A recent study by WalletHub shows Louisiana is 2023′s second least financially literate state – receiving a failing grade. WalletHub Analyst, Jill Gonzales says Louisiana also ranked poorly in sustainable spending, and only residents on average make minimum payments on bank cards.

Cut 4 (11)  “…interest rates.” 

Louisiana also failed in saving and investing.

After a months-long investigation into several arson cases by the State Fire Marshals Office and the Hammond Fire Department- nine people are now in custody. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says tips lead to the arrest of three suspects who are allegedly linked to two Hammond house fires and encourage others to phone in any tips.

Cut 8 (08)  “…on our tip-line.” 

To submit an anonymous tip, call the tipline or visit their website at sfm.dps.louisiana.gov.

Louisiana’s shipbuilding giant Edison Chouest is building a new vessel to support offshore wind turbines. The 260-foot-long vessel – called E-C-O Edison – is being built at the LaShip shipyard in Houma. LaShip General Manager Wally Naquin says the vessel will temporarily house workers who perform maintenance on turbines in a wind farm…

Cut 11 (10)  “…their home”

The vessel is being built for a Danish firm called Orsted, who builds and operates wind farms around the globe.

Several Louisiana parishes rank in the top ten for the largest population loss in the last two years. The four parishes were impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021. Demographer Greg Rigamer says population loss was expected following the Category Four storm…

Cut 12 (14) “…south Louisiana” 

 St. John the Baptist, Terrebonne, Plaquemines, and St. Charles Parishes were affected by the population loss.

Representative Gabe Firment of Pollock will make a second attempt to ban gender reassignment surgery and transition procedures for minors.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana is 2023′s second least financially literate state according to a recent WalletHub study. Louisiana ranked 50 of 51 states as one of the least financially literate states. WalletHub Analyst, Jill Gonzales says consumer habits in Louisiana show poor money management and on average only, the minimum amount is paid on credit card bills.

Cut 4 (11)  “…interest rates.” 

Louisiana is the third worst education state in the country.

For the past seven months investigations from the State Fire Marshals Office and the Hammond Fire Department have resulted in nine arrests in seven arson cases. State Fire Marshal Chief Dan Wallis reopened several closed investigations and spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office allowed the Hammond Fire Department to re-examine the seven arson cases.

Cut 8 (08)  “…on our tip-line.” 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages you to call their tip line If you have any tips or information about any fire.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s latest legislation proposes reforms to stabilize insurance costs for homeowners. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

In an interview on ESPN, Iowa superstar guard Caitlin Clark said she has no ill feelings toward LSU’s Angel Reese and believes she doesn’t deserve criticism for any actions from Sunday’s game. Reese was called a poor sport among other things for giving the “You Can’t See Me Hand Gesture” and pointing to her ring finger in the final moments of the national championship game.

Louisiana Oil & Gas Association founder and President-Emiritus Don Briggs – who died in his home Monday – will be laid to rest tomorrow. Current President Mike Moncla says Briggs fought for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry for more than 50 years.

Cut 5 (12) “…always there.”

Briggs founded the association in 1992 and served as the President for 26 years.

Grant Parish Representative Gabe Firment filed a measure that would ban gender reassignment surgery and transition procedures for minors in Louisiana. Firment filed a similar bill last year to ban gender-affirming healthcare for minors, but withdrew it and filed a study resolution instead. Firment says there are many complications and dangers associated with those procedures that children should not go through.

Cut 9 (11)  “…really evil.”

The entire study from the Louisiana Department of Health can be found on our website at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com. The session begins Monday.

Legislation filed by Senator Eddie Lambert will authorize all schools to have an on-campus, armed protection officer. Kevin Gallagher has more

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In an interview on ESPN, Iowa superstar guard Caitlin Clark said she has no ill feelings toward LSU’s Angel Reese and believes she doesn’t deserve criticism for any actions from Sunday’s game. Reese was called a poor sport among other things for giving the “You Can’t See Me Hand Gesture” and pointing to her ring finger in the final moments of the national championship game.

Two siblings have been arrested in the death of their elderly mother in Rapides Parish. 88-year-old Ethel Glynn who died on March 21 lived with her sons – 66-year-old James McCoy and 56-year-old Kevin Glynn at a home on Galway Street in Boyce. Assistant Chief of Police, Linwood Banks says this is an unfortunate situation for the family.

Cut 14 (09)  “…with this.”

The brothers are charged with cruelty to the infirm.

Representative Barry Ivey has filed legislation that would require high school students to receive instruction on the importance of being an organ donor. Ivey says his bill would require public and charter school students to get at least 30 minutes of classroom instruction. The Republican lawmaker says the instruction would be done with the cooperation of private organ donation entities, like the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency…:

Cut 7 (08)  “…to teach this.” 

Ivey says the bill was requested by a constituent, who lost her daughter, Allie Raines, in a fatal car accident in 2021.

Congressman Troy Carter supports the LSU Lady Tigers are the indisputable winners of the championship and Iowa should not have to accompany them on their visit.  First Lady Jill Biden stated she would tell President Biden to invite the Iowa women’s team because they played a good game. Carter says her remark was an unintentional slight to the ladies of LSU.

Cut 9 (09) “…the prize.”

Biden later retracted her statement but President Biden said in a tweet that he looks forward to seeing LSU and UCONN men’s basketball champion at the White House.

A bill that would allow public schools to have armed protection officers on site has been filed by an Ascension lawmaker. The bill is in response to the number of mass shootings nationwide. Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert says this is not a mandate.

Cut 5 (11) “…among other things.”

Lambert’s bill will come up when the legislature convenes next week. He says he sees no good reason to oppose it.

Legislation that would require high school students to receive instruction on the importance of organ donation and how to become an organ donor has been authored by Representative Barry Ivey.  Ivey says a constituent requested he file the bill after he lost his daughter in a fatal car crash in 2021.

Cut 6 (12)  “…organ for her.” 

Students would get at least 30 minutes of classroom instruction.

Boyce police arrested two caregivers in the death of an elderly woman who died under their care. 66-year-old James McCoy and 56-year-old Kevin Glynn, 56, were the primary caregivers of their mother, 88-year-old Ethel Glynn who died on March 21. Assistant Chief of Police, Linwood Banks says his office was contacted to investigate Glynn’s death.

Cut 12 (09) “…the case” 

Glynn’s cause of death was heart failure but physical evidence deemed severe neglect.

Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert proposed a bill that would authorize public schools to have armed protection officers on campus. The bill is in response to the continuing school shooting incidents nationwide. Lambert says the bill would allow for off-duty officers to serve as school protection officers, but also would permit school faculty and staff to conceal provided they get the proper Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) certification …:

Cut 4 (10)  “…if they want.” 

The upcoming legislative session starts Monday, April 10.

Representative Barry Ivey has filed legislation to require high school students to receive organ donation instruction in public high schools. Ivey says a constituent, who lost her daughter in a 2021 car crash, requested he file the bill.

Cut 8 (07)  “…organ donor.” 

Lambert believes young people can make the decision to become organ donors when given the option on their driver’s licenses.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says there’s only one winner for NCAA Basketball championship and the champions should visit the White House solo. Carter released a statement in response to First Lady Jill Biden’s views on inviting the Iowa women’s basketball team to the White House.  Biden reversed her comment after heavy backlash.

Cut 11 (12)  “…of LSU.”

The Democratic lawmaker believes the Lady Tigers should enjoy their victory lap as winners.

Boyce Police arrested two brothers in the death of their elderly mother – who was under care. 66-year-old James McCoy and 56-year-old Kevin Glynn, 56, were the primary caregivers of the victim, 88-year-old Ethel Glynn who died on March 21. Assistant Chief of Police, Linwood Banks says his office was contacted by the Rapides Parish Coroner’s office on March 22 to investigate Glynn’s death.

Cut 12 (09) “…the case” 

The two brothers were arrested and charged with cruelty to the infirm.

A Prairieville student is in custody after a hidden camera linked to the student was discovered in the girls locker. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Health Secretary, Courtney Phillips has submitted her resignation from office. Phillips oversaw the department during the national health crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic. The department was under scrutiny for its processing of Medicaid payments and a failed nursing home evacuation plan after Hurricane Ida that led to multiple elderly deaths in a Tangipahoa warehouse.

Governor John Bel Edwards said the department made strides in health equity and maternal mortality under Phillip’s leadership. Phillip will be replaced by longtime Health Department Attorney Stephen Russo. Phillips’s resignation will take effect on Thursday, April 6.

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton has filed a bill to ban the discussion of sexual preference or gender identity in the classroom. HB 466 would also prohibit school employees from sharing their own orientation with kids and the use of “preferred pronouns” opposite of the gender of the child’s birth records. Horton says when a child is in the classroom education should be the focal point.

Cut 9 (10)  “…subject at hand.”

Horton’s bill will be heard in the upcoming legislative session.

Rapides Parish boys and girls high school basketball teams won the state championship but are not able to purchase rings due to insufficient funds. Northwood-Lena is the first school to win a title on both girls’ and boys’ teams in the same season. Northwood-Lena Coach Alan Tinsley says the total cost of the rings is estimated at $14,000 that was not placed in the budget.

Cut 14 (09)  “…that works.”

Donations can be made to Northwood-Lena High School.

Lower Energy Costs Act – authored by Congressman Steve Scalise passed the U.S. House on Thursday, and he’s hopeful it will receive support from the Senate. Scalise’s House Resolution 1 passed by a narrow 225-204 margin. Scalise says the bill is intended to help consumers financially, but he’s already spoken with some Democrats in the Senate who are interested in debating the measure.

Cut 5 (11) “…in the end.”

Scalise says 60 senators (about 11 of them Democrats) will have to vote to bring the bill up for debate.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre has identified the deputy who was killed in a police pursuit Sunday morning. 44-year-old Sergeant Nicholas Pepper died after a suspect rammed into Sergeant Pepper’s unit. Pepper began his career with the Sheriff’s office in 2007. The suspect was taken into custody and the investigation is ongoing.

LSU Lady Tigers are the NCAA national champions of women’s basketball. LSU scored a 102-85 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes last night. Angel Reese scored 15 points with ten rebounds, giving her an NCAA record 34th double-double for the season. Reese was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Cut 7 (15) “…right now”

This is Mulkey’s fourth national championship as a head coach.

Requiring parental consent for children 16 and younger to use social media platforms is the foundation of a bill proposed by Covington Senator Patrick McMath. The measure would give parents a path to take companies to court who they believe were negligent in children being harmed. The Republican from St. Tammany Parish says Utah passed a similar bill but his bill is designed to protect children’s mental well-being.

Cut 12 (09)  “…its role.”

Congress has so far been unable to pass national privacy laws and restrictions, leaving some states to take action.

Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers women’s Basketball team beat the Iowa Hawkeyes –  earning their first NCAA national championship. Angel Reese had 15 points and ten rebounds but found herself in foul trouble during the second quarter. Reese says the team has collectively been a great support the entire season.

Cut 8 (10) “…played big”

The Lady Tigers had a game record of 102 points in a final score of 102-85.

Senator Patrick McMath – a father of four – has filed a bill that would require children 16 and younger to have parental consent to download social media apps.  McMath says this is a step to give parents the opportunity to safeguard their children in the social media world.

Cut 10 (10)  “…about it.”

The bill would also place time restrictions on when children can participate on social media platforms that have five million or more users.

New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd has authored a bill that would add the exceptions of rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban. Boyd argues without exceptions there is no protection for children.

Cut 13 (12) “…soaking wet.” 

Boyd is hopeful the bill will receive bipartisan support.

Congressman Steve Scalise is hopeful the Senate will pass his Lower Energy Costs Act that was passed in the U.S. House last week. Scalise’s House Resolution 1 passed by a narrow 225-204 margin last Wednesday. He says the bill drew some bipartisan votes and he’s expecting the Senate to follow suit.

Cut 4 (12)  “…getting that done.”

The Lower Energy Costs act would increase domestic energy production.

Governor John Bel Edwards encouraged Medicaid recipients to check their eligibility status and take action to avoid losing coverage. Eligibility reviews were paused due to the COVID pandemic. In a public service announcement released earlier today, Edwards says this is important for every Louisianan receiving health coverage.

Cut 9 (11) “…their coverage.”

The massive outreach effort will cost nearly $196-million.

Legislation that would designate the pecan as the official state nut and authorize its use on official state documents and with the insignia of the state has been filed by Alexandria Representative Lance Harris. Louisiana harvests an average of 17.7 million pounds of pecans annually. The Republican lawmaker says the state is one of the largest producers of pecans in the country – it’s time to make it official.

Cut 5 (10) “…produce them”

Lawmakers will hear the bill in the legislative session that begins April 10.

House Majority Leader and Congressman Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is political.  Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Scalise says the New York City D.A. Alvin Bragg is abusing his power.

Cut 12 (13) “…after Donald Trump.” 

He is the first former (or seated) U.S. President to ever be formally accused of a crime.

With crawfish prices dropping an average 15-cent this week, it will be another great weekend to congregate with friends and enjoy. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says the drop in prices wasn’t at the dock this time, it was retailers who dropped their prices.  King says if you’re interested in ready to eat crawfish you will pay about $4.00 a pound.

Cut 8 (08)  “…can expect.” 

This weekend prices are down 20-cents a pound compared to the same weekend last year.