According to a recent poll, Louisianans are swaying more towards pro-choice than pro-life. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Alexandria Police are investigating a crash involving a 4-wheeler that left two people critically injured Sunday. The investigation revealed the all-terrain vehicle was turning onto Willow Glen Raod From Third Street at a high rate of speed and hit a vehicle. Both riders were thrown off and both sustained serious bodily injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Edwards delivered his final “State of the State”  today during the first day of the 2023 legislative session. Edwards asked Louisiana lawmakers to vote favorably on a number of measures including increasing the minimum wage and the controversial bill to end corporal punishment.

Cut 7 (08)  “…(applause).” 

Edwards says he’s also supporting paid family and medical leave legislation and equal pay legislation for men and women who do the same work.

State lawmakers returned to the capitol building today to kick off the regular legislative session and there is plenty on the agenda including legislation proposed by Gretna Representative Joe Marino that would increase legislator’s pay from $16,800 annually to $60k allowing candidates other than the wealthy and retired to run for office.

Cut 4 (12)  “…without opposition.” 

Lawmakers have not received an increase in salary since 1980 when Jimmy Carter was President.

A bill that would require a person to be 21 to enter a bar instead of 18 is up for debate in the legislative session that begins today. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30)  “Michelle Southern reporting.”

A new app released today by President of the Senate Page Cortez and Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder makes following the Louisiana Legislature easy. The La Lege app helps users navigate the Louisiana State Capitol, learn about legislature members, and watch committee meetings and floor debates. The La Lege app is free and available on Apple or Google Play.

The 2023 legislative session begins today and Louisiana lawmakers will address many bills, including whether to raise the state’s expense limit. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the state can only spend so much money each year and is quickly approaching the spending cap for the current fiscal.

Cut 7 (12) “…in the future.”

Alford says when it comes to money, lawmakers will also debate who should get pay raises and how much.

Recent research of Louisiana voters commissioned by the Justice Action Network shows attitudes changing toward criminal just reform. Baton Rouge pollster John Couvillon, with JMC Analytics, says many respondents feel those with mental health issues deserve treatment instead of jail time but crime is still a concern.

Cut 11 (09)  “…in nature.”

The poll found 77 percent surveyed feel persons charged with misdemeanors or minor offenses – and no danger to others – should remain out of jail, pending trial.

Louisiana lawmakers will hear numerous bills as the 2023 legislative session gets underway today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Expect an increase at the gas pumps – with the average price at $3.27 a gallon, according to the AAA’s Gas Prices. Last week it was $3.17, up ten cents in less than a few days. One of the reasons you will pay more at the pump is because of supply and demand.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has filed legislation to increase the age limit to enter bars in Louisiana from 18 to 21. The proposed bill also adds the requirement that only a person 21 and older can be employed as a bartender. Mizell expects some resistance from lobbyists who represent bars and nightclubs.

Cut 6 (04)  “…under 21.”

Businesses could face penalties ranging from $50 to $15,000.

A recent survey commissioned by the Justice Action Network shows viewpoints of Louisianans are shifting when it comes to putting criminal offenders in prison. Baton Rouge pollster John Couvillon, with JMC Analytics, says 75 percent of those surveyed say major improvement is needed in the criminal justice system,

Cut 12 (11)  “…of the offense.”

Read the survey report at “WinWithJMC.com”

Placing a bunny rabbit or baby chick in an Easter basket is not the ideal gift for children.  Humane Society of Louisiana director Jeff Dorson says when the novelty wears off  – families realize they’re not equipped to properly care for the pets and suggests chocolate bunnies are a better option.

Cut 5 (05) “…with that.”

Dorson says the animals are released in the wild and state wildlife has to retrieve them because they are unable to fend for themselves.

A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill to require health coverage that provides medical benefits to cover necessary expenses for standard fertility preservation for cancer patients whose treatment could render them sterile. Representative Paula Davis…

Cut 8 (08)  “…cancer treatment.” 

Davis said her law would be known as “The Medically Necessary Fertility Preservation Act.”

With rainy weather in the forecast through Saturday, Easter Sunday may bring calmer weather. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s no major threat of severe weather, but expect heavy rainfall.

Cut 10 (06) “…south Louisiana.” 

Keim says the front will bring cooler temperatures dipping into the 60s for the next several days.

Louisiana has the fourth worst outlook for life expectancy in the near future according to a recent study by Life Extension Foundation. Life Extension Director of Education, Dr. Michael Smith, says a lifestyle change will raise life expectancy rate.

Cut 14 (12)  “…that’s critical.”

Louisiana’s ranking is based on having the 48th best actual life expectancy at birth at 73 years and the least healthy lifestyle.

In light of recent mass school shootings across the country, BESE is calling on the state legislature to appropriate funding for trained school resource officers in all public schools to increase security. District 4 Member Michael Melerine says the Board is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students and educators is a priority.

Cut 9 (08)  “…school system.”

The Board also requested that school systems annually report the total number of school resource officers to the Louisiana Department of Education.

It’s Easter weekend and while we’ll admit they are awfully cute, getting a baby chick and or bunny isn’t the best idea. Humane Society of Louisiana director Jeff Dorson says shelters and veterinarians see an influx of rabbits and chicks after the holiday that is surrendered and in poor health.

Cut 3 (12) “…your money.”

In many cases, Dorson says state wildlife has to retrieve them because owners abandon them in the wild and they are unable to fend for themselves.

Rare metals giant UCore will invest $ 75 million to build North America’s first rare earth metals separation and purification facility in Rapides Parish. UCore V.P. and Chief Operating Officer Mike Schrider says the plant will extract elements used in making electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and numerous consumer goods. He says the raw ores will arrive via the port of New Orleans…:

Cut 10 (11) “…other elements eventually.” 

Schrider expects the plant to be fully operational by 2027.

The LSU football team is just over halfway through their spring practice schedule and Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock says he hopes to build on the progress his offense made last year and become one of the best in the SEC.

Cut  16 (19)  “..really elite.” 

With nearly all of its starting core returning, the Tiger’s offense should be a strength for the team ahead of the 2023 season.

A rare metals extraction plant is headed to Alexandria in the next few years. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

State police have arrested a Chalmette Pastor – who had been previously accused of sex crimes with minors – with new charges of sex-related offenses. 56-year-old Milton Martin III was charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile. Martin had been investigated in 2022 and booked with charges of sexual battery and carnal knowledge of a juvenile last month. State police said another victim came forward saying Martin had sexual relations with them in 1991 when they were 14 years old. An additional arrest warrant was issued for Martin, and he turned himself in on Wednesday. He was booked into the St. Bernard Parish Correctional Center for indecent behavior with juveniles.

Heavenly Hash Eggs are back and celebrating 100 years after offering limited products last year due to supply chain issues. Elmer Chocolate CEO Rob Nelson says last year they received hundreds of phone calls daily wanting to know why all three versions of Heavenly Hash were not in stores.

Cut 5 (06) “…selling out.”

Elmer Chocolate began making the Strawberry version when the company relocated to Ponchatoula in 1970, the Strawberry capital of the world.

Easter weekend is one of the biggest crawfish-selling weekends of the season and will be in high demand.  Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says prices on average are the same as last weekend.

Cut 14 (10)  “…this week.”

King says you can find boiled crawfish this weekend for an average of $4.75 a pound and live will run you $2.59 a pound.

You’ll want to keep your water-resistant garments handy – the entire state will most likely have rain, today, tomorrow, and Saturday. State climatologist Barry Keim says any outside activities planned should be postponed.

Cut 3 (10) “…clearly rain.”

Keim says by Sunday the front should be exiting the state – just in time for Easter.

Acadia Parish Deputies have arrested a Sulphur man impersonating a Calcasieu Parish Deputy after a home invasion. 33-year-old Adam Creel forcibly entered a home, handcuffed the homeowner, and stole several items before fleeing. Acadia Sheriff KP Gibson says help from local residents led to the swift arrest in this case.

Cut 6 (11)  “..these farmers.” 

Deputies are working to identify if other persons were possibly involved.

A survey by Global Strategy Group on behalf of Restore the Mississippi River Deltas shows support for coastal restoration is growing. Campaign director Simone Maloz says the state has lost nearly 2,000 square miles of coastal wetlands And 80 percent of respondents are in favor of sediment diversions.

Cut 10 (09) “…of that.” 

The state will be expected to lose 4,000 more square miles in the next 50 years without restoration projects.

A 33-year-old man from Terrebonne Parish has been charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy. Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper died last Sunday when a vehicle rammed into his during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the suspect, 33-year-old Anthony Savoie of Bourg, was in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

Cut 12 (09) “…on the charges” 

The Terrebonne Parish District Attorney’s Office will handle the criminal proceedings.

A Terrebonne Parish man has been arrested and charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy on Sunday. 33-year-old Anthony Savoie rammed his vehicle into Sergeant Nicholas Pepper’s unit during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says Savoie of Bourg has been in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

Cut 12 (09) “…on the charges” 

Savoie faces several charges, including first-degree murder of a police officer.

Make sure to grab your rain gear as we approach the Easter holiday – wet weather is in the forecast lasting through Saturday. State climatologist Barry Keim says if you have made outdoor plans during the Easter weekend, you will need to make adjustments.

Cut 3 (10) “…clearly rain.”

A flash flood watch is in effect for northwest Louisiana until 7 o’clock Friday evening.

Three young adults were killed in a single-vehicle wreck in West Monroe during the overnight hours. Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Glenn Springfield says deputies responded to the scene in the 100 block of Ole Highway 15 in West Monroe…

Cut 14 (10)  “…into a tree.”

The three victims were found deceased in the vehicle.

Acadia Parish deputies arrested a Sulphur man in connection to a home invasion robbery in the Branch community Tuesday morning with assistance from local residents. Acadia Parish Sheriff KP Gibson says 33-year-old, Adam Creel forcefully entered the unnamed victim’s residence wearing law enforcement credentials from another parish that were reported stolen.

Cut 7 (08)  “…of charges.” 

Creel was charged with numerous charges including home invasion, and impersonation of a law enforcement officer.

The use of corporal punishment in public schools is the topic of a proposed bill filed for the upcoming legislative session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Three 17-year-olds of St. Martin Parish were arrested in connection to unrelated bomb threats at two area high schools last month. In all three incidents, the threats were written on bathroom walls. The teens were booked and released to the custody of their parents.

Acadia Parish deputies arrested a Sulphur man in connection to a home invasion robbery in the Branch community Tuesday morning with assistance from local residents. Authorities received a call of a suspicious person running in a field and were led to an area off Branch Highway near White Oak Highway. Acadia Parish Sheriff KP Gibson says within minutes officers were on the scene.

Cut 6 (09)  “…an individual.” 

Creel was charged with numerous charges including home invasion.

Tulane University researchers released a study that finds a connection between getting sick with a cold or flu often and how it impacts the risk of dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.  Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Liz Engler-Chiurazzi says the study showed aging male mice who experienced sporadic colds or flu often had impaired cognition.

Cut 10 (07) “…to communicate” 

Engler-Chiuarazzi says  it’s important to stay healthy and infection-free as possible.