A survey of nearly 28-hundred parents and caregivers finds that child care costs more than 10-thousand dollars a year per child, and many parents struggle to pay for it. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Hondo Rodeo Fest, which is dubbed the Super Bowl of rodeo, is coming to the Caesars Superdome in April. Andre Champagne spoke with the organizers who are in Louisiana to promote the event.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A state senator is proposing a constitutional amendment that he says would restore accountability in Louisiana’s justice system. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (XX) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A poll of nearly 28-hundred parents and caregivers shows how costly child care is in Louisiana. Mattilyn Karst Batson, the research and policy director for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, says parents reported spending an average of 870 dollars per child per month, or more than ten-thousand dollars a year.

Cut 4 (11) “…parents in Louisiana” 

Batson says a majority of the parents polled said they worried about paying for child care and in some cases decided to quit their job, because it made more financial sense to stay home.

Cut 5 (07) “…they’re forced too.”

Batson says the results of the poll will be shared with lawmakers as they make decisions on funding for child care assistance.

Cut 6 (12) “…them to make.”

Batson says there are more than seven-thousand children eligible for government assistance to help pay for child care costs, but they are unable to receive any resources because there is not enough funding.

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Now that we know who will be on the Republican ballot for U.S. Senator and who will not, the race is underway in earnest. With a recent poll showing Bill Cassidy in the fight for his political life, his campaign has come out swinging against Julia Letlow, releasing ads accusing her of promoting DEI policies and hitting her on failing to report stock trades in a timely manner in violation of the STOCK Act. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says Cassidy’s messaging has so far been effective.

Cut 7 (07) “…to define herself.”

Letlow entered the race after President Trump gave her his endorsement. Cross says it’s now up to her to come up with an effective message to counter Cassidy’s campaign’s accusations.

Cut 8 (13) “…Trump-endorsed Julia Letlow.”

The wild card in the Republican primary is John Fleming, who was the first to announce a primary challenge against Bill Cassidy more than a year ago. Cross says the no-holds-barred wrestling match between Cassidy and Letlow could ultimately work to Fleming’s benefit.

Cut 9 (13)  “…over to me.”

As for whether the bruising Republican primary could bode well for whoever ends up being the Democratic nominee, Cross says with no Democrats with widespread name recognition in the race and with Trump enjoying a relatively high approval rating in Louisiana, it’s highly unlikely that any Democrat has a chance to win in November.

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In a little over 40 days, a major event is coming to New Orleans, as Hondo Rodeo Fest will be held at the Caesars Superdome from April 10th to the 12th. Each day, there are two hours of rodeo competition, followed by a music concert featuring big name acts like Jason Aldean, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cody Johnson and Creed. James Trawick is the CEO of the Hondo Rodeo Fest.

Cut 10 (11) “…the perfect fit.”

The Hondo Rodeo Fest had its first three-day rodeo competition with country music concerts in November of 2024 in Phoenix. Another Hondo Rodeo Fest was held last November in Phoenix, and this is the first time they are holding the fest outside of Arizona.

Trawick says they chose Louisiana because the state has some of the best rodeo competitors in the U.S.

Cut 11 (06) “…Louisiana than Wyoming.”

Kade Sonnier, Waylon Bourgeois, Tyler Waguespack, Shane Hanchey and Jace Trosclair are among the Louisiana athletes competing.

The Hondo Rodeo’s invite-only format features world champion cowboys and cowgirls across all eight categories, all competing for a one-million-dollar prize purse.  Former Miss Rodeo America Kennadee Riggs is part of the production, and she calls it adrenaline-pumping.

Cut 12 (12) “…it’s action packed.”

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster or at “The Hondo Rodeo Fest-dot-com.” Special discounted tickets are on sale through Friday. Not only are there rodeos and music concerts, but a Western-themed Street Fest will take place in Champions Square.

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A West Monroe state senator is proposing a constitutional amendment that he says would restore accountability for judges and district attorneys who fail to prevent violent crime. Republican Jay Morris’ bill would create a mechanism for the removal of a judge or a district attorney upon the recommendation of the governor. He says the governor would first suspend the district attorney or judge for up to six months.

Cut 13 (11)  “…two-thirds vote.”

Morris says he filed the bill because of what he calls a disturbing and repeated pattern of breakdowns within Louisiana’s juvenile justice system.

Cut 14 (10) “…up with it.”

Morris says this process is not to be used if, for example, the governor simply disagrees with a judge’s ruling; instead, it’s intended to be used if that judge sentences the convict outside of the sentencing guidelines. Or in the case of a district attorney, if a D-A fails to press charges against someone accused of a violent crime, and that person goes out and commits other crimes.

Cut 15 (13) “…very high bar.”

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NFL combine workouts begin today, and there are several LSU players looking to boost their draft stocks. Among them is quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Mike Detillier of WWL Radio believes Nussmeier will be the third quarterback off the board if he has an impressive week in Indianapolis.

Cut 16 (20) “…of round two.”

Aaron Anderson, Barion Brown, Chris Hilton Jr. and Zavion Thomas will also have the opportunity to boost their draft stocks after the Tigers struggled offensively in 2025. Detillier says he believes Anderson is the most NFL-ready of the group.

Cut 17 (20)  “…route-runner downfield.”

LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane enters Thursday’s combine as a projected first-round pick. Detillier says he believes Delane will be taken anywhere somewhere between pick nine and pick thirteen.

Cut 18 (12)  “…one of one.”

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The sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team will host Tennessee tonight at five. It will be senior night for Flau’jae Johnson, Amiya Joyner and Izzy Besselman. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says it will especially be emotional for Johnson.

Cut 19  (20) “…an SEC opponent.”

With a win over the Lady Vols, the Tigers would clinch a top-four seed and double bye in the SEC Tournament.

Johnson, who was Mulkey’s first McDonald’s All-American at LSU, will go down as one of the most memorable players in program history. Mulkey calls Johnson one of the hardest workers she has ever coached.

Cut 20 (17) “…routine for her.”

Governor Landry says Louisiana taxpayers should see higher refunds after they file their state income taxes. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This Carnival season, there were several incidents in which people aboard floats were aggressively throwing beads. Now, one lawmaker is looking to do something about it. Reserve Democratic Representative Sylvia Taylor has filed a bill that would make it a crime to throw an object from a parade float in a way that could cause harm.

A 14-year-old girl is shot and killed in Hammond last night. Investigators say as the girl was sitting in the back seat of a car, 18-year-old Trey Robinson was in the front seat playing with a gun; and when he dropped it, it discharged, striking the girl. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. says Robinson is charged with one count of negligent homicide and should never have been handling a gun in the first place.

Cut 3 (10) “…on that responsibility.”

Burning is still a no-go in Louisiana. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says within fires where there’s a lot of debris on the ground, especially in areas of large acreage, don’t think that you’re out of danger when you don’t see flames emerging – you could have a rekindle.

Cut 11 (10) “…burn for months.”

The McNeese Cowboys handed second-ranked LSU its first loss of the season as the Pokes held on for a 7- 6 win at Alex Box Stadium Tuesday. The Tigers gave up 11 free passes in the loss, including six walks and five hit batters.  Sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide exited the game in the fourth inning with a foot injury, and his status for this weekend’s series is up in the air. LSU is now 8-and-1 on the year, while McNeese improved to 3-and-5.

The Louisiana Tech baseball team secured a 5-2 win over Northwestern State last night. Freshman right-hander Thomas Allen earned the win after tossing two scoreless innings.

The UL-Lafayette baseball team won its sixth straight game last night after shutting out Kansas State 1-0 at the Tigue. The Cajuns will host the Wildcats again at 6 p.m. tonight.

ULM Athletics has announced a jersey patch partnership with Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian relief and evangelism organization based in Boone, North Carolina.

The Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team clinched the regular-season Conference USA title with its win over Kennesaw State Saturday. Head coach Brooke Stoehr said winning the program’s 38th conference title was not easy. She credits her team’s resilience throughout the long season.

Cut 17 (13)  “…four of them.”

The UL men’s basketball team fell to 7-and-10 in the Sun Belt with a 78-59 loss to Troy last night.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to avoid its seventh straight loss tonight as the Tigers face Ole Miss in Oxford at 8 p.m. tonight.

According to Matt Belinson of The Ruston Leader, Grambling State head football coach Mickey Joseph has signed a two-year contract extension through 2027. The deal includes option years for 2028 and 2029, with the 2029 option becoming available if Joseph achieves eight wins in a season.

Governor Landry says people can expect a bigger refund when they file their state income tax returns this year, thanks to the legislation approved during the 2024 Tax Reform Special Session. Landry says among other things, the reform doubled the retirement income exemption to 12-thousand dollars, allowing a married couple over 65 to earn nearly 49-thousand dollars tax free

Cut 7 (09) “…every single year.”

He says the typical middle class working family will save nearly 500-dollars as a result of tripling the standard deduction.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Office of Foestry has tracked more than 170 wildfires across Louisiana this month. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Doctor Mike Strain says it’s dry and windy…

Cut 10 (12) “….long ways away”

Most of the state is classified as either high to extreme risk for wildfires.

A 14-year-old girl is shot and killed in Hammond. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It looks like Ramesh Kolluru is the sole finalist to be the next president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The University of Louisiana System board will interview Kolluru on Friday and will likely announce he’s the next president. Kolluru has served as interim president since November.

Governor Landry says as you file your state tax return, you should expect a bigger refund this year. House Ways and Means Chairman Tony Bacala says he’s personally experienced the tax relief that Landry said is coming to taxpayers. Bacala says last year he owed the state money; this year he’s getting a refund.

Cut 8 (06) “..coffer.”

At this time, you’re asked to continue to refrain from burning anything. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says as wildfires continue to burn, what the state really needs is rain. He says while no rain is in the forecast for the foreseeable future, there has been some improvement in conditions.

Cut 9 (12)  “…above the waterline.”

A 14-year-old girl sitting in the back seat of a car in Hammond is killed when an 18-year-old playing with a gun in the front seat dropped it, causing it to discharge. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr.  says when people, especially teens, are negligent in handling deadly weapons, the consequences will be dire for everyone involved.

Cut 5 (09) “…long term is.”

18-year-old Trey Robinson is charged with one count of negligent homicide.

Scary moments in a Baton Rouge classroom today as a gun went off at Istrouma High School. The East Baton Rouge school system says the gun was accidentally discharged, and the bullet went through the ceiling. Thankfully, no one was injured. Two students, both boys, have been taken into custody, and the school district says they are not being cooperative with investigators.

Governor Landry says people can expect a bigger refund when they file their state income tax returns this year, thanks to the legislation approved during the 2024 Tax Reform Special Session. Landry says among other things, the reform doubled the retirement income exemption to 12-thousand dollars, allowing a married couple over 65 to earn nearly 49-thousand dollars tax free

Cut 7 (09) “…every single year.”

A 14-year-old girl is shot and killed in Hammond last night. Investigators say as the girl was sitting in the back seat of a car, 18-year-old Trey Robinson was in the front seat playing with a gun; and when he dropped it, it discharged, striking the girl. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. says people – especially teens – need to know that guns are not toys.

Cut 4 (07) “…situations like this.”

Today is another no-burn day throughout the State of Louisiana. This, as dry conditions continue to persist throughout the state. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says within fires where there’s a lot of debris on the ground, especially in areas of large acreage, don’t think that you’re out of danger when you don’t see flames emerging – you could have a rekindle.

Cut 11 (10) “…burn for months.”

A West Monroe state senator is proposing a constitutional amendment that he says would restore accountability for judges and district attorneys who fail to prevent violent crime. Republican Jay Morris’ bill would create a mechanism for the removal of a judge or a district attorney upon the recommendation of the governor. He says the governor would first suspend the district attorney or judge for up to six months.

Cut 13 (11)  “…two-thirds vote.”

Governor Jeff Landry says Louisiana taxpayers should see higher refunds after they file their state income taxes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

It looks like Ramesh Kolluru is the sole finalist to be the next president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The University of Louisiana System board will interview Kolluru on Friday and will likely announce he’s the next president. Kolluru has served interim president since November.

Wildfires continue to be a problem in Louisiana. State Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Doctor Mike Strain says the relative humidity is improving, so the air is not as dry, but strong winds continue to be a factor in fueling the fires…

Cut 10 (12) “….long ways away”

Strain says that means do not do any outdoor burning today.

Louisiana has officially kicked off crawfish season by pardoning one lucky mudbug. Barry Toups, the owner of Crawfish Haven, caught and selected the lucky crawfish, who was named Tony after the legendary Tony Chachere, and Samantha Carroll with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board read the proclamation.

Cut 14 (11) “…onions and garlic.”

Crawfish producers are predicting a good crop of mudbugs this year.

Governor Landry says when people file their state income taxes this year, they will get a bigger refund. Landry says it’s the result of the legislation approved during the 2024 Tax Reform Special Session. The governor says the typical middle-class working family will save nearly 500 dollars…

Cut 6 (09) “…grocery.”

A 14-year-old girl is shot and killed in Hammond last night. Investigators say as the girl was sitting in the back seat of a car, 18-year-old Trey Robinson was in the front seat playing with a gun; and when he dropped it, it discharged, striking the girl. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. says Robinson is charged with one count of negligent homicide and should never have been handling a gun in the first place.

Cut 3 (10) “…on that responsibility.”

Today is another no-burn day throughout the State of Louisiana. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says as wildfires continue to burn, what the state really needs is rain. He says while no rain is in the forecast for the foreseeable future, there has been some improvement in conditions.

Cut 9 (12)  “…above the waterline.”

If a New Orleans-area lawmaker has his way, governors would be limited to two terms, period. Currently, two-term governors can seek re-election after sitting out for at least a term. St. Bernard Parish Republican Michael Bayham’s bill would eliminate any re-election chance after two terms. He says Louisiana should not have to “recycle” its governors.

Cut 12 (07) “…a former governor.”