You may have noticed a big number on the Powerball jackpot for this Saturday’s drawing.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Authorities received a 911 call concerning a plane that took off from the Shreveport Downtown Airport and “went straight up, and came straight down”. It’s been suggested that the plane came down on the Bossier side of the Red River.  The plane lost contact with the control tower shortly after takeoff.  Some reports indicate authorities have now located the aircraft in the river.  No details are available about passengers.

Two bills focused on gun regulations have passed through the Democrat-controlled House this week.  The second bill, passed today, aims at extending the time to complete a background check before a gun sale can go through.  Neither are expected to advance beyond the Senate.  House Minority Whip Steve Scalise says the two bills don’t sit well with him.

Cut 4 (07) “…gun control bills″

Earlier this morning a man attempting to pass another vehicle on LA 139 lost control of his car, leading to a series of events that ended when his airborne vehicle struck a pole, resulting in the man’s death. The state has seen some nasty weather this week, and heavy rains are predicted for the rest of the Carnival weekend.Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says with increased traffic on the roads, and inclement weather expected, make sure you’re driving as carefully as possible.

Cut 14 (08)  “…be safe” 

The top ranked LSU baseball team left for Austin today where they’ll play the Texas Longhorns in a three-game series that starts tomorrow night. Texas is 7-3 on the season. The Tigers are 8-0 after beating cross town foe Southern 17-4 yesterday. Cade Beloso hit his second home run of the season and drove in four runs, while Antoine Duplantis was 4-for-5 and drove in 5 more runs. Duplantis has now driven in 23 runs in eight games.

Former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola should be a happy man. That’s because his Phillies have signed Bryce Harper to a 13-year, 330 million dollar contract.

Jason Whitten is leaving the Monday night football broadcast booth and returning to the football field. Whitten is ending his retirment so that he can play his 16th season with the Cowboys.

And there are six LSU Tigers partcipating in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, John Battle, Nick Brossette, Foster Moreau, Cole Tracy, Devin White and Greedy Williams.
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In college basketball, UL-Lafayette, ULM and Coastal Carolina are in a three-way tie for fifth place in the Sun Belt. The Ragin Cajuns host Coastal tonight, while the Warhawks face Appalachian State. ULM lost to the Mountaineers earlier this season,

Louisiana Tech hosts Marshall at the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston tonight. The Bulldogs are seeking their fourth straight win.

The Pelicans have reportedly signed Euroleague shooting guard Dairis Bertans to a two-year contract. Bertans shot nearly 50-percent from three-point territory for a team in Italy. To make room for Bertans on the roster, New Orleans has waived Tim Frazier. The Pels are in Phoenix tomorrow night.

Last night in college basketball, Sam Houston State won an outright Southland Conference regular season championship in New Orleans as the Bearkats defeated the Privateers 71-60.
Northwestern State is one of several teams fighting to get in the Southland Tournament. The Demons helped their chances with a 68-60 win over U-I-W.
McNeese kept their Southland Conference Tournament hopes alive with an 84-75 victory over Nicholls in Thibodaux.

Earlier this morning a man attempting to pass another vehicle on LA 139 lost control of his car, leading to a series of events that ended when his airborne vehicle struck a pole, resutling in the man’s death. Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says the incident began just before 7:20 AM, just south of the Morehouse Parish line.
Cut 12, 11 seconds, utility pole
30-year-old Jared Streeter of Monroe was pronounced dead at the scene.
You may have seen jackpots on those lottery billboards around the state getting noticeably larger. The Powerball jackpot is currently at $348 million for this Saturday’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says when the jackpots surpass the $300 million mark, they tend to see an uptick in sales.
Cut 9 (09) “…a chance to win.”
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Two bills aimed at furthering the regulation of gun transfers have passed through the Democrat-controlled House are not sitting well with Minority Whip Steve Scalise. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A Louisiana abortion doctor has had his license suspended pending a final resolution of a series of claims presented against him that include past improper behavior and malfeasance. Dr. Kevin G Work lost his license earlier in his career for failing to abide by the order of a consent degree that he was placed under for allowing unlicensed staffers to administer medications to patients. His license was reinstated in 2017.

A new bill that requires background checks for not only the sale of a firearm, but also the temporary transfer of a firearm, has passed in the Democrat-controlled House. The bill, called the Bipartisan Backgrounds Check Act of 2019, if the first of two bills focused on gun regulations this week to be passed through the house.  A second bill, passed today, aims at extending the time to complete a background check before a gun sale can go through. Congressman Steve Scalise hopes the bill dies in the GOP controlled Senate.

Cut 5 (09)“…to defend themselves.”

The Powerball jackpot is currently at $348 million for this Saturday’s drawing, and Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says the cash value of the multistate drawing’s jackpot is right around $211.9 million. She also adds don’t toss out that ticket if you don’t win the big prize, as you could still win something…

Cut 10 (10)“…something for everybody.”

A 54-year-old wheelchair bound pedestrian was struck and killed in Lafourche Parish yesterday.  Louisiana State Police Trooper Jesse LaGrange says the accident was a tragic reminder to pedestrians about being aware of where you are standing when traveling alongside traffic, particularly during Carnival season.

Cut 8 (12) “…parade route.”

Carl Guidry was pronounced dead on the scene, and the driver of the vehicle that struck him, 77-year-old Charles Richard Junior passed an on scene alcohol test and was not charged

The top ranked LSU baseball team improved to 8-0 on the season with an easy 17-4 win over cross town rivals the Southern Jaguars. Senior right fielder Antoine Duplantis continued his early season tear by going 4-for-5 with 5 runs batted in. In bad news, Coach Paul Mainieri say he’s 98-percent sure Gavin Dugas will need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb.

Two bills aimed at furthering the regulation of gun transfers have passed through the Democrat-controlled House are not sitting well with Minority Whip Steve Scalise. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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You may have noticed a big number on the Powerball jackpot for this Saturday’s drawing.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A new bill that requires background checks for not only the sale of a firearm, but also the temporary transfer of a firearm, has passed in the Democrat-controlled House.  However, it’s anticipated that it will not advance beyond the GOP-controlled Senate.  House Minority Whip Steve Scalise says the bill turns law-abiding citizens into criminals.

Cut 3 (11) “…a long time.”

The bill, called the Bipartisan Backgrounds Check Act of 2019, if the first of two bills focused on gun regulations this week to be passed through the house.  A second bill, passed today, aims at extending the time to complete a background check before a gun sale can go through.  Under current law, if a check isn’t finalized in three business days, the transaction can proceed automatically.  Scalise says the two bills don’t sit well with him.

Cut 4 (07) “…gun control bills″

Scalise says it’s important that the laws do not hinder access to firearms, because every day, Americans use guns to protect themselves from criminals.

Cut 5 (09)“…to defend themselves.”

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A 54-year-old wheelchair bound pedestrian was struck and killed in Lafourche Parish yesterday.  Carl Guidry was pronounced dead on the scene, and the driver of the vehicle that struck him, 77-year-old Charles Richard Junior passed an on scene alcohol test. Louisiana State Police Trooper Jesse LaGrange says Guidry had strayed out into the road…

Cut 6 (12) “…westbound lane”

Full toxicology results are still pending.
LaGrange says Richard told authorities he did not see Mr. Guidry in the road, as he was rounding a curve when the accident occurred.

Cut 7 (10) “…that crash.”

Richard has not been charged in the incident.
LaGrange says the accident was a tragic reminder to pedestrians about being aware of where you are standing when traveling alongside traffic, particularly during Carnival season.

Cut 8 (12) “…parade route.”

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You may have seen jackpots on those lottery billboards around the state getting noticeably larger.  The Powerball jackpot is currently at $348 million for this Saturday’s drawing.  Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says when the jackpots surpass the $300 million mark, they tend to see an uptick in sales.

Cut 9 (09) “…a chance to win.”

The cash value of the multistate drawing’s jackpot is right around $211.9 million.  Chopin says those that might not play regularly might not realize you don’t have to hit the jackpot to come out of the game with some prize money by just matching a few numbers.

Cut 10 (07)“…to be had.”

The jackpot has been rolling over since just before Christmas, but Chopin says they’ve seen many winners of smaller prizes since then.

Cut 11 (10)   “…sold in Bunkie.”

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Earlier this morning a man attempting to pass another vehicle on LA 139 lost control of his car, leading to a series of events that ended when his airborne vehicle struck a pole, resulting in the man’s death. Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says the incident began just before 7:20 AM, just south of the Morehouse Parish line.

Cut 12 (04)   “…utility pole.”

30-year-old Jared Streeter of Monroe was pronounced dead at the scene, and Reichardt says Streeter was unable to survive the extreme force of the impact, despite having a seat belt on.

Cut 13 (08) “…drivers side” 

The state has seen some nasty weather this week, and heavy rains are predicted for the rest of the Carnival weekend. The Master Trooper says with increased traffic on the roads, and inclement weather expected, make sure you’re driving as carefully as possible.

Cut 14 (08)  “…be safe” 

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1:30 PM newscast
A 54-year-old wheelchair bound pedestrian was struck and killed in Lafourche Parish yesterday. Carl Guidry was pronounced dead on the scene, and the driver of the vehicle that struck him, 77-year-old Charles Richard Junior passed an on scene alchol test. Louisiana State Police Trooper Jesse LaGrange says Richard told authorities he did not see Mr. Guidry in the road, as he was rounding a curve when the accident occurred.
Cut 7 (10) “…that crash.”

The bill called the Bipartisan Backgrounds Check Act of 2019, is the first of two bills focused on gun regulations this week to be passed through the house.  A second bill, passed today, aims at extending the time to complete a background check before a gun sale can go through.  House Minority Whip Steve Scalise says the two bills don’t sit well with him.

Cut 4 (07) “…gun control bills″

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries wants to pay folks 950-2,500 dollars to lease their land for dove season. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

LSU basketball coach Will Wade said on his weekly radio show Wednesday night that guard Tremont Waters should be ready to go for Saturday’s game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Wade said Waters, who has been sidelined for the past two games with an undisclosed illness, did an individual workout Wednesday and will practice with the rest of the team Thursday.

A 54-year-old wheelchair bound pedestrian was struck and killed in Lafourche Parish yesterday. Carl Guidry was pronounced dead on the scene, and the driver of the vehicle that struck him, 77-year-old Charles Richard Junior passed an on scene alchol test. Louisiana State Police Trooper Jesse LaGrange says Guidry had strayed out into the road…
Cut 6, 12 seconds, westbound lane
Full toxicology results are still pending.
A new bill that requires background checks for not only the sale of a firearm, but also the temporary transfer of a firearm, has passed in the Democrat-controlled House. However, it’s anticipated that it will not advance beyond the GOP-controlled Senate. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise says the bill turns law-abiding citizens into criminals.
Cut 3 (11) “…a long time.”
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State Police are stepping up patrol for Mardi Gras, sending over 170 troopers to the New Orleans area leading up to Fat Tuesday. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The Board of Regents unveiled a new 18 hour certificate program designed to build STEM skills. On a national level, there’s been some calls for a reorientation in higher ed towards more compressed, career-oriented education instead of the broad liberal arts education most students receive. Commissioner of Higher Ed Kim Hunter Reed says you’ll likely see more of this in the future as well.
Cut 12 (12) “…responsive.”
The program was requested by companies, including CenturyLink, DXC and IBM.
State Police are being sent in large numbers to New Orleans for carnival. Trooper Melissa Matey says LSP will be deploying over 170 troopers to the area in plainclothes and in uniform.
Cut 4 (11) “…also the FBI.”
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A recent spike in fatal motorcycle accidents has highway safety advocates asking motorists to be more mindful of those on two wheels. Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the most recent numbers show that in 2017, 96 motorcycle drivers were killed in crashes on Louisiana roads.
Cut 15 (08) “and not up.”
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for anyone willing to lease their land to hunters for the opening day of dove season in September. Research and Survey Program Manager Jeffrey Duguay says it’s a decent little payday for plots of farm land over 50 acres that likely won’t be used anymore by September 7th.
Cut 8 (07) “…from there.”
The minimum payout is 950 dollars.

State Police have been assisting New Orleans Police with carnival season the last few weeks and will be stepping up patrols.  The highly anticipated weekend will draw larger crowds and Trooper Melissa Matey says LSP will be deploying over 170 troopers to the area to assist in the festivities.

Cut 4 (11) “…also the FBI.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for anyone willing to lease their land to hunters for the opening day of dove season in September. Research and Survey Program Manager Jeffrey Duguay says it’s got to be at least 50 acres, and not all fields will be eligible to make the easy money. Duguay says doves can be pretty picky.

Cut 7 (11) “…baiting.”

The Board of Regents unveiled a new certificate program designed to get enrollees new age STEM skills necessary for work in many of the state’s largest companies in a compressed 18-hour course load. Commissioner of Higher Ed Kim Hunter Reed says the classes were developed to supplement a worker’s existing education with flexible tech training.

Cut 10 (11) “…institutions.”

A recent spike in fatal motorcycle accidents has highway safety advocates asking motorists to be more mindful of those on two wheels.  Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the uptick is not usual for this time of year.

Cut 13 (07) “…a little better.”

Lambert says the most recent numbers show that in 2017, 96 motorcycle drivers were killed in crashes on Louisiana roads.

State Police have been assisting New Orleans Police with carnival season the last few weeks and will be stepping up patrols. The highly anticipated weekend will draw larger crowds and Trooper Melissa Matey says troopers want to make sure everyone has a safe Mardi Gras, so they’ll be on the lookout for impaired drivers on the roadways.
Cut 6 (09) “…a sober driver.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for anyone willing to lease their land to hunters for the opening day of dove season in September. Research and Survey Program Manager Jeffrey Duguay says it’s got to be at least 50 acres, and not all fields will be eligible to make the easy money. And if someone leasing your land for dove hunting were to get injured?
Cut 9 (07) “…not liable″

The Board of Regents unveiled a new certificate program designed to get enrollees new age STEM skills necessary for work in many of the state’s largest companies in a compressed 18 hour course load. Commissioner of Higher Ed Kim Hunter Reed says two and four year diplomas become more and more common, many workers are seeking to set themselves apart by obtaining vital certifications that indicate their ability to do specialized work. Reed says many of the best paying jobs on the market aren’t getting filled by Louisianans, because of our state’s low rate of higher ed attainment.
Cut 11 (11) “…tools.”

LSU basketball coach Will Wade said on his weekly radio show Wednesday night that guard Tremont Waters should be ready to go for Saturday’s game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Wade said Waters, who has been sidelined for the past two games with an undisclosed illness, did an individual workout Wednesday and will practice with the rest of the team Thursday.