Two are dead after crashing their Jeep while speeding away from pursuing troopers in Alexandria. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says police tried pulling the Jeep over early Saturday morning along the U.S. 165 frontage road.

Cut 3 (11) “…improper lane usage.”

Wallace says the driver would not slow down and it eventually ended up in a bayou. 33-year-old Aaron Watson of Amite and 30-year-old Brandon Wright of Pineville were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Yesterday marked 15 years since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the Louisiana Coast killing eleven workers including five Louisianans. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says he still thinks about the families who lost loved ones.

Cut 13 (09)  “…close to home.”

Christians are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. LSU Professor of Religion Michael Pasquier says there will be a time of mourning and after his funeral, bishops from around the world will meet behind closed doors to choose the next pope…

Cut 8 (12) “…Catholic Church.”

National Work Zone Awareness Week and police are out in full force looking for people driving dangerously through work zones. In Louisiana, all fines for moving violations within work zones are doubled. DOTD secretary Joe Donahue says depending on where you are, those fines could be even higher

Cut 11 (11) “…fines for traffic.”

In 2023, the latest year in which statistics are available, 14 people were killed in Louisiana work zones, with 898 killed nationwide.

A 16-year-old girl is shot and killed in Caddo Parish. It happened last night inside a home in Vivian. 17-year-old Wyatt Sanders and another 16-year-old girl are each facing charges in connection with the girl’s death, including negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.

Cut 14 (03) “…to the juvenile.”

It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week. This year’s theme is, “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says construction workers are putting their lives on the line for the safety of the rest of us.

State Police Colonel Robert Hodges says when you’re going through a construction zone, 100-percent of your attention and focus needs to be on driving safely.

Cut 10 (12) “…dark at night.”

In Louisiana, all fines for moving violations within work zones are doubled.

On Easter Monday, Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, died at 88 after a 12-year papacy defined by humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and reform.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting a case of measles in the Region 1 of the state which includes New Orleans, and the parishes of Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines. LDH says the infection appears to be linked to international travel and the individual is in isolation but not hospitalized. LDH is working to identify and notify those who may have come in contact with the patient since measles is highly contagious. This is the first known case of measles in Louisiana this year. There were three travel related cases in 2024, also in the Greater New Orleans area.

Two men are dead after crashing their Jeep while speeding away from pursuing troopers in Alexandria. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says police tried pulling the Jeep over early Saturday morning but they sped up and turned onto England Drive, a narrow, winding road that leads to Alexandria International Airport.

Cut 4 (08) “…goes through there.”

The Jeep was later found partially submerged in a bayou, and 33-year-old Aaron Watson of Amite and 30-year-old Brandon Wright of Pineville were ejected from the vehicle. Wallace says it’s unclear which one was the driver and unknown why the two were running from police.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, has died at the age of 88. He led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years and took on controversial issues like climate change, inequality and he welcomed gays and lesbians into the Catholic Church.  LSU Professor of Religion Michael Pasquier says his stance on these issues upset some American Catholics…

Cut 6 (12) “…American prospective.”

DOTD has a message for all you drivers – “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Andrew Greenstein is at DOTD headquarters in Baton Rouge with more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It was 15 years ago yesterday when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off Louisiana’s coast sending 134 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the worst offshore oil spill in the nation’s history. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the marshes impacted by the oil were restored, but several islands that would serve as nesting grounds for pelicans were lost.

Cut 12 (13) “…to our coast.”

A 16-year-old girl is shot and killed in Caddo Parish. It happened last night inside a home in Vivian. 17-year-old Wyatt Sanders and another 16-year-old girl were arrested and charged with negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says investigators do not know the exact nature of the relationship between the three.

Cut 15 (03) “…at this time.”

They don’t believe there was an intent to harm the victim. The investigation is ongoing

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting a case of measles in the Region 1 of the state which includes New Orleans, and the parishes of Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines. LDH says the infection appears to be linked to international travel and the individual is in isolation but not hospitalized. LDH is working to identify and notify those who may have come in contact with the patient since measles is highly contagious. This is the first known case of measles in Louisiana this year. There were three travel related cases in 2024, also in the Greater New Orleans area.

Yesterday Pope Francis extended Easter greetings and today Christians are mourning his death.  He was 88. LSU Professor of Religion Michael Pasquier says Pope Francis wasn’t without controversy and was seen as doctrinally lenient by some. He says the Pope initiated reforms in Vatican finances, expanded roles for women and highlighted mercy and inclusivity, often clashing with traditionalists.

Cut 7 (12) “…those standards.”

Yesterday marked 15 years since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the Louisiana Coast killing eleven workers including five Louisianans. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says he still thinks about the families who lost loved ones.

Cut 13 (09)  “…close to home.”

With peak road construction season upon us, DOTD is urging you to please pay extra attention and use extra caution when going through work zones. This is National Work Zone Awareness Week; and this year’s theme is, “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says construction workers are putting their lives on the line for the safety of the rest of us.

Cut 9 (10)  “…roads more navigable.”

A 16-year-old girl is shot and killed in Caddo Parish. It happened last night inside a home in Vivian. 17-year-old Wyatt Sanders and another 16-year-old girl are each facing charges, including negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.

Cut 14 (03) “…to the juvenile.”

People of all religions, not just Catholics, are mourning the death of Pope Francis this Easter Monday.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The pontiff was 88 years old.

It was 15 years ago yesterday when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off Louisiana’s coast sending 134 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the worst offshore oil spill in the nation’s history. Eleven workers were killed, five of the victims were from Louisiana.

Christians are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. LSU Professor of Religion Michael Pasquier says there will be a time of mourning and after his funeral, bishops from around the world will meet behind closed doors to choose the next pope…

Cut 8 (12) “…Catholic Church”

State Police say a police pursuit in Alexandria on Saturday resulted in two people dying. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says police tried pulling the Jeep early Saturday morning along the U-S 165 frontage road and the vehicle took off. Wallace says the Jeep partially submerged in a bayou, and 33-year-old Aaron Watson of Amite and 30-year-old Brandon Wright of Pineville were ejected from the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Wallace says it’s unclear which one was the driver.

Cut 5 (06) “…a normal crash.”

DOTD has a message for all you drivers – “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Andrew Greenstein is at DOTD headquarters in Baton Rouge with more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Yesterday marked the 15th anniversary of the start of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Andrew Greenstein talked with one man who was in the middle of it all.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week a campaign that encourages drivers to slow down in work zones. Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation Jason Hazelton urges drivers to slow down, stay alert, and be mindful.

Cut 7 (08) “…behind the wheel.”

Two are dead after crashing their Jeep while speeding away from pursuing troopers in Alexandria. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says police tried pulling the Jeep over early Saturday morning along the U.S. 165 frontage road.

Cut 3 (11) “…improper lane usage.”

Wallace says the driver would not slow down and it eventually ended up in a bayou. 33-year-old Aaron Watson of Amite and 30-year-old Brandon Wright of Pineville were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

State Lawmakers are considering a bill to increase state funding for TOPS scholarship recipients, which would increase the award amounts. But Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver opposes the proposal because he wants to reduce state spending….

Cut 14 (07) “…going not more”

The TOPS funding bill is awaiting discussion in the House Appropriations Committee.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. In a social media post this morning Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife Sharon join Christians around the world in praying for Prop Francis and the Church at this time. Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter says Pope Francis was a man of humility, compassion and justice.

There’s a push in this legislative session to increase the scholarship award amounts for TOPS recipients. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

15 years ago, yesterday, the Deepwater Horizon Oil rig exploded, resulting in the nation’s largest oil spill in U-S history. It took 87 days to cap the well, causing a long-lasting impact on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser was the Plaquemines Parish President at the time, and he remembers a lack of leadership, which inspired him to run for Lt. Governor…

Cut 11 (10) “…do to help?”
The explosion also killed 11 workers on the rig.

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley has brought back his bill that seeks to eliminate the need for passenger vehicles to have an inspection sticker. State Police has opposed the bill in the past, because it would result in a loss of revenue for the L-S-P. Bagley says he’s addressed State Police’s concerns by increasing vehicle registration fees by ten-dollars…

Cut 5 (04) “…inspection sticker”

The bill is awaiting debate in House Transportation.

It was 15 years ago Sunday when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the coast of Louisiana, killing 11 people and sending 134 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser was the president of Plaquemines Parish at the time and is still upset with the Coast Guard, who he believes wasted a lot of time when people were trying save marine wildlife…

Cut 12 (10) “…never understood that”

The BP oil spill goes down as the worst offshore oil spill in the nation’s history.

This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week and this year’s theme, “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home.” Jason Hazelton with the Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation says the most recent statistics show 891 people died in road construction in the United States, six fatal work zone crashes occurred in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (05) “…when we’re driving.”

The State Capitol is quiet today as lawmakers get an extended break for the Easter holiday. They will soon begin debate on a bill that seeks to eliminate the need for passenger vehicles to have an inspection sticker. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says an inspection sticker is not needed when a police officer already has the authority to pull over an unsafe vehicle…

Cut 6 (12) “..go get it”

Bagley says it’s inconvenient for people to get an inspection sticker every two years or ever year for motorists in the Baton Rouge area.

The House Appropriations Committee will soon discuss a bill that increases funding for TOPS as Ruston Representative Christopher Turner wants to increase the Awards Amount and he’s also seeking to create a new scholarship award called the Excellence Award…

Cut 15 (13) “…four year universities”

The House Education Committee has already approved the proposal.

Sunday marked the 15th anniversary of the start of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Andrew Greenstein talked with one man who was in the middle of it all.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff deputies say a 17-year-old girl was fatally shot in Vivian last night at a home on Pardue Street. Investigators are gathering information to determine the circumstances and whether foul play was involved.

State Representative Larry Bagley is once again pushing legislation to eliminate the need for passenger vehicles to have an up-to-date inspection sticker. It’s the DeSoto Parish Republican’s fourth attempt. Bagley has confidence he can get legislative approval this year, because he has the support of key players.

Cut 4 (09) “…the past years.”

State Police opposed Bagley’s bill in the past because they would lose funding if motorists were not required to have an inspection sticker. Bagley addressed this by proposing a $10 annual increase to vehicle registration fees, maintaining funding without the need for inspection stickers.

Lawmakers are considering a bill to increase state funding for TOPS scholarship recipients, which would increase the award amounts. But Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver opposes the proposal because he wants to reduce state spending….

Cut 14 (07) “…going not more”

The TOPS funding bill is awaiting discussion in the House Appropriations Committee.