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.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is urging you to get vaccinated against measles. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Veterinarians and animal welfare professionals oppose nitrogen hypoxia, or gas suffocation, as a method of execution of 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.”

Greenberg says when using nitrogen gas, it 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.”

The veterinary and animal welfare industries have long opposed gassing for animal euthanasia.  Greenberg says when it was used animals would experience seizures, bleeding from the mouth and eyes.

Cut 6 (11) “…by the state.”

The first execution using nitrogen gas is set for March 18th.

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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.”

The 63-year-old Schroder says by the time this year’s Carnival season is over, he will have added an additional 16 parades to his total.

Cut 8 (08) “…fully participate in.”

Schroder has ridden in parades from more than 50 different organizations.

Cut 9 (10)  “…different female parades.”

Schroder says his ultimate goal is to ride in every Carnival parade, including the King of Carnival. He says one of the best parts about the parades is raising money for non-profit organizations.

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Measles may be a very rare disease today, but it is highly contagious and can be potentially deadly. There’s currently an outbreak in West Texas, and Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s headed for Louisiana.

Cut 10 (11) “…moving to us.”

As such, Cassidy is urging you to be prepared by getting your measles vaccine. He says State Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham recommends it.

Cut 11 (09) “…of Louisiana protected.”

Symptoms include cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, fever and rash. While Cassidy is urging everyone to get the vaccine, he says certain women should especially get it.

Cut 12 (09) “…in your womb.”

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Congressman Clay Higgins announced that Iraq is purchasing an additional 88-thousand metric tons of U.S. long-grain milled rice. The purchase is being made under the 2024-2025 Memorandum of Understanding, bringing the total to 220-thousand metric tons, exceeding the original 200-thousand metric ton agreement. U-S Rice COO Sarah Moran says Iraq has been a very import market for the U-S rice industry.

Cut 13 (08)  “…export market.”

Higgins emphasized his commitment to expanding global markets for Louisiana farmers, highlighting the significant impact of Iraq’s rice purchases on South Louisiana’s economy. Earlier this month, Higgins met with Iraqi Ambassador H.E. Nizar Al-Khairallah to discuss strengthening U.S.-Iraq trade relations. Moran says this agreement is  a win-win for Louisiana farmers and Irag.

Cut 14 (14) “…with one another.”

Higgins asked Iraq to complete its commitment by purchasing the remaining 70-thousand metric tons of rice under the MOU. Moran says Iraq did just that.

Cut 15 (08) “…2025 MOU year.”

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The second-ranked LSU baseball will play its next four games in Texas, starting with tonight’s game in Arlington against 19th-ranked Dallas Baptist at Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers. Coach Jay Johnson is looking forward to the experience…

Cut 16 (16) “…ballpark.”

LSU’s most experienced pitcher and one of its top relievers is not available this week. Johnson says Gavin Guidry is dealing with a non-arm injury…

Cut 17 (17)  “…next week sometime.”

Starting shortstop Stevan Milam (MYE-lim) is swinging a hot bat. He only had four hits in the first six games, but he has five hits in his last two games and on Monday night he drove in a career-high five runs. Johnson knew it was only a matter of time before Milam would get going…

Cut 18 (23)  “…about him.”

The Kansas City TV reporter who died while covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans had Xanax in his system on the day he died. That’s according to the preliminary toxicology report; and that would fit the M-O of suspect Danette Colbert, who has a history of drugging her victims before robbing them. Adan Manzano’s credit cards were found in Colbert’s Slidell home the day after he was found dead. A Jefferson Parish judge ordered Colbert to be held without bond, declaring her a flight risk due to previous failures to appear in court.

Insurance reform is expected to be one of the biggest issues for lawmakers in the upcoming regular session. Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana says in order to rein in the soaring cost of insurance, industry regulations in Louisiana need to be beefed up.

Cut 5 (14) “…insurance are justified.”

Catholics in Louisiana and all around the world are praying for Pope Francis, who’s hospitalized with respiratory issues. He was in critical condition over the weekend, but his condition has since been upgraded to serious. While he has resumed some of his duties as he recovers in the hospital, Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh), who hosts a daily Catholic talk show syndicated by EWTN, says there are others in his inner circle who’s taking up the slack in leading the Catholic church.

Cut 8 (10) “…holy father’s responsibilities.”

How did Louisiana’s strawberry crop do with last month’s historic snowfall and last week’s freezing weather? Darryl Poche, the co-owner of Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm in Livingston Parish, says he’s seen harsher conditions, but says it looks like the worst is done for this year.

Cut 13 (08)  “…white with blooms.”

We’re learning new information on the death of a Kansas City TV reporter who died while covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Preliminary toxicology reports indicate that Adan Manzano had Xanax in his system on the day he died. That would fit the M-O of suspect Danette Colbert, who has a history of drugging her victims before robbing them. Manzano’s credit cards were found in Colbert’s Slidell home the day after he was found dead. A Jefferson Parish judge ordered Colbert to be held without bond, declaring her a flight risk due to previous failures to appear in court.

Insurance reform is expected to be one of the biggest issues for lawmakers in the upcoming regular session. Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana says in order to rein in the soaring cost of insurance, industry regulations in Louisiana need to be beefed up.

Cut 5 (14) “…insurance are justified.”

Warm temperatures have returned and the cold weather appears to be behind us. So how did Louisiana’s strawberry crop do with a historic snowfall and last week’s freezing weather. Darryl Poche (po-SHAY) is the co-owner of Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm in Livingston Parish…

Cut 12 (16) “…10-percent.”

For the second year in a row, McNeese men’s basketball is regular season champs of the Southland Conference. The Cowboys clinched the title with a 100 to 65 win over UT Rio Grande Valley last night. McNeese will have the number one seed in the upcoming Southland Tournament and Coach Will Wade says winning it will guarantee them a spot in the Big Dance…

Cut 9 (09)  “…signed up for”

The regular legislative session is less than two months away, and the soaring cost of insurance is expected to be one of the big issues. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A State Police Captain was arrested this morning, accused of driving drunk while off duty and hitting a Baton Rouge Police unit in a multi-vehicle crash. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The soaring cost of insurance is expected to dominate the upcoming regular legislative session. Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana says the cost of insurance is taking a huge chunk out of families’ budgets statewide.

Cut 3 (09) “…pay for insurance.”

Riggs says the high price of insurance could lead to a housing crisis in the state. He says in addition to climate change, which results in severe storms that cause huge financial losses, the huge premiums can be attributed to Louisiana’s lax regulation of the insurance industry.

Cut 4 (15) “…bunch of standards.”

Riggs says insurance industry regulations in Louisiana need to be beefed up.

Cut 5 (14) “…insurance are justified.”

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Catholics in Louisiana and all around the world are praying for Pope Francis, who’s hospitalized with respiratory issues. He was in critical condition, but his condition has been upgraded to serious. Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh), who hosts a daily Catholic talk show syndicated by EWTN, says Pope Francis, who’s currently the third oldest serving pope, is not out of the woods just yet.

Cut 6 (04) “…last few years.”

Tomeo says Catholics everywhere, including at the Vatican, are praying for Francis’ recovery.

Cut 7 (12) “…in the hospital.”

While Francis has resumed some of his duties as he recovers in the hospital, Tomeo says there are others in his inner circle who’s taking up the slack in leading the Catholic church.

Cut 8 (10) “…holy father’s responsibilities.”

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McNeese men’s basketball is regular season champs of the Southland Conference for a second straight season. The Cowboys clinched the title with a 100 to 65 win over UT Rio Grande Valley last night. McNeese will have the number one seed in the upcoming Southland Tournament and Coach Will Wade says winning it will guarantee them a spot in the Big Dance…

Cut 9 (09)  “…signed up for”

This is only the second time McNeese has won back-to-back regular season championships. The first time they did it was the early 2000s. Wade says it takes consistency to go back-to-back…

Cut 10 (10) “…different guys.”

The Cowboys are now 34-2 in Southland Conference games under Wade. Christian Shumate has been a major part of the Cowboys success as he had his 39th career double-double last night, 19 points and 10 rebounds. The senior says it’s been a great ride…

Cut 11 (14) “…our fans.”

The Cowboys have two more regular season games on the road and then the Southland Conference Tournament starts in Lake Charles on March 9.

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Warm temperatures have returned and the cold weather appears to be behind us. So how did Louisiana’s strawberry crop do with a historic snowfall and last week’s freezing weather. Darryl Poche is the co-owner of Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm in Livingston Parish…

Cut 12 (16) “…10-percent.”

Poche and his wife, a fourth-generation strawberry farmer, have been farming for 23 years and have seen harsher conditions, but says it looks like the worst done for this year.

Cut 13 (08)  “…white with blooms.”

Poche says as spring weather rolls in it will be a few short weeks before strawberries are gonna be ready to be picked.

Cut 14 (08) “…at that time.”

The regular legislative session is less than two months away, and the soaring cost of insurance is expected to be one of the big issues. Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana says in addition to climate change, which results in severe storms that cause huge financial losses, the huge premiums can be attributed to Louisiana’s lax regulation of the insurance industry.

Cut 4 (15) “…bunch of standards.”

Catholics in Louisiana and all around the world are praying for Pope Francis, who’s hospitalized with respiratory issues. He was in critical condition, but his condition has been upgraded to serious. Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh), who hosts a daily Catholic talk show syndicated by EWTN, says Pope Francis, who’s currently the third oldest serving pope, is not out of the woods just yet.

Cut 6 (04) “…last few years.”

A State Police Captain was arrested this morning, accused of driving drunk while off duty and hitting a Baton Rouge Police unit in a multi-vehicle crash. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Professional wrestling’s biggest event returns to New Orleans next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana is seeing an increase in whooping (HOO-ping) cough, a preventable respiratory illness which is spreading among children, with two reported deaths. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Governor Landry will be in Natchitoches holding a roundtable with local leaders this afternoon amid the upcoming closure of the International Paper mill. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Professional wrestling’s biggest event will be coming back to New Orleans next year. WWE announced that WrestleMania 42 will be held at the Superdome April 11th and 12th, 2026. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says it’s another event that puts New Orleans in the global spotlight.

Cut 4 (08) “…upon and manage.”

This will be the third time that WrestleMania is coming to New Orleans; and Cicero says this time, it will be bigger and better now that it’s a two-night event.

Cut 5 (16) “…at the stadium.”

Cicero says it’s the latest event in a long string of mega-events to be held in the city, including – of course – the Super Bowl earlier this month.

Cut 6 (09) “…on a roll.”

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Whooping (HOO-ping) cough, a preventable respiratory illness, is spreading among children in Louisiana, with two reported deaths. Manning Family Children’s Hospital Physician in Chief Dr. Mark Kline says numbers are way up, compared to 2023 with only around a dozen cases in the state.

Cut 7 (13) “…from whooping cough.”

Nearly 120 cases have been reported so far, and numbers are rising. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated children have been hospitalized, but Kline emphasizes that fully vaccinated children have a better chance of recovery.

Cut 8 (10) “…18 months of age.”

Despite Louisiana’s surgeon general halting state vaccine promotion, Kline continues advocating for vaccinations to prevent severe cases in children and adults, especially for pregnant women.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the time of birth”

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Governor Landry will be in Natchitoches today, holding a roundtable discussion with local leaders at Northwestern State University amid the upcoming closure of the International Paper mill in Campti. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, whose district includes Natchitoches, says priority number one is the employees who will soon be out of work.

Cut 10 (16) “…at other places.”

McFarland says another of Landry’s priorities is to attract companies to fill the void caused by the International Paper closure.

Cut 11 (14) “…utilize wood fiber.”

McFarland says they plan on directing outgoing employees to potential employers in the vicinity.

Cut 12 (15) “…in Campti facility.”

McFarland says without creating jobs to fill the void, the closure of International Paper could have a devastating impact on the loss of sales tax revenue – maybe not this year, but next year and down the road.

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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple emphasized his belief that the state needs to have a special session on the auto insurance crisis.

Cut 13 (06)  “…that we’re paying.”

Temple says a lot of the issues with the auto insurance crisis can be traced to lack of transparency with medical billing. Temple says there is a difference in what your medical provider billed and what your insurance provider paid, resulting in a net gain and also an increase in premium.

Cut 14 (07) “…transparency to that.”

Temple says other aspects that will be tacked in the upcoming legislative session is cost drivers in Louisiana that increase the cost of a claim.

Cut 15 (09) “…that we pay.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team hosts Tennessee tonight. Tigers head coach Matt McMahon says his team will have its hands full against the number-five team in the country.

Cut 16 (19) “…just been phenomenal.”

LSU is 14-and-13 overall but is just 3-and-11 in SEC play, in 15th place out of 16 teams. McMahon acknowledged that it’s been a tough season.

Cut 17 (16)  “…and your team.”

Tipoff at the P-MAC is 8:00 p.m.

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The UL Lafayette baseball team is at McNeese tonight after sweeping a doubleheader on Saturday from 23^rd ranked Nebraska. Coach Matt Deggs says after dropping the series opener on Friday night, he loved the energy of his team on Saturday….

Cut 18 (14)  “…won on Saturday.”

J-R Tollett from Ruston will start tonight on the mound against the Cowboys. The sophomore right-hander allowed just one run in four innings of relief last week against Texas Southern. Deggs says Tollett was terrific last Tuesday…

Cut 19 (15) “…off of that.”

The Cajuns are 4-and-3 on the season.

Governor Landry says when he was attorney general of Louisiana, he did something similar to what Elon Musk is doing with federal employees, by asking them to document their work or resign. In an appearance on Fox News, Landry said he called on employees at the state department of justice to reapply for their jobs and explain their duties. He said it led to a more productive department.

Cut 13 (11)  “…the same.”

A death row inmate slated to be first to be executed in Louisiana in 15 years has instead died of natural causes. Christopher Sepulvado’s attorney, Shawn Nolan, said the thought of strapping the 81-year-old to a chair and forcing him to breathe toxic gas into his failing lungs is barbaric. Attorney General Liz Murrill says what he did to his six-year-old victim was even more barbaric.

Cut 4 (12) “…hot water.”

A deadly crash in Red River Parish this weekend involving a sheriff’s deputy. Investigators say 23-year-old Deputy Asia Pikes was driving along U.S. Highway 84, responding to an emergency with her lights and siren going in her patrol unit, when an SUV being driven by 70-year-old Ella Winn of Coushatta turned into her path from Cut-Off Road. State Police Trooper Eddie Thomas says Winn, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cut 8 (09) “…life and death.”

Impairment isn’t suspected, but samples were taken as per standard procedure, and the investigation is ongoing.

After two wins last week, the LSU women’s basketball team holds steady at number-seven in the latest AP poll. They beat Georgia Thursday night, 79-63, and they beat Kentucky yesterday afternoon, 65-58, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the process.

Governor Landry says when he was attorney general of Louisiana, he did something similar to what Elon Musk is doing with federal employees, by asking them to document their work or resign. In an appearance on Fox News, Landry said he called on employees at the state department of justice to reapply for their jobs and explain their duties. He said it led to a more productive department.

Cut 13 (11)  “…the same.”

A death row inmate slated to be first to be executed in Louisiana in 15 years has instead died of natural causes. Christopher Sepulvado’s attorney, Shawn Nolan, said the thought of strapping the 81-year-old to a chair and forcing him to breathe toxic gas into his failing lungs is barbaric. Attorney General Liz Murrill says what he did to his six-year-old victim was even more barbaric.

Cut 4 (12) “…hot water.”

A Red River Parish Sheriff’s deputy is involved in a deadly crash over the weekend. State Police Trooper Eddie Thomas says the crash happened on U.S. Highway 84 near Cut-Off Road, and the crash killed 70-year-old Ella Winn of Coushatta.

Cut 6 (14) “…lights and sirens activated.”

Thomas says Winn turned left into the patrol unit’s path. He says at this time, why she did that is unclear.

Manning Family Children’s is welcoming Houma Pediatrics and Thibodaux Pediatrics to its pediatric primary care team in March. Manning Family Children’s Hospital Physician and Chief Mark Kline says these two Acadiana-based clinics will continue offering expert care under the Manning Family Children’s network.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pediatric surgical specialist”

Elon Musk is calling on federal employees to document their work or resign. In an appearance on Fox News today, Governor Landry says he conducted a similar exercise when he was Louisiana’s Attorney General. Landry says he called on employees at the state department of justice to reapply for their job and explain their duties…

Cut 12 (10) “…out there.”

At least three federal agencies – the FBI, the State Department and the Pentagon – have told their employees to ignore Musk’s request.

Christopher Sepulvado will not be the first death row inmate to be executed in Louisiana in 15 years. That’s because the 81-year-old died of natural causes over the weekend. Sepulvado was convicted in 1992 in the DeSoto Parish murder of his six-year-old stepson, Wesley Allen Mercer. Attorney General Liz Murrill said Sepulvado’s fate is now in the hands of God.

Cut 5 (06) “…of our hands.”

New Orleans hosted a successful Super Bowl earlier this month and can now look forward to hosting the Super Bowl of wrestling in 2026. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A death row inmate slated to be the first to be executed in Louisiana in 15 years has died. 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado passed away over the weekend after spending more than 30 years on death row. He had been scheduled to be executed by way of lethal gas on March 17th. Attorney General Liz Murrill said she had no plans of calling off the execution had Sepulvado lived.

Cut 3 (06) “…relevant to me.” 

The Louisiana Travel Association and the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association are joining forces to strengthen and grow the bed and breakfast industry in the state. LTA President Chris Landry says the organizations plan to offer marketing support, educational opportunities, and networking events to enhance visibility and attract more visitors.

Cut 11 (09) “…be successful.”

Ten-digit dialing starts in the 318 area code today, as it gets ready to welcome the new 457 area code in September. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says there’s an easy way to remember the new area code.

Cut 6 (07) “…100 plus 357.”

The LSU Lady Tigers flip the script from last week as they went into Lexington and beat Kentucky, 65-58. Last week at Texas, LSU blew a 12-point third quarter lead in dropping their second game of the season. Yesterday, the Lady Tigers stormed back from down 16 late in the second quarter and outscored them 23-6 in the third to take control of the game. After the game, Coach Kim Mulkey said they didn’t make too many adjustments after halftime.

Cut 16 (17) “…to keep going.”

LSU improves to 27-2 overall and 12-2 in the SEC, and the win clinched them a double bye in the SEC Tournament.