Jessie Hoffman’s execution is back on for tomorrow – for now. On Friday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Shelly Dick that granted a delay, and the Louisiana Supreme Court last night declined to intervene. Loyola University New Orleans College of Law professor Dane Ciolino says Hoffman’s team had a valid argument to the state’s high court.

Cut 11 (10) “…to 45 days.”

Hoffman’s final hope is the U.S. Supreme Court.

Suspended LSU law professor Ken Levy was on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster on Friday discussing his suspension from the classroom for using explicit language directed towards Governor Landry and President Trump during a class discussion. Levy says he did nothing wrong.

Cut 4 (11) “…against profanity.”

One New Orleans professor says the U.S. is headed towards a recession with all these tariffs. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

More than 100 firefighters were called to the Port of Caddo/Bossier to put out a huge paper fire. About 95-hundred tons of baled paper spread across two and a half acres at Pratt Industries caught fire late Saturday afternoon, and the high winds were making the battle very difficult. Crews spent the entire weekend preventing flare-ups and protecting nearby businesses.

Suspended LSU Law Professor Ken Levy spoke with Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster about where he stands with his lawsuit against LSU. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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One New Orleans professor says the U.S. is headed towards a recession with all these tariffs. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The execution of Jessie Hoffman scheduled for tomorrow is back on – for now. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Suspended LSU law professor Ken Levy was on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster on Friday discussing his suspension from teaching for using explicit language directed to Governor Landry and President Trump. Levy says he did nothing wrong.

Cut 4 (11) “…against profanity.”

Levy says when the dean initially approached him on the incident, she asked him to tone down the swearing, and he agreed. But Levy said if she would have asked him to apologize, then he gladly would have.

Cut 5 (06) “…this is insane.”

Levy filed a lawsuit, arguing that his suspension violated his academic freedom and due process rights. When asked how long he would try to fight this and if he would call it quits, Levy says he plans to fight this until the end.

Cut 6 (11) “…much bigger than me.”

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It seems that every day, there’s an announcement of a new tariff that the U.S. is imposing on a country, with that country imposing its own tariffs against the U.S. in retaliation. University of New Orleans economics and finance professor Dub Lane says if it goes on much longer, inflation will go up, the economy will suffer, and America will experience a recession.

Cut 7 (11) “…a trade war.”

President Trump is by no means the first president to impose tariffs on other countries. From 1897 to 1901, William McKinley imposed tariffs to produce revenue. Lane says Trump is imposing tariffs as a negotiating tool, not necessarily to produce revenue.

Cut 8 (08) “…care of that.”

President Trump has said tariffs are a way to balance out the trade deficit. But Lane says trade deficits are not exactly a bad thing.

Cut 9 (09)  “…place to invest.”

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For now, tomorrow’s execution of Jessie Hoffman is back on. On Friday, a three-judge panel at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Shelly Dick that granted Hoffman a delay in his execution. Loyola University New Orleans College of Law professor Dane Ciolino says he’s surprised that the Fifth Circuit acted as quickly as it did.

Cut 10 (07) “…the issues presented.”

Hoffman is scheduled to be put to death for kidnapping, raping and killing Molly Elliott in 1996. He’s not contesting his death sentence; he’s contesting being put to death by nitrogen hypoxia, calling it cruel and unusual punishment and saying it would prevent him from practicing his Buddhist faith during the execution. Hoffman’s lawyers asked the Louisiana Supreme Court to halt the execution, but the court yesterday evening decided that it was not going to intervene. Ciolino said Hoffman’s team had a valid argument to the state’s high court.

Cut 11 (10) “…to 45 days.”

So now, Hoffman’s last hope is the U.S. Supreme Court. Ciolino says there’s also a chance that the case might not actually be over in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Cut 12 (06) “…the Fifth Circuit.”

Ciolino says when all is said and done, he would expect a delay for at least a few weeks. But if the Supreme Court declines to intervene, Hoffman will be executed tomorrow.

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For the fourth time, Kim Mulkey has led the LSU women’s basketball team to the NCAA Tournament – and for the fourth time, they’re a three seed. They will take on San Diego State Saturday at the P-MAC. When asked about San Diego State, Head Coach Kim Mulkey was admittedly dumbfounded.

Cut 13 (14)  “…start watching film.”

You may recall that LSU was a three seed when they won it all in 2023, beating Iowa in the national championship game. Mulkey says that experience will be a huge benefit as the Lady Tigers attempt to make another deep run in the tournament.

Cut 14 (18) “…have the experience.”

Under the women’s tournament format, the top four seeds host first and second round games in their home arenas. Mulkey says having the home crowd behind them will be a huge plus.

Cut 15 (21) “…get to host.”

Believe it or not, the LSU-San Diego State game is not the only Baton Rouge-San Diego matchup of the tournament. On Wednesday, Southern takes on U-C San Diego in a 16-seed play-in game in Los Angeles, for the right to play the tournament’s top seed, UCLA. LSU and Southern are the only Louisiana schools in the women’s tournament.

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In the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the eyes of Louisiana will all be on McNeese. The Cowboys are the only Louisiana team to make the field of 68. They’re seeded 12th in the Midwest Regional, and they will take on Clemson Thursday afternoon in Providence, Rhode Island. Both teams enter the game with identical 27-and-6 records. Cowboys head coach Will Wade says Clemson is a tough team, especially guard Chase Hunter and forward Ian Schieffelin (SHEFF-lin).

Cut 16 (12) “…rebounds a game.”

Clemson is a school that Wade is very familiar with. He happens to be an alumnus of the school, earning his undergraduate degree from there in 2005, serving as student manager of the basketball team during his undergrad years. Wade says it will be surreal coaching against his alma mater.

Cut 17 (16)  “…I’m all McNeese.”

McNeese was a 12 seed last year when they fell to Gonzaga in the first round, 86-65. McNeese is looking for their first ever NCAA tournament win in program history. But dismissing McNeese as a one-and-done might be a very unwise move. Ever since the tournament field expanded to 64 teams in 1985, there have been only six times in which none of the four 12 seeds beat a 5 seed. In fact, since 1985, 12 seeds have won more than one-third of all matchups against their fifth-seeded opponents.

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The top ranked LSU baseball team started SEC play with a three-game sweep over Missouri. The Tigers opened the series with a 12 to 5 on Friday, held on for a seven to six win on Saturday and then a 10 to 5 win on Sunday. Ethan Frey from Rosepine had three hits and drove in two runs…

Cut 18 (16)  “…doing it.”

Coach Jay Johnson was impressed the Tigers scored 29 runs to begin SEC play and only hit four home runs. He says they found other ways to score…

Cut 19 (14) “…conference play.”

Kade Anderson gave LSU a strong start on Friday night, but Anthony Eyanson and Chase Shores failed to get through four innings. Shores was pulled after he gave up his third run of the day. But Johnson says he’s not down on Shores…

Cut 20 (18) “…he will.”

Louisiana is bracing for severe weather this weekend. South Louisiana will be at a risk for severe storms – level four out of five in southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and a three out of five for areas including Alexandria and Lafayette. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says if you can make it through Saturday, it will be heavenly on Sunday.

Cut 11 (15) “…to be spectacular.”

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers has officially endorsed Amendment 2, a measure on the March 29 ballot that seeks to make a one-time stipend a permanent salary increase for teachers and support staff. LFT President Larry Carter acknowledges that it’s not a pay raise.

Cut 3 (06) “…all support staff.” 

The wife of legendary LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman has passed away. Sandy Bertman died Thursday night in Baton Rouge at the age of 87. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Sandy was the rock of the family.

Cut 6 (13) “…in Baton Rouge.”

Both NCAA brackets will be released Sunday. ESPN women’s college basketball bracketologist Charlie Crème (“cream”) has LSU a three-seed, which means LSU will host the first two rounds in Baton Rouge. Crème says LSU’s top three players are as good as anyone’s in the country…

Cut 14 (11) “…rest of the roster.”

The Tigers were a three-seed when they won the national championship two years ago.

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers endorses Amendment 2, which among other things would transform a stipend for teachers into a permanent pay raise. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU baseball is mourning the loss of a beloved member of the family. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Federation of Teachers has officially endorsed Amendment 2, a measure on the March 29 ballot that seeks to make a one-time stipend a permanent salary increase for teachers and support staff. LFT President Larry Carter says it’s not a pay raise.

Cut 3 (06) “…all support staff.”

Two years ago, teachers received a two-thousand dollar pay raise, but it’s considered a stipend and not permanent. Legislators did not want to make it permanent because of future funding concerns. Carter says the passage of Amendment Two would protect that funding against future budget deficits…

Cut 4 (14) “…their salaries.”

There has been a lawsuit filed by a pastor and two teachers that the ballot language is misleading, but Carter says LFT backs Amendment 2.

Cut 5 (12) “…for amendment 2.”

Early voting starts tomorrow.

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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. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Sandy was the rock of the family.

Cut 6 (13) “…in Baton Rouge.”

The Bertmans were married for 63 years, and Guilbeau says it was basically love at first sight for the two of them.

Cut 7 (18) “…they were married.”

Guilbeau says Sandy took after her husband in many ways.

Cut 8 (10) “…to be around.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Louisiana is bracing for severe weather this weekend. South Louisiana will be at a risk for severe storms – level four out of five in southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and a three out of five for areas including Alexandria and Lafayette. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says when those levels get to that point, take them seriously.

Cut 9 (09)  “…out of five.”

Keim says all forms of severe weather are possible for Saturday.

Cut 10 (09) “…winds and hail”

But Keim says if you can make it through Saturday, it will be heavenly on Sunday, the day before St. Patrick’s Day.

Cut 11 (15) “…to be spectacular.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team will find out its spot in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday night when the bracket is released. ESPN women’s college basketball bracketologist Charlie Crème (“cream”) says there are questions about LSU heading into the tourney and the biggest question is health….

Cut 12 (08) “…going to be.”

Flau’Jae Johnson missed the SEC Tournament with a shin injury and Aneesah Morrow re-aggravated a foot injury during the SEC Tournament. Crème says the other main question about LSU is the supporting role players.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the other three.”

Crème has LSU has a three-seed, which means LSU will host the first two rounds in Baton Rouge. They were a three-seed when they won the national championship two years ago. Crème says LSU’s top three players are as good as anyone’s in the country…

Cut 14 (11) “…rest of the roster.”

The women’s bracket will be released at 7 p.m. on Sunday. The men’s bracket will be released one hour earlier. ESPN projects McNeese as a 12-seed in the Indianapolis Regional, playing Ole Miss.

Louisiana is bracing for severe weather this weekend. South Louisiana will be at a risk for severe storms – level four out of five in southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and a three out of five for areas including Alexandria and Lafayette. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says when those levels get to that point, take them seriously.

Cut 9 (09)  “…out of five.”

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. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Sandy was the rock of the family.

Cut 6 (13) “…in Baton Rouge.”

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers endorses Amendment 2, which among other things would transform a stipend for teachers into a permanent pay raise. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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.