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

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

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

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

Cut 4 (07) “…was uninjured.”

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

Cut 5 (11) “…in this situation.”

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

Cut 6 (08) “…1.5 billion in 2024.”

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

Cut 7 (09) “…our rice producers.”

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

Cut 8 (10) “…really concerned about.”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “…incredibly great candidates”

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

Cut 10 (08) “…bridges with alumni”

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

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

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

Cut 12 (12) “…will be more.”

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

Cut 13 (07)  “…that past payment.”

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

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

Cut 14 (10) “…that, of course.”

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

Cut 15 (11) “…contentious it’s been”

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

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

Cut 6 (08) “…1.5 billion in 2024.”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “…incredibly great candidates”

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

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

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

And now, a look at today’s commodities. 

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

Cut 4 (11) “…in those animals.”

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

Cut 15 (08) “…2025 MOU year.”

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

Cut 13 (07)  “…that past payment.”

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

Cut 8 (08) “…fully participate in.”

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

Cut 12 (12) “…will be more.”

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

Cut 7 (11) “…through Mardi Gras.”

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

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

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

Cut 5 (12) “…prolonged death.”

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

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

Cut 12 (09) “…in your womb.”

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

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

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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.”