This is a day when you want to pay close attention to the weather. A tornado watch is in effect for much of southwestern and central Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the storm system will work its way across the state throughout the day today.

Cut 8 (11) “…across the area.”

A Senate committee advances a bill that would make it a crime to stage a disruptive protest inside a place of worship. Ponchatoula Senator Bill Wheat says his bill would not prohibit someone from holding a sign in front of a place of worship; but causing a disruption would lead to a 500-dollar fine and up to 15 days in jail.

Cut 10 (12) “…disruptive service.”

Lake Charles is the undisputed capital of boys’ high school basketball this week as the city is playing host to the semifinals and championships for all ten state divisions. Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority Executive Director Eric Zartler says the region rolls out the red carpet for the 40 teams competing each year.

Cut 5 (09) “…big game feel”

And if that’s not enough, McNeese is hosting Stephen F. Austin this afternoon, with a trip to the NCAA Tournament at stake.

Speaking of college sports, Senator Bill Cassidy recently held a roundtable discussion on potential legislation to regulate NIL deals. LSU Deputy Athletic Director Julie Cromer says with student athletes trying to cash in on those deals, the education component of being a student-athlete is going away, and athletic departments need help.

Cut 13 (11) “…education.”

A tornado watch is in effect for much of southwestern and central Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Alexandria, Natchitoches and Monroe. This, as a storm system is making its way through the state from Texas. State Climatologist Jay Grimes says a tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado formation.

Cut 7 (11) “…become EF1s, EF2s.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says Congress can no longer sit on the sidelines as it needs to come up with legislation to regulate NIL deals in college athletics. Cassidy says legislation needs to be put in place protect student athletes who are signing these deals that result in agents receiving a 40-percent commission.

cut 12 (12) “…go to pros”

Lake Charles is the epicenter of March Madness in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick reports the Southland Conference is crowning new champions today and tomorrow and the high boys basketball tournament is taking place  at the Burton Coliseum.

Cut 1 (25) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A Senate committee approves legislation that would make it a crime to conduct a disruptive protest inside a church or near a place of worship. The legislation is in response to a protest that took place at a Minneapolis church last January where the pastor was an ICE officer. It now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.

We could be in for severe weather later today. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says a storm system is making its way east from Texas, bringing a slight risk for severe weather – a two out of five on the scale.

Cut 6 (11) “…into the night.”

A tornado watch is in effect for much of southwestern and central Louisiana.

With all due apologies to Kim Mulkey if she’s listening, but Lake Charles is the basketball capital of Louisiana this week. McNeese is hosting Stephen F. Austin this afternoon for the chance to return to the NCAA Tournament, and the city is also hosting the boys’ high school state championships. Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority Executive Director Eric Zartler says this is the 13th straight year the Burton Coliseum is playing host.

Cut 4 (07) “…this one.” 

The U.S. Geological Survey sent a team to northwest Louisiana to install new equipment to assist in detecting earthquakes. This, in the wake of a series of tremors triggered by last week’s magnitude 4.9 in Red River Parish. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart will seek the death penalty against a man accused of killing a Vivian police officer. A Caddo Parish grand jury indicted 58 year old Nicholas Alexander last month for first-degree murder in the death of Officer Marc Brock.

A bill to name a proposed new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump has received approval from the House Transportation Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The U.S. Geological Survey sent a team to northwest Louisiana to install new equipment to assist in detecting earthquakes. This, in the wake of a series of tremors triggered by last week’s magnitude 4.9 in Red River Parish. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The Department of Insurance released the benchmarks for hurricane premium discounts for those with fortified roofs. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A proposed Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge could be named after President Trump. The House Transportation has approved legislation by Monroe Representative Michael Echols to name the new bridge the “President Donald J. Trump Expressway.” Echols says naming the bridge after the President could result in securing the needed three-billion dollars in federal funding for construction.

Cut 4 (12) “…of that reality.”

The bill passed on a 12-to-2 vote.

Echols is also in the running to replace Republican Julia Letlow in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.

Shreveport Democrat Joy Walters voted against the legislation. Walters suggested that naming the bridge after the current President should be an idea coming from Louisiana’s congressional delegation. She also asked Echols if he was trying to score political points for his Congressional campaign.

Cut 5 (10) “…get his attention.”

State transportation officials are looking to build a bridge south of the current I-10 bridge, connecting LA Highway 1 in Iberville Parish to LA Highway 30 in Ascension Parish to reduce congestion in the capital city. Denham Springs Republican Representative Kellee Dickerson says the alternative to foregoing federal funding for the bridge would draw the ire of drivers everywhere.

Cut 6 (06) “…a chalk board.”

Tolls will be used to pay for a portion of the new I-10 Lake Charles bridge. Echols’ measure heads to the House floor for more consideration.

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After a series of earthquakes in northwest Louisiana triggered by Thursday’s magnitude 4.9 in Red River Parish, the U.S. Geological Survey spent time this week installing new equipment to assist in detecting earthquakes. Among those on the team was Cynthia Ebinger (uh-BING-er) with the Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, who says this is standard operating procedure.

Cut 7 (12) “…the ground accelerations.”

Ebinger says the data collected from those instruments will be very beneficial.

Cut 8 (10) “…to be done.”

Ebinger says she’s done prior studies using the equipment to examine the connection between earthquakes and wastewater injection, which is prevalent in states like Texas and Oklahoma where earthquake activity is increasing.

Cut 9 (14)  “…few near Coushatta.”

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The Department of Insurance releases its benchmarks for hurricane-only premium discounts for fortified roofs. Commissioner Tim Temple says there are a total of nine tiers, and they’re based on two factors.

Cut 10 (09) “…silver or gold.”

The silver and gold designations refer to higher levels of mitigation. The discounts on hurricane coverage range from 16-percent for those in north Louisiana with a base-level fortified roof to 49-percent for those in south Louisiana with a gold-level fortified roof. Temple says insurance companies looking to deviate from those discount percentages will need to justify their reasons.

Cut 11 (10) “…to pay claims.”

Temple says he hopes these discounts will be the overriding factor in convincing people – especially those along the coast – considering a fortified roof to make the move.

Cut 12 (09) “…in south Louisiana.”

The discounts take effect January 1st.

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The LSU men’s basketball team opens SEC Tournament play today against ninth-seeded Kentucky at 11:30 a.m. Today’s game could be the last for Matt McMahon as LSU’s head coach, as he holds a 17-and-54 record in SEC play over four seasons in Baton Rouge. However, Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau believes McMahon is likely to return next year due to LSU’s current financial situation.

Cut 13 (08)  “…overextended right now.”

Guilbeau says it may be too late to fire McMahon now and believes a better time would be next year, when LSU is in a stronger financial position.

Cut 14 (14) “…gets real expensive.”

If LSU ends up firing McMahon, Guilbeau says a reunion with Will Wade in Baton Rouge could be possible, given the support Wade has from the current administration.

Cut 15 (13) “…love at LSU.”

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The Saints’ several new free agency signings will become official at three p.m. today when the new NFL league year officially begins. New Orleans’ most notable addition is former Jaguars running back and Jennings native Travis Etienne. WWL Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak says Etienne is a great pickup.

Cut 16 (15) “…his four seasons.”

The Saints addressed a key positional need by signing offensive guard David Edwards. Edwards, who spent the past three seasons with Buffalo and won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2022, is expected to start at left guard. According to Nowak, his addition gives the offensive line the potential to be something special next season.

Cut 17 (14)  “…looking offensive line.”

New Orleans also reinforced its tight-end room by signing Noah Fant. Nowak says Fant is a versatile player who can be used in multiple ways in Kellen Moore’s offense.

Cut 18 (17)  “…on the field.”

Nowak says Etienne’s signing raises questions about what Alvin Kamara’s future in New Orleans might look like.

Cut 19 (14) “…next few months.”

A proposed Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge could be named after President Trump. The House Transportation Committee approved legislation by Monroe Representative Michael Echols to name the new bridge the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. The vote was 12-2. Echols says naming the bridge after the President could result in securing the needed three-billion dollars in federal funding for construction.

Cut 25 (12) “…of that reality”

Shreveport Democrat Joy Walters voted against the bill, suggesting that it’s an idea that should come from Louisiana’s Congressional delegation. She also asked Echols if he was trying to score political points for his Congressional campaign…

Cut 5 (10) “…his attention.”

Governor Landry used his State of the State address to push for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. Landry says the amendment would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana which would free up money for teacher pay raises…

Cut 26 (10) “…responsibly funded.”

As debate over funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program gets underway in the legislature, one poll indicates that the program is popular among Louisiana voters. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says its first quarter Pelican Pulse Poll shows that 61-percent support the program. She says the biggest benefit is that it puts parents squarely in control of their children’s education.

Cut 4 (08) “…child’s unique needs.”

Governor Jeff Landry hits on crime, education and inspection stickers in his rundown of legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A huge cockfighting bust in St. Landry Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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One of the best running backs in Louisiana high school football history is returning to his home state to play for the Saints. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Governor Jeff Landry laid out his legislative priorities for the 2026 session that got underway on Monday. Landry, who pushed tough-on-crime legislation in his first year in office, would now like lawmakers to approve a measure that allows the governor to recommend the removal of judges.

Cut 4 (16) “…they are incompetent!”

Landry used the murder of Jacob Carter as evidence that the legislature needs to pass this proposed constitutional amendment. The out-of-state tourist was killed during a robbery in the French Quarter in 2024. The teenager wore an electronic ankle monitor after he was arrested with guns and drugs, but the battery was dead when he shot Carter in the back.

Landry is also pushing for the approval of House Bill 838, which would eliminate the need for Louisiana residents to get an inspection sticker for non-commercial vehicles.

Cut 5 (14) “…only six dollars.”

The governor says the QR code can provide instant information to law enforcement about ownership, year, make, model, and, eventually, insurance coverage.

And despite Senate President Cameron Henry’s opposition to increasing funding for the state’s education voucher program known as LA GATOR, Landry called on legislators to strengthen it. Henry has expressed concern about the program becoming unaffordable, but Landry does not see it that way.

Cut 6 (08) “…controlling the cost.”

Landry’s budget proposal calls for the state funding for LA GATOR to double from 44-million dollars to 88-million dollars.

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The group Louisiana Progress is working with lawmakers on what it calls its “affordability agenda.” Executive Director Peter Robins-Brown says the costs of essentials are spiraling out of control, and it didn’t happen overnight.

Cut 7 (11) “…five, six years.”

Robins-Brown says Progress Louisiana is backing 16 bills addressing a wide range of issues that are costing Louisianans a disproportionate amount of their hard-earned money.

Cut 8 (10) “…health care costs.”

Robins-Brown says they are pushing legislation to reduce the fines a driver receives for allowing their auto insurance to lapse and they also want Louisiana to stop referring insurance-lapse debts to the state Office of Debt Recovery…

Cut 9 (08)  “…collection fee.”

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A major cockfighting bust in St. Landry Parish. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the raid happened over the weekend near Opelousas. (70 roosters seized; more than 60 people arrested.)

Cut 10 (08) “…that were participating.”

Sheriff Guidroz says the property owner, 36-year-old John Lachapelle, was the principal organizer. He’s facing felony charges, including cockfighting, possession of schedule two drugs and illegal carrying of weapons. Guidroz says it took a large team of deputies to carry out the raid.

Cut 11 (08) “…whole lot different.”

Despite St. Landry Parish being billed as the Cockfighting Capital of Louisiana, cockfighting remains illegal throughout the state and the country. Guidroz says as long as that’s the case, and he does not foresee that changing anytime soon, he will vigorously enforce the law.

Cut 12 (11) “…to tolerate it.”

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The Saints were active on the first day of the NFL free agency period. Their two biggest additions were running back Travis Etienne and veteran offensive guard David Edwards. Matt Paras of The Advocate says both players are strong pieces to build around quarterback Tyler Shough and should help address the issues with the run game from last season.

Cut 13 (11)  “…Saints this offseason.”

After playing eight seasons with the Saints, veteran linebacker Demario Davis is leaving New Orleans. Davis signed a reported two-year, $22 million deal with the New York Jets on Monday. Paras says Davis, who led the team in tackles this season, will be hard to replace.

Cut 14 (09) “…a bigger role.”

The Saints also signed former Tulane and Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright to a reported four-year deal worth $14 million. Paras says the move to make Wright the fourth-highest-paid punter in the NFL is justified.

Cut 15 (10) “…to solve it.”

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The LSU baseball team looks to get out of its offensive slump tonight as the Tigers host Creighton in their last game before SEC play. LSU had a total of nine hits in losses to  Sacramento State on Saturday and Sunday. Coach Jay Johnson wants his hitters to string together quality at-bats.

Cut 16 (10) “…couldn’t sustain anything.”

The Tigers are hitting .291 this season, which ranks 14th in the SEC. Johnson says his team needs to start taking more pitches to get into deeper counts.

Cut 17 (12)  “…you need baserunners.”

First pitch this evening is at 6:30.

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The UL-Lafayette baseball team is coming off a series win against Dallas Baptist. The Cajuns will play five games at home this weekend, starting with Texas Rio Grande Valley tonight. Head Coach Matt Deggs says his team has to do four things well in order to continue being successful this season.

Cut 18 (18)  “…three-run game.”

UL-Lafayette currently holds the number-12 RPI but remains unranked after opening the season 12-and-4. Deggs doesn’t want his team looking too far ahead and believes the Cajuns must focus on controlling what they can and continuing to improve each day as a team.

Cut 19 (13) “…or lose focus.”

First pitch this evening is at six.

Governor Landry laid out his legislative priorities for the 2026 session that got underway Monday. Landry, who pushed tough on crime legislation in his first year in office, now would like lawmakers to approve a measure that would give the governor the ability to recommend the removal of judges.

Cut 4 (16) “…incompetent.”

Landry also used his State of the State address to tout the successes of his administration, saying the state has made strides in improving literacy.

Cut 14 (14) “…math and reading.”

Landry also touted 100-billion dollars in economic development projects his administration has achieved.

The group Louisiana Progress is working with lawmakers on what it calls its “affordability agenda.” Executive Director Peter Robins-Brown says the costs of essentials are spiraling out of control, and it didn’t happen overnight.

Cut 7 (11) “…five, six years.”

Robins-Brown says Progress Louisiana is backing 16 bills addressing a wide range of issues that are costing Louisianans a disproportionate amount of their hard-earned money. He says these bills are being sponsored by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, which speaks to the fact that affordability affects everyone from all walks of life.

Cut 9 (05)  “…it’s everybody.”

Progress Louisiana says the group could back additional bills as the session moves forward.

Governor Jeff Landry opened the 2026 legislative session by delivering his State of the State address. Landry told a joint session of the legislature that he’s pleased to see auto insurance rates coming down.

Cut 13 (10) “…go back up.”

Landry also touted the successes of his administration, including 100-billion dollars in economic development projects.

Things are back to normal at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, but that certainly wasn’t the case this weekend, as lines to the TSA checkpoint were backed up all the way to the parking garage at times. Deputy Aviation Director Erin Burns says if it wasn’t for the dedicated airport staff and the understanding traveling public, that could have made for a very chaotic scene.

Cut 4 (09) “…efficiently as possible.”

Plastic crows are the latest instrument used in the effort to smuggle drugs and tobacco into the Federal Prison in Grant Parish. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The district attorney in East Baton Rouge Parish says he’s aggressively prosecuting a 22-year-old man accused of raping a 94-year-old woman. Jeremiah Taylor is charged with first-degree rape and other charges. Earlier this year, Taylor was released from prison after charges in a similar case were dismissed.

The legislative session is underway. It opened as it always does, with the governor addressing a joint session of lawmakers. This year, lawmakers have a wide range of bills to consider. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics-dot-com says more insurance reform legislation is on the horizon.

Cut 23 (09)  “…auto insurance.”

The session must end by June 1st.

Gas prices continue to soar across the state, with regular unleaded now averaging $3.05 a gallon. Don Redman with Triple-A says the reason is not because the war in Iran is causing a drop in oil production; rather, it’s because it’s cutting off a major shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing tankers to find a different route to North America.

Cut 6 (08) “…start falling down.”

Two Texas women are under arrest for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs and contraband into the federal prison in Grant Parish by stuffing them inside crow decoys and dropping them via drones. Sheriff Steven McCain says it’s the latest creative attempt at this; last year, two men used a cannon to get meth and tobacco into the prison.

Cut 11 (08) “…get caught.”

Another water main break in uptown New Orleans leads to a widespread boil water advisory. Kaitlyn Tymrak, the interim general superintendent of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, says it was issued for much of the East Bank, including some of the most heavily populated and visited areas.

Cut 8 (10) “…New Orleans East.”

A new legislative session is now underway. Governor Landry is addressing a joint session of lawmakers to kick off the session. Among the bills lawmakers will consider is one from River Ridge Republican Senator Kirk Talbot, who’s seeking to make fortified roofs mandatory on all new construction homes. As filed, Senate Bill 147 applies statewide, but Talbot plans on narrowing that down.

Cut 12 (05) “…for new construction.” 

Uptown New Orleans has been dealing with a series of water main breaks in recent months. The latest happened overnight, when a 48-inch main ruptured. Councilwoman Aimee McCarron visited a woman who lives at the intersection of where it happened.

Cut 7 (11) “…be flooded too.”

A boil water advisory has been issued for much of the East Bank, including the French Quarter and the Central Business District.

Plastic crows are the latest instrument used in the effort to smuggle drugs and tobacco into the Federal Prison in Grant Parish. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The Saints are getting some much-needed help in the backfield, landing free agent running back Travis Etienne. The Jennings native will be moving closer to home after spending his first four seasons with the Jaguars. Speaking of homecomings, former Saints linebacker Demario Davis is signing with the Jets, marking his third stint with the team.