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.

If a new poll by JMC Analytics is any indication, Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for a tough re-election campaign. The poll, commissioned by the John Fleming campaign shows the current state treasurer leading Cassidy by 13 points in a head to head matchup. JMC Analytics Founder and President John Couvillon (KOO-ve-ahn) says closed primary will play a big role.
Cut 4 (13) “…Republicans and independents.”

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, so he’s getting reacquainted.

Cut 10 (09) “…across the aisle.”

The sixth district Congressman says in terms of the House floor, the biggest difference is the use of modern technology.

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Small Business owners are urging lawmakers to focus on tax reform in the upcoming legislative session. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Secretary Joe Donahue says the department identified a few deficiencies in its operation, including an inability to deliver projects on schedule and lack of consistency in the messaging.

Cut 15 (08) “…get different answers.”

Authorities in Franklinton have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with a shooting that injured five people following the Pepe Mardi Gras parade on Sunday.  Police said the shooting was gang-related. Officers stationed along the parade route arrested Jamerian Anders, 18, on five counts of attempted first-degree murder.

The application window for the new L-A GATOR program is now open. It opened at nine Saturday morning. L-A GATOR is the state’s new program that provides education scholarship accounts to families. Germain Gilson, the assistant superintendent of the office of school choice, says besides being Louisiana residents, students need to meet one of these requirements.

Cut 4 (13) “…the previous year…”

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Lafayette will be the first Louisiana city with a Buc-ee’s. But as Colleen Crain reports, it will soon have company.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

U.S. Congressman Troy Carter is urging Louisiana residents to take precautions against a potential measles outbreak in the state. He emphasizes the importance of vaccination, and encourages us all to stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

Cut 9 (05)  “…next steps might be.”

Mardi Gras isn’t just for New Orleans – it’s something that the whole state celebrates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

They’re celebrating the start of phase two of their downtown revitalization project in Monroe.  City leaders broke ground at Fourth and Desiard Streets yesterday.  The project includes a pedestrian experience with landscaping, green drainage, bike racks, wider sidewalks, decorative pavers, and an upgraded crosswalk for  safety.

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Mardi Gras in Louisiana is a time of fun, parades, and celebration, but it also comes with risks—especially head injuries. Common causes include tripping on curbs, falling off floats, or getting hit while scrambling for beads. Ochsner Neurology Group Nurse Practitioner Kadyn Brooks says to stay safe, be aware of your surroundings,

Cut 12 (11) “…with your head.” Do you know where your shrimp is coming from?  A study found that in Lafayette, one-third of restaurants sampled that claimed to be serving locally-caught shrimp were actually serving imported shrimp instead. Sherry Blanchard, a board member at the Southern Shrimp Alliance says imported shrimp is a lot less safe.

Cut 3 (14) “…polluted waters.”

If you’re a shrimp eater, you should know a recent study found that one-third of restaurants Lafayette restaurants sampled that claimed to be serving locally-caught shrimp were actually serving imported shrimp instead. As of the beginning of this year, restaurants became required to say where their seafood comes from and disclaimers if it’s imported.  Sherry Blanchard, a board member at the Southern Shrimp Alliance, says the law also enhances enforcement by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (13) “…by the retailers.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has been working to dispel that notion that Mardi Gras is just a New Orleans thing.  He wants everyone to know there are celebrations statewide…and that each one is unique.

Cut 10 (09) “…things and themes.”

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Mardi Gras in Louisiana is a time of fun, parades, and celebration, but it also comes with risks—especially head injuries. Ochsner Neurology Group Nurse Practitioner Kadyn Brooks says be sure to drink responsibly, as alcohol affects balance and coordination.

Cut 13 (12)  “…oncoming traffic.”

Thrilling win for the LSU Tigers yesterday in the opening game of the Frisco College Baseball Classic as LSU defeated Kansas State eight to five in ten innings. Josh Pearson had the game-winning hit and Daniel Dickinson drove in six runs. Casan Evans earned the win as he pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. The Tigers will take on Nebraska this afternoon at around 4 PM.

And second ranked LSU gymnastics posted a score of 198.125 over George Wasington at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge.  It was a season high score for the team.  Haleigh Bryant was the all-around champ.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s officials have arrested a fellow law enforcement officer for possession of drug paraphernalia and on a warrant for charges of pornography involving juveniles and sexual abuse of animals.  31 year old Javon Charles worked for Patterson PD when the initial complaint was made, but has since been employed by the Jeanerette Police Department.

A big misconception just about everywhere is that Mardi Gras is strictly a New Orleans staple. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has been working to dispel that notion. He got the idea to promote Mardi Gras as a family-friendly statewide celebration after talking to a counterpart at a lieutenant governor’s conference.

Cut 9 (09)  “…didn’t realize it.”

Nungesser says each Mardi Gras celebration throughout the state is different and even those who regularly take in Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans should expand their horizons.

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If shrimp is on the menu this Mardi Gras, you may want to ask where it’s coming from. A new study shows a third of Lafayette restaurants sampled are saying their shrimp is local when it’s not.  Here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

It is Mardi Gras everywhere in Louisiana.  That includes cities up north like Shreveport and Bossier City with two parades this weekend,  president of Visit Shreveport-Bossier, Stacy Brown…

Cut 7 (08) “…of Highland parades.”