Two people in a suspected stolen car died when it crashed into a New Orleans beauty shop last night which sparked a three-alarm fire. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says officers tried to stop the car, but the vehicle sped away…
cut 7 (09) “….traffic stop”
Ferguson says a few moments later the vehicle crashed into the beauty salon. Several other people were injured, including a woman in the building who was badly burned.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office has charged 42-year-old Heather Hidalgo with first-degree murder of her 18-month daughter, who reportedly had a fatal range for an adult of methadone and other drugs in her system. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Raborn Hicks…
cut 12 (08) “…pregnancy”

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association is addressing the energy industry’s challenges and opportunities at its annual meeting in Lake Charles. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute finds that East Carroll is the unhealthiest parish in the nation. Morehouse Parish came in second. Cameron and Ascension Parish are the healthiest.

LSU leads Yale 45-29 at halftime in their first round NCAA Tournament game.

New Orleans Police say a suspected stolen vehicle slammed into a hair salon, causing a massive fire and killing two people inside the vehicle. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Today is the first full day of spring. What can we expect from the weather for the next few months? State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re currently in a weak El Nino that will effect conditions this spring.

Cut 13 (06) “…conditions for Louisiana.”

Spring is in the air and with that comes spring cleaning and home improvement projects, but the State Fire Marshal’s office is warning the public of the dangers of the chemicals they may be using could be a fire risk. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says those chemicals including oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes could result in spontaneous combustion from discarded rags.

Cut 9 (08) “…create a fire.”
The recommendations is that discarded towels and rags are left separated to dry, but not in direct sunlight.

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association meets today for it’s annual gathering in Lake Charles with the industry showing some signs of life in the Gulf of Mexico and Haynesville Shale. President Gifford Briggs says rig activity in the Gulf has doubled since the 2016 downturn, which should help improve quality of life in south Louisiana.

Cut 3 (11) “…families”

According to research from staffing firm Robert Half, 72% of managers say work environments that include March Madness activities improve employee morale. New Orleans senior recruiting manager Carrie Lewis says when in moderation, there are definite potential benefits to group activities tied to the college basketball games…
Cut 4 (11) “…their favorite school.”
Many workers will take an extended lunch break today to watch LSU take on Yale in the NCAA Tournament. The game gets underway at 11:40.

Governor Edwards applauds LSU’s decision to give head football coach Ed Orgeron a two-year contract extension that includes a 14-percent raise to boost his salary to four million dollars a year…
cut 9 (09) “…..foundation”
Edwards made the comments on his monthly talk show.

A Baton Rouge mom has been charged with murder after authorities say she admitted to giving her toddler various drugs on a daily basis for months. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Raborn Hicks says the toxicology report on 42-year-old Heather Hidalgo’s 18-month-old child had disturbing results…
cut 11 (11) “…system”
Hicks says Hidalgo said she was trying to comfort the child.

It’s the first full day of spring and state climatologist Barry Keim says the long-term forecast calls for a wetter and warmer spring for the Gulf South. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that prediction means good and bad news….
cut 15 (10) “….and other cattle”
But rain chances will be very low through the weekend as this run of nice weather continues.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not “echo” sentiments that LSU President F King Alexander and AD Joe Alleva should be fired for their handling of Will Wade and other recent issues. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

New Orleans Police say two people were killed after a car crashed into a beauty salon in the Broadmoor neighborhood setting off a three-alarm fire last night. NOPD says the two victims that died were in the vehicle and they believe the car was stolen. A woman was rescued from the building and she suffered serious burns from the blaze. Initial reports had stated that three people were killed in the incident but the female victim was rescued from the building.

LSU plays Yale this morning in the NCAA Tournament and according to Robert Half Staffing, 75% of companies will organize sports related festivities in the workplace. Robert Half Recruiting Manager Carrie Lewis says it’s good for morale.

Cut 6 (11) “…builds the comradery.”

Tip off is at 11:40 AM.

Today is the first full day of spring. So what can we expect weather wise? State Climatologist Barry Keim predicts a wetter and warmer spring than usual for Louisiana. Keim says we are currently in a weak El Nino which helps to produce storms forming off the coast of Texas near Houston.
Cut 14 (09) “…this past winter.”
Today should be another gorgeous day across the state, sunny skies with high temperatures in the low 70s.

LSU basketball faces Yale at 11:40 today in the NCAA Tournament. Governor Edwards agrees with the decision to suspend Will Wade after the coach was reportedly caught on an FBI wiretap discussing improper payments to a recruit…
cut 8 (11) “…questions”
But Edwards says he does not echo a statement from former Board of Regents Chairman Richard Lipsey, who said that both LSU President F. King Alexander and Atheltics Director Joe Alleva should be fired.

New Orleans police say two people were killed when a vehicle smashed into a beauty salon last night in the Broadmoor neighborhood setting off a three-alarm fire. Authorities say the two people that died were in the vehicle. A woman rescued from the building suffered serious burns. Authorities say they believe the vehicle was stolen and accelerated after officers tried to stop the car.

Research from staffing firm Robert Half indicates March Madness activities can be beneficial in the workplace. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Today is the first full day of spring. So what can we expect from the weather for the next few months? State Climatologist Barry Keim… .
Cut 13 (06) “…conditions for Louisiana.”
Keim says we’re currently in a weak El Nino which has the tendency to produce thunderstorm activity off the Texas coast near Houston and thunderstorms usually drift over Louisiana.

A Baton Rouge mother is behind bars after she allegedly drugged her child to death over the course of several months. Kevin Barnhart spoke to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department about the tragedy…

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The investigation continues into the officer related shooting in Bastrop.  Louisiana State Police are now looking into the shooting that happened Tuesday when Bastrop Police responded to a call in reference to a passenger inside a vehicle with a firearm. The preliminary investigation shows the suspect exited the vehicle and shots were fired resulting in the death of 22-year old Thomas E Johnson of Bastrop.

LSU plays Yale today, and Robert Half Recruiting Manger Carrie Lewis, who is from New Orleans, says she foresees some workers being sidetracked by the game. She says in today’s candidate-short market, it’s more important than ever to keep existing work staff happy.

Cut 5 (11) “…the sporting event.”

Tip off is at 11:40 this morning.

Today is the first full day of spring. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a wetter and warmer spring is on tap for Louisiana

Keim says that is welcomed news for the growing season for farmers. Considering the lack of rain the last few weeks, it’ll be great for crops. But Keim adds it’s not good news for everyone.

Cut 15 (10) “…and other cattle.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s “not prepared” to echo calls from former Board of Regents Chairman Richard Lipsey for LSU President F. King Alexander and Athletic Director Joe Alleva to be fired for their handling of Will Wade and other sensitive topics. Edwards says Wade’s recruiting scandal has cast a shadow over the basketball season.

Cut 7 (11) “…wrong”

The comments were made on the Governor’s monthly talk show.

Today is the first full day of spring. So what can we expect weather wise? State Climatologist Barry Keim predicts a wetter and warmer spring than usual for Louisiana.

Keim says we are currently in a weak El Nino with storms forming right off the coast of Texas near Houston.

Cut 14 (09) “…this past winter.”

The forecast for wet weather is good news for farmers.

A Baton Rouge mother is facing charges that she allegedly drugged her 18-month-old baby to death. Authorities say 42-year-old Heather Hidalgo initially told police she had no involvement in her child’s February 15th death, but East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Casey Raborn Hicks says her tune changed after spending some time behind bars…

Cut 10 (11) “…her child”

Hicks says a toxicology report shows the child was dosed with a cocktail of different drugs.

Research from staffing firm Robert Half indicates college basketball playoff activities can be beneficial in the workplace.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not “echo” sentiments that LSU President F King Alexander and AD Joe Alleva should be fired for their handling of Will Wade and other recent issues. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

___________________________________

 A Baton Rouge mom is behind bars after she allegedly drugged her child to death over the course of several months. Kevin Barnhart spoke to the East Baton Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department about the tragedy…

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

According to research from staffing firm Robert Half, 72% of managers say college basketball playoff activities improve employee morale. New Orleans senior recruiting manager Carrie Lewis says when in moderation, there are definite potential benefits to group activities tied to sporting events.

Cut 4 (11) “…their favorite school.”

LSU plays Yale today, and Lewis, who is from New Orleans, says she foresees some workers being sidetracked by the game. She adds in today’s candidate-short market, it’s more important than ever to keep their existing staff happy.

Cut 5 (11) “…the sporting event.”

Lewis says 75% of companies will organize sports related festivities, 45% will host friendly competitions, and 43% will allow team apparel because of the benefits it can produce in the workplace.

Cut 6 (11) “…builds the comradery.”

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s “not prepared” to echo calls from former Board of Regents Chairman Richard Lipsey for LSU President F. King Alexander and Athletic Director JOe Alleva to be fired for their handling of Will Wade and other sensitive topics. Edwards says Wade’s recruiting scandal has cast a shadow over the basketball season.

Cut 7 (11) “…wrong”

Wade is reportedly on an FBI wiretap discussing improper payments to a recruit, potentially freshman Javonte Smart.

Lipsey says the duo should be canned for a series of failures that began with the mishandling of the final months Les Miles as head coach,  holistic admissions decision, runs through their handling of Greek life hazing, and recently their decision to suspend Wade, but Edwards says it’s hard to disagree with the call to suspend the head coach…

Cut 8 (11) “questions.”

Wade was suspended after refusing to talk to the administration about the reported FBI wiretap.

One area the governor was prepared to definitively back the administration on was the decision to give football head coach Ed Orgeron a 500,000 dollar raise and a longer contract. Edwards says O is still one of the lowest paid coaches in the SEC, despite his success.

Cut 9 (09) “…foundation″

The comments were made on his monthly talk show, Ask the Governor

__________________________

A Baton Rouge mother is facing charges that she allegedly drugged her 18-month-old baby to death. Authorities say 42-year-old Heather Hidalgo initially told police she had no involvement in her child’s February 15th death, but East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Casey Raborn Hicks says her tune changed after spending some time behind bars…

Cut 10 (11) “…her child”

Hidalgo was booked into jail after her child’s death on other warrants at the time, and Hicks says deputies continued their investigation until a toxicology report came back in early March with some disturbing results. Hicks says the report showed the kid had a cocktail of different drugs in her.

Cut 11 (11) “system.”

When asked why she would pump her infant full of dangerous substances, Hidalgo allegedly told authorities it was to “comfort the child, and make the child comfortable.” Hicks wouldn’t speculate as to exactly what that meant, but did add that Hidalgo had an addiction problem herself.

Cut 12 (08) “…pregnancy.”

______________________________

Today is the first full day of spring. What can we expect from the weather for the next few months? State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re currently in a weak El Nino that will effect conditions this spring.

Cut 13 (06) “…conditions for Louisiana.”

Keim says the weather pattern results in storms forming right off the coast of Texas near Houston.

Cut 14 (09) “…this past winter.”

Keim says the forecast for wet weather is welcomed news for the growing season for farmers. Considering the lack of rain the last few weeks, it’ll be great for crops. But Keim adds it’s not good news for everyone.

Cut 15 (10) “…and other cattle.”

_______________________________________

Third seeded LSU looks to avoid the upset as it faces 14th seeded Yale at 11:40 this morning in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Twenty-one 14 seeds have defeated three seeds since 1985. Tigers interim head coach Tony Benford says the Bulldogs have their attention…

Cut 16  (20) “the same” 

This will be LSU’s third game without suspended head coach Will Wade. Benford says the players are accustomed to their new normal

 cut 17 (20)   “our players” 

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved an extension and pay raise for football coach Ed Orgeron. Athletics Director Joe Alleva appeared at today’s meeting and said Orgeron is deserving of a 500-thousand dollar raise…

Cut 12 (10) “…extremely well.”

Orgeron’s new contract runs through 2023 and his annual salary is four million dollars, the ninth highest in the SEC.

Flooding in the Midwest has many concerned about how those draining flood waters could impact the already very high Mississippi River levels. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Danielle Manning says those flood waters from the Missouri River basin do have to pass through the river on the way to the Gulf of Mexico. But what kind of impact will it have?

Cut 7 (09) “…start rising again.”

The Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville is under fire for posting an exhibit sign that described the slaves who powered the plantation as “happy.” A state parks official says the sign has been removed and admits it was in poor taste. Southern University Political Science Professor Albert Samuels says after the confederacy fell, a coordinated propaganda campaign was established to rehabilitate the Rebel’s image.

Cut 5 (11)  “the war.”

St. Martin Parish sheriff deputies arrest a Broussard mother after she allegedly left her two children, ages 1 and 5, unattended in an unlocked, running vehicle at a truck stop casino for about an hour and a half while she played video poker inside.  The Good Samaritan law states that someone can bust open a window in an effort to save a child or animal trapped in a car, but Major Ginny Higgins says the person who spotted the children did the right thing by not taking that action because the doors were unlocked.

Cut 11 (08)   “…save their lives.”