Elon Musk is shaking up the federal workforce, requiring workers to list the things they’ve done or risk being fired. The White House has made downsizing the federal workforce one of its top priorities. Republican Senator John Kennedy notes that layoffs are a part of American life.

Cut 5 (11) “…the private sector.”

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

Cut 6 (14) “…are people’s lives.”

Carter says 19-thousand federal workers in Louisiana could lose their jobs, many of whom are hard-working people.

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

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

In the upcoming regular legislative session, Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin says he will propose a bill that calls for earnings through name, image and likeness deals to be exempt from state income taxes. McMakin says schools outside of Louisiana are recruiting the Bayou State’s best prospects, and tax-free NIL compensation can help athletes decide to stay home.

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

Cut 11 (12) “…norm of course.”

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

A new federal lawsuit is filed, aiming to stop Louisiana from using lethal gas as a method of executing death row inmates. The Promise of Justice Initiative Executive Director Samantha Kennedy says gassing is a gruesome method of execution.

Cut 15 (07) “…to be so.”

Hoffman kidnapped, raped and murdered a woman in 1996.

Louisiana is considering tax breaks for student-athletes earning money from name, image, and likeness deals in order to remain competitive in college athletics. NIL deals have become essential for recruitment, alongside a pending settlement that will allow universities to directly compensate players. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin says other states are actively recruiting the best Louisiana players out of the state.

Cut 10 (09) “…we stay competitive.”

Other states, including Illinois, Alabama, and Georgia, are pursuing similar exemptions.

A man allegedly involved in a fight at a Monroe shopping mall has turned himself in. Investigators identified 24-year-old Rayshawn Hollins from surveillance footage inside the Pecanland Mall on February 8th. Hollins has a long criminal history, including drive-by shooting, illegal carrying of weapons, shoplifting and trespassing. Hollins is charged with one count of rioting in connection with the mall fight.

Opinions on Elon Musk’s treatment of federal employees vary mainly along party lines. Late last week, Musk sent an email to employees demanding that they list five things they accomplished that week or risk being fired. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says it’s unfair to those workers that Musk is playing games with their livelihoods.

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

But Republican Senator John Kennedy says he has no problem with Musk’s approach.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the office.”

The White House has made downsizing the federal workforce one of its top priorities. Kennedy says while layoffs are always hard, they’re a part of American life.

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Talk continues to ramp up on making Bourbon Street a permanent pedestrian mall. It’s been discussed before, with businesses pushing back on that notion. But following the New Year’s Day terror attack, the issue is now back at the forefront. A consultant group led by former New York Police Commissioner William Bratton has been talking with businesses owners, workers and residents throughout the French Quarter to develop a plan that balances safety and accessibility.

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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

Cut 4 (11) “…in the office.”

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

Cut 5 (11) “…the private sector.”

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

Cut 6 (14) “…are people’s lives.”

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

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

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

Cut 8 (08) “…everything we do.”

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

Cut 9 (17)  “…to be competitive.”

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

Cut 10 (09) “…we stay competitive.”

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

Cut 11 (12) “…norm of course.”

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

Cut 12 (09) “…two-dose vaccine.”

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

Cut 13 (06)  “…it’s good for life.”

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

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

Cut 14 (12) “…to be painless.”

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

Cut 15 (07) “…to be so.”

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

Cut 16 (08) “…can’t go forward.”

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

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

Cut 15 (09) “…contentious it’s been”

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

Cut 6 (08) “…1.5 billion in 2024.”

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

Cut 5 (06) “…save lives.”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “…incredibly great candidates”

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

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

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

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

Cut 4 (07) “…was uninjured.”

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

Cut 5 (11) “…in this situation.”

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

Cut 6 (08) “…1.5 billion in 2024.”

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

Cut 7 (09) “…our rice producers.”

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

Cut 8 (10) “…really concerned about.”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “…incredibly great candidates”

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

Cut 10 (08) “…bridges with alumni”

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

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

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

Cut 12 (12) “…will be more.”

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

Cut 13 (07)  “…that past payment.”

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

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

Cut 14 (10) “…that, of course.”

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

Cut 15 (11) “…contentious it’s been”

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

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

Cut 6 (08) “…1.5 billion in 2024.”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “…incredibly great candidates”

Johnson will officially start his new job June 1st, but he’s been on the campus meeting students and getting to know them and the school as a whole.

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

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

And now, a look at today’s commodities. 

Veterinarians and animal welfare professionals oppose nitrogen hypoxia as a method of executing humans. They are urging Governor Landry to reconsider its use as the state plans to use this method in its first execution in 15 years. Veterinarian Dr. Mike Greenberg says only two states are still using nitrogen gas.

Cut 4 (11) “…in those animals.”

Congressman Clay Higgins announced that Iraq is purchasing an additional 88-thousand metric tons of U.S. long-grain milled rice. The purchase brings the total to 220-thousand metric tons, exceeding the original 200-thousand metric ton agreement in the 2024-25 memorandum of understanding. U.S. Rice COO Sarah Moran says Iraq has fulfilled its commitment.

Cut 15 (08) “…2025 MOU year.”

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

Cut 13 (07)  “…that past payment.”

Former state representative John Schroder has now made it a goal to ride in every Carnival parade. The 63-year-old says by his count, he has ridden in more than 130 parades in his lifetime; and now that he has a little more time on his hands, he will add an additional 16 parades to his haul by the time this year’s Carnival season is over.

Cut 8 (08) “…fully participate in.”

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

Cut 12 (12) “…will be more.”

At this point, you can call John Schroder a professional parade rider. The former state representative from St. Tammany Parish and former state treasurer who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2023 has ridden in more than 130 parades, by his best estimation. 

Cut 7 (11) “…through Mardi Gras.”

Veterinarians and Animal Welfare professionals speak out against executing death row inmates with nitrogen gas.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Monopoly unveils a new version of the iconic board game, and this one is all about Baton Rouge. It features many iconic properties in the capital city, including Raising Cane’s, Community Coffee and the Knock-Knock Children’s Museum. The Baton Rouge edition of Monopoly will be available at any store featured on the board.

You can add veterinarians and animal welfare professionals to those speaking out against lethal gas as a method of execution. Veterinarian Dr. Mike Greenberg says nitrogen gas induces hypoxia, which means a lack of oxygen is being delivered to the brain, heart, and lungs, leading to death.

Cut 5 (12) “…prolonged death.”

Louisiana is planning on using nitrogen hypoxia to carry out its first execution in 15 years next month.

Senator Bill Cassidy says measles will soon work its way to Louisiana. The outbreak started in West Texas and New Mexico and is working its way east. Cassidy is urging everyone to get the vaccine, especially certain women.

Cut 12 (09) “…in your womb.”

Measles is extremely rare these days – and highly contagious. Symptoms include cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, fever and rash.

A woman loses her unborn child in a crash in St. Landry Parish. State Police say 51-year-old Albert Jenkins of Lafayette was driving a tractor-trailer when he ran a stop sign as he turned left onto U.S. 190 from Highway 783, causing the driver of a Kia to crash into the rear of the trailer. The pregnant driver of the Kia suffered critical injuries, and her unborn child did not survive.

A retired businessman and politician now has a new unofficial job – professional parade rider. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”