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.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

___________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

The city council president in New Orleans is blasting Mayor Latoya Cantrell for attending a mayor’s conference in Washington D.C., despite a city-wide travel ban for all nonessential travel.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

If a bear hunting season for 2025 gets the green light, it will be bigger than last year’s. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell criticized Mayor LaToya Cantrell for violating a travel ban by attending the Yale Mayor’s College Conference in Washington, D.C.

Cut 3 (14) “…claim we have”

The ban, which will be in effect until at least the end of April, prohibits non-essential travel and related expenses. Morrell’s letter argues that pre-approved travel is not exempt, as the ordinance even includes provisions for reimbursing canceled trips. He demands a full accounting of any expenses incurred.

Cut 4 (11) “…people from Yale.”

The city claims the conference was scheduled before the ban and asserts no costs will be incurred. The controversy arises amid financial concerns and scrutiny of the mayor’s travel. Morrell’s letter condemns the mayor’s actions, arguing she should prioritize financial discipline.

Cut 5 (14) “…law went into effect.”

In response, the city defends the trip as beneficial for leadership development and dismisses criticism as divisive.

______________________________________________________________

There could be another black bear hunting season this winter, and this one would be even bigger than last year’s. John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says the department is looking to open up two additional bear areas along with Bear Area 4 in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “…Terrebonne, Iberia.”

Hanks says the number of tags would go up. Last year, there were ten tags available in Area 4. That would go up to 14 in Area 4, along with eight in Area 1 and three in Area 2. And just like last year, there would be a lottery for those tags, and the odds will be quite long.

Cut 7 (11) “…for those permits.”

Hanks says the growing bear population is making it possible to have a bear hunting season.

Cut 8 (11) “…are excess animals.”

If approved, the bear hunting season would run from December 6th to the 21st. The department will accept written public comment through May 1st.

______________________________________________________________

Three suspects are now under arrest in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Kyle Thurman was arrested in Port Allen yesterday, and Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean (ELL-jeen) McKneely says police had expected Thurman to turn himself in as well.

Cut 9 (06)  “…this past Friday.”

Lieutenant McKneely says, however, that never materialized.

Cut 10 (09) “…to apprehend him”

23-year-old Caleb McCray turned himself in last Friday. Investigators say Wilson died after being punched in the stomach during a hazing ritual with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. McKneely says it’s possible that more arrests could be forthcoming.

Cut 11 (09) “…have been arrested.”

___________________________________________________________

Saints Coach Kellen Moore says he’s excited to work with quarterback Derek Carr as the 33-year-old signal caller is staying in New Orleans. Moore says he had a good conversation with Carr before he agreed to a restructured contract….

Cut 12 (12) “…going to provide”

At his introductory press conference, Moore said he was looking forward to going through a process to determine if Carr should return for a third season. Moore says it didn’t take long to determine that Carr should be the quarterback to lead the team in 2025…

Cut 13 (10)  “…special ways.”

Carr’s contract was restructured over the weekend, converting part of the contract to a signing bonus. The move saves the Saints 30-million dollars in salary cap space, and it means Carr will get his full 40-million dollars in salary for 2025. Moore is glad Carr will be with the Black and Gold in 2025…

Cut 14 (07) “…good situation.”

The Saints have also restructured the contracts of guard Cesar Ruiz, defensive end Carl Granderson and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, giving the team 13-million dollars in salary cap space.

A third suspect wanted in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson has surrendered. Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. Smith along with 23-year-old Caleb McCray and Kyle Thurman are facing felony charges for their role in Wilson’s death last month. Authorities say Wilson died after being punched in the stomach during a hazing ritual with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. McCray was arrested late last week, and Thurman was arrested by Baton Rouge Police and U.S. marshals yesterday.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s trip to Washington, DC, amid a city-imposed travel ban is not sitting well with the president of the city council. J.P. Morrell is demanding a full accounting of any expenses incurred by Cantrell during her trip.

Cut 4 (11) “…people from Yale.”

The unanimously-approved travel ban runs through at least the end of next month.

There could be another black bear hunting season this winter, and this one would be even bigger than last year’s. The department is looking to expand the areas to include much of South Louisiana.  John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says the number of tags would go up from 11 to 26 – but your odds of scoring one would be quite long.

Cut 7 (11) “…for those permits.”

If approved, the bear hunting season would run from December 6th to the 21st. The department will accept written public comment through May 1st.

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says property insurance reforms in Louisiana are working. Temple says since the legislature passed his package of property insurance reform bills last year, many property insurance premiums are no longer skyrocketing.

Cut 12 (09) “…are coming down.”

Not only that, Temple says some insurers are starting to file rate decreases. He says since last year, his department has licensed ten new insurers.

The lease for the temporary housing facility in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood that housed homeless people during the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras will be extended on a week-to-week basis. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says there are far fewer people in the transitional center today.

Cut 8 (09) “…down to 78.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has pardoned a crawfish today. It’s part of an unofficial kickoff to crawfish season here in Louisiana. 

Cut 4 (12) “…here in Louisiana.”

The crawfish is named Pat Huval, after the late former mayor of Henderson, just east of Lafayette, and the namesake of Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, where the ceremony took place. The crawfish is being given a police escort to a state park, where he will live the rest of his life, while his family will be boiled and eaten.

New Orleans native Quannas White, the current associate head coach at the University of Houston, has been named the new head coach of the U-L Lafayette men’s basketball team. The Advocate’s Kevin Foote says it’s a huge win for the Ragin’ Cajuns program.

Cut 14 (10) “…great hire.”

One lucky crawfish will be treated like royalty as he will have his life spared this morning. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says property insurance reforms are working. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

New Orleans native Quannas White, the current associate head coach at the University of Houston, has been named the 15th head coach of the U-L Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be pardoning a crawfish today. This is the ninth year he has taken part in the ritual as part of an unofficial kickoff to crawfish season in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (12) “…here in Louisiana.”

The ceremony will be held this morning at nine at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant in Henderson, just east of Lafayette in St. Martin Parish. Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says the pardoned crawfish will be given the name of the restaurant’s founder and namesake.

Cut 5 (07) “…Wharf and Restaurant.”

Nungesser says the crawfish to be named Pat Huval will be treated like royalty.

Cut 6 (09) “…beautiful state parks.”

The pardoned crawfish’s family, on the other hand, won’t be as lucky. Nungesser says they will be boiled alive.

______________________________________________________

The lease for the temporary housing facility in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood that housed homeless people during the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras expires today, but it will remain open for the time being. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says they’re going to extend the lease of the facility on France Road as long as necessary in short chunks.

Cut 7 (06) “…week by week basis.”

Steele says there are far fewer people in the transitional center today.

Cut 8 (09) “…down to 78.”

The transitional center was designed to be more than simply a roof over people’s heads. It also involved transportation services to and from jobs or medical appointments, job placement services and counseling services. Steele says the mission has been a success.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to self-vacate.”

______________________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says property insurance reforms in Louisiana are working. Temple says since the legislature passed his package of property insurance reform bills last year, rates are starting to trend in the right direction.

Cut 10 (09) “…overall reinsurance market.”

Temple says the Department of Insurance has licensed ten new insurers since the start of last year’s session. He says while there’s still a ways to go, Louisiana is seeing benefits of reform faster than one of its Gulf Coast neighbors.

Cut 11 (08) “…seeing the impact.”

Temple says another factor in the change in the property insurance trend is the fortified roofs program, which he says has many more benefits than one.

Cut 12 (08) “…to stay dry.”

______________________________________________________

New Orleans native Quannas White, the current associate head coach at the University of Houston, has been named the 15th head coach of the U-L Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team. The Advocate’s Kevin Foote says White was the obvious choice.

Cut 13 (13)  “…graduated at St. Aug.”

Under mentor Kelvin Sampson, White played a key role in Houston’s success, contributing to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a 235-43 overall record. As a player at Oklahoma, White helped lead the Sooners to the 2002 Final Four. His coaching career includes stints at Western Kentucky and Tulane. Foote says the question was, would White take the job?

Cut 14 (10) “…great hire.”

Foote says he thinks White will be well accepted, but he does have a lot of work to do.  Especially if he plans on bringing Houston’s strategies and schemes to U-L Lafayette.

Cut 15 (09) “…recruit for that.”

______________________________________________________

The Saints have a new coaching staff for 2025, led by Head Coach Kellen Moore. This is the 36-year-old’s first head coaching job in the NFL. He was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles last season, helping them win Super Bowl 59. Moore says he’s working to build relationships with both his players and his fellow coaches.

Cut 16 (21) “…up as well.”

Moore’s two coordinators are coaches that he had worked with in the past. Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier was the Eagles quarterbacks coach last season. He says his experience in Philadelphia was amazing, especially how it culminated.

Cut 17 (16)  “…been blessed.”

In 2023, Brandon Staley was the head coach of the Chargers, and Moore was his offensive coordinator. In New Orleans, the spots on the organizational chart are flip-flopped, with Staley now serving as Moore’s defensive coordinator. Staley says Moore is the real deal as a coach.

Cut 18 (15)  “…just really special.”

A work release inmate who walked off the job is captured. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says 22-year-old Taegan Howarth was caught in St. Tammany Parish. Ashley Rodrigue with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says the work release program is a Department of Corrections program, and Howarth is not the first to walk off the job since Gerald Sticker became sheriff last year.

Cut 11 (09) “…about two hours.”

Former Louisiana First Lady Alice Foster passed away last Thursday at 84, in her historic home, Oaklawn Manor, in St. Mary Parish. She was the wife of former Governor Mike Foster for 40 years until his passing in 2020.  Former Foster Press Secretary Marsanne Golsby says Alice Foster was an amazing woman.

Cut 12 (13) “…both of them.”

Daylight Saving Time is again sparking debate on its effects and whether it should be abolished. While opinions vary, experts agree that clock changes impact health, particularly by disrupting sleep. Dr. Rahn Bailey with LSU Health New Orleans says losing an hour during the “spring forward” transition affects biological clocks, reducing morning sunlight exposure and delaying sleep schedules.

Cut 3 (14) “…than earlier thought” 

A legendary North Louisiana high school football coach has passed away. Red Franklin was the head football coach at Haynesville High School for 35 years, winning 11 state championships. Franklin’s son, David, says his father arrived at the school during integration.

Cut 6 (10) “…our town together.”