Elon Musk is shaking up the federal workforce, and reaction is split down party lines. Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Health officials are on alert as the worst U.S. measles outbreak in decades spreads in Texas and New Mexico.  That’s according to Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham who’s urging those who haven’t yet to get the measles vaccine, calling it the best protection.

Cut 12 (09) “…two-dose vaccine.”

—————————————-

A new federal lawsuit has been filed, aiming to stop Louisiana from using lethal gas as a method of executing death row inmates. The Promise of Justice Initiative filed the lawsuit on behalf of Jessie Hoffman, who’s set to be executed via nitrogen hypoxia on March 18th for abducting, raping and killing a woman in 1996. Executive Director Samantha Kennedy says nitrogen hypoxia is an unconstitutional method of execution.

Cut 14 (12) “…to be painless.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Promise of Justice Initiative has an uphill climb in its quest to stop the state from using nitrogen hypoxia, since it has not identified an alternate method.

Cut 16 (08) “…can’t go forward.”

A group files a federal lawsuit aimed at stopping an execution via lethal gas. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana’s considering tax breaks for student-athletes earning money from name, image, and likeness deals to remain competitive in college athletics. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin’s bill would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

Cut 8 (08) “…everything we do.”

___________________________

Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham says that health officials are on alert as the worst U.S. measles outbreak in decades spreads in Texas and New Mexico. Abraham says symptoms of cough, runny nose, sore throat and rash don’t appear right away.

Cut 11 (12) “…norm of course.”

Louisiana has yet to report a case, but Abraham urged unvaccinated individuals to get the measles vaccine, calling it the best protection.

Elon Musk is shaking up the federal workforce, requiring workers to list the things they’ve done or risk being fired. Exactly how Louisiana’s delegation views his actions vary widely, mainly along party lines. Republican Senator John Kennedy says he has no problem with Musk’s approach.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the office.”

Elon Musk is shaking up the federal workforce, and reaction to his approach is split down party lines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana student athletes with name, image, and likeness deals could receive a tax break from the state.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

A group files a federal lawsuit aimed at stopping an execution via lethal gas. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________________

Elon Musk is shaking up the federal workforce, requiring workers to list the things they’ve done or risk being fired. Exactly how Louisiana’s delegation views his actions vary widely, mainly along party lines. Republican Senator John Kennedy says he has no problem with Musk’s approach.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the office.”

The White House has made downsizing the federal workforce one of its top priorities. Kennedy notes that layoffs are a part of American life.

Cut 5 (11) “…the private sector.”

New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says he has no problem with making the federal government more efficient, but he takes issue with how it’s being done.

Cut 6 (14) “…are people’s lives.”

Carter says it’s unfair to federal workers that Musk is playing with their livelihoods.

Cut 7 (14) “…hard-working individuals.”

______________________________________________________

Louisiana is considering tax breaks for student-athletes earning money from name, image, and likeness deals to remain competitive in college athletics. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin plans to file a bill exempting NIL earnings from state income tax, aiming to attract and retain top talent.

Cut 8 (08) “…everything we do.”

Other states, including Illinois, Alabama, and Georgia, are pursuing similar exemptions. Critics argue that such policies create tax code disparities and could burden other taxpayers.  McMakin says its ultimately about staying competitive.

Cut 9 (17)  “…to be competitive.”

NIL deals have become essential for recruitment, alongside a pending settlement that will allow universities to directly compensate players. McMakin says other states are actively recruiting the best Louisiana plyers out of the state.

Cut 10 (09) “…we stay competitive.”

______________________________________________________

Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham stated that health officials are on alert as the worst U.S. measles outbreak in decades spreads in Texas and New Mexico. Abraham says symptoms of cough, runny nose, sore throat and rash don’t appear right away.

Cut 11 (12) “…norm of course.”

Louisiana has yet to report a case, but Abraham urged unvaccinated individuals to get the measles vaccine, calling it the best protection.

Cut 12 (09) “…two-dose vaccine.”

A child in West Texas died, becoming the first person in the U.S. to die of measles in ten years. In all, Texas and New Mexico have reported more than 120 cases, mostly in unvaccinated individuals. Abraham, who recently ended state-sponsored mass vaccination promotions, maintains that the vaccine is safe and effective.

Cut 13 (06)  “…it’s good for life.”

Abraham advises anyone who suspects they have measles to stay home to prevent further spread.

______________________________________________________

A new federal lawsuit is filed, aiming to stop Louisiana from using lethal gas as a method of executing death row inmates. The Promise of Justice Initiative has filed the lawsuit on behalf of Jessie Hoffman, who’s scheduled to be executed via nitrogen hypoxia on March 18th for abducting, raping and killing a woman in 1996. Executive Director Samantha Kennedy says nitrogen hypoxia is an unconstitutional method of execution.

Cut 14 (12) “…to be painless.”

Kennedy says in Alabama, each of the four times that gassing was used to carry out an execution ended up being gruesome.

Cut 15 (07) “…to be so.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Promise of Justice Initiative has an uphill climb in its quest to stop Louisiana from using nitrogen hypoxia, since it has not identified an alternate method.

Cut 16 (08) “…can’t go forward.”

Kennedy points out that in nearly every state, it is illegal for veterinarians to use lethal gas to euthanize animals.

A new poll showing Senator Bill Cassidy with a 69 percent approval rating among Republicans is an encouraging sign for his re-election bid. Four years ago, Cassidy was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says had Cassidy voted against Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Health Secretary, that would have likely ended his re-election chances.

Cut 15 (09) “…contentious it’s been”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Congressman Clay Higgins are asking the White House to impose tariffs of up to 100-percent on rice imports from five countries – India, Thailand, China, Pakistan and Vietnam. Letlow says the U.S.’ rice industry is being displaced by heavily subsidized rice from those countries.

Cut 6 (08) “…1.5 billion in 2024.”

A crash in St. Landry Parish claimed the life of an unborn child. State police say an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins of Lafayette traveling south on Highway 743 failed to yield at an intersection with Highway 190 and traveled in the path of a 2024 Kia Seltos heading west.. Though properly restrained, the Kia’s pregnant driver suffered critical injuries, and her unborn child didn’t make it. In light of the tragedies, Trooper Peggy Bourque reminds drivers…

Cut 5 (06) “…save lives.”

Louisiana Christian University will soon have a new president. The school’s board of trustees has appointed Dr. Mark Johnson the 10th president of the small college in Pineville. Vice Chairman of the Search Committee Tommy Kiker says it was a nationwide search.

Cut 9 (09)  “…incredibly great candidates”

A pair of Louisiana representatives are calling on tariffs of rice imports. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A new poll bodes well for Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

A crash in St. Landry Parish claimed the life of an unborn child. It happened just before eight yesterday morning on U.S. Highway 190 at Louisiana Highway 743. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins of Lafayette  was traveling south on 743. At the same time, a 2024 Kia Seltos was heading west on 190.

Cut 3 (11) “…freightliner’s logging trailer.”

Bourque says the Kia’s driver, who was pregnant and properly restrained, suffered critical injuries.

Cut 4 (07) “…was uninjured.”

A toxicology sample was taken from Jenkins for analysis, and the crash remains under investigation. Bourque urge drivers to always yield properly and check for oncoming traffic to prevent such tragedies.

Cut 5 (11) “…in this situation.”

______________________________________________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Congressman Clay Higgins are asking the White House to impose tariffs of up to 100-percent on rice imports from five countries – India, Thailand, China, Pakistan and Vietnam. Letlow says the U.S.’ rice industry is being displaced by heavily subsidized rice from those countries.

Cut 6 (08) “…1.5 billion in 2024.”

Letlow says these tariffs are especially important in protecting Louisiana rice producers.

Cut 7 (09) “…our rice producers.”

Letlow’s and Higgins’ letter comes just as Iraq had purchased 88-thousand metric tons of U.S. rice, completing its commitment in a 2024-25 memorandum of understanding.

Cut 8 (10) “…really concerned about.”

______________________________________________________________

Dr. Mark Johnson has been elected as the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University. The Board of Trustees approved his appointment based on the recommendation of the presidential search committee, which conducted an independent and transparent selection process.  Vice Chairman of the Search Committee Tommy Kiker says it was a nationwide search.

Cut 9 (09)  “…incredibly great candidates”

Johnson, formerly the director of the Doctor of Ministry program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, views his presidency as a divine calling. He is committed to upholding LCU’s Christian values and fostering a culture of transparency, faith, and academic excellence. Kiker says Johnson was the strongest candidate to meet the needs of LCU.

Cut 10 (08) “…bridges with alumni”

Kiker says Johnson’s official start date is set for June 1^st, but says Johnson isn’t wasting anytime and is already on campus getting to work.

Cut 11 (14) “…between now and June one.”

___________________________________________________________

Public sector workers will start seeing bigger Social Security benefit payments. Senator Bill Cassidy worked to get the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset repealed in the last session as part of the Social Security Fairness Act, and he delivered the good news to those workers – with something a little extra.

Cut 12 (12) “…will be more.”

Cassidy said this is great news for all public sector workers hurt by WEP and G-P-O, especially the thousands in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that past payment.”

The effort was spearheaded in the House by then-Congressman Garret Graves.

________________________________________________________________

A new poll is an encouraging sign for Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid. A new Morning Consult poll shows that Cassidy has a 69-percent approval rating among Republicans, including a 64-percent approval rating from those who identify themselves as conservative. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says one catalyst behind those numbers is Cassidy’s support of President Trump and his agenda, including his cabinet nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Cut 14 (10) “…that, of course.”

Four years ago, Cassidy was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial in the wake of the January 6th riot at the Capitol. Pinsonat said had he voted against Kennedy’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services, not only would that have sunk his nomination, but it would have also likely ended any chance of him getting re-elected.

Cut 15 (11) “…contentious it’s been”

Cassidy has drawn at least two Republican primary challengers in his 2026 re-election bid.

A pair of Louisiana representatives are calling on tariffs of rice imports. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A crash in St. Landry Parish claimed the life of an unborn child. It happened just before eight yesterday morning on U.S. Highway 190 at Louisiana Highway 743. State Police say an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins of Lafayette was traveling south on 743. At the same time, a 2024 Kia Seltos was heading west on 190.

Cut 3 (07) “…freightliner’s logging trailer.”

The crash remains under investigation.

Public sector workers no longer affected by the repealed windfall elimination provision and government pension offset are getting a retroactive Social Security payment, dating back to the beginning of last year. Senator Bill Cassidy, who worked to get WEP and G-P-O repealed, says this is great news.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that past payment.”

A new poll is an encouraging sign for Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid. Cassidy has a 69-percent approval rating among Republicans including a 64-percent approval rating from those who identify themselves as conservative. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says one catalyst behind those numbers is Cassidy’s support of President Trump and his agenda, including his cabinet nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Cut 14 (10) “…that, of course.”

A new poll bodes well for Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Just as Iraq completes the purchase of 88-thousand metric tons of U.S. rice, completing its commitment in a 2024-25 memorandum of understanding, Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Congressman Clay Higgins are asking the White House to impose tariffs of up to 100-percent on rice imports from five countries – India, Thailand, China, Pakistan and Vietnam.

Cut 8 (10) “…really concerned about.”

Letlow says these tariffs are especially important in protecting Louisiana rice producers.

A tragic crash in St. Landry Parish claimed the life of an unborn child Tuesday morning at Hwy 190 and Hwy 743. State Police say an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins for reasons unknown failed to yield at a stop sign and drive into the path of a 2024 Kia Seltos which hit the 18-wheeler. The Kia’s driver who was pregnant was properly restrained.

Cut 4 (07) “…was uninjured.”

The crash remains under investigation.

Dr. Mark Johnson, former the director of the Doctor of Ministry program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary will be the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University (LCU). Vice Chairman of the Search Committee Tommy Kiker says Johnsons official start date is set for June 1^st, but says he isn’t wasting anytime and is already on campus getting to work.

Cut 11 (14) “…between now and June one.”

A crash in St. Landry Parish just before eight yesterday morning claimed the life of an unborn child. State police say an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins of Lafayette traveling south on Hwy 743 failed to yield at an intersection with Hwy 190 and traveled in the path of a 2024 Kia Seltos was heading west on 190. Though properly restrained the Kia’s driver, who was pregnant, suffered critical injuries. In light of the tragedies, State Police reminds drivers…

Cut 5 (06) “…save lives.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Congressman Clay Higgins are asking the White House to impose tariffs of up to 100-percent on rice imports from five countries – India, Thailand, China, Pakistan and Vietnam. Letlow says tariffs are especially important in protecting Louisiana rice producers.

Cut 7 (09) “…our rice producers.”

Public sector workers will start seeing bigger Social Security payments. Senator Bill Cassidy who worked to get the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset repealed, delivered the news to those affected.

Cut 12 (12) “…will be more.”

A new poll showing Senator Bill Cassidy has a 69 percent approval rating among Republicans is an encouraging sign for his re-election bid. Four years ago, Cassidy was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says, had Cassidy voted against Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services, not only would that have sunk his nomination, but it would likely ended Cassidy’s own re-election chances.

Cut 15 (09) “…contentious it’s been”