is under arrest.

Cut 6 (10) “…hazing and manslaughter.”

Morse says criminal charges are forthcoming against several additional fraternity members.
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It may be crawfish season, but that also means it’s crawfish theft season. That’s why crawfish harvesters are working hard to prevent thieves from making off with their hauls. Paul Zaunbrecher, a crawfish farmer in Acadia Parish, explains a strategy for keeping their crawfish safe.

Cut 10 (14) “…behind the truck.”

In case you hadn’t heard, LSU football has hired a familiar name to be their new defensive line coach. Former All-American defensive tackle for the Tigers Kyle Williams will replace Bo Davis, who left last week to be a part of the new coaching staff with the Saints. Williams college teammate, Marlon Favorite (FAYV-right), is excited about the hire…

Cut 12 (07) “…Kyle Williams..easy.”

At least one suspect is charged, with more to follow, in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Police say 23-year-old Caleb McCray was among a group which repeatedly punched Wilson in the chest, killing him. Wilson was pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards implored the school – and the city – to do better.

Cut 8 (09) “…make better decisions.”

Crawfish are out in full force – and so are crawfish thieves. Thus, farmers are working diligently to protect their hauls. Paul Zaunbrecher, a crawfish farmer in Acadia Parish, says some sophisticated thieves will steal the crawfish from the traps during overnight hours. He says drastic situations call for drastic measures.

Cut 11 (07) “…running the trap.”

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A Doyline couple is facing 72 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after finding a dozen dogs abandoned on a rural road and many more living in rough conditions at the home.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU women’s basketball team defeated Florida 101 to 87 in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament. The 101 points are the most by an LSU team in the SEC Tournament Aneesah Morrow had 36 points and 14 rebounds. LSU will play Texas in the semifinals.

DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana’s small business owners want lawmakers to address rising insurance costs through legal reforms in the upcoming legislative session.  NFIB State Director Leah Long, says lawsuit abuse is a major factor, and needs to be addressed.

Cut 9 (05)  “…small business owners.”

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It’s a reacquaintance of sorts – Cleo Fields is back on Capitol Hill as a congressman for the first time in 28 years. Since the day that Fields left office the first time, only 19 representatives remain, none from Louisiana.  And that’s not the only change for the sixth district Congressman.

Cut 11 (07) “…done through iPhones”

It looks like Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for a tough re-election campaign next year.  That’s according to a new poll by JMC Analytics commissioned by the John Fleming campaign, which shows the current state treasurer leading Cassidy by 13 points in a head to head matchup. JMC Analytics Founder and President John Couvillon says the closed primary will be a tough one, and the campaign will begin in earnest in a few months.

Cut 6 (11) “…and this fall.”

Louisiana’s small business owners are urging legislators to address rising insurance costs through legal reforms in the upcoming legislative session. According to NFIB State Director Leah Long, lawsuit abuse is a major factor driving up insurance rates, and common sense reforms are necessary to stabilize the market and create a fair legal system.

Cut 7 (11) “…2025 session.”

The session is set to begin April 14^th.

DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Secretary Joe Donahue says the department identified a few deficiencies in its operation – among them is the inability to deliver projects on schedule.

Cut 13 (13)  “…fall off track.”

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A new poll suggests that Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid could be a tough one. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

They’ve been faced with delays and cost overruns, but city officials in New Orleans say they have a plan to get repairs to hundreds of New Orleans streets faster. The city has hired a Boston-based consulting firm to make it happen.  Among other things, the goal is to have contractors  finish the work that still needs to be done in the 1.7 billion dollar FEMA funded  program by May.