Early voting starts this Saturday and Sean Richardson has more on some of the Constitutional Amendments that will be on the ballot.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU fans can see a former coach of their men’s basketball team lead his new team in the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Early voting in the constitutional amendment election begins Saturday, and there’s a lot to unpack. PAR President Steven Procopio says Amendment 1 grants the Louisiana Supreme Court the authority to discipline out-of-state lawyers and permits the legislature to establish specialty courts.

Cut 3 (14) “…state-wide court.”

Amendment 2 is the rewrite of Article 7 as part of the new tax law. Procopio says Amendment 3 lets the legislature decide which felony crimes juveniles under 17 can be tried for as adults, removing the current constitutional list.

Cut 4 (10) “…this particular issue.”

Procopio says Amendment 4 would change how judicial vacancies are filled, using the earliest election date instead of waiting up to 12 months.

Cut 5 (05) “…a judicial vacancy.”

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With LSU’s men’s basketball season coming to a merciful end yesterday, Tigers fans are probably wondering why they can’t get a coach like Will Wade, who’s leading McNeese to the NCAA Tournament for a second year in a row. The fact is, Wade DID coach at LSU from 2017 until 2022, when he was unceremoniously let go. Wade signed a two-year contract with McNeese that expires at the end of this season, and he said it’s a commitment that was important for him to keep.

Cut 6 (09) “…my damn word.”

While Wade may be considering his future at the end of this season, he says his main focus has been to get the Cowboys back to the Big Dance.

Cut 7 (11) “…or three days.”

Mission accomplished. Wade has led McNeese to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in program history. He says he has astonished himself with how well things have gone in Lake Charles.

Cut 8 (15) “…in the books.”

Now, Wade hopes to lead the Cowboys to their first Tournament win in school history.

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The Saints have re-signed defensive end Chase Young to a three-year contract that will pay him 51-million dollars, with an opportunity to earn 57-million dollars. Young was selected second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and played three seasons for the franchise now known as the Washington Commanders before joining the Saints last year on a one-year deal. Young says the contract means a lot to him.

Cut 9 (07)  “…always dreamed of.”

Young especially expressed his gratitude to General Manager Mickey Loomis for believing in him.

Cut 10 (05) “…working every day.”

Young said when his one-year deal expired at the end of this past season, he knew that his heart was in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (12) “…the football.”

Early voting starts this Saturday and Sean Richardson has more on some of the Constitutional Amendments that will be on the ballot.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Severe weather bringing a chance of hail, tornados, and wind gusts over 70 miles per hour is expected to roll across Louisiana Friday and Saturday and that has caused the organizers of the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade to cancel Saturday’s event. Organizers are looking to reschedule. Meanwhile in Baton Rouge the Wearing of the Green parade has been rescheduled. It will roll Sunday at noon.

Mission accomplished for Will Wade as he leads McNeese Men’s Basketball to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in program history. He says he has astonished himself with how well things have gone in Lake Charles.

Cut 8 (15) “…in the books.”

Now, Wade hopes to lead the Cowboys to their first Tournament win in school history. The two-year contract he signed with McNeese expires at the end of this season

Saints defensive end Chase Young will be back as the Black and Gold sign him to a three-year contract that will pay him 51-million dollars, with an opportunity to earn 57-million dollars.

Young said when his one-year deal expired at the end of this past season, he knew that his heart was in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (10) “…the football.”

Early voting in the constitutional amendment election begins Saturday, and there’s a lot to unpack. PAR President Steven Procopio says Amendment 1 grants the Louisiana Supreme Court the authority to discipline out-of-state lawyers and permits the legislature to establish specialty courts.

Cut 3 (14) “…state-wide court.” 

Amendment 2, of course, is the rewrite of Article 7 of the State Constitution. Amendment 3 lets the legislature decide which crimes juveniles can be tried for as adults, removing the current constitutional list; and Amendment 4 would change how judicial vacancies are filled

The Saints have re-signed defensive end Chase Young to a three-year contract that will pay him 51-million dollars. Young had joined the Saints last year on a one-year deal. Young says the new contract means a lot to him.

Cut 9 (07)  “…always dreamed of.”

With LSU’s men’s basketball season coming to a merciful end yesterday, Tigers fans are probably wondering why they can’t get a coach like Will Wade, who’s leading McNeese to the NCAA Tournament for a second year in a row. The fact is, Wade DID coach at LSU from 2017 until 2022, when he was unceremoniously let go. Wade signed a two-year contract with McNeese that expires at the end of this season, and he said it’s a commitment that was important for him to keep.

Cut 6 (09) “…my damn word.”

While Wade may be considering his future at the end of this season, he says his focus now is to lead the Cowboys to their first NCAA Tournament win in program history.

Amid financial difficulties at the University of New Orleans, the board of regents is conducting a study to determine whether to transfer the university back to the LSU system from the University of Louisiana system. New Orleans Democratic State Representative Matthew Willard says he’s glad that the regents are undertaking this effort, and they will take their time in fully studying the situation.

Cut 5 (08) “…another this session.”

Soon, RV enthusiasts will have an easier time enjoying Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana. State Parks Director Brandon Burris (BYOOR-iss) says work is underway to enhance all 72 RV sites in the park. 

Cut 13 (11)  “…system right now.” (installing sewer lines and electrical service throughout the park)

Burris says that would allow RVers to spend more time enjoying the park and less time having to do some nasty RV chores.

One of Louisiana’s biggest music festivals announces its lineup for 2025. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

The Jefferson Parish school district is clarifying its policy for accommodating Muslim students during Ramadan. It comes after some parents complained that their kids were forced to sit in the cafeteria during lunchtime during the period when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The school district says schools must provide alternate accommodations for Muslims for lunchtime during Ramadan.

Soon, RV enthusiasts will have an easier time enjoying Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana, with work underway to install electrical and sewer lines. State Parks Director Brandon Burris (BYOOR-iss) says RVers will be able to spend more time enjoying the park and less time having to do some nasty RV chores.

Cut 15 (08) “…on the site.”

Work is slated to be completed by this fall, weather permitting.

One of the biggest music festivals in Louisiana announces its lineup for 2025. More than 60 bands from all around the world will be in Lafayette next month for Festival International de Louisiane. Marketing Director Carly Viator (VEE-uh-tore) Courville says the festival runs from April 23rd through the 27th with some notable performances wrapping up the event.

Cut 12 (12) “…out of Jamaica.”

About 300-thousand people are expected to take in the free festival over the five days.

The University of New Orleans has run into financial trouble, so would moving the school back under the management of the LSU system help? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A public memorial service will be held for Southern University student and Human Jukebox member Caleb Wilson tomorrow. The celebration of life will take place at five tomorrow evening at the university’s Mini Dome, immediately following a five-hour viewing and visitation.

The board of regents is conducting a study to determine whether to transfer the University of New Orleans back to the LSU system from the University of Louisiana system, amid financial troubles at the school. New Orleans Democratic State Representative Matthew Willard says the university is a critical component of not just New Orleans, but all of southeastern Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “…university out here.”

New Orleans’ fiscal troubles may force city employees to pay for their own alcoholic beverages. The city council is considering a proposal to ban reimbursements for alcoholic beverages during work trips. Current city code does not address the issue; imposing such a ban would align the city with state law, which bans the practice for state employees. The city has already imposed a ban of non-essential travel by city employees through at least the end of April.

More than 60 bands from all around the world will be in Lafayette next month for Festival International de Louisiane. Marketing Director Carly Viator (VEE-uh-tore) Courville says there’s a prelude of sorts on Wednesday, April 23rd, with two acts performing. The festival gets underway in earnest the following night with two acts on the Scene Lus Internationale stage.

Cut 11 (10) “…from New Orleans.”

The festival wraps up April 27th.

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is approaching a major milestone. It’s counting down to the delivery of its 400-thousandth baby. Today, the most popular baby names are Noah for boys and Amelia for girls. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson, what were the most popular baby names when Woman’s started delivering babies in 1968?

Cut 9 (11)  “…girl was Linda.”

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is counting down to a major milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The line up has been announced for one of Louisiana’s biggest music festivals. More than 60 bands from all around the world will be in Lafayette next month for Festival International de Louisiane. Marketing Director Carly Viator (VEE-uh-tore) Courville…

Cut 10 (10) “…regionally as well.”

————————
Amid financial difficulties at the University of New Orleans, the board of regents is looking at possibly transferring the university back to the LSU system from the University of Louisiana system. New Orleans Democratic State Representative Matthew Willard says he’s glad that the regents are undertaking this effort.

Cut 4 (13) “…for the university.”

Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana will soon be an even better place for RV enthusiasts to enjoy.  State Parks Director Brandon Burris (BYOOR-iss) says they’re installing complete sewage hook ups for the entire park and upgraded 50 amp electrical service which will be a huge benefit.

Cut 14 (06) “…have to move.”

Amid financial difficulties at UNO, the board of regents is considering moving the unitersity back to the LSU system from the University of Louisiana System. New Orleans Democratic State Representative Matthew Willard says the regents will take their time in fully studying the situation.

Cut 5 (08) “…another this session.”

One of Louisiana’s biggest music festivals announces its lineup for 2025. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

———————–

A major milestone is coming up for Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. They’re counting down to the delivery of their 400-thousandth baby. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson says what sets Woman’s Hospital apart is its ability to execute high-risk deliveries.

Cut 8 (09) “…to our state.”

Spring football got underway this week for the LSU Tigers and it’s a chance for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to start working with his new skill position players on offense. The Tigers have 16 transfers who have joined the program, including several new wide receivers and a tight end. Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 16 (20) “…last year.”

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is approaching a major milestone. It’s counting down to the delivery of its 400-thousandth baby. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson says Woman’s has delivered babies who now live all over the world.

Cut 7 (18) “…in Australia.”

For the second year in a row and the fourth time ever, McNeese is going to the Big Dance. The Cowboys beat Lamar on their home court, 63-54, to win the Southland Conference championship and earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Coach Will Wade…

Cut 18 (17)  “…last couple months.”

———————–

The University of New Orleans has run into financial trouble, so would moving the school back under the management of the LSU system help? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

RV enthusiasts will soon have an easier time enjoying Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says work is underway to enhance all 72 RV sites in the park.

Cut 13 (11)  “…system right now.”

The University of New Orleans has run into financial trouble, so would moving the school back under the management of the LSU system help? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_____________________________________________

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is counting down to a major milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

One of Louisiana’s biggest music festivals announces its lineup for 2025. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

______________________________________________________

Amid financial difficulties at the University of New Orleans, the board of regents is conducting a study to determine whether to transfer the university back to the LSU system from the University of Louisiana system. New Orleans Democratic State Representative Matthew Willard says he’s glad that the regents are undertaking this effort.

Cut 4 (13) “…for the university.”

Representative Willard says the regents will take their time in fully studying the situation.

Cut 5 (08) “…another this session.”

UNO was a part of the LSU system until 2011, when it was transferred to the University of Louisiana system. It has experienced a drop in enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic, with current enrollment at just over five-thousand students. Willard says the university is a critical component of not just New Orleans, but all of southeastern Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “…university out here.”

______________________________________________________

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is approaching a major milestone. It’s counting down to the delivery of its 400-thousandth baby. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson says Woman’s has delivered babies who now live all over the world.

Cut 7 (18) “…in Australia.”

Johnson says what sets Woman’s Hospital apart is its ability to execute high-risk deliveries.

Cut 8 (09) “…to our state.”

Today, the most popular baby names are Noah for boys and Amelia for girls. What were the most popular baby names when Woman’s started delivering babies in 1968?

Cut 9 (11)  “…girl was Linda.”

Johnson says the heaviest baby ever delivered at Woman’s weighed a whopping 16 and a half pounds. No word on whether the head coach of LSU football at the time immediately offered that kid a full-ride scholarship.

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One of the biggest music festivals in Louisiana announces its lineup for 2025. More than 60 bands from all around the world will be in Lafayette next month for Festival International de Louisiane. Marketing Director Carly Viator (VEE-uh-tore) Courville says the lineup is diverse in both style and origin.

Cut 10 (10) “…regionally as well.”

Viator Courville says there’s a prelude of sorts on Wednesday, April 23rd, with two acts performing. The festival gets underway in earnest the following night with two acts on the Scene Lus Internationale stage.

Cut 11 (10) “…from New Orleans.”

Viator Courville says the festival wraps up on April 27th with some notable performances.

Cut 12 (12) “…out of Jamaica.”

About 300-thousand people are expected to take in the free festival over the five days.

______________________________________________________

Soon, RV enthusiasts will have an easier time enjoying Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana. State Parks Director Brandon Burris (BYOOR-iss) says work is underway to enhance all 72 RV sites in the park.

Cut 13 (11)  “…system right now.” (installing sewer lines and electrical service throughout the park)

Burris says those electrical and sewage hookups will be a huge benefit to RVers.

Cut 14 (06) “…have to move.”

Burris says by not having to move, RVers can spend more time enjoying the park and less time having to do some nasty RV chores.

Cut 15 (08) “…on the site.”

Work is slated to be completed by this fall, weather permitting.

______________________________________________________

Spring football got underway this week for the LSU Tigers and it’s a chance for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to start working with his new skill position players on offense. The Tigers have 16 transfers who have joined the program, including several new wide receivers and a tight end. Coach Brian Kelly this is a good time to get that connection down…

Cut 16 (20) “…last year.”

The nation’s number one high school running back is also on the practice field, Harlem Berry from St. Martin’s in Metairie. Kelly says he can tell Berry is an instinctive player….

Cut 17 (12)  “…Harlem Berry.”

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For the second year in a row and the fourth time ever, McNeese is going to the Big Dance. The Cowboys beat Lamar on their home court, 63-54, to win the Southland Conference championship and earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. After the game, Coach Will Wade said after a mediocre start to the season, his team persevered and is ready for March Madness.

Cut 18 (17)  “…last couple months.”

McNeese has never won an NCAA Tournament game. Last year as a 12 seed, the Cowboys lost to fifth-seeded Gonzaga, 86-65. Senior guard Jahvon Garcia says that loss last season has served as a motivation for the team – and the fans – this season.

Cut 19 (14) “…fans were amazing.”

Junior guard Quadir Copeland says playing for McNeese has been a growing process for him.

Cut 20 (13) “…it was amazing.”

The Cowboys are expected to once again be a 12 seed or within close proximity to there. The brackets will be unveiled Sunday.