A bill to significantly expand high-dosage tutoring advances in the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is backing a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 projects across the state’s coast. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that if you possess, produce or distribute deepfake images of nude minors, it could result in a one to five year prison sentence. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade. McMath notes that when the program first launched, they limited it to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cut 5 (07) “…done this before.”

To say that the program is now proven is an understatement – McMath notes that Louisiana’s high-dosage tutoring program has helped the state lead the nation in learning loss recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut 6 (05) “…what we’re doing.”

Some expressed concern to lawmakers that high-dosage tutoring could pull students from courses that are linked to increased attendance, such as art, band or choir.

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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (12) “…ten years ago.”

The plan does not include Mid-Barataria or Mid-Breton sediment diversions, which were cancelled last July. Coastal advocates had said those two projects were critical in the state’s fight against coastal restoration. Governor Landry and Dove said the diversion projects were too expensive, and they are moving forward with projects that are more cost effective.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the diversion”

Dove believes once construction is completed on these projects that will receive funding, the tide will have turned in the state’s battle against coastal land loss.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on hurricane protection.”

The state legislature must also approve the plan, and it will be a straight up or down vote — no changes can be made.

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McNeese’s incredible season has come to an end. The South Region’s 12th seed led Vanderbilt by as much as 11 points in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on, as the fifth-seeded Commodores beat the Cowboys, 78-68. The loss marks the end of the road for fifth year guard Javohn Garcia, who spent the last three years in Lake Charles.

Cut 10 (05) “…last three years.”

It’s also the end for senior guard D.J. Richards Jr., who says while the loss stings, getting to the NCAA Tournament three years in a row is something to be incredibly proud of.

Cut 11 (07) “…that we accomplished.”

The first two years of this three-year run were done with Will Wade at the helm. This year, Bill Armstrong led the team after Wade took over as head coach at NC State. Armstrong says for McNeese, the best is yet to come.

Cut 12 (13) “…our fourth straight”

McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history. McNeese ends the season with an overall record of 28-and-6.

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Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “…next be targeted.”

The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Daniels told the panel his daughter’s likeness was used for pornographic deep fake, and the damage from it cannot be repaired.

Cut 14 (11) “…it seriously enough.”

Daniels said what happened to his daughter caused emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony.

Cut 15 (11) “…you for that.”

If the legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Ivy Daniels Act.

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The second-seeded LSU women’s basketball team begins its national title run tonight as the Lady Tigers face 15th-seeded Jacksonville at 5 p.m. Tonight marks the first NCAA Tournament appearance for four LSU freshmen. Senior Flau’jae Johnson, who is competing in her fourth and final NCAA Tournament, says she’s offering as much advice as possible to the younger players.

Cut 16 (10) “…task at hand.”

In each of LSU’s last four deep NCAA Tournament runs, the Tigers received consistent production from their post players. While this year’s team may not have an Angel Reese or an Aneesah Morrow, Johnson says the bigs are embracing the challenge of elevating their play in the postseason.

Cut 17 (15)  “…can do this.”

If LSU beats Jacksonville tonight, it will face the winner of Texas Tech and Villanova on Sunday. The game would also mark the final time Flau’jae Johnson plays in Baton Rouge. Head coach Kim Mulkey says it will be an emotional night and is encouraging LSU fans to show their appreciation for everything Johnson has meant to the program.

Cut 18 (14)  “…be just packed.”

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “..be targeted.”

Daniels said what happened to his daughter caused emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony…

Cut 15 (12) “…for that.”

The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee.

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend one-point-five billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (13) “…ten years ago.”

Some tense moments for about 250 people in Winn Parish yesterday, as they had to be evacuated due to a wildfire. Fire District Three Chief Dustin Parker says the fire started along Highway 34 in Dodson shortly after noon yesterday and spread from there.

Cut 6 (08) “…some evacuations there.”

Last month’s oil spill from a terminal operated by the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port is threatening the state’s oyster industry. A leak in a cargo transfer hose sent 31-thousand gallons into Terrebonne Bay. Mitch Jurisich, the chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, says this has the potential to be evocative of a certain devastating oil spill from 16 years ago.

Cut 11 (11) “…BP oil spill.”

Three Ochsner hospitals are listed among the 250 top hospitals in the country by “Newsweek” magazine. Regional Medical Director Dr. Quentin Alleva says Ochsner’s success is based on the fact that it’s a one-stop shop for all of a patient’s medical needs.

Cut 4 (07) “…they may need.”

The three are Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge.

McNeese’s incredible season has come to an end. The South Region’s 12th seed led Vanderbilt by as much as 11 points in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on, as the fifth-seeded Commodores beat the Cowboys, 78-68. McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history. McNeese ends the season with an overall record of 28-and-6.

Last month’s oil spill from a terminal operated by the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, or LOOP, is threatening the state’s oyster industry. Last month, a cargo transfer hose at the terminal located 18 miles offshore in Terrebonne Bay sprang a leak, spewing more than 31-thousand gallons of Venezuelan crude into the bay. Mitch Jurisich, the chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, says the oil has now made contact with the coast, which can spell disaster.

Cut 9 (09)  “…reopen anytime soon.”

About 250 people in Winn Parish were forced to evacuate as a wildfire threatened their homes. Fire District Three Chief Dustin Parker says the dry weather allowed the fire to grow to about two-thousand acres.

Cut 8 (05) “…very quickly.”

The fire is fully contained, and everyone who had been evacuated is now back home.

Three Ochsner hospitals are listed among the 250 top hospitals in the country by “Newsweek” magazine. They are Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge. Regional Medical Director Dr. Quentin Alleva says it’s a tremendous honor.

Cut 3 (11) “…for the patients.”

Cut 23 (03) (fade and use as bed)

It’s that time of year again – the time when workers everywhere focus on their brackets instead of focusing on work. I would say that includes us here at LRN, but following the action on the court is kind of our job – especially when it comes to the 12th seed in the South Region. McNeese is taking on Vanderbilt at this hour, as it looks to pull off a first-round upset for a second year in a row. Tonight in the women’s tournament, Southern takes on Samford in the First Four play-in round.

The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, or A+PEL (“AY-pel”), is working to clear up what it says are misconceptions about Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. A+PEL Executive Director Dr. Keith Courville says Amendment 3 would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana to fund permanent pay raises for teachers of at least 2,250 dollars.

Cut 7 (08) “…to teacher pay.”

A political action committee that supports Republican Rick Edmonds in the fifth congressional district race says it’s produced the first-ever A-I political ad in state history. Lionel Rainey with The Louisiana First Victory Fund says because it’s so unique, it will get the voters’ attention.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the ad.”

Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating one of its own. “Sinners,” which was filmed in and around New Orleans, took home four Oscars last weekend, including Best Actor. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says winning Oscars is nothing new for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “…State of Louisiana.”

The McNeese men’s basketball team aims for an upset in the NCAA Tournament as it faces fifth-seeded Vanderbilt today at 2:15 p.m. The Cowboys rank second in the nation in turnovers forced, averaging nearly 17 per game, and coach Bill Armstrong says his team will look to frustrate the Commodores on defense.

Cut 13 (13)  “…teams as well.”

Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating the four Oscars won by “Sinners.” Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana is clearing up what it says are misconceptions about Amendment 3, which would give teachers in Louisiana a permanent pay raise. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Coming soon to a television in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District — the state’s first 100-percent A-I generated political advertisement. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating after “Sinners,” which was filmed in and around New Orleans, won four Oscars, including Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says it reinforces the fact that Louisiana is a great place to shoot a major feature film.

Cut 4 (09) “…best caterers here.”

“Sinners” was nominated for 16 Oscars, which is a new record for a single film. Waggenspack says that kind of haul is going to be a major boost to what’s already a very robust film industry in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…the same thing.”

Waggenspack says winning Oscars is nothing new for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “…State of Louisiana.”

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The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, or A+PEL (“AY-pel”), is working to clear up what it says are misconceptions about Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. A+PEL Executive Director Dr. Keith Courville says Amendment 3 would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana to fund permanent pay raises for teachers of at least 2,250 dollars.

Cut 7 (08) “…to teacher pay.”

There’s been some chatter that some money in the funds that would be retired under this amendment is intended for things like early childhood programs and classroom initiatives. Dr. Courville says that’s not what the money is being used for – in fact, he says that money is currently not being used for anything.

Cut 8 (06) “…teachers a raise.”

Courville says passing this amendment will not cost taxpayers a dime.

Cut 9 (05)  “…raising any taxes.”

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A political action committee that supports fifth district Republican congressional candidate Rick Edmonds says it’s produced what it claims is the first-ever A-I political ad in the state’s history. Lionel Rainey with The Louisiana First Victory Fund says the commercial features four A-I generated characters that are worried about Edmonds’ conservative platform.

Cut 10 (05) “…where he stands.”

Edmonds is one of four well-known Republicans competing in the May 16th Republican primary election. Rainey says this 100-percent A-I-generated political advertisement is one of only a handful of such ads to run in a congressional race nationwide; and because it’s so unique, it will get the voters’ attention.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the ad.”

Rainey says A-I-generated political advertisements on television are the wave of the future, because they can cost less than your traditional commercial, and they can be produced faster.

Cut 12 (08) “…or four days.”

Rainey says while candidates and political action committees are not allowed to misrepresent their opponent using A-I, a regular citizen can, so be aware of that when seeing A-I productions on social media.

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The McNeese men’s basketball team aims for an upset in the NCAA Tournament as it faces fifth-seeded Vanderbilt today at 2:15 p-m. The Cowboys rank second in the nation in turnovers forced, averaging nearly 17 per game, and coach Bill Armstrong says his team will look to frustrate the Commodores on defense.

Cut 13 (13)  “…teams as well.”

McNeese is looking to shock the college basketball world this season with a deep run. Senior guard D.J. Richards says the Cowboys are solely focused on surviving and advancing.

Cut 14 (13) “…care of itself.”

For a Cinderella run, McNeese must take down one of the SEC’s hottest teams in Vanderbilt. History favors the Cowboys, as at least one 12-seed has won a game in 34 of the last 40 tournaments. Senior guard Javohn Garcia says it will be critical for McNeese to start the tournament off hot.

Cut 15 (11) “…of the tournament.”

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The LSU baseball team looks to win its first SEC series of the season this weekend as the Tigers host eighth-ranked Oklahoma, starting tonight at 7 p-m. Coach Jay Johnson says LSU’s pitching staff will need to limit long innings against the Sooners’ talented offense.

Cut 16 (08) “…momentum on offense.”

LSU’s defense ranks 14th in the SEC out of 16 teams with a .964 fielding percentage. Coach Johnson says the Tigers need to be much more solid on defense, especially this weekend.

Cut 17 (16)  “…with this team.”

LSU will face a familiar opponent on Thursday, when former Tiger Cam Johnson takes the mound for Oklahoma. Johnson played at LSU as a freshman in 2022 before transferring after the season. Jay Johnson says he’s looking forward to seeing Cam this weekend.

Cut 18 (12)  “…found some success.”

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The Southern women’s basketball team faces Samford tonight at 6 in the First Four in the NCAA Tournament. It marks the Lady Jags’ second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Coach Carlos Funchess attributes the program’s continued success to recruiting the right players.

Cut 19 (12) “…support each other.”

If the Lady Jags win, they will be slotted in as the 16th seed in the Sacramento 4 Region and will face top-seeded South Carolina in the First Round Saturday.

Samford sophomore guard Briana Rivera leads the nation with 109 three-pointers this season. Coach Funchess says his squad will need to contest shots from beyond the arc.

Cut 20 (09) “…tough for them.”

State Senators are fed up and want solutions on how the Department of Children and Family Services can be more effective in preventing serious injuries or deaths after the state agency gets involved in child abuse cases. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says there have been 12 child deaths this year, after 53 child deaths in 2025.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that child.”

State lawmakers are seeking solutions from DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris on how the agency can be more effective. Republican Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says the state legislature stands ready to assist.

Cut 11 (11) “…help you”

Lawmakers have asked Harris to present a plan on how to improve DCFS in two weeks.

A bill making what’s known as stolen valor a crime in Louisiana cleared the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House. While stolen valor is a federal offense, there is currently no stolen valor law in Louisiana. And Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says bringing a federal complaint against someone misrepresenting military service can be a waste of time.

Cut 4 (07) “…types of cases.”

The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, or A+PEL (“AY-pel”), is working to clear up what it says are misconceptions about Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. A+PEL Executive Director Dr. Keith Courville says Amendment 3 would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana to fund permanent pay raises for teachers of at least 2,250 dollars.

Cut 7 (08) “…to teacher pay.”

Almost two weeks ago, Bill Cassidy challenged Julia Letlow to three debates ahead of the May 16th primary. So far, Letlow hasn’t committed to any one of them, only saying she cannot make the middle one in Baton Rouge due to her commitments in the House of Representatives. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says with Letlow being the endorsed candidate of President Trump, what she’s doing is not uncommon.

Cut 6 (07) “…to disrupt things.”

John Fleming, meanwhile, has said he would debate Cassidy anytime, anywhere.

A happy homecoming for a pair of U.S. Army soldiers, as Rick Domec and Jonathan Brasseaux surprised their kids in front of their classmates at J. Wallace James Elementary School in Scott. Domec says it’s always a welcome treat to return home following a deployment.

Cut 15 (05) “…going to do.”

State senators are demanding changes from the Department of Children and Family Services to prevent child abuse deaths. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein says an estimated 21-thousand people in Louisiana will lose Medicaid coverage when new work requirements for the program take effect next year. The new rule is the result of federal legislation that calls for certain Medicaid recipients to prove they are working, are in school, are in job training or volunteering.

A bill making stolen valor a crime in Louisiana moves to the House after passing unanimously in the Senate. V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley told the Senate Judiciary C Committee that stolen valor is not a victimless crime.

Cut 3 (11) “…gain to it.”

No stealing the valor of two Army soldiers who pulled off a heartwarming homecoming at J. Wallace James Elementary School in Scott. With the help of administrators, Rick Domec (du-MECK) and Jonathan Brasseaux surprised their kids, who had not seen their dads for a year. On stage, they hid in cardboard boxes as their sons lifted them in front of their classmates. Domec’s son, Andrew, was thinking it was something else inside that box.

Cut 14 (07) “…all right.”

Almost two weeks after Bill Cassidy challenged Julia Letlow to three debates, she has yet to commit to any one of them. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Be careful – an old scam is rearing its ugly head once again. People in Baton Rouge say they’re getting calls from people identifying themselves as staffers at the city court, in which they’re demanding payment over the phone. That’s something that no court anywhere will ever do.

Almost two weeks ago, Bill Cassidy challenged Julia Letlow to three debates ahead of the May 16th primary. So far, Letlow hasn’t committed to any one of them. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says with Letlow being the endorsed candidate of President Trump, what she’s doing is not uncommon.

Cut 6 (07) “…to disrupt things.”

A bill making what’s known as stolen valor a crime in Louisiana cleared the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House. While stolen valor is a federal offense, there is currently no stolen valor law in Louisiana. And Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says bringing a federal complaint against someone misrepresenting military service can be a waste of time.

Cut 4 (07) “…types of cases.”

Depending on the severity, penalties range from small fines to five years in prison.

Tomorrow’s hearing in the U-L system’s lawsuit against Conference USA in Lincoln Parish is off. Andre Champagne reports on the latest in Louisiana Tech’s quest to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt for the 2026 football season.

Cut (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A recent increase in the use of vape products has led to an increase in police presence at one high school in central Louisiana. This is happening at Natchitoches Central High School, where the sheriff’s office is using K9 units to search the campus.