The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has named Rachel Zechenelly as its first female top game warden in the agency’s history. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Once again this year, a bill to ban using a hand-held cell phone while driving goes before state lawmakers today. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit for another 10 years from the current expiration of July 2025 goes before the full House today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has appointed its first female as head of its Enforcement Division in the agency’s 79-year history. Rachel Zechenelly will oversee 257 game agents and support staff. Zechenelly says she’s ready to lead as the new Chief of Enforcement.

Cut 4 (09)  “…and women.”

Zechenelly has worked with the agency for over two decades and has received several awards including the LDWF Meritorious Award for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Harvey, Irma, and Ida, the 2016 Flood, and BP Oil Spill. The Pearl River native says the agency’s main responsibility is protecting commercial fisheries, hunting, and fishing, however…

Cut 5 (11)   “…and rescue.”

Zechenelly graduated from LDWF Cadet Academy in 1999, where she served as a field agent in the southeast region before being promoted to Headquarter staff in 2005. She was also named the LDWF Agent of the Year for Headquarters Staff in 2008. She believes the leadership from her mentor, Col. Hebert has prepared her for the future.

Cut 6 (09)  “…that road.”

Zechenelly will succeed Col. Chad Hebert, who was promoted to Colonel in 2020 but has decided to retire.

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Once again this year, a bill to ban using a hand-held cellphone while driving is scheduled for review before the House Transportation Committee. The measure comes from St. Martin Parish representative Mike Huval. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says his organization supports Huval’s bill, as they have in the past…:

Cut 7 (11) “…behind the wheel.”

Similar bills have been filed for many years, by Huval and other lawmakers before him, but the bill has never made it to final passage. Redman says Huval’s bill would only restrict HOW you use your phone while driving…:

Cut 8 (08) “…phone in-system.”

Huval’s HB 580 would mandate one could only use a cell phone hands-free while behind the wheel. A first offense would mean a fine of $50 to $100, but subsequent offenses could mean fines up to $300 with community service and possible license revocation. Redman says AAA is behind the bill, and passing it could even mean a break on your auto insurance, because we have so many distracted driving crashes…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…to 6 and a half.”

Huval’s bill is scheduled today in House Transportation.

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House Bill 562 to extend tax credits for the film industry in Louisiana will be heard in the lower chamber today. The bill would extend the current tax credits set to expire in July 2025 to July 2035. Jason Waggenspack with Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association says passage is vital to stabilizing the industry long-term.

Cut 10 (10) “…year over year.” 

A Louisiana Economic Development study estimates a billion dollars spent by the industry in the state last year and of that $350 million was on the payroll of residents. Waggenspack says the industry also supports 10,000 jobs.

Cut 11 (08)  “…to the state.”

The state film tax incentive started in 2002 and Waggenspack says Louisiana is among the first states to have the initiative. He says other states have followed Louisiana’s lead and now more than 38 states have a film tax program, and more are in the works.  According to LED, there is a $6.00 Return on Investment for every dollar the state puts into the industry. Waggenspack says with more than a third of that billion is going directly to Louisiana payroll…

Cut 12 (06)    “…unfathomable.” 

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder’s legislation also calls for productions who receive incentives to have a Louisiana logo promoting the state in the end credits.

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Seven of the major candidates for governor who attended the Public Affairs Research Council’s annual meeting were asked about their top priorities for the state. PAR President Seven Procopio says they were also asked if they would continue Medicaid expansion in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (05) “…said maybe.” 

During rapid-fire questioning of the candidates, Procopio says they ran out of time to ask Attorney General Jeff Landry about Medicaid, but they caught up with him after the meeting.

Cut 14 (07)  “…undo it.”

Governor John Bel Edwards also attended the conference and Procopio says Edwards refers to Medicaid expansion as one of his biggest achievements.

Cut 15 (07)  “…their campaign.”

Procopio says the candidates all agree that crime, the economy, and education are topics that need attention in Louisiana.

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The Saints selected seven players in the three-day NFL draft, including a quarterback. Six-foot Jake Haener from Fresno State, was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs and last season threw for nearly 29-hundred yards, 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Coach Dennis Allen likes what he sees from Haener

Cut  16 (11)  “…timing and accuracy” 

The Saints used their last pick to pick wide receiver A-T Perry from Wake Forest. He’s six-foot-three, 195 pounds and had 28 touchdowns during his career with the Demon Deacons. Allen calls Perry an intriguing prospect…

Cut 17 (25) “…football players”

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The top ranked LSU baseball team swept its second straight SEC weekend as they took three from Alabama this past weekend. The Tigers scored 33 runs against Crimson Tide pitching and Coach Jay Johnson liked the approach he saw at the plate…

Cut 18 (10) “..was awesome”

LSU completed a sweep of Bama with a 13-11 win yesterday. Number nine hitter Alex Milazzo drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the seventh. Milazzo learned after the game he had the trust of Johnson to get the job done…

Cut 19 (17) “      play the game“

LSU is now 35-8 overall, 15-5 in the SEC, half a game back of Vanderbilt for the best conference. Milazzo is enjoying his fourth season in Purple and Gold…

Cut 20 (13)  “… right now”  

Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, The Steve Miller, and Kane Brown are some of this year’s headliners at the 38^th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival that kicks off today April 28^th through May 7th. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Almost 40 years after a skull fragment was found in the Lake Pontchartrain area, testing shows it’s 3,500 years old. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A Senate bill aimed at keeping adult reading materials in public libraries away from impressionable young eyes passes its first legislative hurdle. More from Brooke Thorington…:

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival returns to the New Orleans Fairgrounds this weekend – April 28^th through May 7^th  – with a jam-packed two-weekend full of culture, crafts, and music. Festival Producer, Quint Davis says this is the second post-COVID event and people are excited.

Cut 4 (09)  “…that one.”

The Festival is one of the city’s biggest festivals celebrating its rich culture and heritage. It will also showcase diverse works of art and contemporary crafts. There will be 16 musical stages featuring over 580 bands covering everything from jazz blues and gospel to Cajun, zydeco, hip-hop, funk, and more from national and international acts.

Cut 5 (09)   “…for everybody.”

In 2019 and 2022, organizers reported more than 475,000 people attended the two-weekend event. There will also be a big transition to a cashless-only festival this year. All vendors will not accept cash payments but any type of money cards will be accepted. There will also be Cash Exchange booths where attendees can use cash to get a prepaid card for no fee and the cards can be used anywhere outside the festival.

Cut 6 (07)  “…whose playing.”

This year’s headliners include Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, The Steve Miller Band, HER, Dead & Company, Wu-Tang Clan, and Kane Brown, and many more. Visit nojazzfest.com for the full lineup.

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A skull fragment discovered almost 40 years ago near Lake Pontchartrain is found to be 35-hundred years old.  In 2009 because of its degraded condition DNA testing could only tell them it was female. In January, Cold Case Investigator Chris Knoblauch with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, says Carbon-14 testing was performed.

Cut 7 (09) “… it was.”

Knoblauch says it’s hard to fathom who this woman, was in back in 1634 to 1504 B.C. and how a fragment of her skull ended up in what’s now St Tammany Parish. She’s estimated to be between 25 to 35 years, and testing even revealed her diet.

Cut 8 (11) “…as well.”

Geographically, Knoblauch says back then the area was much different from what it is now. He says the Mississippi River is believed to be elsewhere and geographic landmarks that we know now didn’t necessarily exist then.

Cut 9 (10)  “…kind of right in.”

The LSU FACES lab has current possession of the fragment.

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At the Capitol, the Senate Education Committee advances a bill to keep adult reading material in public libraries out of the hands of children. Turkey Creek Republican Senator Heather Cloud says this is a matter of importance to a great many parents and grandparents across Louisiana…:

Cut 10 (11) “…sexually explicit material.” 

Cloud’s bill would set up a tiered library card system, wherein parents could select a lending level appropriate for their kid. Amendments added to the measure seek to clear up the definition of what constitutes “sexually explicit,” and establish a 60-day warning period for libraries to address complaints. Cloud says libraries would not have to go over every book, looking for objectionable content…:

Cut 11 (06)  “…by a patron.”

Cloud’s bill would set up a two-step process for reviewing library books that have received complaints. Under the bill, libraries in violation could face loss of funding.. Cloud says drafting the bill was a delicate process…:

Cut 12 (12)    “…for this content.” 

After an hour of discussion and before the opposition could speak, Senator Bodi White called the question for an immediate vote. With no opposition from members, it moves to the Senate floor.

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Legislation providing $8.5 million in funding for bulletproof vests for peace officers across Louisiana was passed by a full House with a 98-0 vote. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says it’s about safety and protection.

Cut 13 (13) “…covers them.” 

House Bill 442, authored by Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds, would establish funds to provide critical resources to those who protect and serve our communities. Edmonds says the idea came from the killing of three Baton Rouge officers in 2016.

Cut 14 (13)  “…of vest.”

Edmonds says the cost per vest is around $2,500 and guidelines would be monitored by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

Cut 15 (08)  “…be proper.”

The law requires the state treasurer to deposit into the fund at the beginning of each year starting July 1.

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LSU begins a three-game series tonight against the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tigers are 12 and 5 in the SEC and in first place, while is in third place with a 9-and-9 record. Coach Jay Johnson points out that Bama has won six of its last seven

Cut  16 (20)  “… a lot of fun.” 

Alabama enters the game with a 9-9 SEC record, 30-12 overall. The Tigers are 12-5 and in first place in the SEC West and they are 32-8 overall. LSU leads the SEC in hitting and they’ve scored a league-high 397 runs. Johnson on their approach on offense…

Cut 17 (20) “…hurting you.” 

Two of LSU’s best hitters, Tommy White and Tre Morgan, didn’t play in Tuesday’s loss to Nicholls because of nagging injuries. Johnson says the trainer has been getting them ready for this weekend….

Cut 18 (17) “..going to play.”

The death of a six-year-old girl found in a bucket has shocked the small town of Harahan. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Lady Tigers basketball coach Kim Mulkey says it’s time for an improved basketball arena on LSU’s campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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43-year-old Hannah Landon of Harahan has been arrested and charged in the death of her boyfriend’s six-year-old daughter. The father reported Bella Fontenelle missing Wednesday morning and she later was found inside a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Tuesday evening video footage from the neighborhood led them to arrest Landon.

Cut 3 (06) “….that wagon.”

Landon was located at the hospital Wednesday afternoon and is charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

Harahan Police Chief Ed LePre says the small town is shocked and saddened by the news.

Cut 4 (10)  “…for the family.” 

Lopinto says the child’s father and mother are not considered suspects in the case and they believe the child was killed Tuesday night at the father’s home and then taken to the mother’s home within walking distance by Landon. Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Jerry Cvitanovich says the manner of death is homicide.

Cut 5 (07) “…fluid investigation.”

Lopinto says the suspect lives with the victim’s father and the child’s mother lives in the same neighborhood one street over.

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Women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey brought a national championship to LSU, now she wants a new or remodeled basketball arena.  Mulkey made her demand during a speech in front of the Baton Rouge Rotary Club…

Cut 6 (12)  “…dangerous in there” 

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center is actually 51 years old and 2009 was the last time major work was done to the facility. The PMAC lacks revenue generating suites and Mulkey says going up and down the stairs is dangerous.

After winning the school’s first national championship in basketball, Mulkey told WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge its time to start talking about a new arena

Cut 7 (12)  “…it’s time” 

Mulkey says she doesn’t have a preference on whether a new arena is needed or should the school complety renovate the PMAC. The 60-year-old coach told WBRZ-TV she’ll leave that decision up to her administration…

Cut 8 (10)  “…paint on it.” 

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Louisiana Entergy customers will receive refunds in the coming months. It’s part of a 36-million dollar settlement the Public Service Commission finalized with Entergy. Commissioner Davante Lewis says the PSC sued Entergy for overcharging rate payers to cover the expenses of operating the Grand Gulf nuclear plant in Port Gibson, Mississippi.

Cut 9 (08) “….not working.”

Commissioner Mike Francis says the settlement is proof that the PSC has the best interest of utility customers…

Cut 10 (07) “…accountable.” 

Francis says it still has to be determined how much money customers will get back.

Cut 11 (09)  “…electricity rates.”

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Legislation requiring air monitoring systems in certain permitted facilities advanced from the Senate Environmental Committee. Author of the bill – Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says companies would have to maintain monitoring data records.

Cut 12 (12) “…be warned.” 

Senate Bill 35 would also require all facilities in Louisiana that produce toxic chemicals to alert communities nearby when air quality reaches dangerous levels. The measure was passed in a 4-1 vote. Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert was the only lawmaker to oppose the bill.

A proponent of the bill, Retired Army Lieutenant General Russell Honore says a recent chlorine leak near Iberville Parish sent residents to the hospital.

Cut 13 (11) “…the people.” 

Many industrial plants have similar systems in place but don’t alert communities nearby when a leak occurs.

Cut 14 (11)  “…with fentanyl.”

The cost related to installing and maintaining is $18,000 and each plant would incur the expense. Fields bill failed four times previously.