Governor Landry released his insurance reform plan that would put new regulations on both insurance companies and trial lawyers. The governor says one of the bills he’s pushing would require attorneys to prove that injuries are the result of the accident…

Cut 12 (15) “…after the accident.”

The City of New Orleans now has the recommendation from the consulting firm it hired in the wake of the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street. Teneo says Bourbon Street should be transformed into a permanent pedestrian mall. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says that recommendation only addresses ramming.

Cut 7 (11) “…have prevented that.”

A fourth victim in last weekend’s Shreveport house fire has died. A seven-year-old girl initially survived the fire that killed her five-year-old sister, her grandmother and her great-grandmother, but she has succumbed to her injuries. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux tells LRN affiliate KEEL radio that this is the worst fire he has experienced as mayor.

Cut 4 (11) “…as a mayor.”

ULM plans to request approval from the University of Louisiana System Board to implement staff furloughs to address an up to six-million-dollar budget shortfall before the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. Acting President Nick Bruno emphasized that the financial position of the university is fragile.

Cut 9 (09)  “…correcting that problem.”

Consultants hired by the City of New Orleans have recommended that Bourbon Street be permanently closed to vehicular traffic. Now, the question is – will the city heed that recommendation? In a news conference this morning, Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick seemed non-committal.

Cut 6 (11) “…the community wants.”

The seven-year-old girl injured in the house fire in Shreveport over the weekend has died. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux confirmed that this morning in an interview with KEEL radio.

Cut 3 (14) “…to her injuries.” 

The other three victims are the girl’s five-year-old sister, her grandmother and her great-grandmother. Arceneaux calls it the worst fire he has ever seen in his time as mayor, 

Two Lake Charles boys reported missing in November are back home thanks in part to the show On Patrol Live.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana released a report showing that while high school student participation in internships and apprenticeships has grown, the state still trails peer southern states. The group says in 2023, about 5-percent of Louisiana’s 42-thousand graduates earned internship credit, which trails Georgia and Tennessee by a wide margin.

Governor Landry is set to announce his plan for lowering insurance premiums at the top of the hour, and a new poll shows that this could be the single most important announcement of his governorship. The poll by Bernie Pinsonat and Greg Rigamer shows that Landry’s favorable and unfavorable ratings are split almost down the middle, and the high price of insurance is a major factor. Pinsonat says the survey also shows that 36-percent hold the legislature accountable for addressing the crisis.

Cut 11 (11) “…cost of insurance.”

If the City of New Orleans heeds the recommendations of consultants it hired, Bourbon Street will become a permanent pedestrian mall. Consulting firm Teneo says while the final decision rests with the city council, anything short of permanently closing off Bourbon Street to vehicular traffic increases the risk of a repeat of the New Year’s Day terror attack.

The group Restore the Mississippi Delta is speaking out after the Landry administration ordered a 90-day pause on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project in Plaquemines Parish. Campaign Director Simone Maloz (muh-LAWS) says the project is essential to slowing the loss of coastal land to erosion. 

Cut 14 (14) “…restore our coast.”

Two Lake Charles children reported missing in November are back home with their father, thanks to a television show. On March 7th, REELZ’s On Patrol: Live aired “Missing” segments featuring Colton and Cohen Desormeaux. Angeline Hartman with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children says the show changed everything.

Cut 5 (09) “…get involved.”

Governor Landry is set to announce his plan for lowering insurance premiums this morning, and a new poll shows that this could be the single most important announcement of his governorship. The poll by Bernie Pinsonat and Greg Rigamer shows deep dissatisfaction with the state’s direction on insurance.  Pinsonat says nearly everyone surveyed said he or she was concerned about the direction of insurance premiums.

Cut 12 (09) “…continue to rise.”

Two Lake Charles children reported missing in November have been found and are back home with their father after being featured on REELZ’s On Patrol: Live March 7^th.  National Center for Missing & Exploited Children spokesperson Angeline Hartman says to date, 40 people have been recovered thanks to On Patrol: Live, whose fanbase plays a critical role in spreading awareness.

Cut 6 (12) “…missing children.”

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The group Restore the Mississippi Delta is speaking out after work is halted on the 3.1-billion-dollar Mid Barataria Sediment Diversion Project in Plaquemines Parish. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana released a report showing high school student participation in internships and apprenticeships is up…but still ranks lower than other southern states.   CABL CEO Adam Knapp says that’s why Better Louisiana is proposing legislation to streamline work-based tax credits and expand student access to real-world learning.

Cut 9 (11) “…for their businesses.”

Two Lake Charles boys reported missing in November are back home in part thanks to the show On Patrol Live.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

New Orleans Police are set to hold a media briefing later this morning to talk about the Teneo advisory group report regarding public safety recommendations for the French Quarter.  The report is in response to the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street.  Today’s briefing is scheduled for this morning at ten.

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana released a report showing that while high school student participation in internships and apprenticeships has grown, the state still trails peer southern states. CABL CEO Adam Knapp says in 2023, about 5-percent of Louisiana’s 42-thousand graduates earned internship credit, better than previous years but still low compared to Georgia and Tennessee’s 15–20-percent.

Cut 7 (11) “…high school students.”

Governor Landry’s set to announce his plan for lowering insurance premiums this morning, and a new poll shows that this could be the single most important announcement of his governorship. The poll by Bernie Pinsonat and Greg Rigamer shows a majority of tose polled aren’t happy with the way the legislature’s handled premiums thus far.  Pinsonat says the pressure is on Landry to get something done.

Cut 10 (09) “…lot of credit.”

The group Restore the Mississippi Delta is speaking out after the Landry administration ordered a 90-day pause on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project in Plaquemines Parish. Campaign Director Simone Maloz (muh-LAWS) says construction has been going on for years, and the state has already invested about a half-billion dollars.

Cut 13 (11) “…a year ago.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana released a report shows student participation in internships and apprenticeships has grown. CABL CEO Adam Knapp says in 2023, about 5-percent of Louisiana’s 42-thousand graduates earned internship credit, better than previous years but still low compared to Georgia and Tennessee’s 15–20-percent.

Cut 8 (11) “…employers in Louisiana.”

——-

Governor Landry is set to announce his plan to lower insurance premiums, and a new poll suggests that this could be the most important announcement of his governorship. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Two Lake Charles children reported missing in November have been found and are back home with their father after Colton and Cohen Desormeaux were featured on REELZ’s On Patrol: Live aired “Missing” March 7^th. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children spokesperson Angeline Hartman.

Cut 4 (10) “…turn herself in.”

Another company makes a huge investment in Louisiana. CF industries has chosen Ascension Parish to put up its new low-carbon ammonia facility. Governor Landry says the new four-billion-dollar facility will create many high-paying jobs.

Cut 10 (10) “…100-thousand dollars.”

Landry says this is the latest in a series of major economic development projects to come to Louisiana, leading to a very bright future in the state.

A 26-year-old woman is charged after allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian on I-20 in Ouachita (WASH-uh-taw) Parish. Police say Mecca King gradually veered onto the shoulder and hit 38-year-old Eugenia Bates, killing her. State Trooper Ryan Davis says King had an odor of alcohol on her breath; and upon questioning, she admitted to having two drinks.

Cut 4 (07) “…careless operation.”

It’s possible the state’s revenue shortfall will not be as big as originally projected following the defeat of Amendment Two. Legislative leaders could recognize additional revenue when it meets in May. House Ways and Means Chairwoman Julie Emerson says for tax revenues to increase more than anticipated, the state’s economy needs to be doing well…

Cut 14 (13) “…we will.”

It is now more expensive to play Mega Millions. The cost of a single ticket is now five dollars, up from two dollars. Kim Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says in return, non-jackpot prizes now start at ten dollars, and each ticket will include a free multiplier feature.

Cut 7 (08) “…prize amount.”

While still astronomical, the odds of winning the jackpot are also slightly improved.

State Police say the woman who fatally struck a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Ouachita Parish yesterday afternoon was impaired. Twenty-six-year-old Mecca King has been charged with vehicular homicide and careless operation after hitting 38-year-old Eugenia Bates of Monroe. State Trooper Ryan Davis says this fatality did not have to happen…

Cut 5 (08) “..cab services”

House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland warns that budget cuts are coming because Constitutional Amendment Two did not pass last month. Speaking at the Baton Rouge Press Club, McFarland says passage of the amendment would have provided Louisiana with additional dollars to spend this year…

Cut 12 (12) “…through cuts.”

Another company makes a huge investment in Louisiana. CF industries is putting up a massive ammonia facility on the West Bank of Ascension Parish. In a ceremony at the Capitol this morning, Governor Landry said it will be the largest facility of its kind in the world..

Cut 9 (11)  “…blue ammonia.”

The project is expected to create about 100 direct new permanent jobs with an average salary of 110-thousand dollars.

Get ready to pay 5 dollars for your Mega Millions ticket. The price goes up today. Kim Chopin with Louisiana Lottery says, in return, players will get slightly better odds of winning the jackpot—improving from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million, and there will be more frequent billion-dollar prizes.

Cut 6 (08) “…$50 million.”

A 73-year-old man from Cuba who was taken into custody by ICE agents in Lafayette as he was on his way to work is back with family. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If Constitutional Amendment 2 had passed last month, the temporary $2,000 stipend that is not being renewed would have been replaced by a permanent pay raise for Louisiana teachers. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says now finding the money to make the raise the possible is a priority.

Cut 13 (09)  “…role in that.”

Another large facility is coming to the River-Plex Mega-Park near Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish. CF industries is building a massive ammonia facility and Governor Landry says it will create over 100 direct jobs with average salaries of over $100,000 per year.

Cut 11 (11) “…innovation and sustainability.”

The project will also create more than 300 construction jobs. CF Industries is looking for the facility to be operational in 2029.

A Mega Millions ticket will now cost five dollars. Kim Chopin with Louisiana Lottery says, in return, players will get slightly better at winning the jackpot. They aim to distinguish Mega Millions from Powerball and raise the average jackpot from 450 million to 800 million dollars.

Cut 8 (12) “…grow a lot faster.”

Governor Landry makes another huge economic development announcement. Andrew Greenstein is at the Capitol with more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A 73-year-old man from Cuba who was taken into custody by ICE agents in Lafayette as he was on his way to work is back with family. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

State Police have charged a 26-year-old woman with vehicular homicide after she was allegedly driving drunk and hit a Monroe woman on I-20 in Ouachita Parish yesterday. State Trooper Ryan Davis says Mecca King was traveling in the outer lane and gradually veered onto the shoulder and struck a pedestrian, 38-year-old Eugenia Bates.

Cut 3 (12) “…her injuries.”

Davis says King was found to have an odor of alcohol on her breath. Upon questioning, King admitted to drinking two alcoholic beverages.

Cut 4 (07) “…careless operation.”

King was arrested and booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center.  Davis reminds you that walking along the Interstate is illegal, and there’s no excuse for impaired driving.

Cut 5 (08) “…cab services.”

______________________________________________________________

Mega Millions players will face a price hike as tickets increase from two to five dollars, starting with today’s drawing. Kim Chopin (show-PAN) with Louisiana Lottery says, in return, players will get slightly better odds of winning the jackpot—improving from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million—and more frequent billion-dollar prizes.

Cut 6 (08) “…$50 million.”

Chopin says non-jackpot prizes will also rise, starting at ten dollars, and each ticket will include a free multiplier feature.

Cut 7 (08) “…prize amount.”

Chopin hopes these changes will combat “jackpot fatigue,” a trend where only enormous prizes attract attention. They aim to distinguish Mega Millions from Powerball and raise the average jackpot from 450 million to 800 million dollars.

Cut 8 (12) “…grow a lot faster.”

______________________________________________________________

Another company makes a huge investment in Louisiana. CF industries is putting up a massive ammonia facility on the West Bank of Ascension Parish. In a ceremony at the Capitol this morning, Governor Landry said it will be the largest facility of its kind in the world..

Cut 9 (11)  “…blue ammonia.”

Landry says the new facility will create many high-paying jobs…

Cut 10 (10) “…100-thousand dollars.”

Landry says this is the latest in a series of major economic development projects to come to Louisiana, leading to a very bright future in the state…

Cut 11 (11) “…innovation and sustainability.”

CF Industries started evaluating Ascension Parish three years ago in deciding where to build its new ammonia facility. Along with the direct jobs, the project will also create more than 300 construction jobs. No word on when construction will begin; CF Industries is looking for the facility to be operational in 2029.

____________________________________________

House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland warns that budget cuts are coming because Constitutional Amendment Two did not pass last month. McFarland says passage of the amendment would have provided Louisiana with additional dollars to spend this year…

Cut 12 (12) “…through cuts.”

Passage of Amendment Two would have made a temporary two-thousand dollar teacher pay stipend permanent. 198-million dollars is needed to make the stipend a permanent two-thousand dollar raise and McFarland says finding the money remains a priority, because the state is finally making gains in student achievement…

Cut 13 (09)  “…role in that.”

It’s possible the state’s revenue shortfall will not be as big. Legislative leaders could recognize additional revenue when it meets in May. House Ways and Means Chairwoman Julie Emerson says for tax revenues to increase more than anticipated, the state’s economy needs to be doing well…

Cut 14 (13) “…we will.”