Severe weather is on the way this weekend, causing St. Patrick’s Day Parades to be rescheduled. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Schools and students nationwide are celebrating Pi Day today. Karen Dartez, a math teacher at St. Thomas More school in Baton Rouge, says as a nod to the day’s namesake, she will be treating her students to pie.

Cut 14 (06) “…pi day.”

The most complex amendment on the constitutional amendment ballot is Amendment 2, which essentially rewrites Article 7 of the state Constitution. One of the most talked-about provisions is a permanent pay raise for teachers. PAR President Steven Procopio says it would in fact make a stipend that’s been renewed every year permanent.

Cut 5 (14) “…three-billion dollars.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging his colleagues to pass his HALT Fentanyl Act. In a Senate floor speech yesterday, Cassidy said among other things, the act closes a loophole that people use to slightly alter the fentanyl to the point that it’s no longer fentanyl – something that’s called a “fentanyl analog.”

Cut 10 (08) “…not actually fentanyl.”

Much of South Louisiana from New Orleans to Baton Rouge is at a moderate risk — level 4 out of 5 — for severe weather this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes:

Cut 7 (10) “…evening hours.”

Alexandria and Lafayette, meanwhile, are at a level 3 risk for storms. Primary threats include high winds and an increased tornado risk. The forecast is forcing organizers of St. Patrick’s Day parades to reschedule them to Sunday.

Early voting in the constitutional amendment election opens tomorrow. Easily the most complex amendment on the ballot is Amendment 2. That’s the one that essentially rewrites Article 7 of the state Constitution. PAR President Steven Procopio says among many other things, there would be a government growth limit put in place.

Cut 4 (11) “…colleges and universities.”

It’s Pi Day in schools across the country celebrating the most famous irrational number that inspires students in mathematics. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The wife of legendary LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman has passed away. Sandy Bertman died last night in Baton Rouge at the age of 87. She and Skip were married for 63 years, raising four daughters, one of whom succumbed to cancer in 2012. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Much of South Louisiana is at a moderate risk for severe weather this weekend. Areas from New Orleans to Baton Rouge are at a level four out of five for severe storms, while Alexandria and Lafayette are at three out of five. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the forecast has forced organizers to reschedule St. Patrick’s Day parades.

Cut 9 (10)  “…avoid that significant weather.”

Of the four amendments on the constitutional amendment ballot, Amendment 2 is easily the most complex. It essentially would rewrite Article 7 of the state Constitution in light of the new tax law. PAR President Steven Procopio says it has provisions regarding the inventory tax that Governor Landry says has been stifling business growth in the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…make over time.”

Among many other things, Amendment 2 would also turn an annual stipend for teachers into a permanent pay raise. Early voting starts tomorrow.

The New Orleans City Council is considering extending the city’s travel ban. Currently, all non-essential travel is prohibited as the city deals with financial troubles. As of right now, that’s set to expire April 30th. However, in light of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s trip to Washington, DC – which she says was planned before the ban went into effect – council president J.P. Morrell says the council is looking at extending it to the end of the next budget cycle.

Schools and students nationwide are celebrating Pi Day today, an annual event dedicated to the mathematical constant pi — 3.-point-1-4. Karen Dartez, a math teacher at St. Thomas More school in Baton Rouge, says this special day recognizes the significance of pi in mathematics.

Cut 13 (17)  “…same value.”

Of the four amendments on the constitutional amendment ballot, Amendment 2 is easily the most complex. Andrew Greenstein breaks it down.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Severe weather is on the way in South Louisiana this weekend, causing St. Patrick’s Day Parades to be moved to Sunday with possible tornadoes tomorrow.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Its Pi Day in schools across the country celebrating the most famous irrational number that inspires students in mathematics.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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With early voting in the constitutional amendment election opening tomorrow, the most complex amendment on the ballot is Amendment 2. That’s the one that essentially rewrites Article 7 of the state Constitution. PAR President Steven Procopio says there’s a lot to unpack – so much so that it took the nonpartisan organization quite a while to break it all down in its voter guide. Procopio says there would be a government growth limit put in place.

Cut 4 (11) “…colleges and universities.”

One of the most talked-about provisions is a permanent pay raise for teachers. Procopio says it would in fact make a stipend that’s been renewed every year permanent.

Cut 5 (14) “…three-billion dollars.”

Procopio says Amendment 2 also has provisions regarding the inventory tax that Governor Landry says has been stifling business growth in the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…make over time.”

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Much of South Louisiana is at a moderate risk — level 4 out of 5 — for severe weather this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes:

Cut 7 (10) “…evening hours.”

Alexandria and Lafayette, meanwhile, are at a level 3 risk for storms. Grymes warns that storms ahead of the front could become severe, rather than forming locally and intensifying elsewhere. Primary threats include high winds and an increased tornado risk.

Cut 8 (15) “…serious damage.”

Grymes says luckily, this weather event has forced organizers to reschedule St. Patrick’s Day parades and events to Sunday.

Cut 9 (10)  “…avoid that significant weather.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is urging his colleagues to pass his HALT Fentanyl Act. In a Senate floor speech yesterday, Cassidy said among other things, the act closes a loophole that people use to slightly alter the fentanyl to the point that it’s no longer fentanyl – something that’s called a “fentanyl analog.”

Cut 10 (15) “…the actual thing.”

The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently make Fentanyl a Schedule One drug, meaning it has no legitimate medical use and, thus, would be illegal to use or possess. Cassidy said in 2023, more than 74-thousand people died of fentanyl, accounting for almost 70-percent of all drug overdose deaths that year.

Cut 11 (13) “…New Orleans Superdome.”

Cassidy says time is of the essence to get the bill passed and sent to President Trump’s desk.

Cut 12 (10) “…exploit our communities.”

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill as early as today.

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Schools and students nationwide are celebrating Pi Day today, an annual event dedicated to the mathematical constant pi — 3.-point-1-4. St. Thomas More Math Teacher Karen Dartez says this special day, observed on March 14th, recognizes the significance of pi in mathematics.

Cut 13 (17)  “…same value.”

Dartez notes that Pi Day is a highlight of the academic year for many students. Schools often mark the occasion with interactive activities such as pi recitation contests, math games, and even the tradition of enjoying actual pie as a tasty nod to the day’s namesake.

Cut 14 (08) “…pi day.”

Dartez says events like these help spark a love for mathematics, showing students that numbers can be both fascinating and enjoyable. Through creativity and hands-on learning, Pi Day continues to inspire young minds and deepen their appreciation for the beauty of math.

Cut 15 (07) “…share with the kids.”

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After breezing through the pre-conference schedule with a 17-and-1 record, the LSU Tigers open up SEC play this afternoon against the Missouri Tigers. Coach Jay Johnson says his team is ready for the 30-game SEC grind…

Cut 16 (19″….businesses as usual.”

Several roles were solidified during the pre-conference portion of the schedule. Luis Hernandez has nailed down the starting catcher duties and Johnson says he’s done a good job handling the pitchers…

Cut 17 (22)  “…what we have.”

Early voting in the constitutional amendment election starts Saturday, and Sean Richardson has more on some of the amendments on the ballot.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A public memorial service will be held for Southern University student Caleb Wilson tomorrow. Wilson was killed last month in what police say was a hazing ritual as he was pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Three suspects are facing charges.

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

Cut 6 (09) “…my damn word.”

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

Severe weather forecast for tomorrow and Saturday is forcing changes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The wicked weather is forcing organizers of the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade to cancel Saturday’s event. In Baton Rouge, the Wearing of the Green parade has been rescheduled to Sunday at noon.

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (14) “…state-wide court.”

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

Cut 4 (10) “…this particular issue.”

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

Cut 5 (05) “…a judicial vacancy.”

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

Cut 6 (09) “…my damn word.”

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

Cut 7 (11) “…or three days.”

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

Cut 8 (15) “…in the books.”

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

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

Cut 9 (07)  “…always dreamed of.”

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

Cut 10 (05) “…working every day.”

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

Cut 11 (12) “…the football.”

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

Cut 3 (14) “…state-wide court.” 

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

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

Cut 9 (07)  “…always dreamed of.”

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

Cut 6 (09) “…my damn word.”

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

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

Cut 5 (08) “…another this session.”

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

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

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

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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

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

Cut 15 (08) “…on the site.”

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

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

Cut 12 (12) “…out of Jamaica.”

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

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

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

Cut 6 (12) “…university out here.”

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

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

Cut 11 (10) “…from New Orleans.”

The festival wraps up April 27th.

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

Cut 9 (11)  “…girl was Linda.”