The controversial legislation to end capital punishment received public approval from Governor John Bel Edwards. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team will play in its 6^th final four and first since 2008 today against Virginia Tech in Dallas. The Tigers will be in a search of their first National Championship with second-season Coach Kim Mulkey. In order to reach the National Championship, LSU will need to go through Virginia Tech who is the No. 1 seed from the Seattle 3 region.

Good news for energy consumers. The U-S House approved Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise’s ‘Lower Energy Costs Act’. The bill restores the country’s energy independence and lower energy costs for families. Scalise says the legislation will reverse what he calls the Biden Administration’s anti-energy policies.

Cut 5 (12) “…from China”

The GOP Energy Bill passed on a 225-204 vote. 

A 19-year-old student in Caddo Parish was arrested for threatening to kill a coach yesterday. Sheriff Steve Prator says a Southwood High School coach told Caleb Morris to stop vaping, Morris responded with a death threat and left the gym. A school resource officer stopped Morris as he walked back toward the school.

Cut 11 (04)  “…in his backpack.”

Prator says once the investigation is complete, the District Attorney’s office will take over.

Minden Police arrested and charged 20-year-old Reginald Moore of Heflin and 22-year-old Jamontae Holyfield of Homer with four counts of attempted second-degree murder in the mass shooting involving four people at a social gathering in Minden over the weekend.  Police Chief Jared McIver says all of the victims are now in the recovery phase.

Cut 4 (11)  “…female back” 

More arrests are expected.

 FDA has approved an over-the-counter Narcan to help with the ongoing opioid crisis. Director of Addiction Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Lee Michals says the nasal spray can reverse an opioid overdose but the public should learn how to use it properly.

Cut 7 (11)  “…on hand.” 

Michals says don’t be afraid to ask your physician for a prescription.

A non-profit insurance watchdog group plans to hound in on consumer-oriented insurance reforms during the upcoming legislative session. the executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, Ben Riggs says consumers should be the focal point and not the insurance companies.

Cut 9 (11) “…and small businesses.”

Riggs says tort reforms passed in recent years were touted as a way to reduce auto insurance rates, but they have failed to do so.

State Police arrested and charged  2-year-old Charles Barker of Florien and charged with manslaughter in an accident involving a state department of transportation vehicle in DeSoto Parish that killed a DOTD worker. Trooper Jonathan Odom explains why Barker was charged with negligent homicide…

Cut 13 (10) “…of someone else”

Gray was standing behind a DOTD dump truck when he was killed. The crew was performing road surface improvements to the highway.

Two arrests have been made in the shooting of four people at a gathering over the weekend. Minden officers discovered the shooting was involved gang-related. Police Chief Jared McIver says this has been an ongoing problem before he took office.

Cut 5 (13) “…gang activity”

The investigation is ongoing.

A non-profit insurance watchdog group shares its hopes and concerns for consumer-oriented insurance reforms as the legislature prepares to begin a new session on April 10th. Executive director of Real Reform Louisiana Ben Riggs says his group is hoping to see more help for working consumers.

Cut 9 (11) “…and small businesses”

Riggs says Real Reform Louisiana lobbies to “deliver real reform that levels the playing field, increases competition, and lowers costs.

Many factors can cause stress but how does that look collectively as a country and where does Louisiana fit on WalletHub’s 2023 list of most stressed states? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine plans to double student admission and increase graduation rates to shrink the shortage of veterinarians across the U.S. LSU Vet School Dean, Oliver Garden says they will increase class size by next year.

Cut 3 (09) “…this happens”

Nearly every state reported critical shortages in veterinary care in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To increase safety along the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, DOTD plans to install speed cameras next year as a preventive measure. The beginning phase includes increased signage along the bridge. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says feedback cameras will also be installed to alert drivers when they are speeding.

Cut 7 (09)  “…the number of crashes.” 

Double speeding fine signs installed on the bridge in August is proving to be effective.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt authored a bill that increases punishment for those who produce or combine fentanyl with other drugs. Drugs laced with fentanyl were responsible for 140 deaths last year in her home parish of St. Tammany. She says the maximum penalty for manufacturing a controlled substance under her legislation would increase from 15 to 40.

Cut 10 (10) “…in our state” 

The penalties would also include a 500-thousand dollar fine for the convicted drug manufacturer.

ULM and Louisiana Tech announce they will renew their football rivalry, but fans will have to wait until 2030 before the two schools separated by 36 miles will meet again on the gridiron. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says hopes this game will take place.

Cut 14 (11)  “…down the road”

They have not played each other on the football field since 2000.

New speeding cameras will be installed along the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge by the end of 2024. Brooke Thorington has the details.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The United States Marshal Service Violent Offender Task Force arrested a Natchitoches man in New Orleans as a result of warrants for setting roadside and forest fires in January. Billy Ellerbe, Jr. is charged with one count of arson, one count of simple littering, and an additional count of arson. Authorities say the fires set in Natchitoches Parish threatened homes and obstructed traffic on I-49.

LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine plans to increase student enrollment and graduation rates to elevate a shortage of veterinarians across the country.  LSU Vet School Dean, Oliver Garden says the state has given the school $2.2 million in funding but additional funding is necessary.

Cut 5 (10) “…mix as well”

The school plans to increase its faculty and offer scholarships to attract students.

ULM and Louisiana Tech announce they will renew their football rivalry, but fans will have to wait until 2030 before the two schools separated by 36 miles will meet again on the gridiron. They have not played each other on the football field since 2000. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says it’s good to see the rivalry resume.

Cut 12 (07) “…make it happen” 

The two schools scheduled a game against each other in 2020, but it was scrapped because of COVID.

The autopsy for Georgia executive Nathan Millard, who went missing in Baton Rouge and found wrapped in a rug, shows he died from a lethal combination of cocaine, alcohol, and fentanyl.  East Baton Rouge Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says fentanyl is driving a rise in deaths in the country.

Cut 4 (12)  “…person’s system.”

Clark says these days illicit drugs are laced with fentanyl and there are major consequences.

Louisiana transportation officials have narrowed the prospects down to three for a new Mississippi River Bridge in an effort to decrease traffic congestion.  The $1.5 billion dollar project has received $300 million in state funding but will need additional funding. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says all locations will have to go through the environmental phase to determine the most effective route before a final selection is made.

Cut 9 (11)  “…approved route.”

Residents are worried about the environmental impact of one site that threatens Cypress Forest in Iberville Parish.

Minden Representative Wayne McMahan has filed legislation that would allow pet owners to have their pets’ cremated remains buried with them. The retired veterinarian says this bill should be considered because pets are like a part of the family. And the bill clearly outlines that the cremated pet must have passed before the person who wishes to have the remains buried with them.

Cut 12 (12)  “…the burial.”

The practice is illegal in the state but McMahan says he’s optimistic that will change.

Marrero Representative Kyle Green has filed a bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana. The proposed legislation says anyone found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, or treason would serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Green proposed the same bill in 2020 and 2022 but believes it is worth another debate.

Cut 13 (11) “..get it right.” 

The legislation would not apply to individuals already on death row.

Longtime Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon rejects a bill to make his current seat an appointed position instead of elected. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot plans to file the bill to make the office an appointed position. Donelon says states that have elected commissioners are termed longer than appointed commissioners…

Cut 5 (08) “…at a time”

Donelon has served as insurance commissioner for nearly two decades and will not run for re-election.

Cybercriminals have targeted seven Louisiana colleges this year. The attacks disrupted networking systems including education online learning platforms, the internet, and a possible threat to students and faculty’s personal information. TrustedSec Advisory Solutions Director Alex Hammerstone.

Cut 6 (08)  “…and capability.” 

Hammerstone says universities are prime targets because of the massive amount of data and the opportunity for a bigger payout.

A recent report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation shows Baton Rouge and New Orleans are ranked in the top 30 Allergy Capitals in the U.S. The report also offers advice on how to mitigate the effects of pollen for allergy sufferers. Hannah Jaffee with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation ssuggests to stay updated with pollen forecast and to limit outdoor activities on high-count days.

Cut 12 (10) “…works for you.” 

New Orleans ranks 22 and Baton Rouge came in last among the top 30.

An autopsy report on Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and found rolled up in plastic and a rug, shows he died from a combination of drugs, including fentanyl.  The autopsy findings did not show evidence of internal or external trauma. East Baton Rouge Coroner Doctor Beau Clark says it’s not a surprise for fentanyl to be involved in an overdose death.

Cut 14 (06)  “…fentanyl”

The presence of ethanol is an indication he was drinking alcohol before his death.

Two cities in the Bayou State are among the Top 30 Allergy Capitals in the country. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement on the deaths of Louisiana natives killed in the Nashville mass shooting yesterday. Governor Edwards asked the entire state to pray for the families of Cynthia Peak and Katherine Koonce and all the victims of Monday’s evil mass shooting at Covenant Presbyterian School. Three children and three adults were killed.

Recent Cyberattacks have targeted seven Louisiana colleges this year.  Nearly a month ago, Southeastern Louisiana was the target of a cyberattack that impacted online classes, entry to dormitories, campus activities, sporting events, and more. Southeastern Louisiana Professor Dayne Sherman said it was a situation that should have been prevented.

Cut 8 (09)  “…thousand students.” 

The university has upgraded its digital security measures to ensure the safety of student and faculty data information.

A completed autopsy report on Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and found several days later rolled up in plastic and a rug, shows he died from a combination of drugs, including fentanyl. East Baton Rouge Coroner Doctor Beau Clark…

Cut 13 (07) “…accidental.”

Authorities have arrested a well-known drug dealer and a prostitute in the case. Cops are still searching for a second prostitute who was with Millard before he died.