A hearing in federal court in Baton Rouge today, aimed at delaying the execution of Jessie Hoffman. Loyola University New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the Promise of Justice Initiative is trying to prove that using nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.

Cut 4 (13) “…the 8th Amendment.”

Two Republican state senators will be introducing a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would ban the use of fluoride in drinking water. Patrick McMath of Covington says with nearly every toothpaste on the market containing fluoride, there is no reason why it should be in drinking water.

Cut 7 (07) “…what this is.”

Health experts say the EPA standard for concentration levels in drinking water is well below the threshold that would lead to health issues.

An LSU grad from Lafayette who owns a vegan ice cream shop in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized as having the best vegan Ice cream shop in the country by Veg News. Kate Williams’ ice cream is made from coconut milk. She currently has two stores with plans to open more.

Cut 12 (11) “…supposed to taste like.”

Venture Global announces it will invest an additional 18-billion dollars to expand its liquefied natural gas facility south of New Orleans in Plaquemines Parish. Venture CEO Mike Sabel says the LNG export facility will increase annual shipments from 27-million tons to over 45-million.

Cut 14 (12) “…US balance of trade”

Another Carnival season has come and gone in Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says it was good to see that the severe weather on Tuesday did not damper the spirits across south Louisiana, even though parade times were moved up and two major parades in New Orleans were shortened.

Cut 3 (12) “…get home safely” 

A man whose remains were discovered back in 1984 is still unidentified, and the coroner in St. Tammany Parish needs your help. Hunters found the remains below the I-59 bridge on the bank of the West Pearl River near the Mississippi state line. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says even though only the bones remained, through genetic genealogy, investigators were able to establish some characteristics.

Cut 7 (06) “…when he died.”

It’s unclear how long the remains were there before the hunters found them more than 40 years ago.

Clocks spring forward an hour this weekend, and it’s a great time to check smoke alarms too. Ken Pastorick with the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal says smoke alarms are proven to save lives and that’s what happened last Saturday in Hammond.

Cut 9 (13)  “…minimal damage.”

DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Secretary Joe Donahue says the department identified a few deficiencies in its operation – among them is the lack of consistency in the department’s messaging.

Cut 15 (08) “…get different answers.”

Donahue says another deficiency identified is the inability to deliver projects on schedule, saying in recent years, a small percentage of them were actually in the Highway Priority Program’s pipeline

If a new poll is any indication, Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid could be a tough one. A new poll by JMC Analytics commissioned by the John Fleming campaign shows the current state treasurer leading Cassidy by 13 points in a head to head matchup. JMC Analytics Founder and President John Couvillon (KOO-ve-ahn) says the closed primary could create significant headwinds for Cassidy.

Cut 4 (13) “…Republicans and independents.”

Louisiana’s small business owners are urging legislators to address rising insurance costs in the upcoming legislative session. According to NFIB State Director Leah Long, lawsuit abuse is a major factor driving up insurance rates, and common sense reforms are necessary to stabilize the market and create a fair legal system.

Cut 7 (11) “…2025 session.”

We’re learning one of the names of the victims in the deadly Mardi Gras concert shooting in Mamou. Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School says Alaya Christian was one of the two kids killed in the shooting. The school says Christian was on the student council, a player on the softball team and an active participant in clubs and organizations. In addition to the two killed, 12 others were hurt, with two in critical condition.

DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Secretary Joe Donahue says among the issues identified is the inability to deliver projects on schedule. He says of the projects completed in recent years, a small percentage were actually in the Highway Priority Program’s pipeline, and that’s something that will change.

Cut 14 (14) “…course of development.”

Donahue says another deficiency identified was the lack of consistency in the department’s messaging.

A new poll suggests that Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for a tough re-election campaign. The poll by JMC Analytics commissioned by the John Fleming campaign shows the current state treasurer leading Cassidy by 13 points in a head to head matchup. JMC Analytics Founder and President John Couvillon (KOO-ve-ahn) says now that the U.S. Senate primary in Louisiana is a closed primary, the challenge for Cassidy is that the electorate will be much more conservative than in years past.

Cut 5 (16) “…on his re-election.”

Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff is accused of driving under the influence. Hayden Haynes was arrested Tuesday following President Trump’s address to Congress. Capitol Police say Haynes backed into a parked vehicle just before midnight Tuesday night. Haynes has been Johnson’s chief of staff since 2023.

Louisiana’s small business owners are urging legislators to address rising insurance costs through legal reforms in the upcoming legislative session. NFIB State Director Long says the organization supports legislation that would place medical damages in a trust to prevent excessive costs, cap non-economic damages at 750-thousand dollars for predictability, and bar individuals more than 50-percent at fault from recovering damages to reduce frivolous claims.

Cut 8 (11) “…taking the case”

It’s a reacquaintance of sorts – Cleo Fields is back on Capitol Hill as a congressman for the first time in 28 years. If Congress seems much more polarized to you now compared to back then, Fields says you’re exactly right.

Cut 12 (08) “…to come back.”

A new poll suggests that Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid could be a tough one. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Small Business owners are urging lawmakers to focus on tax reform in the upcoming legislative session. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

If a new poll is any indication, Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for a tough re-election campaign. A new poll by JMC Analytics commissioned by the John Fleming campaign shows the current state treasurer leading Cassidy by 13 points in a head to head matchup. JMC Analytics Founder and President John Couvillon (KOO-ve-ahn) says the fact that Cassidy will be participating in a closed primary could create significant headwinds for his re-election bid.

Cut 4 (13) “…Republicans and independents.”

And as such, Couvillon says the primary electorate in April of 2026 will be much more conservative than in the open primaries that Cassidy had previously ran in.

Cut 5 (16) “…on his re-election.”

Couvillon says this will be a hotly-contested primary, and the campaign will begin in earnest in a few months.

Cut 6 (11) “…and this fall.”

Couvillon says Fleming’s standing among Republican voters greatly improved when they consider his background. Like Cassidy, Fleming is a medical doctor by trade. Prior to becoming state treasurer, he served as deputy White House chief of staff during Donald Trump’s first presidency.

______________________________________________________

Louisiana’s small business owners are urging legislators to address rising insurance costs through legal reforms in the upcoming legislative session starting April 14. According to NFIB State Director Long, lawsuit abuse is a major factor driving up insurance rates, and common sense reforms are necessary to stabilize the market and create a fair legal system.

Cut 7 (11) “…2025 session.”

Long says the NFIB supports legislation that would place medical damages in a trust to prevent excessive costs, cap non-economic damages at 750-thousand dollars for predictability, and bar individuals more than 50-percent at fault from recovering damages to reduce frivolous claims.

Cut 8 (11) “…taking the case”

Long argues that lawsuit abuse stifles business growth and hiring while increasing costs. Passing these reforms would ensure fairness and give small businesses the stability they need to support Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 9 (05)  “…small business owners.”

______________________________________________________

It’s a reacquaintance of sorts – Cleo Fields is back on Capitol Hill as a congressman for the first time in 28 years. Since the day that Fields left office the first time, only 19 representatives remain, none from Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…across the aisle.”

The sixth district Congressman says in terms of the House floor, the biggest difference is the use of modern technology.

Cut 11 (07) “…done through iPhones”

And if Congress seems much more polarized to you these days, Fields will tell you you’re exactly right.

Cut 12 (08) “…to come back.”

______________________________________________________

DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Secretary Joe Donahue says the department identified a few deficiencies in its operation – among them is the inability to deliver projects on schedule.

Cut 13 (13)  “…fall off track.”

Donahue says of the projects completed in recent years, a small percentage were actually in the Highway Priority Program’s pipeline, and that’s something that will change in the strategic improvement plan.

Cut 14 (14) “…course of development.”

Donahue says another deficiency identified was the lack of consistency in the department’s messaging.

Cut 15 (08) “…get different answers.”

Donahue says as a result, what the department was telling people was not the same as what it was reporting to the federal government each year.

After a successful Super Bowl, New Orleans can now boast about a successful Mardi Gras. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell credits a strong partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Cut 4 (20) “…of Mardi Gras”

A recent online solicitation sting by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office nets 11 arrests. The sheriff’s office partnered with Chris Hansen, who once hosted a segment on Dateline NBC called “To Catch A Predator.” Hansen says he thought people would catch on after the first couple segments, but nope.

Cut 8 (10) “…exploit a child.”

A Mardi Gras celebration in Mamou turns into a mass shooting that left two people dead. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A shooting at a Mardi Gras parade in Franklinton last weekend is leading some to question the future of that city’s parade. As such, Keneshia Neal has started a petition on Change-dot-org to preserve the event. She says the actions of a few should not overshadow a tradition that has united the community for over 50 years.

With the help of former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 11 men in a recent online solicitation sting. Last month, the sheriff’s office had deputies pose as 14-year-olds online. Sheriff Jason Ard says all suspects agreed to meet who they thought was the 14-year-old at a house.

Cut 6 (09) “…14-year-old.”

New Orleans had a rocky start in 2025, but after a successful Super Bowl, the city can also boast about a successful Mardi Gras. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

Cut 3 (19) “…city of New Orleans” 

At least two people are reportedly dead and many more were injured from gunfire during a Mardi Gras celebration in the Evangeline Parish town of Mamou. Chris Ardoin was performing at the time. He took to Facebook to say this was the first time he had one of his sons on stage with him, because he wanted to attend Mardi Gras for the first time…

Cut 10 (10) “…shield us.”

An Oil City man was arrested after allegedly threatening and attacking a school resource officer with an umbrella. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says 70-year-old Gary Fenner arrived at Northwood High School around 9 a.m. to pick up his grandchild but was denied access due to a tornado-related lockdown.

Cut 12 (13) “…Mr. Fenner.”

Despite the threat of severe weather, there is some serious Mardi Gras partying going on in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Cut 13 (03)  “…Mardi Gras.”

Security is ramped up following the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. This woman rode a float in the Mid-City parade and revelers are happy that the terrorist attack did not take away Mardi Gras this year…

Cut 14 (07) “…feels safe.”

Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access to nine Bloomberg Terminals, professional-grade financial data and analytics tools. Associate Dean Dr. William McCumber says the Bloomberg Terminals allow students to gain hands-on experience with professional level tools.

Cut 8 (08) “…business opportunity.”

Anyone with Louisiana Tech credentials can create a Bloomberg profile and utilize this resource.

President Trump has imposed 25-percent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico. Senator Bill Cassidy says he agrees with the tariffs against Mexico, saying it’s a way to get them to crack down on drug cartels and illegal immigration. However, Cassidy says he wants assurances from the White House that the price of big-ticket items like cars won’t go up.

Cut 11 (10) “…for my people.”

Congressman Mike Johnson will be sitting directly behind President Trump as House Speakers customarily do as Trump addresses a joint session of Congress tonight. Johnson says Trump has so many accomplishments in his first 43 days back in office that he can tout tonight.

Cut 3 (13) “…much to celebrate.”

The entire state is bracing for severe weather on this Fat Tuesday. National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says storms are closing in. 

Cut 3 (08) “…the day today.” 

The threat of severe weather is not stopping Cajun Mardi Gras in Eunice. Mayor Scott Fontenot says it never has, and it never will.

Cut 9 (05)  “…they had lockdown.”

The Cajun Mardi Gras festival in Eunice started last Friday and wraps up today with a parade that pays tribute to the heritage and customs of the Acadian people who settled in southwest Louisiana. People dressed in costume run through the countryside begging for ingredients for the gumbo that they’ll make at the end. While many will walk, others will be in trailers or on horseback. It attracts people from all across the country and beyond.

The early start to the Mardi Gras parades and the threat of stormy weather has not dampened the spirits of revelers on this Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. Large crowds were on hand for the Zulu and Rex parades. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says it’s great to see…

Cut 12 (13) “…on today.”

Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access to nine Bloomberg Terminals, professional-grade financial data and analytics tools.  Finance Professor William McCumber says four of them are accessible 24/7 in common areas and five of them are in Ray’s Financial Trading Room, where Student Managed Investment Fund analysts train.

Cut 6 (11) “…around the globe.”

Mardi Gras is always a festive occasion in Louisiana. But this year, Mother Nature has other plans. The entire state is bracing for severe weather today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says in the New Orleans area…

Cut 14 (09) “…finally tapering off.”

Both New Orleans parades took off this morning and will be required to be wrapped up by noon today. And other cities are also adjusting their Mardi Gras parade plans. In Lafayette, Police Sergeant Robin Green says they’re moving up two parades and are cancelling a third.

Cut 10 (14) “…Gras festival parade.”

The independent parade was slated to start immediately after the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival parade, but the weather will not hold up at that time; and thus, it has been cancelled.

It’s a Mardi Gras celebration in the Cajun tradition in Eunice, and it has its big finish today. The Cajun Mardi Gras festival started last Friday and wraps up today with a parade that pays tribute to the heritage and customs of the Acadian people who settled in southwest Louisiana. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says it’s actually more of a run than a parade.

Cut 8 (07) “…the whole time.”

The participants run through the countryside begging for ingredients for the gumbo that they’ll make at the end.

President Trump delivers a primetime address to a joint session of Congress tonight. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Trump will focus a lot on immigration and foreign policy following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the oval office last week.

Cut 5 (10) “…with foreign policy.”

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic response.