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”

Big plans for a new sports arena and entertainment arena at LSU along with changes to the Raising Cane’s River Center are on the agenda for the East Baton Rouge Metro Council today. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Legislation to reform property insurance in the Bayou State is up for debate in the legislative session. One statewide official pushes legislation to fix property insurance crisis. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Among the issues Governor Landry wants lawmakers to address is constitutional reform. Brooke Thorington has more on what could entail.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Baton Rouge Area Chamber is among the groups endorsing a proposed new sports and entertainment arena at LSU being developed by the Tiger Athletic Foundation. The new venue would host sporting events and bring larger entertainment acts to Baton Rouge. Trey Godfrey with BRAC is excited about what the proposal means to Baton Rouge…

Cut 4 (07) “…our community.”

An East Baton Rouge Metro Council hearing on an ordinance to address the new arena and changes to the Raising Cane’s River Center is set for today (Wednesday).  Godfrey says it calls for Mayor Broome to put a plan forward for the RiverCenter…

Cut 5 (12) “…ordinance passes.” 

BRAC, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, and Visit Baton Rouge support the plan for the Raising Cane’s River Center to increase convention space and add a hotel complex. While the Capital City is the second largest city in the Bayou State, Godfrey says it’s the number four convention city behind Monroe…

Cut 6 (08) “…that space.”

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The 2024 legislative session is underway and insurance reform is a major focus. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says reducing regulations on property insurance companies will lead to a more competitive market which should lower rates. Temple says one of the bills he’s favoring is “file and use” which would allow insurers to adjust rates without his approval. He points out the department still has regulatory charge…

Cut 7 (11) “…unduly discriminatory.”

Temple is also pushing to end the three-year rule, which prohibits insurers from dropping a customer they’ve insured for three years. He says his measure would lift profit caps on insurance companies.

Cut 8 (09) “…whom they want.” 

The former insurance executive wants Louisiana to be a more stable market for consumers and companies. He says the focus is to attract more insurance companies and lower rates.

Cut 9 (12)  “…is affordability.”

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Among the issues Governor Jeff Landry wants lawmakers to address is constitutional reform. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio agrees that the 1974 state constitution, which has been amended more than 200 times, needs to be streamlined.

Cut 10 (12) “…should work.”

Landry says the current state constitution is bloated, outdated, antiquated, and much abused.

To hold a constitutional convention to revise one of the country’s longest constitutions with more than 72,000 words, Procopio says the legislature must first approve a bill to hold one, and delegates, which could be lawmakers, would hold hearings and vote on proposed changes.

Cut 11 (09) “…vote on it.” 

Among the most heavily amended sections of the constitution that Procopio says presents hurdles is Article VII, dealing with taxes and spending. For example, he says there are too many restrictions on how you can and can’t add taxes.

Cut 12 (12) “…they did.” 

Legislation to hold a constitutional convention must be filed first. As for the particulars of what would be changed to the state’s constitution remains to be seen.

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A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would toughen penalties against porch pirates. Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens’ legislation would give judges the authority to sentence a thief to 60 days in jail if they steal packages from several homes. Major Willie Stewart with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office says porch pirates are a big problem

Cut 13 (11)  “…at a time”

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana opposed the bill. She says there are already laws on the books addressing theft and specific punishment for porch pirates will not help the situation…

Cut 14 (09) “…the porch.”

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez, a member of the Judiciary C Committee, believes this legislation can make a porch pirate think twice…

Cut 15 (09) “…deter crime”

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Quarterback Jameis Winston is moving on from the Saints. The 30-year-old has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns that will pay him eight million dollars. Winston has been in New Orleans in 2020, mostly as a back-up. Locked on Saints Podcast Host Ross Jackson says the Black and Gold knew Winston wanted a chance at starting….

Cut 16 (20) “..some point.” 

Winston signed with the Saints in 2020 to learn from Sean Payton and Drew Brees. He won the starting job after Brees retired, but suffered a season-ending knee injury during the middle of the 2021 season and then lost his starting job again early in the 2022 season due to a back injury. Jackson says New Orleans never saw Winston’s true potential…

Cut 17 (19) “…be missed.” 

The Saints will need to find a veteran to serve as a primary backup to Derek Carr. Jackson says the Saints have a history of not being big spenders in free agency, but expect them to get more active with the new-year league beginning at 3 PM…

Cut 18 (17)  “…begins.” 

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The second ranked LSU softball team is now 23-0 after beating third ranked Texas on Tuesday seven to four. Kelley Lynch had a big three-run double in a five run first inning and Sydney Berzon went the distance in the circle for her ninth win of the year. Berzon allowed four runs but Coach Beth Torina had confidence Berzon would not relinquish the lead…

Cut 19 (12) “….stuck with her” 

LSU will now get read to host Ole Miss for a three-game series that will start on Saturday night. The Rebels are 16-7 overall and Torina says they present a challenge…

Cut 20 (16) “…negated”

Advocating to move from their existing 60-year-old headquarters, New Orleans PD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick describes the myriad of issues plaguing the current facility.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Get ready to hear about Education Savings Accounts during the legislative session. Jeff Palermo explains what they do…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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While addressing the New Orleans city council committee members in a plea for a new facility, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the wretched building conditions and reminded members of a recent tour of the evidence room.

Cut 3 (13) “…all high.”  

Kirkpatrick stressed the need to move to another building and their proposal to lease two floors of the DXC building on Poydras Street. She says the move would allow them to house dozens of administrators who are exposed to the current deplorable conditions at current headquarters.

And it’s not just high rats and roaches in the evidence room, she says the uncleanliness throughout the buildings is off the charts and presents a myriad of health issues for employees.

Cut 4 (10) “…their desks.” 

Kirkpatrick also described the inoperable elevators, air conditioning, and plumbing in the 60-year-old headquarters.

Cut 5 (12) “…not acceptable.”

A 10-year lease for the other proposed building would cost $7.6 million. 

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Governor Jeff Landry has told lawmakers Louisiana is failing its students and cited a report that ranks the state 46th in education. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin says Landry is asking legislators to create an Education Savings Accounts program, which would use taxpayer dollars to help families send their child to a different school

Cut 6  (08) “…other options” 

Erwin says former Governor John Bel Edwards was an opponent of ESAs because it would take money away from the public education school system and give it to private schools.

Cut 7 (10) “…consequences”  

Erwin says it remains to be seen how much money Louisiana will spend on E-S-As. He says the governor is committed to giving families more options if the school they are attending is not right for them…

Cut 8 (12) “…right now.” 

Erwin says an Education Savings Account bill has yet to be filed.

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Agile Cold Storage announces plans to invest 46 million dollars in the first cold storage facility in St. Tammany Parish. St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says it will create dozens of jobs…

Cut 9 (09) “…particular project.” 

The company estimates the project will result in a total of 195 potential new jobs. The new facility, will be located in Pearl River, will prepare fresh food for transportation by blast-freezing and packing it for shipment.

Masingill says the space will have highly automated, multi-temperature and conventional warehousing and logistics support. He says the building will house primarily poultry for export every week.

Cut 10 (07) “…of New Orleans.”

The state offered Agile a competitive incentive package that includes a performance-based grant of $1.5 million that will reimburse the company for site improvement expenditures, contingent on board approval.

Masingill says the synergy from the parish and state played a vital role in Agile’s decision to choose Pearl River. He said they also liked the logistics the area provides…

Cut 11 (09) “…for them.”

The company expects to begin construction on the 150,000-square-foot facility next month. And operations are set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.

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State Police has provided more information on a fatal shooting involving a Calcasieu Parish Sherriff’s deputy. Trooper Derek Senegal says during a traffic stop last Thursday on I-10 between Lake Charles and Iowa, 37-year-old Quinton Baker of Gadsden, Alabama, was killed when he attempted to drive off while a deputy was searching inside his SUV.

Cut 12 (05)  “…struck Baker.”

The 2023  Chevy Tahoe then struck a concrete barrier, and traveled across three lanes of traffic, a ditch, and struck several trees before coming to a stop. Baker was pronounced dead at a Lake Charles hospital and the deputy sustained injuries as well. Senegal says the deputy responded appropriately.

Cut 13 (05) “…incident.”  

The deputy received injuries to his neck and back along with abrasions and lacerations. Approximately two kilos of cocaine were recovered from the vehicle.

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction has added three new inductees to its ranks. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Early voting and mail-in ballots in Caddo Parish are off to the strongest start in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Governor Jeff Landry challenges state lawmakers to be bold on the opening day of the legislative session. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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Three individuals who have made contributions to advancing agriculture in Louisiana are the newest inductees into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction. One inductee, former North Louisiana Congressman and Physician Dr. Ralph Abraham served the largest agricultural district in the nation.

Cut 4 (11) “…national security.”

The Richland Parish native co-authored the 2018 farm bill and ensured Iraq remained a reliable destination for U-S rice.

Stephen Crawford of Concordia Parish was recognized for his extensive career in protecting agriculture. He aided the LSU AgCenter’s efforts of developing weed control to prevent and disrupt the growth of intrusive weeds.

Cut 5 (13) “…with them.” 

Crawford has been a key developer of herbicides for cotton, corn, soybeans, and rice.

Dr. Leodrey Williams became the first black inductee in the hall of distinction. Since 2001, Williams has led the Southern University Agricultural and Research Extension. Establishing the newest campus was challenging, but Williams knew it would see great dividends.

Cut 6 (11) “…various locations.”

Since its inception, the Hall of Distinction has inducted 31 individuals.

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Turnout for early voting is high in Caddo Parish and the driving force isn’t the presidential primary, it’s the hotly contested sheriff’s race. Political analyst Scott Hughes says there was a one-vote margin between Democrat Henry Whitehorn and Republican John Nickelson last November and after two appeals, the courts ruled for another run-off election.

Cut 7 (09) “…early voting.”

And while you’d expect plenty of mudslinging with such a close race, Hughes says so far, it’s been more of a get-out-the-vote effort driving turnout.

Cut 8 (08) “…vote in person.” 

Hughes says another noteworthy item in this race is that traditionally Democrats tend to vote early or by mail compared to Republicans who tend to cast their ballot on election day…

Cut 9 (11)  “…Republican voters.”

Hughes says the one-vote margin in the November 2023 sheriff’s election was not only historic in Louisiana, but he believes it’s the largest one-vote margin in the country with more than 40,000 votes cast.

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Governor Jeff Landry opens the 2024 regular legislative session by telling state lawmakers that bold changes need to be made to improve public education. Landry says it’s time to give parents more flexibility to decide where to send their students to school. He pointed out the success of two children in the audience who attend a charter school in Baton Rouge…

Cut 10 (10) “…in their area”

Landry also wants legislators to address constitutional reform. He says the state’s current constitution has been amended way too many times. He says the document also limits the legislature’s ability to address significant problems…

Cut 11 (11) “…(cheering)” 

Insurance reform will also be key topic as the state legislators will look at ways to improve the property insurance market. New Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says deregulation of the industry is the key and Landry agrees…

Cut 12 (12) “…our people” 

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Children’s Hospital New Orleans has been designated the only hospital in Louisiana to offer a promising, newly approved gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, a devastating illness that affects every major organ. Pediatric Oncologist, Dr. Zachary Leblanc says this therapy has advantages over others because it uses the patient’s own stem cells…

Cut 13 (11)  “…red blood cells.”

Leblanc says after years of clinical trials that began in France; two companies received approval from the FDA in December to provide the gene therapy products Lygenia (lif gen nee uh) and Casgevy (cass jevie). According to the Louisiana Department of Public Health, around 3000 Louisianans are living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Cut 14 (10) “…that goal.”

The therapy is only available for patients over the age of 12 and involves multiple health care disciplines. Dr. Leblanc says, the procedures require several months, and the patient will be hospitalized at least twice with multiple follow up visits but when it’s over…

Cut 15 (07) “…non-sickle hemoglobin.”

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One of LSU’s most popular athletes will likely compete for the final time on the LSU campus Friday night. Olivia Dunne and the 2nd ranked LSU gymnastics squad host North Carolina for Senior night. Dunne only competed in four meets last year because of injuries, but she says a more focused approach to all of her responsibilities has led to better results

Cut 16 (15) “…on it” 

The social media star, who is earning millions through NIL deals, has competed on uneven bars several times year and last week matched a career-high 9.9 score on the floor.

Last summer, Dunne started the Livvy fund, to help other LSU female athletes land NIL deals with some of the top brands. She’s proud of the legacy she’s leaving behind

Cut 17 (16) “..so far” 

The 21-year-old is a senior, but does have one more year of eligibility left. Dunne is not ready to speculate on her future plans, she’s more focused on helping LSU win its first national championship in gymnastics. The New Jersey native admits this has been her favorite year at LSU…

Cut 18 (13)  “…a blast” 

A package of bills aimed to make Louisiana number one in the country regarding election integrity will be addressed in the regular session which begins today. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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After one day of early voting, the number of mail-in ballots for the presidential primary is the third highest in Louisiana’s election history. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Today marks the first day of the 2024 legislative session. Secretary of State Nancy Landry is pushing a package of bills that would further boost the state’s election integrity policies. She says the bills would bring Louisiana closer to being ranked first in the nation for election integrity.

Cut 3 (08) “…our elections.”  

Among those bills is one that would expand voter canvass to further ensure that Louisiana’s voter rolls are accurate. Landry says House bill 114 will help verify if Louisiana residents are still eligible to vote.

Cut 4 (11) “…more years.” 

Former Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the proposed bill multiple times after it was passed by the legislature.

After 10 years, Landry points out voters would not be removed from the non-active voters list automatically. She says notification would be mailed out and if a voter does not respond…

Cut 5 (12) “…active rolls.”

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After one day of early voting, the number of mail-in ballots for the March 23^rd presidential primary is the third highest in Louisiana’s election history. The November 2020 Presidential race and the 2022 Senate primary were first and second respectively. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says when the pandemic eased the rules for those 65 and older to vote by mail…

Cut 6  (08) “…out of habit.” 

The volume of mail-in voting for this primary is 17% higher than it was on the first day of the 2020 primary which was in July, not March. The dates were pushed twice due to COVID-surges.

Couvillon says considering this Presidential primary is “low wattage” with a few local elections thrown in, mail-in voting is higher than the 2020 Presidential primary…

Cut 7 (07) “…to me.”  

He says it suggests that mail-in voting is a trend that’s here to stay.

The deadline for mail-in ballots to be turned in for this Presidential Primary is March 22 so it’s possible it could eclipse the 2022 Senate primary for mail-in votes. Couvillon says mail-in ballots for the November 2020 election were significantly greater than the 2022 Senate primary.

Cut 8 (09) “…it happening.” 

Caddo Parish has the highest number of mail-in votes this primary because of a hotly contested sheriff’s race.

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Jeremy Alford of La-politics-dot-com says insurance reform and education issues will be the big topics during the three-month long legislative session that began today. Alford says Republican lawmakers are eager to set up a program called education savings accounts. He says it would allow eligible families to use public money on a variety of education expenses

Cut 9 (10) “…private school tuition.” 

Alford says new Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is pushing a package of bills that are considered pro industry. Alford says Temple will make the argument to legislators that there are too many regulations on insurance companies…

Cut 10 (10) “…pro industry ideas.”

Alford says legislators also have to approve a budget for next fiscal year. He says lawmakers will look at reducing state spending with an eye towards 2025 when a temporary sales tax expires

Cut 11 (12) “…tough decisions”

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LSU and South Carolina battled each other hard yesterday and tempers flared late in the game which resulted in both benches clearing after Lady Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson was pushed down to the ground.  LSU ended up losing in the SEC Tournament title game 79 to 72, but Coach Kim Mulkey feels good about her squad

Cut 12 (11)  “…this point  

Poa was taken off on stretcher on Saturday night after banging her head on the floor. Mulkey expects Poa to be ready for the NCAA Tournament which begins next week.

LSU will find out on Sunday night who they will play in the NCAA Tournament. Sunday’s loss ended the Lady Tigers ten game winning streak and Mulkey is eager to see her team try to win another title…

Cut 13 (13) “…next week”  

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On the opening day of the legislative session, Governor Jeff Landry laid out his agenda for lawmakers. He began his speech by encouraging legislators to make his reforms in public education. The governor says he wants parents in control of a child’s education and take away some of the burdens affecting teachers…

Cut  14 (14) “..can teach”

Landry also wants legislators to tackle the insurance crisis and he’s calling for a constitutional convention. He says the current constitution makes it too difficult for lawmakers to correct the state’s problems

Cut 15 (12) “…too late”

Landry and Republican lawmakers are pushing to move items out of the state’s constitution and place it into state law.

The regular session begins at noon today and insurance reform will be a major topic. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban has been filed for the regular session, the same bill that failed to make it out of committee last year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Automated enforcement devices that measure speed and automatically send citations to vehicle owners may have to change if a bill gets through this legislative session. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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The 2024 legislative session begins at noon today. Insurance reform is a hot-button issue up for debate. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says lawmakers want to do something to lower insurance rates.

Cut 4 (12) “…lower insurance.”

Homeowners in Louisiana pay on average about two thousand dollars every year for insurance. And Louisiana ranked second to Florida for the highest car insurance rates.

Pinsonat says since 2020 dozens of insurers have withdrawn, canceled, or refused to renew existing homeowners’ policies in Louisiana. He says the new legislature heard from constituents on the campaign trail about skyrocketing insurance costs.

Cut 5 (11) “…as automobiles.” 

Streamlining the state’s constitution will be another topic up for debate. The state’s constitution was adopted in 1974 but has been amended more than 200 times. Governor Jeff Landry has discussed with Republican lawmakers about taking some items out of the state’s constitution and putting them into state law. Pinsonat says a bill to condense the constitution has yet to be filed…

Cut 6 (12) “…overhauling Louisiana.”

Any changes to the state’s constitution would need voter approval and the proposed changes could be placed on the November Presidential ballot.

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New Orleans Democrat Representative Delisha Boyd is trying again to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s near-total abortion ban. Even though Boyd’s mother, who was raped in her teens and gave birth to her at age 15, she still advocates for exceptions.

Cut 7 (10) “…to term.”

House Bill 164 would allow physicians to terminate a pregnancy if it’s a result of rape or incest.

In last year’s regular session, Boyd’s bill never made it out of committee.

Cut 8 (12) “…is born.” 

Boyd says she expects pushback from the Republican-controlled legislature again, but she continues to fight to have exceptions to one of the strictest abortion bans in the country.

Cut 9 (09)  “…ridiculous.”

The proposed law also adds provisions that a police report, forensic evidence, and prosecution of the alleged offense are not required.

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A bill requiring automated enforcement devices to take a photo of the speeding driver not just the license plate of the vehicle has been filed for the session. Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says the current procedure that snaps a photo of the license plate and automatically sends a ticket to the vehicle’s registered owner isn’t fair because the driver may not be the registered owner.

Cut 10 (08) “…vehicle owner.”

Deshotel says he’s not a fan of enforcement cameras, but the bill would provide a better chance to get the ticket to the right person. He believes an officer should be the ones writing tickets because cameras can’t do what they do to keep the community safe.

Cut 11 (11) “…for speeding.” 

Deshotel’s bill would also require the posting of large visible signs within 500 feet of the devices to alert drivers to them. He says the companies that set up and operate the devices contract with municipalities but keep the greater portion of the fines collected.

Cut 12 (11) “…they’re doing it.” 

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You might have heard about the phenomenon of two broods of periodical cicadas, one that appears every 17 years and the other every 13 years, could coincide this year. But LSU AgCenter Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says it doesn’t look like that will happen here in the Bayou State…

Cut 13 (11)  “…specifically.”

The unique correlation hasn’t happened in the U.S. since 1803.

The 13-year-brood, also known as the Great Southern Brood, has appeared in a few of Louisiana’s northern parishes in the past. But Ashbrook says the outlook isn’t as promising this year because logging in the area disturbed their habitat.

Cut 14 (08) “…Louisiana brood.”

While the chances of the convergence of the two broods are slim in Louisiana, Ashbrook says there are parts of the US where it’s more likely to occur.

Cut 15 (07) “…Wisconsin.”

He says we just won’t know if and where exactly the 13- and 17-year broods will appear until spring and summer. But Ashbrook says the annual cicadas, which typically have a one or two-year life cycle are expected this summer in Louisiana.

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After a tough loss to Sam Houston last Thursday, the Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team responded on Saturday with an 84-70 win over Middle Tennessee. Tech finished the regular season with a 22-9 record, 12-4 in Conference USA. Coach Talvin Hester is glad to see his team rebound from a tough loss…

Cut 16 (16) “…do that now” 

La Tech is the second seed in the Conference USA Tournament and will play Middle Tennessee again on Wednesday night in the quarterfinals in Huntsville, Alabama.

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The Ragin Cajuns baseball team took two of three from Tulane in exciting fashion. After losing the series opener 11-8, U-L Lafayette won in extra innings on Saturday, and on Sunday Kyle DeBarge hit a three-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth. Dan McDonald had the call on ESPN-plus…

Cut 17 (24) “..four to three.” 

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A bench-clearing scuffle towards the end of yesterday’s SEC Championship game left LSU with just five players in a 79-72 loss to top-ranked South Carolina. It was a very physical game and there was a lot of jawing throughout. Coach Kim Mulkey believes the referees let the game get out of hand….

Cut 18 (18)  “….one time” 

Both benches emptied after Flau’Jae Johnson intentionally fouled a South Carolina player with two minutes left. Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso shoved Johnson to the ground, which prompted Johnson’s brother to leave the stands and come on the court during a wild scene. Mulkey says Cardosa should pick on someone her own size…

Cut 19 (12) “…my opinion”

After the game, Cardoso went on social media and apologized for her role in the scuffle. It was the second time LSU lost to the Gamecocks this season, but Angel Reese liked the fight her team showed….

Cut 20 (15) “…right now”

Among the bills filed for the upcoming session is one requiring convicted sex offenders to have vasectomies. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 Two Louisiana cities have been named to the list of the Best Cities on the Rise 2024 by Southern Living. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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Early voting begins Saturday for the Louisiana Presidential Primary, even though the party nominations have already been decided. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says much of the state is under a slight risk of severe weather today and into early tomorrow morning. The greatest chance for severe weather is north of the I-10-12 corridor.

Cut 4 (10) “…flash flood.”

Northeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch through late tonight.

Once the line starts to develop, it should move out of the Bayou State by early tomorrow morning. Keim says we’ll see cooler temperatures this weekend.

Cut 5 (11) “…around 70.” 

Keim says it could still be a bumpy ride for some parts of the state today. He says projected rainfall totals could produce some flash flooding in northeast Louisiana, the rest of the could see less than an inch.

Cut 6 (08) “…any stretch.”

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A bill requiring convicted sex offenders to have a vasectomy has been filed for the regular session. New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd says because Louisiana’s abortion ban does not allow exceptions for rape or incest, she feels the vasectomy requirement is needed.

Cut 7 (04) “…protecting women.”

A vasectomy is a medical procedure that cuts the supply of sperm to semen and acts as a form of birth control. When asked why she opted for a vasectomy versus castration which is the complete removal of the testicles….

Cut 8 (10) “…be reversed.” 

The Democrat says House Bill 166 is simple and gets straight to the point.

Cut 9 (09)  “…supposed to.”

The regular legislative session begins Monday. Boyd’s bill is among the more than 1,000 bills filed for the session.

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Southern Living has named two Louisiana towns in their list of Best Cities on the Rise 2024. After facing devastating storms and difficulties, the recovery and renaissance of Lake Charles is inspiring says Mayor Nic Hunter and he is proud to be number 22 on this list…

Cut 10 (09) “…and inspiring.”

The readers of Southern Living selected the cities for their quaint downtown districts, food scenes, arts communities and natural beauty. Hogan says the citizens and businesses of Lake Charles put in much hard work to reach this level of success and they continue to better the city…

Cut 11 (11) “…our lakefront.” 

Hogan says he is honored to be recognized and he expressed gratitude for the inspirational work done in his city. He also thanked everyone across the state and extended an invitation…

Cut 12 (10) “…visit Lake Charles.” 

Covington, called North Shore’s Renaissance was also honored as number 11 on the list.

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Early voting begins tomorrow for the March 23rd Louisiana presidential primary. The race has already been decided as former President Donald Trump will be the Republican Party presidential nominee and current President Joe Biden is the Democrat’s nominee. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 13 (07)  “…process”

Nikki Haley’s decision to suspend her campaign following Super Tuesday locked up the Republican nomination for Mr. Trump. Hogan says each state decides on when to hold a presidential primary and Louisiana decided to hold it in late March..

Cut 14 (14) “…the state”

Hogan says even if Haley remained in the race, it’s likely Trump would still be a big winner in the Louisiana Republican Presidential Primary. He also expects Trump to win big in Louisiana in the November general election, so do not expect any campaign stops from the candidates in the Bayou State, unless it’s too raise money

Cut 15 (10) “…usuaully.”

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Saints receiver Michael Thomas is expected to become an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year. Thomas is one of the most decorated receivers in Saints history, but Locked on Saints Podcast Host Ross Jackson says Thomas’s availability and relationship with the team deteriorated after suffering an avoidable injury early in the 2020 season…

Cut 16 (17) “…strange situation.” 

Thomas has only appeared in 20 games the last four seasons.

New Orleans will be left with top targets Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed to lead the receiver room. Olave has cemented himself as one of the best young wideouts in the NFL and Shaheed a top return man and deep threat. The next top returning target-getter will be sophomore A.T. Perry who showed flashes his rookie year garnering 4 touchdowns on only 12 receptions. Jackson says adding depth at the position is a priority this offseason…

Cut 17 (20) “…or in the draft.” 

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The early days of spring practice are underway as LSU football explores life after Jayden Daniels. Co-Offensive Coordinators Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton will look to find new playmakers after losing Daniels and top threats of the nation’s number one offense Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas to the draft. Head Coach Brian Kelly says the coaching staff will continue to get the ball in the best players’ hands…

Cut 18 (19)  “…some changes.” 

In addition to college football’s number one passer, the Tigers will also be losing their leading rusher in Daniels. Many fans expect to see a return to a more traditional run-heavy offense with LSU’s stacked running back room. Kelly, however, says it’s the versatility of the offensive line which will be key to improving the run game…

Cut 19 (16) “…wider front.”

Linebacker Harold Perkins made headlines last offseason as the team planned to move him from his original edge rusher spot back to inside linebacker. The experiment lasted only one game in the regular season but Kelly and new Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker are looking to try again. Kelly, Baker, and Perkins agree a new defensive structure and coaches will be the difference this year…

Cut 20 (19) “…will linebacker.”

Starting next year, high school seniors will not have to apply for FAFSA to graduate. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A bill to require health insurers to provide mental health coverage for victims of rape has been filed for the upcoming session. Brooke Thorington explains.

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

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BESE has removed the requirement for high school seniors to complete FAFSA in order to graduate. The new policy goes into effect next school year. The board believes requiring a student to apply for federal aid for college is an unnecessary burden on parents. And BESE President Ronnie Morris says some families do not want to give out their tax and income information.

Cut 3 (12) “…for everybody.”  

Students are required to complete the FAFSA to determine college financial aid. But Morris says some students can sign a waiver approved by the state to receive a diploma. He says points out the form is simply not necessary to graduate.

Cut 4 (09) “…line somewhere.” 

Louisiana claims top ranking for the highest number of high school seniors who’ve completed FAFSA. And Morris says schools will continue to assist student and families in applying for federal grants and scholarships.

Cut 5 (12) “…for graduation.”

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Should there be term limits on all statewide elected offices? Marrero Representative Kyle Green has filed legislation seeking to change the state’s constitution so that lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, ag and insurance commissioner are all limited to two terms.

Cut 6  (09) “…term limit.” 

When it comes to statewide offices, only the governor is limited to two consecutive terms.  Green says he wants to level the playing field.

Cut 7 (11) “…elected officials.”  

The legislation will be heard in the regular session. Since it’s a proposed a constitutional amendment, it will needs two-thirds approval from the legislature and a majority of voters will also have to approve.

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AAA is rolling out new technology that sends alerts to drivers they are approaching a stranded motorist on the side of the road. Spokesperson Don Redman says motorists who use Waze or Apple Maps will receive the alerts when AAA member requests assistance

Cut 8 (11) “…roadway assistance.” 

The alert will automatically update motorists when the tow truck arrives at the location to help the stranded driver. Redman says this give motorists more time to slow down or move over. And provides a safeguard for those responding to provide assistance to stranded motorists.

Cut 9 (12) “…so dangerous.” 

Redman says this is the first time the alerts will be used in the field to protect disabled motorists and technicians who service them.

Cut 10 (11) “…safe speed.”

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New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd wants health insurers to provide mental health coverage for victims of rape. The legislation is personal for Boyd because her mother was raped at the age of 15.  Boyd says her mother had psychological issues.

Cut 11 (10) “…was 30.”

The bill also requires coverage for at least one year of postpartum psychosis screenings for victims of rape who conceived and birth a child as a result.

Boyd says victims of rape, no matter their age, deserve mental health services and when the perpetrator is someone, they trust it’s another layer of difficulty.

Cut 12 (09)  “…the family.”  

Boyd says if someone had only intervened and helped her mother deal with the trauma of being raped and post-partum psychosis, she might be alive today.

Cut 13 (06) “…had me.”  

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, one in six women and 1 in 33 men are victims, of rape or an attempted rape in their lifetime. House Bill 302 is pending to be heard in the House Insurance Committee.

Legislation to prevent the state from interfering with or refusing the right to contraception has been filed for the upcoming session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U-L Lafayette softball team ended Oklahoma’s NCAA record 71-game winning streak on Sunday. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (24)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A White Castle man is missing after driving his car in Bayou Lafourche following a single vehicle crash in Assumption Parish early Saturday morning . Trooper Ross Brennan says 64 year old Gilbert Bunch Junior traveled off the roadway after failing to stop for a stop sign at LA Highway 1 and Highway 398.

Cut 3 (07) “…partially submerged.”  

Brennan says a passenger was able to exit the vehicle and swam to the bank. Bunch is described as a 5-foot, 6-inches tall black male wearing dark colored clothes. He says multiple agencies have searched for Bunch in Bayou Lafourche.

Cut 4 (10) “…for him.” 

Brennan says Bunch was last seen near the vehicle before it became fully submerged. He says law enforcement currently have no leads on where Bunch is located and if you have seen anything to call Troop C.

Cut 5 (05) “…a contact.”

Anyone with information regarding the crash can contact Troop C at (985) 857-3680.

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Bills to codify the right to contraception in Louisiana have been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Public Policy Professional Mary Patricia Wray says House Bill 395 and Senate Bill 225 seek to secure the right to birth control for Louisianans.

Cut 6  (10) “…the United States.” 

The Right to Contraception Act is similar to legislation pending in ten other states, including Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned which gave states the right to determine the legality of abortion, Wray says there are concerns the right to prevent a pregnancy is also in peril even though it is protected by a US Supreme Court ruling. She says because Louisiana has a very high rate of domestic abuse and other sex-related crimes that can lead to pregnancy and disease…

Cut 7 (10) “…not wanted.”  

The bills also define what methods of birth control are included.

Cut 8 (13) “…prevents disease.” 

According to a recent Impact Research survey, the right to contraception is supported by eight out of ten voters in the country.

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18-year-old Jaylon Joiner, a student at Carencro High School, was fatally shot while getting off at a bus stop in Lafayette Parish on Friday. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Valerie Ponseti (pon-set-tee) says Joiner was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside the Carencro city limits.

Cut 9 (06) “…Bradford Drive.” 

Ponseti says 19-year-old Malikai Doucet was arrested and charged with second degree murder of Joiner. Authorities believes several suspects were involved in this incident.

Cut 10 (06) “…this investigation.”

Ponseti says the investigation is ongoing.

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The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a woman fatally stabbed a twice convicted sex offender at a Lacombe are laundromat on Sunday afternoon. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says 40-year Nicholas Tranchat tried to attack the woman with a sharp weapon

Cut 11 (12) “…safety.”

Carboni says Tranchat was unresponsive when authorities arrived and later died from his injuries at a local hospital. She says the woman fled to a family member’s home and called police.

Cut 12 (11)  “…life-threatening.”  

The laundromat is located on US Highway 190 near Lacombe. Carboni praised the female victim’s actions.

Cut 13 (02) “…woman.”  

Tranchet was convicted in 2003 for Indecent Behavior with Juveniles and again in 2008 for Attempted Aggravated Rape and Aggravated Burglary. He was released on parole last December and supervised by the Covington Parole Office.