We’re getting details of exactly what went on in the execution chamber as Jessie Hoffman was being put to death. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Washington Parish mother was arrested for the death of her 8-month-old infant child. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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We’re getting details of exactly what went on in the execution chamber as Jessie Hoffman was being put to death. WDSU-TV reporter Gina Swanson and New Orleans Times-Picayune and Advocate reporter John Simerman were the two media witnesses to last night’s execution. Simerman says the curtains were raised at 6:20 last night, and Hoffman was already strapped to the gurney with a gas mask covering his entire face and a gray plush blanket covering his body.

Cut 3 (09) “…shrugged it off.” 

After Hoffman declined to say any last words, the nitrogen gas started flowing at 6:21, and Swanson says involuntary body movements started a minute later.

Cut 4 (11) “…a little bit.”

Swanson says Hoffman’s body movements stopped a few minutes later.

Cut 5 (11) “…the right side”

Corrections officials said Hoffman flat-lined after 14 minutes; and as per protocol, they kept the nitrogen gas flowing for five more minutes. The curtain was lowered, and Swanson and Simerman could hear the spiritual advisor, who was in the execution chamber the entire time, performing Buddhist chants in accordance with ritual. After the chanting stopped, the curtain was raised again, and Hoffman’s mask was removed. Warden Darrell Vannoy then announced that Hoffman was pronounced dead at 6:50.

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A Washington Parish mother faces a first-degree murder charge after her 8-month-old infant died from severe injuries, including broken bones. The investigation began last Wednesday when the infant was brought to a hospital and later died from the injuries. Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown says investigators questioned the mother, 24-year-old Autumn Harper.

Cut 6 (08) “…towards the child”

Brown described the case as “absolutely heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family.

Cut 7 (07) “…the worst one I’ve seen”

Brown believes mental health issues with Harper played a significant role in the case, and hopes to prevent cases like this in the future.

Cut 8 (12) “…and says something.”

Harper is being held in Washington Parish Jail awaiting bond.

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In an interview on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Governor Jeff Landry predicts his administration will announce 50-billion dollars in private investment in large projects by June 1^st. Landry says the state has recorded a couple of big economic wins in recent months, an 18-billion dollar expansion of an LNG plant in Plaquemines Parish and the 10-billion dollar artificial data center that Meta is building in Richland Parish…

Cut 9 (08)  “…to expand.”

Landry says he’s on the verge of a couple of other big announcements…

Cut 10 (08) “…as well.”

Landry is hopeful these economic development wins, and the passage of Constitutional Amendment Two on the March 29^th ballot will lead to population growth. Between 2023 to 2024 the state saw its first population increase since 2020, but only an increase of about 10-thousand people.

Landry who lost his Congressional just over ten years ago because of population decline, wants to see an explosion in population growth that will give Louisiana seven Congressional districts again

Cut 11 (07) “…than Jeff Landry.”

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McNeese State men’s basketball coach Will Wade will reportedly leave Lake Charles to be the next head coach at North Carolina State. Multiple reports say Wade has accepted the head coaching job. At a press conference today in Providence, Rhode Island, the site of the Cowboys first round NCAA Tournament, Wade was asked about the rumors involving him and N-C State…

Cut 12 (10) “…Yes.”

Wade has won 57 games and two Southland Conference Championships at McNeese over the last two seasons. He’s led the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons. The former LSU coach says he’s been transparent with his players about his future…

Cut 13 (07)  “…with everything.”

While Wade admitted that he spoke to North Carolina State, he would not say whether he’ll be the new head coach of the Wolfpack. The Cowboys face Clemson tomorrow afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Governor Jeff Landry says he will not stand in the way of Jessie Hoffman’s scheduled execution.  Sean Richardson reports it will be Louisiana’s first execution of a death row inmate in 15 years…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Jessie Hoffman’s lawyers are continuing the fight up until the very end. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana is preparing to execute its first death row inmate in 15 years tonight as Jessie Hoffman is set to die for the 1996 kidnapping, raping and murder of Molly Elliot. It will be the state’s first nitrogen gas execution. Governor Jeff Landry appeared as a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster and said he will not stop the execution…

Cut 3 (12) “…quite some time.” 

Hoffman is a practicing Buddhist and his lawyers say killing him with nitrogen gas would interfere with Buddhist breathing exercises, which would be a violation of religious freedoms. Hoffman says he would prefer a different form of execution, even firing squad. Landry says nitrogen gas is a more humane method of execution…

Cut 4 (07) “…that he chose.”

Hoffman kidnapped Elliot in downtown New Orleans the day before Thanksgiving in 1996. According to authorities, Hoffman robbed Elliot of 200-dollars, raped her in the backseat of her own car and fatally shot her execution style. Elliot’s body was dumped in a river in St. Tammany Parish. Landry says Hoffman’s death sentence is appropriate…

Cut 5 (05) “…shouldn’t tolerate it.”

Hoffman’s execution is set to take place at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola between six PM and nine PM tonight.

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Jessie Hoffman’s loved ones are bracing for the moment that he’s executed. Hoffman’s brother, Marvin Fields, says his brother is very remorseful for what he did to Molly Elliott in 1996.

Cut 6 (06) “…can’t take back”

Fields says his brother deserves an opportunity to atone for what he did.

Cut 7 (08) “…people can change”

While Hoffman was only 18 when he killed Elliott, he did father a child beforehand. Jessie Smith is his son and says he didn’t get the opportunity to grow up with his father. Smith said he would be devastated if his father is put to death.

Cut 8 (04) “…start over again.”

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The state epidemiologist is urging you to make sure you’re vaccinated against whooping cough. Louisiana is seeing a large number of whooping cough cases – in fact, two infants have died in the last six months. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the symptoms start off so mild that one might not initially suspect anything serious.

Cut 9 (13)  “…for whooping cough.”

Sokol says whooping cough is very serious and can be potentially deadly.

Cut 10 (07) “…these coughing fits.”

Sokol says while whooping cough can affect anyone, young kids, including infants, are at the biggest risk for severe symptoms.

Cut 11 (09) “…during each pregnancy.”

Sokol says the complications are the most severe among infants; in fact, 30-percent of infants who become infected with whooping cough end up having to go into the hospital, with one in 100 likely to die of the disease.

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Councilman Oliver Thomas has thrown his hat in the New Orleans Mayoral race.  University of New Orleans Political Scientist Dr. Edward Chervenak says Thomas is the third announced candidate. New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno and Former Orleans Parish Judge Arthur Hunter are the other two. Chervenak says Thomas is well liked as he’s serving for a third time on the city council…

Cut 12 (08) “…might be.”

Thomas pleaded guilty in 2007 to accepting a bribe from a businessman while he was a city council member and served two years in a federal prison.  Chervenak says Thomas has expressed remorse and taken responsibility for his actions.

Cut 13 (10)  “…be as forgiving.”

Thomas represents District E, which is New Orleans East. Chervenak says Thomas will talk about the reduction of crime in New Orleans East and the transformation of the old Six Flags site.

Cut 14 (09) “..as a whole.”

A new poll commissioned by Unite America shows a majority of Louisiana voters prefer an open primary system over a closed primary system. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A Morgan City woman was arrested for animal cruelty after police found many dead cats inside her home. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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On again, off again – as of this morning, the execution of Jessie Hoffman is off. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A recent poll by JMC Analytics and Polling, commissioned by Unite America, found that Louisiana voters overwhelmingly favor the open primary system that has all candidates of all parties on a single ballot. JMC Founder John Couvillon (KOO-vee-ahn) says support for an open primary has the advantage of simplicity.

Cut 4 (12) “…and a runoff.”

Couvillon says under the closed primary system, it would be split treatment. You would also have a party primary, a party runoff, and then a general election.

Cut 5 (08) “…last 50 years.”

Couvillon says the biggest surprise he saw on the poll was that only a third of those polled were aware there was going to be a change.

Cut 6 (12) “…favorite candidates.”

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Morgan City Police arrested a woman for animal cruelty after finding several dead cats inside her home. Officers conducted a welfare check at 71-year-old Sheri Hite’s residence. Captain John Schaff says while attempting to enter the home, police saw a dead cat through a window and smelled a strong odor. Upon entering, they discovered many more dead cats throughout the house.

Cut 7 (11) “…in the freezer.”

Schaff says Hite claimed she had recently collected cats from Baton Rouge and planned to dispose of the deceased ones.

Cut 8 (10) “…23 counts.”

Schaff says while he cant speak to her mental state, he believes that will be made clear during her trial.

Cut 9 (08) “…the judicial process.”

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It’s off again — for now. The execution of Jessie Hoffman is once again put on hold. This time, it’s 19th Judicial District Court Judge Chip Moore who issued a temporary restraining order halting Jessie Hoffman’s execution pending a hearing at 9:30 this morning. Loyola University New Orleans College of Law professor Dane Ciolino says such last-minute legal maneuvering by the defense is not unusual.

Cut 10 (09) “…halt an execution.”

Ciolino says while this legal maneuvering may be typical, the argument Hoffman and his lawyers are making is not. 

Cut 11 (15) “…Religious Freedom Act.”

Hoffman’s execution had been scheduled for this evening. Ciolino says depending on what happens today in both Judge Moore’s courtroom and at the U.S. Supreme Court, it still may happen.

Cut 12 (07) “…execution hour approaches.”

Hoffman is awaiting execution for kidnapping, raping and killing 28-year-old advertising executive Molly Elliott in 2016. He’s not contesting his death sentence; rather, he’s contesting the method of execution.

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As part of the deal to avoid a government shutdown last week, Congress approved another short-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. Senator Bill Cassidy says while he appreciates that, that’s not enough. He’s introduced a bill that would reauthorize the program for two years. In a floor speech, Senator Cassidy says millions of Americans count on the program.

Cut 13 (08)  “…asking too much.”

Cassidy said this is the 33rd time in the last ten years that Congress has approved a temporary short-term reauthorization of the program. He says those who rely on it need more peace of mind than that.

Cut 14 (15) “…would be unsettling.”

Cassidy says while the temporary reauthorizations are better than nothing, families who rely on the NFIP deserve better.

Cut 15 (12) “…period of time.”

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LSU football has added 16 players through the transfer portal and Coach Brian Kelly says they’ve brought the right mindset. Kelly says he’s noticed it during spring practice…

Cut 16 (16) “…it’s fun.”

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is learning a new group of receivers. The Tigers return Aaron Anderson, Zavion Thomas and Chris Hilton and there are new additions through the transfer portal in Barion Brown, Destyn Hill and Nic Anderson. Nussmeier says he’s impressed with the group so far…

Cut 17 (13)  “…for a reason.”

Hilton missed the first six games of last season because of an ankle injury he suffered toward the end of preseason camp. When he returned, it took a few games to shake off the rust. Hilton finally found his groove in the regular season finale with two touchdown catches against Oklahoma and had four catches for 113 yards and a touchdown in the bowl game against Baylor. Hilton says he learned to trust God’s timing…

Cut 18 (24)  “…I say.”

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Tight end Juwan Johnson is back with the Saints after signing a three-year, 30-million-dollar contract. Johnson is coming off a season in which he caught 50 passes for 548 yards and three touchdowns, but he believes there’s another level he can get to…

Cut 19 (23) “…to see.”

Johnson says he also looked closely at signing with Denver and Seattle, before deciding he wanted to stay in New Orleans…

Cut 20 (19) “…this team.”

The National Weather Service in Slidell confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Tangipahoa this past weekend damaging over 20 homes in the area.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It will be a late night in the PMAC on Saturday night as the LSU Lady Tigers hosts San Diego State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A National Weather Service survey team confirmed that two tornadoes touched down east of Kentwood in Tangipahoa Parish on Saturday and later moved into Pike and Walthall Counties in Mississippi. NWS Senior Forecaster Rob Frye says they were around a mile of each other.

Cut 3 (12) “…identical area.” 

Frye says that the ratings are subject to change as the survey continues, with details on peak winds, path lengths, and widths of both tornadoes yet to be determined.  He says due to how close they were it is difficult to determine each storm’s effects especially when you track into Mississippi.

Cut 4 (06) “…tornado did what.”

So far there are reports of more than 20 homes being damaged by the two storms, but no injuries. Frye says it’s not uncommon for twisters to follow similar paths.

Cut 5 (11) “…in this case.”

Frye says updates on the storms will be updated as they can survey more of the impacts of the storms today.

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More than 100 firefighters were called to the Port of Caddo/Bossier to put out a huge paper fire. About 95-hundred tons of baled paper spread across two and a half acres at Pratt Industries caught fire late Saturday afternoon, and the high winds made the battle difficult. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese says job number one for fire crews was preventing the fire from spreading to buildings, and they succeeded.

Cut 6 (06) “…the main goal.”

Chief Reese says Pratt’s entire inventory is a total loss.

Cut 7 (11) “…damage to it.”

Reese says this was a very difficult fire for firefighters to battle.

Cut 8 (12) “…at 950 degrees.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Sixteenth Judicial District Attorney Bo Duhe has passed away. The New Iberia native died peacefully on Saturday at the age of 62. He’s been the top prosecutor for Iberia, St. Mary and St. Martin Parishes since 2015. Iberia Parish Sheriff Tommy Romero says he had an outstanding working relationship with Duhe…

Cut 9 (11)  “…investigation.”

Romero says Duhe’s legacy of justice and service will never be forgotten and he’ll be greatly missed…

Cut 10 (07) “…hard to fill”

Duhe was born in New Iberia. Duhe graduated Catholic High of New Iberia and received a General Business degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Duhe attended law school at Tulane and in 1993 he began working in the 16^th Judicial District Attorney’s office. His primary duties involved prosecuting major felony crimes. Duhe became the D-A in 2015. Romero says Duhe worked tirelessly to bring justice to victims and their families…

Cut 11 (11) “…seek justice.”

Visitation begins tomorrow night at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia. His funeral is Wednesday morning at 11 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

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Former Plaquemine High School and LSU star Davon Godchaux met with the media today for the first time since the trade that sent the defensive tackle to the New Orleans Saints from the New England Patriots. Godchaux says he’s glad to be back in his home state…

Cut 12 (08) “…you got.”

Godchaux is entering his ninth season in the NFL and has 429 career tackles. He was brought in to help with the Saints run defense. Godchaux says he’s ready to win for the Black and Gold…

Cut 13 (12)  “…to work.”

Godchaux was a four-star prospect coming out of Plaquemine High School. He was a three-year starter at LSU from 2014 to 2016 and Miami selected him in the fifth round in the 2017 NFL draft. Godchaux says it was a full circle moment when he learned of the trade to the Saints…

Cut 14 (12) “..of it.”

The Saints sent a seventh round draft pick in 2026 to New England to acquire Godchaux.

A Doyline couple is facing 72 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after finding a dozen dogs abandoned on a rural road and many more living in rough conditions at the husband and wife’s home.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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One suspect in the hazing-related death of a Southern University student has turned himself in, and others are expected to follow suit. 23-year-old Caleb McCray is charged with manslaughter and felony hazing. Andrew Greenstein has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Doyline couple faces 72 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after deputies linked them to the abandonment of over 12 dogs on a rural road. 68-year-old Alan Crowley and 58-year-old Kimberly Crowley were arrested at their mobile home, where authorities found approximately 60 more dogs living in inhumane conditions. Some were confined in overcrowded cages without food or water. Sheriff Jason Parker says they were selling the dogs online without a license…

Cut 3 (12) “…as a breeder” 

The abandoned dogs were captured and taken to a veterinarian before being placed with a rescue group. Deputies ensured the remaining animals at Crowley’s home received food and water, with LaMa Rescue stepping in to assist. Parker says it’s a bad situation.

Cut 4 (15) “…goats, lanb”

Parker says the dogs are in the process of getting check and then hopefully adopted by loving families…

Cut 5 (09) “…new homes.”

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Baton Rouge Police gave an update on the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Chief Thomas Morse says the 20-year-old student and Human Jukebox member died of repeated punches to the chest while pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and one suspect is under arrest.

Cut 6 (10) “…hazing and manslaughter.”

Morse says criminal charges are forthcoming against several additional fraternity members. Southern University President Dennis Shields says the Baton Rouge campus chapter of Omega Psi Phi is ordered to cease all activities, and other fraternities on campus are also affected.

Cut 7 (10) “…the academic year.”

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards implored the school – and the city – to do better.

Cut 8 (09) “…make better decisions.”

McCray’s attorney, Dr. Phillip Robinson, says he has not seen evidence strong enough to support the charges against his client.

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The good news – it’s crawfish season. The bad news – it’s crawfish theft season. And crawfish harvesters are working diligently to prevent thieves from making off with their hauls. Paul Zaunbrecher, a crawfish farmer in Acadia Parish, says the best way to stop crawfish theft is not to leave their sacks unattended.

Cut 9 (09)  “…they’re put down.”

Zaunbrecher says another way to accomplish this is to use some strategy in the order of how they catch their crawfish.

Cut 10 (14) “…behind the truck.”

Some sophisticated crawfish thieves will steal the crawfish from the traps during overnight hours. Zaunbrecher says drastic situations call for drastic measures.

Cut 11 (07) “…running the trap.”

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LSU football has hired a familiar name to be their new defensive line coach. Former All-American defensive tackle for the Tigers Kyle Williams will replace Bo Davis, who left last week to be a part of the new coaching staff with the Saints. Williams college teammate, Marlon Favorite, is excited about the hire…

Cut 12 (07) “…Kyle Williams..easy.”

Williams was an all-American in 2005 and played on the Tigers 2003 national championship team. He went on to play 13 seasons with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Williams was Ruston High’s defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2024 and Favorite believes Williams can coach on the college level…

Cut 13 (10)  “…right technique.”

Williams will be LSU’s sixth different defensive line coach in the last six seasons. Favorite hopes Williams can bring stability…

Cut 14 (12) “…for awhile.”

LSU begins spring football on Saturday.

St. Tammany Parish investigators need your help in identifying human remains found more than 40 years ago. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The two teenagers killed in Tuesday’s mass shooting at a Mardi Gras celebration in Mamou have been identified. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Another Carnival season has come and gone in Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says it was good to see the severe weather on Tuesday did not damper the spirits across south Louisiana, even though parades times were moved up and two major parades in New Orleans were shortened.

Cut 3 (12) “…get home safely” 

Nungesser says looking at New Orleans there were only a few incidents in the city but mainly went off without any major incidents along the parade routes.

Cut 4 (07) “…a black eye”

Looking outside of New Orleans, Nungesser says they have seen more out of sate visitors in cities outside of New Orleans year after year looking for more family-friendly affordable Carnival experiences.

Cut 5 (14) “…Morgan City, Ruston.”

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A man whose remains were discovered back in 1984 is still unidentified, and the coroner in St. Tammany Parish needs your help. Hunters found the remains below the I-59 bridge on the bank of the West Pearl River near the Mississippi state line. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says exactly when the man died is unclear.

Cut 6 (09) “…your family history.”

Dr. Tape says even though only the bones remained, through genetic genealogy, investigators were able to establish some characteristics.

Cut 7 (06) “…when he died.”

Tape says the circumstances surrounding the man’s final moments are unclear.

Cut 8 (06) “…who just disappeared.”

Tape says while they’re not ruling out murder, it’s unlikely that foul play was involved, given the lack of evidence of any injuries before death. He says there was a pocket watch and a bell with the body, and the skull had an extra tooth.

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Clocks spring forward an hour this weekend and its a great time to check smoke alarms too. That’s according to State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick who says smoke alarms are proven to save lives and that’s what happened last Saturday in Hammond.

Cut 9 (13)  “…minimal damage.”

Pastorick says if 66-year-old Clifford Walker didn’t have working smoke alarms, there’s a good chance he and his five-year-old godchild would not have made it out alive after a first in the attic got out of control. He says last year 73 people died in residential fires in Louisiana, and only in three cases there were working smoke alarms.

Cut 10 (13) “…save your life.”

Pastorick suggest monthly testing your smoke alarm and replacing them if they are older than ten year.  HE also urges family s to practice a home escape plan that has two ways to exit a room and have an outdoor meeting are.

Pastorick syas if you dont have a smoke alarm and cant afford one then Operation Save-a-Life can help.

Cut 11 (10) “…smoke alarm installation.”

You can get more information and register for a smoke alarm at LASFM-dot-org.

With the help of a former Dateline NBC correspondent, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office busts several men in an online solicitation sting. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Mardi Gras celebration in Mamou turns into a mass shooting that left two people dead.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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New Orleans had a rocky start in 2025, but after a successful Super Bowl, the city can also boast about a successful Mardi Gras. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

Cut 3 (19) “…city of New Orleans”

Cantrell credits a strong partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Cut 4 (20) “…of Mardi Gras”

NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says Governor Jeff Landry’s emergency declaration following the Bourbon Street attack allowed for more federal resources that helped make sure Mardi Gras was safe.

Cut 5 (16) “…have hard assets.”

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With the help of former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 11 men in a recent online solicitation sting. Last month, the sheriff’s office had deputies pose as 14-year-olds online during the sting. Sheriff Jason Ard says all of them agreed to meet who they thought was the 14-year-old at a house.

Cut 6 (09) “…14-year-old.”

Hansen says what’s especially scary is that many people arrested were everyday people, some working in positions in which they were routinely around children.

Cut 7 (08) “…walks of life.”

Hansen hosted a segment on Dateline NBC called “To Catch A Predator” from 2004 to 2007, during which he confronted dozens of men who showed up at a house thinking that they were meeting a teenage boy or girl for sex. He says he thought people would catch on after the first couple segments, but they didn’t – and they haven’t.

Cut 8 (10) “…exploit a child.”

Today, the concept is the focus of Hansen’s web series, “TakeDown with Chris Hansen,” which streams on the TruBlu streaming service that he co-founded. As for the suspects in this sting operation, all 11 are charged with felonies; three were found to be in the country illegally and have ICE holds on them.

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At least two people are reportedly dead and many more were injured from gunfire during a Mardi Gras celebration in the Evangeline Parish town of Mamou. Shots were fired when musician Chris Ardoin was performing at the Mamou Mardi Gras Zydeco concert. Ardoin went on Facebook to say he’s done performing outdoor shows…

Cut 9 (08)  “…make it home.”

There is reportedly one person in custody. Ardoin says he and his band members are okay but shaken up. He says this was the first time he had one of his sons on stage with him, because he wanted to attend Mardi Gras for the first time…

Cut 10 (10) “…shield us.”

Ardoin says he was previously shot in 2021 while performing at the Louisiana Mudfest in Grant Parish, which is also outdoors. Ardoin doesn’t understand why something like this would happen…

Cut 11 (11) “…100 rounds.”

Mamou Police are also investigating a shooting on Monday night that wounded several people. It’s unknown if the two shootings are connected.

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An Oil City man was arrested at Northwood High School after allegedly threatening and attacking a school resource officer with an umbrella.  Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Breck Scott says 70-year-old Gary Fenner arrived at the school around 9 a.m. to pick up his grandchild but was denied access due to a tornado-related lockdown.

Cut 12 (13) “…Mr. Fenner.”

Scott says Fenner got up and attempted to fight. Nunnery and a school security officer subdued and arrested him. Fenner faces multiple charges, including battery of a peace officer and  resisting arrest. Scott says this isn’t the first time encountering Fenner.

Cut 13 (13)  “…use of a weapon.”

Scott emphasized when schools are on lockdown its for security purposes to protect students and faculty.

Cut 14 (13) “…pick up the children.”

Fenner  is being held at Caddo Correctional Center.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten Season, and many Catholics around the state traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays and opt for seafood instead. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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With today being Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, the hearts of all Catholics are with Pope Francis. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Many federal workers who lost their jobs were in the gallery for President Trump’s speech last night. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today marks the beginning of Lent, a season when many Catholics traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays and opt for seafood instead. Gulf Seafood Institute Chairman Harlon Pearce says this year’s seafood supply is strong, with crawfish in abundance.

Cut 4 (07) “…after Mardi Gras.”

Gulf shrimp and crab are also in good shape. Pearce says softshell crab will be in season in a few weeks, providing plenty of options for those observing Lenten traditions.

Cut 5 (03) “…that’s for sure.”

Pearce says you cant go wrong with Louisiana wild-caught catfish, and he emphasizes its quality and availability, encouraging more people to consider it as a delicious alternative.

Cut 6 (04) “…the catfish.”

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With Mardi Gras over, Christians in Louisiana and all over the world are celebrating Ash Wednesday today, the start of Lent. This year, the hearts of Christians are with Pope Francis as he continues to battle major health issues. Christian talk show host Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh) says this year is a reversal of sorts.

Cut 7 (13) “…him in prayer.”

Tomeo says it’s going to be very somber at the Vatican not having Pope Francis lead prayers this Ash Wednesday.  

Cut 8 (08) “…Christian church calendar.”

Tomeo says for the time being, several Cardinals are taking turns leading the Catholic church while Pope Francis recovers.  

Cut 9 (09)  “…the best still.”

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Many former federal employees who were laid off by Elon Musk’s DOGE unit were in the House chambers watching President Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress last night. Among them was Chante Powell, who up until last month was an auditor at the USDA in New Orleans. She was a guest of her congressman, Troy Carter. Powell says she was there to put a face to the effects of widespread layoffs by Trump and Musk. She says losing her job has turned her life upside down.

Cut 10 (14) “…that as well.”

Congressman Carter says letting Powell go is the complete opposite of what DOGE is trying to do.

Cut 11 (15) “…as an auditor.”

Meanwhile, Powell says her new full-time job is to find a new full-time job.

Cut 12 (05) “…something comes through.”

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Louisiana’s upcoming legislative session plans to address rising insurance costs by passing legal reforms. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown, the vice chairman of the Insurance Committee, says a lot was passed on property insurance in the last session.

Cut 13 (11)  “…those will work.”

Brown says when looking at auto insurance, lawmakers have listened to insurance companies on what needs to be changed for companies to return to the state but says some suggestions don’t make sense.

Cut 14 (10) “…out of line.”

Brown says Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple isn’t going to constrain companies from making bigger profits.

Cut 15 (09) “…into the state.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is reacting to the tariffs that President Trump has imposed on Canada and Mexico. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The threat of severe weather has not slowed the Fat Tuesday celebration in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Congressman Mike Johnson will be sitting directly behind President Trump as House Speakers customarily do as Trump addresses a joint session of Congress tonight. Johnson says Trump has so many accomplishments in his first 43 days back in office that he can tout tonight.

Cut 3 (13) “…much to celebrate.” 

Johnson says the Republicans’ message is resonating with the American people.

Cut 4 (10) “…see similar numbers.”

Johnson says soon, the American people will reap the benefits of the Republican agenda.

Cut 5 (11) “…along the way.”

Johnson says while it may be too early to talk about the 2026 midterm elections, he feels very confident that Republicans can grow their majority, even in the face of history that almost always dictates that the president’s party loses seats in midterm elections.

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Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access to nine Bloomberg Terminals, professional-grade financial data and analytics tools.  Associate Dean Dr. William McCumber says four of them are accessible 24/7 in common areas and five of them are in Ray’s Financial Trading Room, where Student Managed Investment Fund analysts train.

Cut 6 (11) “…around the globe.”

McCumber says integrating Bloomberg Terminals into the curriculum will better prepare students for careers in business, and he says these terminals provide real-time financial data, analytics, and research essential for understanding complex business environments.

Cut 7 (15) “…remarkable f0r research.”

McCumber says the Bloomberg Terminals allow students to gain hands-on experience with professional level tools

Cut 8 (08) “…business opportunity.”

Faculty and students can use Bloomberg data for research, portfolio management, and coursework. Anyone with Louisiana Tech credentials can create a Bloomberg profile and utilize this resource.

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Today President Trump imposed 25-percent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico. Senator Bill Cassidy says part of the reason is national security.

Cut 9 (09)  “…a good thing.”

Cassidy says as a result, cartels are feeling pressure that they have not felt. Cassidy says the tariffs are also meant to crack down on illegal border crossings.

Cut 10 (14) “…helping with that.”

At the same time, however, Cassidy says he wants assurances from the White House that the price of big-ticket items like cars won’t go up.

Cut 11 (10) “…for my people.”

Canada and Mexico have each reacted by imposing tariffs of their own against the United States.

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The early start to the Mardi Gras parades and the threat of stormy weather has not dampened the spirits of revelers on this Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. Large crowds were on hand for the Zulu and Rex parades. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says it’s great to see…

Cut 12 (13) “…on today.”

Despite the threat of severe weather, the there is some serious partying going on in the New Orleans French Quarter. This woman is having a good time and is not concerned about the weather…

Cut 13 (03)  “…Mardi Gras.”

Security for Mardi Gras 2025 in New Orleans was ramped up following the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. This woman rode a float in the Mid-City parade and revelers are happy that the terrorist attack did not take away Mardi Gras this year…

Cut 14 (07) “…feels safe.”

Severe weather is putting a damper on Mardi Gras parades. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Authorities have made at least one arrest in a shooting that wounded five people after Mardi Gras parade in Franklinton last night. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (24) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Mardi Gras parades will not be rolling in Jefferson Parish tomorrow. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says that’s because the high winds in the forecast will make conditions unsafe. 

Cut 3 (11) “…hour is possible.” 

President Sheng says if those wind speeds are high enough to keep buses and Entergy crews off the roads, they’re certainly high enough to make conditions for a parade unsafe.

Cut 4 (14) “…tents, chairs, tarps.”

Sheng says this is not a decision that she wanted to make, but the weather forecast left her with no other choice.

Cut 5 (14) “…work with us.”

Parade times have been moved up in the towns of Kaplan, Crowley, New Roads and Franklin.

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The state is forecast to have its first major potential spring weather event; and unfortunately, it arrives on Fat Tuesday. Meteorologist Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the severe weather threat begins tomorrow morning.

Cut 6 (11) “…there as well.”

Hemingway says most severe weather is forecast to move across North Louisiana, but could possibly extend south into Central Louisiana.

Cut 7 (05) “…south of I-10.”

Hemingway says to expect sever weather to move into northwest Louisiana around 9 a.m.

Cut 8 (11) “…through sunset.”

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Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollands on how to deal with the effects of bird flu and how to get egg prices under control.

Cut 9 (17)  “…and for poultry.”

Strain also says they will temporarily allow the import of eggs into the United States to help decrease egg prices and allow poultry farmers to increase the egg supply.

Cut 10 (15) “…rebuild the population.”

Strain says there is not an overnight solution but is confident that in time egg prices should be back under control, and back to normal.

Cut 11 (03) “…gonna be riots.”

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While parades in Jefferson Parish are cancelled tomorrow due to the high winds, New Orleans is working to fit in its parades. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and the Krewe of Rex will still hold their parades – Zulu at 7 a.m. and Rex at 9 a.m. Marching krewes and truck floats will not be allowed, and all parades must wrap up by noon. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says the city made the most of a tricky situation.

Cut 12 (09) “…to reschedule.”

Arnold says while Mayor LaToya Cantrell certainly has input and influence, she’s not the final decision-maker in this instance.

Cut 13 (04)  “…of that decision.”

Arnold says not all floats are able to withstand high winds.

Cut 14 (12) “…wind as others.”