The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that will give all parents the opportunity to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The parents of Lacey Fletcher, who was found melted in a couch after years of neglect, were sentenced to 40 years, with 20 years suspended. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Grambling State men’s basketball team keeps making history. The Tigers played in their first ever NCAA Tournament game last night and they rallied to beat Montana State 88 to 81 in overtime. Head Coach Donte Jackson was asked what this means for his program

Cut 3 (11) “…just amazing.”  

The Tigers trailed by nine points at halftime. Jackson says his players were unfazed….

Cut 4 (12) “…right direction” 

Grambling plays again tomorrow night and they’ll take on top-seeded Purdue in Indianapolis. Jackson says his team faces a monumental task in trying to upset the Boilermakers

Cut 5 (12)  “…ready to play”

Tip-off tomorrow night is at 6:25.

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The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation that will one day allow every family to apply for state dollars to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is a co-author of the bill and says parents should have options on how their child should be educated…

Cut 6  (12) “…is educated.” 

The L-A Gator Scholarship Program would begin with the 2025-26 school year and at first would just provide taxpayer dollars to low income families, but income requirements would ease over time and it would be open to all families starting with the 2028-29 school year.

Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews was the only lawmaker to vote against the bill in Senate Education. Jackson-Andrews says families who have children attending a well performing schools should not be eligible for this program. She questioned Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds…

Cut 7 (13) “…their opinion”  

The Louisiana School Boards Association strongly oppose the the creation of education savings accounts. Dannie Garrett handles government relations for the association and says E-S-As spent taxpayer dollars without the accountability demanded of public schools and there’s no evidence it will improve education

Cut 8 (07) “…better” 

The Public Affairs Research Council says the L-A Gator Scholarship Program would cost 650-million dollars annually in five to seven years.

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The parents of Lacey Fletcher, the 36-year-old who was found melted into the couch due to severe neglect in Slaughter, were sentenced to 40 years with 20 years suspended. East Feliciana District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says he wanted Clay and Shelia Fletcher to receive the maximum of 40 years due to the horrific way their special needs daughter died.

Cut 9 (07) “…the couch.” 

Lacey was found on January 3, 2022, covered in maggots and sores in a couch rotting in her own waste.

During the trial, D’Aquilla says the Fletchers showed no remorse for the haunting death of their daughter.

Cut 10 (12) “…special needs child. “

D’Aquilla says he’d like to bring charges against the friends and fellow church members who testified on behalf of the Fletchers, because they never intervened.

Cut 11 (06) “…10 years.”

The coroner ruled that Lacey died from “acute medical neglect” inflicted over a period dating back to at least 2010.

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says crawfish prices keep dropping and supply remains steady. He says prices have been dropping since the start of March, so if you enjoy eating crawfish, get them this weekend ..

Cut 12 (06) “…down again.”

Strain says supply is outpacing demand, which has led to the price drop. He hopes the cool weather this week doesn’t impact supply too much…

Cut 13 (09) “…the traps.”  

The average price for a pound of crawfish in Louisiana is $5.50, according to the crawfish price index. Strain says you can find them at some places, below four-dollars a pound.

A move to do away with the state’s mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists has cleared another legislative hurdle. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The House Civil Law Committee approves a bill extending the amount of time a civil lawsuit can be filed from one to two years. Jeff Palermo explains why it has the support of the governor…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Legislation to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law passed the full House in a 60-43 vote. The law has been in place since 2004. Bill’s author, Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn says wearing a helmet is a freedom of choice.

Cut 3 (12) “…protect yourself.”  

Under the proposed bill, motorcycle riders 21 and older would have the option of wearing safety helmets if they can prove they have health insurance. Shamerhorn says riders have the right to make the final call.

Cut 4 (12) “…you make.” 

The state’s current law requires both riders and passengers to wear safety helmets regardless of age.

Opponent of the bill, Monroe Representative Pat Moore believes this legislation will lead to more highway deaths. She says insurance company payouts translates to increased insurance rates.

Cut 5 (13)  “…of Louisiana.”

Louisiana is one of 17 states that require full time helmets while riding a motorcycle. Moore says there are benefits that come from wearing a safety helmet.

Cut 6  (06) “…possibly dying.” 

The measure heads to the Senate for more debate.

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In an effort to reduce insurance rates, the House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill that would extend the time from one to two years to file a civil lawsuit. Governor Jeff Landry this says will give an insurer and the claimant additional time to reach a settlement without having to go to court…

Cut 7 (11) “…will go down”  

Landry says he’s heard from the insurance industry that fewer lawsuits can result in lower premiums. He says most of other states have a two year prescriptive period and they see less lawsuits

Cut 8 (09) “…this math.” 

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple looks at this legislation as just part of the solution to solving the insurance crisis that’s seeing rates going up on both auto and homeowners policies. He says other insurance reform efforts are also needed

Cut 9 (10) “…of solution” 

Lawmakers will be discussing a package of tort and insurance reform bills as the season goes on.

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The Lafayette Police Department was involved in the fatal  shooting of a man last night. Sergeant Robin Green says officers had to use lethal force after a suspect in a domestic disturbance incident at a apartment complex tried to injure officers with his vehicle.

Cut 10 (10) “…the scene. “

Green says the suspect initially escaped apprehension when officers first approached him. He was spotted a short time later in a different location and that’s when the officer-involved shooting occurred.

Cut 11 (12) “…shooting occured.”

No officers were injured in the incident. The identity of the deceased suspect has not been released.

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Former Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, who served four terms died Monday at his home. Hollingsworth served as mayor from 1999 to 20015. Current Mayor Ronny Walker says Hollingsworth was always looking to improve Ruston and spearheaded their downtown revitalization.

Cut 12 (07) “…ever had.”

Walker says Hollingsworth, who was a father of five, was well thought of not only for his accomplishments but for his character as well.

Cut 13 (12) “…for advice.”  

Hollingsworth was the brainchild of the Ruston 21 plan for capital improvements, economic development, and land-use improvements. Walker says Hollingsworth is also remembered for strengthening the town’s relationship with Louisiana Tech.

Cut  14 (07) “…the future.”

The former radio station owner and broadcaster was 89.

A community organization is requesting the release of an 11 year old girl after murder charges were dropped in connection to fatal shooting last November. Teiko Foxx reports the child still faces an obstruction of justice charge…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A study shows prenatal care in Louisiana is being delayed due to the state’s abortion ban. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A bill has been filed that would let all families apply for state dollars that could help pay for private school tuition, tutoring, and other education-related expenses. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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The Village 337, a civil rights organization, is demanding the release of an 11-year-old girl in custody after the state dropped a first-degree murder charge on Thursday. The minor was charged last November in the shooting death of 36-year-old Kameron Bedsole at a home in New Iberia. The child still faces an obstruction of justice charge and Vice President Angela Eaglin believes she should be released due to a lack of evidence.

Cut 4 (10) “…sure of.”

Under the plea deal, Eaglin says the young girl could serve a seven-year sentence with three and a half suspended. The minor has been in detention for more than 100 days. There is great concern for her mental health during this time.

Cut 5 (12) “…a lot.” 

Eaglin says the juvenile 15-year-old brother faces murder charges in connection to the death of Bedsole. Her mother faces charges of accessory after the fact. She says the child is innocent.

Cut 6 (10) “…facing time.”

Sentencing will be held April 16th at the New Iberia courthouse. The attorneys involved are involved in a court-ordered gag order and are not allowed to discuss the case.

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A new study indicates prenatal care in Louisiana is at risk because many obstetricians are refusing to see patients in their first trimester, when miscarriages are highest, due to the state’s abortion ban for fear of being prosecuted. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says the report was conducted in mid-2023.

Cut 7 (12) “…extremely alarming.”

The report entitled Criminalized Care: How Louisiana’s Abortion Bans Endanger Patients and Clinicians was a joint study by Lift Louisiana, Physicians for Human Rights, Reproductive Health Impact, and the Center for Reproductive Rights. Thirty healthcare providers and thirteen patients participated in the study.

Erenberg says the report highlights the dire need for clarification of the state’s abortion ban for the treatment of ectopic, nonviable pregnancies, and miscarriages.

Cut 8 (12) “…complication.” 

Another alarming finding in the report was a physician performing a Cesarean-section on a patient versus what before was considered standard of practice of care for a pregnancy complication, so it’s not deemed an abortion.

Erenberg hopes the study will enlighten lawmakers on how the state’s abortion ban is crippling pre-natal and maternal care in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…doing so.”

In Louisiana, a healthcare provider can face up to 15 years in prison and $200,000 in fines for performing an abortion.

Requests to speak to Louisiana Right to Life and the Louisiana Department of Health went unanswered.

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A bill that would ban TikTok or force its China-based parent company, ByteDance to sell it has passed the US House. Senator Bill Cassidy talked about the problem with a China-based app doing business in the US

Cut 10 (10) “…their information.”

Cassidy expressed concern for young Americans who engage with the app because of where control of the app is originates.

Cut 11 (11) “…is exercised.”

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The House Transportation Committee has approved legislation that would prevent the state or local governments from placing restrictions on buying or selling gas-powered vehicles. It’s to prevent government mandates that a certain percentage of vehicles on the road should be electric. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver is the author of the proposal

Cut 12 (06) “…to develop.” 

Jaqueline Lindsey with ABATE, a motorcycle rights organization, testified that California has already passed legislation that bans the sale gas-powered vehicles by 2035…

Cut 13 (11)  “…follow their lead.”

This measure heads to the House floor.

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The landmark education bill of the legislative session has been filed. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the author of the Louisiana Gator Scholarship program, which seeks to give all families an opportunity to receive taxpayer dollars to send their child to a private school. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Governor Jeff Landry has touted school choice…

Cut 14 (12) “…them before”

Erwin says in the first couple of years, the proposed program would resemble the state’s current voucher program, which uses public dollars to help low-income families send their children to a private school. He says after three years, the program would be available to all parents regardless of financial need…

Cut 15 (10) “…serious debate about this.”

Cost is a major question. About six-thousand students currently receive vouchers in Louisiana, costing the state more than 45-million dollars. Erwin says this proposal calls for eligibility limits to be eliminated in the fall of 2027 and it’s unclear how much money the state is willing to pay for this program and will it take away from other state services?

Cut 16 (07)  “…programs.” 

The bill has yet to be scheduled for debate in the House Education Committee.

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Grambling State will make its first appearance in the Big Dance tonight as the Tigers face Montana State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Tigers Coach Donte Jackson says he’s ready to introduce the rest of the country to Grambling basketball…

Cut 17 (17) “…in this tournament” 

If Grambling wins, they’ll advance to play Purdue on Friday in Indianapolis. Jackson has been at Grambling since 2017 and he’s never had a losing record in SWAC play. He’s trying to change Grambling’s reputation that it’s just not a football school…

Cut 18 (19)  “..in seven years” 

Montana State has won four straight and they enter tonight’s game 17-17. They’ve won the Big Sky Conference Tournament three consecutive years and Jackson says they have multiple guys who can knock down three pointers…

Cut 19 (14) “….high level” 

Spring starts at 10:06 tonight. Teiko Foxx spoke with a weather forecaster who airs what kind of weather conditions to expect in Louisiana.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team’s two-day detail resulted in the arrest of 55 individuals,  and 83 citations. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Spring officially begins tonight. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the Bayou State is still in El Nino which means normal weather conditions. But with above normal rainfall.

Cut 3 (10) “…particular area.”  

While spring season brings milder temperatures, Keim says  it’s also the peak season for tornadoes. And severe weather including lots of precipitation through the beginning of May.

Cut 4 (07) “…early May.” 

Keim says the state has been running  above normal in rainfall totals since the beginning of the year.

Cut 5 (07)  “…the spring.”

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In Natchitoches, Sabine, and Rapides Parishes, the Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team’s (VCAT) two-day detail resulted in the arrest of 55 individuals, and 83 citations were issued. Trooper Casey Wallace says the collaborative effort of multiple agencies recovered meth, cocaine, heroin, and different narcotics.

Cut 6  (10) “…understanding.” 

The goal of the operation was to detect, identify, and apprehend individuals involved in various criminal activities.

While local law enforcement agencies are constrained by their jurisdictions, Wallace points out that criminals aren’t restricted so by forming a task force of multiple agencies there’s strength in numbers.

Cut 7 (09) “…do it together.”  

While such operations prove to be productive with multiple arrests, Wallace says unfortunately they require lots of manpower which is a problem facing all law enforcement agencies.

Cut 8 (12) “…used to.” 

The VCAT detail was comprised of Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Probation and Patrol, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Natchitoches Police Department.

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Mega Millions excitement is in the air as the jackpot is approaching 900 million dollars. Whether you take the cash payout or the annuity, that’s a lot of money and it’s approaching a record says Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery…

Cut 9 (10) “…currently.” 

The drawing is tonight. Annison says this jackpot has been rolling over since December and the excitement is building with the jackpot and he says sales have seen an uptick…

Cut 10 (09) “…are large. “

If you don’t hit the Mega Millions jackpot Tuesday night, hold on for Wednesday night. Annison says The Powerball is growing too.

Cut 11 (13) “…top ten.”

He also says, if you don’t hit all the numbers there are several other prizes so check your ticket and remember it only takes one ticket to win so play responsibly.

A bill to eliminate vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana will be heard in House Transportation today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Former Addis police officer David Cauthron pled guilty to two counts manslaughter in his connection to a high-speed chase in Brusly that killed two teenage girls on New Year’s Eve 2022. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Grambling State University is invited to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in the history of the school. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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A bill to eliminate vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana will be heard in House Transportation today. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s bill would remove the requirement to have an up-to-date-inspection stickers.

Cut 4 (07) “…for it.”

This will be Bagley’s third attempt to eliminate break tags or vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana. As for opposition, he says he’s gotten pushback from the owners of vehicle inspection sites and from state police.

Cut 5 (10) “…of that.” 

Bagley says he also hasn’t received any opposition from Governor Jeff Landry’s administration over House Bill 344.

For vehicle owners in five parishes (Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge) that are required by the federal Clean Air Act to have emission inspections every two years they would be charged eight dollars for those inspections.

Bagley says law enforcement has always had the right to pull over a motorist if their vehicle has issues like a head or taillight not working.

No other states in the south require break tags or inspection stickers, except for Texas which is phasing there’s out. Bagley says they are simply a money grab.

Cut 6 (07) “…the years.”

Commercial and student transportation vehicles would still be required to have inspection stickers.

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David Cauthron, a former Addis police officer, pled guilty Monday to two counts of manslaughter related to a deadly car crash on New Year’s Eve in 2022. Cauthron slammed his unit into a vehicle during a high-speed chase killing two teenage girls and severely injuring a U-L Lafayette student. 18^th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton says Cauthron’s actions and comments before the accident were critical in the case.

Cut 7 (11) “…to hurt.”

17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 16-year-old Caroline Gill died in the crash. 18-year-old Liam Dunn, Maggie’s brother, suffered multiple injuries but survived the accident.

Cauthron was chasing Tyquel Zanders who was accused of stealing his family’s car in Baton Rouge. Clayton says Cauthron was traveling at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light before impact.

Cut 8 (07) “…was ridiculous.” 

Once released, Clayton says Cauthron will be restricted from working in law enforcement. He says the testimony from Dunn was heartbreaking for everyone in court.

Cut 9 (12)  “…hear all that.”

Cauthron received a 10-year prison sentence and a 22-year suspended sentence. And pled guilty to one count of negligent injuring.

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History is made at Grambling State University this year as the Men’s Basketball team is on its way to their first ever NCAA Tournament.  Tigers Basketball Coach Donte Jackson understands the significance and to his players says…

Cut 10 (08) “…play basketball.”

Creating a culture that can accomplish something never before done at Grambling is a challenge and Jackson says it’s especially challenging to keep your players in the current college sports environment…

Cut 11 (11) “…portal era.” 

Grambling plays Montana State in Dayton Ohio Wednesday night. Jackson credits his players for buying in to the culture the staff is building in Grambling and says it’s an amazing feeling…

Cut 12 (10) “…your back.” 

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LSU Health-New Orleans ALS Clinic has been recognized as an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence. Co Director Dr. Stephen Kantrow says the recognition shows their commitment to providing quality care in ALS-related research.

Cut 13 (11)  “…way possible.”

In 2014, the ALS Association named LSU Health-New Orleans ALS Clinic as an ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center. 

Kantrow says the ALS team specializes in neuromuscular disorders and other conditions associated with ALS. He says patients visit the multidisciplinary clinic every three months.

Cut 14 (12) “…deliver care.”

Kantrow says the center is one of only two designated centers in Louisiana. He says the collaborative effort simplify the patient health care experience.

Cut 15 (13) “…difficult diagnosis.”

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The LSU Tigers dropped from two to number five in the D-1 baseball poll after losing the opening SEC series. Mississippi State scored 33 runs and the Tigers committed six errors as dropped two out of three in Starkville. Coach Jay Johnson says they scored enough runs to win a series on the road, but didn’t pitch well enough and the errors were also costly…

Cut 16 (20) “..great on defense” 

LSU entered SEC play with a 16-2 record, but the series loss at Mississippi State could be a wake up call for this team. Johnson says his team knows there’s room for improvement…

Cut 17 (20) “…we play” 

LSU is back at home to take on Louisiana Tech tonight. The Bulldogs are coming off a sweep over Northwestern State. Tech is 16-5 and Johnson says they have several older players…

Cut 18 (17)  “..good coaching staff” 

First pitch is at 6:30.

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The Saints have signed defensive end Chase Young to a one-year contract. The 24-year-old was the number two overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He’s played four NFL seasons and this will be his third team. He was drafted by Washington and traded in San Francisco during the middle of last season. Young signed his deal after visiting with Saints officials yesterday….

Cut 19 (20) “….every day”  

Young has 16.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 43 games.  He’s looking forward to playing with Cam Jordan…

Cut 20 (14) “…game from”

The State Inspector General has issued a report on the death investigation of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022 in Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (39)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We are not done with winter yet, below freezing temperatures are possible tomorrow morning. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports freeze warnings and watches have been posted…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Bill Jaquemin.” 

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Coushatta Casino Resort will break ground on a new $150 million 204 room hotel expansion in Kinder this week. Director of Marketing Robert Thornton says the new hotel is needed to keep up with consumer demand…

Cut 3 (12) “…that regard.”  

Coushatta Casino Resort is the largest casino in Louisiana and operated by the Coushatta Tribe.

Thornton says the expansion will increase total capacity to over one-thousand rooms. And the new eight story hotel includes luxury rooms with a grand entrance.

Cut 4 (08) “…the casino.” 

Thornton says the hotel will create 150 to 200 additional permanent jobs in Allen Parish. He says it’s not all about monetary gain. It’s also about getting the tribe’s culture out to the public.

Cut 5 (10)  “…historical figures.”

The hotel has not yet been named. The project is expected to be complete by late 2025.

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The Louisiana Office of Inspector General has issued a report on their investigation of the death of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022 in Baton Rouge. Inspector Stephen Street says even though DCFS was notified of previous overdoses the system failed to protect the toddler.

Cut 6  (10) “…child’s safety.” 

The report points out the assigned caseworker was overwhelmed with multiple high-profile cases and DCFS says they are trying to rectify that by hiring more staff.

Street says nine-days before the child’s death on June 26^th, a third call was made to the DCFS hotline from a physician asking if any action had been taken in the case along with lab confirmation that fentanyl was found in the child’s system on June 4^th.

Cut 7 (09) “…that was.”  

Street says it’s an unfortunate truth that these types of tragedies with children are way more common than we want them to be.

Cut 8 (08) “…to handle.” 

The child’s mother Whitney Ard faces murder charges and the father Mitchell Robinson, Junior pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges.

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A new poll from JMC Analytics indicates there is still minimal support for changing Louisiana’s elections to a closed primary. In the first special session, lawmakers voted to move Congressional, PSC, BESE and Supreme Court elections to a closed primary starting in 2026. Pollster John Couvillon says he surveyed 660 likely voters and 48 percent of them did not even know it was changed.

Cut 9 (13) “…primary more.” 

This is the second time JMC Analytics has polled Louisiana voters to get their thoughts on closed primaries. He says the first survey took place in December and based on the results of this latest poll, closed primaries have become less popular in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (11) “…it had. “

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, the new election system will cost the state an additional 135-million dollars over ten years. Couvillon says when the respondents heard the cost of a party primary system, 72-percent said they oppose switching from open primaries.

Cut 11 (06) “…minimal popularity.”

A bill has been filed in the regular session that seeks to include statewide offices, including elections for governor and legislative seats into the closed primary system.

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The McNeese Cowboys are preparing for their first NCAA Tournament Basketball game since 2002. The Pokes are a 12 seed and will face fifth seeded Gonzaga on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Coach Will Wade says there are only 68 teams left playing and all of them are good…

Cut 12 (09)  “…hard to do.”

McNeese is 30-3 and they are just one of four teams in the country with at least 30 wins. Junior forward Christian Shumate says they are ready to play on the big stage…

Cut 13 (12) “…reckon with”  

For the first time in school history, the Grambling State men’s basketball team is in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers will play Montana State on Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio.

Speed limits are changing for truckers crossing the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge on I-10. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Congressman Troy Carter is hosting three workshops to help those in the crawfish industry apply for financial assistance. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Since the Louisiana Legislature can not mandate homeowners insurance rates, how can they lower premiums. Jeanne Burns has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns”

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Phase 2 of the state’s plan to make the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge safer begins today with a change in speed limits for truckers. For years, the speed limit for trucks was 55-miles per hour and 60 miles per hour for passenger vehicles. Executive Director of Louisiana Motor Transport Association, Renee Amar, says a change to a uniform 60 mile per hour limit for all vehicles makes everyone safer…

Cut 4 (12) “…more hazardous.”

Truckers will continue to be limited to just the right lane. Amar believes it would be better to allow truckers access to both lanes…

Cut 5 (09) “…going forward.” 

Signs warning motorists of the speed limit and traffic changes as they approach the Basin Bridge are helpful, says Amar. She says people from all over the country are traveling I-10 and need to know what’s coming on roadways they don’t travel often…

Cut 6 (07) “…the Basin.”

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To help the crawfish industry with financial assistance after last summer’s drought severely impacted the crop, Congressman Troy Carter is holding three workshops for crawfish producers, boil houses, restaurants, grocery stores, and others who depend on crawfish.

Cut 7 (10) “…of Louisiana.”

The first of three workshops in conjunction with the Small Business Administration will be at Southern University at New Orleans today. Carter says it’s not just about Louisianan’s love for crawfish, but about a vital part of the state’s economy.

Cut 8 (12) “…for us.” 

On Wednesday a workshop will be held at Reserve Community College and on Thursday at the Reimagine Women’s Center in Baton Rouge.

Carter says the workshops are one-stop-shops for those in the crawfish industry who need financial support.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it most.”

For a detailed listing of the workshops visit LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

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Beginning today the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will resume the enforcement of state laws concerning the marketing and sale of vapor products. Commissioner Ernest Legier says even though the law restricting the sale of products not registered with the state’s VAPE directory is being challenged in court…

Cut 10 (09) “…as written.”

Enforcement of Act 414, which passed in the 2023 regular session, was paused after a legal challenge. Legier says retailers who sell unregistered products can be fined and…

Cut 11 (11) “…are written.” 

Legier says for products to be included in the state’s VAPE directory they must have an application, pending or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

He says the legislature passed and the governor signed off on Act 414 to eliminate flavored vape products…

Cut 12 (11) “…elected officials.” 

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Clarifying the claims process is one idea lawmakers will discuss during this legislative session as a way to bring more insurers into Louisiana. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says they’ve been told by Lloyd’s of London, which is an insurance and reinsurance marketplace, that Louisiana’s claims process is ambiguous and unclear

Cut 13 (06)  “…in Louisiana”

Talbot has filed a bill that makes it more clear on when the clock starts for claims to be paid. He also wants to give insurers 60-days, instead of 30 days, for a claim to be paid after a hurricane…

Cut 14 (12) “…do it”

Talbot says the current system leads to more lawsuits and insurers are hesitant to do business in a litigious environment. He says the legislature can’t tell insurance companies to lower rates, they have to create a market that results in multiple companies vying for your business…

Cut 15 (08) “…listeners business”

The consumer advocacy group, Real Reform Louisiana, is concerned lawmakers are trying to take away the legal rights of storm victims

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The road to another national championship for the LSU Lady Tigers basketball team looks difficult as they are a 3-seed in a region that features top-seeded Iowa and second-seeded UCLA. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team beat Iowa in the national title game last year and UCLA holds its opponents to 60 points a game…

Cut 16 (09) “..at home” 

LSU will host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. They will face Rice, who won the American Athletic Conference Tournament as a ten-seed. If the Lady Tigers defeat the Owls, they’ll play either sixth-seeded Louisville or 11th-seeded Middle Tennessee who easily won the Conference USA regular season and conference titles. Louisville is LSU point guard Hailey Van Lith’s former team. Mulkey expects Van Lith will handle it well

Cut 17 (17) “…salty too” 

LSU has not played since a grueling SEC Tournament that ended with a loss to top-ranked South Carolina on March 10th. Mulkey says her team has been able to get healthy during this extended break…

Cut 18 (18)  “..we were” 

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McNeese is the 12th seed in the Midwest Region and will face 5th seeded Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The game will be played on Thursday night at 6:25 in Salt Lake City. Coach Will Wade has led the Cowboys to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002 and they’ll play a Gonzaga team ranked 17th in the AP poll…

Cut 19 (14) “….get there”  

Gonzaga was a national runner-up in 2017 and 2021. McNeese will make its third ever NCAA Tournament appearance. They have not won a game in the Big Dance and this will be the first meeting between the two schools. The Zags are considered the best mid-major program in the country and Wade is interested to see how his team stacks up…

Cut 20 (12) “…away we are”

Louisiana National Guardsmen participating in Operation Lone Star have arrived in Texas. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The McNeese State fanbase is excited to see where the men’s basketball team will play in the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Many times after a car crash, debris is left behind, adding to the state’s litter problem. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has asked State Police, police chiefs and sheriffs to make sure vehicle bumpers, glass, tire fragments and personal belongings are picked up after the vehicles are towed away. He says it will make our roadways cleaner and safer…

Cut 3 (08) “…adds to the litter”  

A litter study by Keep Louisiana Beautiful found nearly 10 percent of all litter on Louisiana’s roadways consists of car accident debris.

Nungesser says the cleanup of debris from car accidents falls on wrecker services. And he’s working with law enforcement to make sure tow trucks do their job.

Cut 4 (12) “…job properly” 

The goal is to remove all debris left on roadways from accidents to make Louisiana roadways safer. Nungesser says sometimes that debris ends up on the road in a travel lane.

Cut 5 (08)  “…miss it.”

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Louisiana National Guardsmen participating in Operation Lone Star have arrived in Texas. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col Noel (No-elle) Collins says fifty soldiers begin their first of three 30-day rotations today at the southern border.

Cut 6  (10) “…operation.” 

As part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, Governor Jeff Landry signed off on sending Louisiana guardsmen at the request of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Collins anticipates the soldiers will be assisting with patrols to prevent, detect, and deter illegal crossings.

Cut 7 (12) “…Texas border.”  

Collins says the soldiers that are in Texas for the first rotation are part of the 2^nd of the 108^th Cavalry Regiment out of Shreveport. She says they are properly trained and equipped to assist with Operation Lone Star.

Cut 8 (08) “…of Texas.” 

The mission is scheduled to wrap in mid-June.

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Former LSU basketball player and Ukrainian, Roman Rubchenko, is in Louisiana to raise awareness of the humanitarian aid needed due to the Russian invasion. Rubchenko says before coming to Louisiana, he tried to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson…

Cut 9 (12) “…come through.” 

House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes a $95 billion foreign security aid bill passed by the Senate, but the Republican from Bossier Parish has told the Politco he’s interested in approving a stand alone funding bill for Ukraine, despite objections from his own party. Rubchenko is pleading with Congress to provide this aid…

Cut 10 (13) “…was introduced” “

The six-foot-nine Rubchenko played at LSU from 1992 to 1996. He was living in Kyiv in 2022 when Russia began its attack on Ukraine. Thousands have been killed on both sides, including more than 10-thousand civilians since the Russia strikes started. Rubchenko says the urgency is high because Ukraine is running low on ammunition…

Cut 11 (11) “…attack items”

Rubchenko made these comments on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

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The LSU Lady Tigers will find out Sunday night who they will play in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The defending national champs won ten in a row before losing to South Carolina last Sunday. ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme predicts LSU will be a two seed…

Cut 12 (12)  “…Mississippi State.”

LSU will host the first two rounds of the tournament and their first game will be either Friday or Saturday.

The Lady Tigers are 28-and-5 and two of their losses came against top ranked South Carolina. Creme says a third meeting with the Gamecocks will have to wait until the Final Four in Cleveland…

Cut 13 (11) “…Final Four”  

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Show is at 7 PM.

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The McNeese men’s basketball team is in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002 and the Lake Charles community is crazy about the Bayou Bandits.  Jim Gazzolo covers the team for the American Press and says it didn’t take for first year head coach Will Wade to win over the fanbase…

Cut  14 (11) “..amazing thing”

The Cowboys are 30-3 and Gazzolo says they’ll have a decent seed despite coming from a conference that will only have one team in the Big Dance…

Cut 15 (09) “…Pittsburgh”

The NCAA Tournament Selection Show is at 5 PM.

The McNeese men’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two bills concerning mental health at schools advance from Senate Education. Brooke Thorington explains.

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

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The McNeese Cowboys are going dancing as they are headed to the NCAA men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2002. The Bayou Bandits received an invite to the Big Dance by beating Nicholls 92-76 in the Southland Tournament Championship game. A happy Coach Will Wade spoke after his team cut down the nets at the Legacy Center…

Cut 3 (07) “…for everybody.”  

Wade led LSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons in Baton Rouge and in his first season at McNeese he turned around a losing program, increasing their win total by 19 games, which matches an NCAA record. He says the team looks forward to selection Sunday…

Cut 4 (12) “…to me” 

Shahada Wells earned most valuable player honors for the tournament as he had 27 points and six assists in the win over the Colonels. Wells is excited to lead McNeese to its third ever NCAA Tournament appearance

Cut 5 (08)  “…make a run.”

The Bayou Bandits will learn of their NCAA Tournament destination on Selection Sunday at 5 PM.

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The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 16 cents since last month. Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.07. Triple-A Fuel analyst Don Redman says higher crude oil prices is raising the price at the pump…

Cut 6  (09) “…a barrel.” 

Redman expects gas prices to continue to rise.

Cut 7 (08) “…in Louisiana.”  

If you’re planning on traveling over the Easter weekend, plan to budget around $3.15 for a gallon of regular gas. Redman says gas prices will keep rising into the summer as demand will also be up…

Cut 8 (07) “…a gallon.” 

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Two bills related to mental health on school campuses advance from Senate Education. Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham’s bill allows public schools to employ or allow a volunteer chaplain to provide support services for students and teachers. He says in the two states that do allow chaplains…

Cut 9 (07) “…are zero.” 

Abraham says fifteen other states are currently considering such laws, and it’s not just students who benefit.

Cut 10 (09) “…these schools.”

Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow’s bill promotes awareness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 9-8-8. Schools would be required to post the 24/7 free counseling number on their website and school ID cards. Barrow quoted concerning suicide statistics from 2021…

Cut 11 (12) “…to me.”

Barrow says knowing that individuals as young as 10 years old have committed suicide is heartbreaking and she wants anyone who is struggling to know help is a phone call away.

Cut 12 (11)  “…can call.”

In 2021, there were 689 suicides in Louisiana.

If you missed getting tickets for Taylor Swift’s soldout October 26^th show at the Superdome, Brooke Thorington has more on how you can win a pair and help “Mastermind” Ochsner Health’s Neuroscience Institute.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Booking mug shots of suspects charged in non-violent or minor crimes would once again become available under legislation heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Ochsner Health is raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift and raise money for their Neuroscience Institute. Assistant VP of Philanthropy Lucy King says the winner will receive two suite tickets for the October 26^th sold-out show at the Superdome. And like Taylor, King says the neuroscience facilty is one of a kind.

Cut 3 (09) “…and Atlanta.”  

So, if it’s among your “Wildest Dreams” to see Taylor in “Style,” King says don’t “Shake Off” this opportunity.

Cut 4 (10) “…Four Seasons Hotel.” 

King says they’ve already broken ground on the Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Center in New Orleans and like Taylor, music will play a “Mastermind” role in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Cut 5 (12) “…and care.”

The $100 raffle tickets can be purchased at ochsner.org/eras. The deadline to purchase tickets is just before “Midnight” on April 7th and the winner will be drawn on April 8th.

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State Police has charged a Lafayette truck driver with negligent homicide for driving too fast during the super fog event on I-55 last October. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says  61-year-old Ronald Britt’s truck was part of a  massive chain reaction crash that involved 168 vehicles and seven deaths, including 60-year-old James Fleming…

Cut 6  (11) “…Mrs. Fleming” 

Pucheu says Britt is facing several charges…

Cut 7 (11) “…traffic violations”  

Britt was booked into the St. John Parish Correctional Center earlier this week.

The pileup occurred in St. John the Baptist Parish on October 23rd during super fog conditions, a combination smoke from marsh fires and foggy conditions.

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Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell explains Homeland Security contacted her about trafficking after receiving a package with a label describing it as a mannequin.

Cut 8 (13) “…in Metairie.” 

And while nine other states already have such laws, Mizell says legislation does not exist in Louisiana to allow law enforcement to take individuals into custody.

Cut 9 (06) “…arrest anybody.” 

Mizell says some companies create dolls based on the likeness of real children. She says her legislation could help prevent assaults on children by pedophiles or potential abusers.

Cut 10 (11) “…these dolls.”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

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Legislation that would allow law enforcement to once again make public the booking photos of adults charged with crimes is making its way to the Senate floor. A law passed in 2022 prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the 2022 law is hurting law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…law enforcement”

Seabaugh says the 2022 law was approved with good intentions, but there is confusion over what can and can’t be released, so some law enforcement agencies are not making any mug shots available.

Cut 12 (12)  “..that decision.”

The Senate Judiciary C Committee approved Seabaugh’s bill. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was the only no vote. Barrow says once a mug shot goes public, it never goes away and it change and alter a person’s life…

Cut 13 (13) “…going forward.”  

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana says mug shots can cause damage for suspects who later found innocent…

Cut  14 (10) “..good character”