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.”

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Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is counting down to a major milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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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.

Cut 4 (13) “…for the university.”

Representative Willard says the regents will take their time in fully studying the situation.

Cut 5 (08) “…another this session.”

UNO was a part of the LSU system until 2011, when it was transferred to the University of Louisiana system. It has experienced a drop in enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic, with current enrollment at just over five-thousand students. Willard says the university is a critical component of not just New Orleans, but all of southeastern Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “…university out here.”

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Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is approaching a major milestone. It’s counting down to the delivery of its 400-thousandth baby. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson says Woman’s has delivered babies who now live all over the world.

Cut 7 (18) “…in Australia.”

Johnson says what sets Woman’s Hospital apart is its ability to execute high-risk deliveries.

Cut 8 (09) “…to our state.”

Today, the most popular baby names are Noah for boys and Amelia for girls. What were the most popular baby names when Woman’s started delivering babies in 1968?

Cut 9 (11)  “…girl was Linda.”

Johnson says the heaviest baby ever delivered at Woman’s weighed a whopping 16 and a half pounds. No word on whether the head coach of LSU football at the time immediately offered that kid a full-ride scholarship.

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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 lineup is diverse in both style and origin.

Cut 10 (10) “…regionally as well.”

Viator 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.”

Viator Courville says the festival wraps up on April 27th with some notable performances.

Cut 12 (12) “…out of Jamaica.”

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

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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 those electrical and sewage hookups will be a huge benefit to RVers.

Cut 14 (06) “…have to move.”

Burris says by not having to move, RVers can 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.

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Spring football got underway this week for the LSU Tigers and it’s a chance for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to start working with his new skill position players on offense. The Tigers have 16 transfers who have joined the program, including several new wide receivers and a tight end. Coach Brian Kelly this is a good time to get that connection down…

Cut 16 (20) “…last year.”

The nation’s number one high school running back is also on the practice field, Harlem Berry from St. Martin’s in Metairie. Kelly says he can tell Berry is an instinctive player….

Cut 17 (12)  “…Harlem Berry.”

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For the second year in a row and the fourth time ever, McNeese is going to the Big Dance. The Cowboys beat Lamar on their home court, 63-54, to win the Southland Conference championship and earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. After the game, Coach Will Wade said after a mediocre start to the season, his team persevered and is ready for March Madness.

Cut 18 (17)  “…last couple months.”

McNeese has never won an NCAA Tournament game. Last year as a 12 seed, the Cowboys lost to fifth-seeded Gonzaga, 86-65. Senior guard Jahvon Garcia says that loss last season has served as a motivation for the team – and the fans – this season.

Cut 19 (14) “…fans were amazing.”

Junior guard Quadir Copeland says playing for McNeese has been a growing process for him.

Cut 20 (13) “…it was amazing.”

The Cowboys are expected to once again be a 12 seed or within close proximity to there. The brackets will be unveiled Sunday.

A state judge has rejected a legal challenge to Amendment 2’s placement on the ballot. Plaintiffs had sued to try to get the proposed rewrite of Article 7 of the state constitution off the ballot, calling the ballot language misleading. Judge Louise Hines rejected that claim in ruling in favor of the state, but she set her ruling aside so that an appeal can be heard. That’s scheduled for next Friday, March 21st.

There’s also an effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled from the constitutional amendment ballot, also citing alleged misleading ballot language. Bruce Reilly with Voice of the Experienced points out that in Amendment 3, the list of crimes in which juveniles can be tried in adult court would be stripped from the state constitution and would instead be decided by the legislature.  

Cut 5 (11) “…to the politicians”

Early voting starts Saturday; Election Day is March 29th..

A new report by state auditors shows that the benefits of putting on a fortified roof greatly outweigh the costs of one. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that amounts to an average discount of 12-hundred-50 dollars a year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…and more affordable.”

The U-S Department of Education is laying off more than 13-hundred workers, which is half of its staff. The massive reduction in workers comes as President Trump has discussed dismantling the federal agency. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports the idea of eliminating the department of education and allowing the states to decide its educational needs…

Cut 6 (07) “…excellence.”

The Department of Education was created in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter.

A lawsuit is filed aimed at getting amendments 1 and 3 pulled. The lead plaintiff, Darlene Jones, says Amendment 1’s language contains two different issues, one of which – allowing the state Supreme Court to discipline out of state lawyers – is already state law.

Cut 4 (12) “…that particular amendment.”

The lawsuit says the ballot language for both amendments is misleading.

The Department of Education is laying off half its staff, with President Trump seeking to dismantle the agency altogether. The department’s main role is allocating federal aid to schools and colleges and enforces laws to protect students from discrimination. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says there are other agencies in federal government that can handle those roles…

Cut 8 (08) “…dollars.”

A new report touts the benefits of fortified roofs. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach, signing him to a three-year contract. The Tigers have had a new defensive line coach for six straight seasons. But Head Coach Brian Kelly is hopeful Williams is here to stay…

Cut 14 (09) “…that perspective.”

Williams is a former All-American defensive tackle who won a national title at LSU in 2003.

On the heels of a lawsuit to get Amendment 2 removed from the ballot now comes a new effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Bruce Reilly, the deputy director of Voice of the Experienced, says the ballot language for the two amendments is deceptive. Reilly says the state got Amendment 1 on the ballot in an unconstitutional manner.

Cut 3 (10) “…a different committee.” 

A new report by state auditors shows that the benefits of putting on a fortified roof greatly outweigh the costs of one. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says a fortified roof also boosts home values, as evidenced by one of our neighbors to the east.

Cut 11 (07) “…a fortified roof.”

The U-S Department of Education is laying off half of its staff. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says she wants to reduce the bloat at the department, which she believes will result in more federal dollars for local education. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he’s a strong supporter of allowing Louisiana residents to decide what should be taught in public schools…

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach. The former All-American defensive tackle won a national title at LSU in 2003 and spent 13 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, earning All-Pro honors six times. Head coach Brian Kelly says Williams brings an impressive resume to the team’s staff…

Cut 12 (11) “…at LSU.”

There’s now an effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled from the constitutional amendment ballot. Bruce Reilly with Voice of the Experienced says the wording of Amendment 3 is misleading. He points out that the list of crimes in which juveniles can be tried in adult court would be stripped from the state constitution and would instead be decided by the legislature.  

Cut 5 (11) “…to the politicians”

The Department of Education is laying off half its staff, with President Trump seeking to dismantle the agency altogether. The department’s main role is allocating federal aid to schools and colleges and enforces laws to protect students from discrimination. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says there are other agencies in federal government that can handle those roles…

Cut 8 (08) “…dollars.”

A new report touts the benefits of fortified roofs. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach, signing him to a three-year contract. The Tigers have had a new defensive line coach for six straight seasons. But Head Coach Brian Kelly is hopeful Williams is here to stay…

Cut 14 (09) “…that perspective.”

Williams is a former All-American defensive tackle who won a national title at LSU in 2003.

On the heels of a legal challenge to Amendment 2’s inclusion on the ballot now comes an effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new report touts the benefits of fortified roofs. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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On the heels of a lawsuit to get Amendment 2 removed from the ballot now comes a new legal effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Bruce Reilly, the deputy director of Voice of the Experienced, says the ballot language for the two amendments is deceptive. Reilly says the state got Amendment 1 on the ballot in an unconstitutional manner.

Cut 3 (10) “…a different committee.”

The lead plaintiff, Darlene Jones, says Amendment 1’s language contains two different issues, one of which – allowing the state Supreme Court to discipline out of state lawyers – is already state law.

Cut 4 (12) “…that particular amendment.”

Amendment 3 deals with transferring juvenile suspects to adult court. He says the wording leads voters to believe that juveniles who commit serious crimes are not already being transferred to the adult system, when in fact they are in certain instances. He points out that the list of crimes in which juveniles can be tried in adult court would be stripped from the state constitution and would instead be decided by the legislature.

Cut 5 (11) “…to the politicians”

The lawsuit challenging Amendment 2’s place on the ballot was previously filed by a different group. A ruling will need to come down quickly – early voting starts Saturday.

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The U-S Department of Education is laying off more than 13-hundred workers, which is half of its staff. The massive reduction in workers comes as President Trump has discussed dismantling the federal agency. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports the idea of eliminating the department of education and allow the states decide its educational needs…

Cut 6 (07) “…excellence.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says she wants to reduce the bloat at the U-S Department of Education, which she believes will result in more federal dollars for local education. Brumley says he’s a strong supporter of allowing Louisiana residents decide what should be taught in public schools…

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

The U-S Department of Education was created in 1979. It’s restricted when it comes to deciding what’s taught in schools. The department’s main role is allocating federal aid to schools and colleges and enforces laws to protect students from discrimination. Brumley says there are other agencies in federal government that can handle those roles…

Cut 8 (08) “…dollars.”

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A new report by state auditors shows that the benefits of putting on a fortified roof greatly outweigh the costs of one. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that amounts to an average discount of 12-hundred-50 dollars a year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…and more affordable.”

Temple says the benefits of having a fortified roof are proven, and there are many of them.

Cut 10 (06) “…to stay dry”

Temple says a fortified roof also boosts home values, as evidenced by one of our neighbors to the east.

Cut 11 (07) “…a fortified roof.”

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LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach. The former All-American defensive tackle won a national title at LSU in 2003 and spent 13 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, earning All-Pro honors six times. Head coach Brian Kelly says Williams brings an impressive resume to their staff…

Cut 12 (11) “…at LSU.”

For the last five seasons, Williams was the defensive coordinator at his alma mater at Ruston High School. He stepped away from that job last January and he returned to LSU just before the start of spring practice, which was Saturday. Kelly says he can already tell that Williams is an effective teacher…

Cut 13 (13)  “…to me”

Williams has signed a three-year contract to be the defensive line coach. The Tigers have had a new defensive line coach for six straight seasons. But Kelly his hopeful Williams is here to stay…

Cut 14 (09) “…that perspective.”

A new study by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the benefits of having a fortified roof are proven, and there are many of them.

Cut 10 (06) “…to stay dry”

Temple says in Alabama, homes with fortified roofs have seen their values increase by an average of seven-percent.

The U-S Department of Education is laying off half of its staff. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says she wants to reduce the bloat at the department, which she believes will result in more federal dollars for local education. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he’s a strong supporter of allowing Louisiana residents to decide what should be taught in public schools…

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

There’s already an effort to get Amendment 2 removed from the constitutional amendment ballot. Now, there’s a lawsuit aimed at getting amendments 1 and 3 pulled. The lead plaintiff, Darlene Jones, says Amendment 1’s language contains two different issues, one of which – allowing the state Supreme Court to discipline out of state lawyers – is already state law.

Cut 4 (12) “…that particular amendment.”

The lawsuit says Amendment 3’s language is misleading, saying it leads voters to believe that juveniles who commit serious crimes are not already being transferred to the adult system, when in fact they are in certain instances.

On the heels of a lawsuit to get Amendment 2 removed from the ballot now comes a new effort to get amendments 1 and 3 pulled. Bruce Reilly, the deputy director of Voice of the Experienced, says the ballot language for the two amendments is deceptive. Reilly says the state got Amendment 1 on the ballot in an unconstitutional manner.

Cut 3 (10) “…a different committee.” 

A lawsuit challenging Amendment 2’s place on the ballot was previously filed by a different group. Early voting starts Saturday.

The U-S Department of Education is laying off more than 13-hundred workers, which is half of its staff. The massive reduction in workers comes as President Trump has discussed dismantling the federal agency. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports the idea of eliminating the department of education and allow the states decide its educational needs…

Cut 6 (07) “…excellence.”

A new study by state auditors shows that the benefits of putting on a fortified roof greatly outweigh the costs of one. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says fortified roofs have been shown to lower property insurance premiums by 22-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that amounts to an average discount of 12-hundred-50 dollars a year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…and more affordable.”

LSU has officially announced Kyle Williams as its new defensive line coach. The former All-American defensive tackle won a national title at LSU in 2003 and spent 13 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, earning All-Pro honors six times. Head coach Brian Kelly says Williams brings an impressive resume to their staff…

Cut 12 (11) “…at LSU.”

Jessie Hoffman will not be executed next Tuesday. Federal Judge Shelly Dick ruled in favor of the death row inmate in his quest for the state not to use nitrogen hypoxia to execute him for kidnapping, raping and killing a woman in 1996. Loyola University New Orleans law professor Dane Ciolino says Hoffman gave compelling testimony that was likely the deciding factor in Judge Dick’s ruling.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the Eighth Amendment.”

With Hoffman’s execution now on hold, Ciolino says it may now be months before his death sentence will be carried out.

Small businesses are less optimistic now than they were a month ago. Leah Long is the Louisiana state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cut 7 (08) “…doing business here.”

Long says the biggest factor is a 20-percent tax deduction that’s set to expire..

As of May 28th, bags will no longer fly free on Southwest Airlines. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry has ordered flags to half staff today in memory of Alice Foster. The former Louisiana first lady passed away last Thursday at the age of 84. In a statement, Landry said Foster led a life of public service, with strong values of loyalty and family. The wife of two-term governor Mike Foster is being laid to rest today.

As of May 28th, bags will no longer fly free on Southwest Airlines. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Crime in New Orleans during Carnival season saw a huge drop this year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A U.S. District Court ruling delays the execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Bags will no longer fly free on Southwest Airlines. Starting May 28th, the airline will start charging money for the first and second checked bags. A-List loyalty members, branded credit card holders, and business fare travelers are exempt.  UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says inflation causes businesses to make these tough decisions.

Cut 4 (08) “…never went before.”

Southwest Airlines previously resisted baggage fees, citing their appeal to customers, but shifting consumer behavior and new leadership influenced the decision. While Southwest has trademarked its “Bags fly free” slogan, Rosa says even though competitors are trying to capitalize on Southwest’s new policy, he doesn’t believe it will affect Southwest much.

Cut 5 (07) “…while we’re waiting”

Because of inflation, Rosa says this is the new normal for pricing, and if you’re looking for lower prices it comes with a high cost…

Cut 6 (10) “…that resets prices.”

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Small businesses are less optimistic now than they were a month ago. Leah Long is the Louisiana state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cut 7 (08) “…doing business here.”

Long says the biggest factor in the drop in optimism among small business owners is the uncertainty of a 20-percent small business tax deduction that’s set to expire.

Cut 8 (07) “…massive tax hike.”

Long says the potential 20-percent tax hike isn’t the only issue that’s driving up the uncertainty and, in effect, driving down the optimism.

Cut 9 (09)  “…on insurance rates.”

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New Orleans saw a huge decrease in crime this Carnival season. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick credits the cooperation between local, state and federal resources, in light of Mardi Gras being designated a SEAR-1 event by the Department of Homeland Security. Kirkpatrick says during the 12-days of Carnival, NOPD made 388 arrests – a huge drop from last year.

Cut 10 (06) “…in crime incidents”

Kirkpatrick says this year, there were 493 crimes reported, compared to 951 last year. She says both violent crime and property crime saw huge decreases this year.

Cut 11 (07) “…crimes against property.”

Kirkpatrick says NOPD officers were on the lookout for people illegally carrying firearms.

Cut 12 (08) “…the parade route.”

18 firearms were confiscated during Carnival season.

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Jessie Hoffman will not be executed next Tuesday. Federal Judge Shelly Dick ruled in favor of the death row inmate in his quest for the state not to use nitrogen hypoxia to execute him for kidnapping, raping and killing a woman in 1996. Loyola University New Orleans law professor Dane Ciolino says Hoffman gave compelling testimony that was likely the deciding factor in Judge Dick’s ruling.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the Eighth Amendment.”

Ciolino says if Hoffman is executed, which he is not challenging, it likely now won’t happen for quite some time.

Cut 14 (10) “…hypoxia at all.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says in a statement that the state disagrees with Judge Dick’s decision and will immediately appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ciolino says with the execution now off, the appeals process is no longer up against the calendar.

Cut 15 (10) “…even perhaps months.”

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The Saints have officially announced the three-year contract extension for defensive end Chase Young. Young signed with New Orleans last offseason and appeared in all 17 games,  and recorded five and a half sacks and had a career-high 21 quarterback hits. Young’s first four seasons were in Washington and Luke Johnson with the Advocate believes it was a wise decision to bring Young back on a long-term deal…

Cut 16 (17) “…potential there.”

A new league year officially starts later today, and the Saints are expected to announce a trade with New England that results in the Patriots sending New Orleans defensive tackle Davon Godchaux in exchange for a seventh round draft pick in 2026. Johnson says the Saints needed a nose tackle to play in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s three-four scheme…

Cut 17 (17)  “…is a win.”

The Saints have restructured the contract of veteran safety and fan favorite Tyrann Mathieu. New Orleans has also signed former Dutchtown High School star and two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Reid to a three-year, 31.5-million-dollar contract. Johnson says the Saints also need another cornerback, with Paulson Adebo leaving for New York on a free agent contract…

Cut 18 (11)  “…this offseason.”