Almost two weeks ago, Bill Cassidy challenged Julia Letlow to three debates ahead of the May 16th primary. So far, Letlow hasn’t committed to any one of them. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says with Letlow being the endorsed candidate of President Trump, what she’s doing is not uncommon.

Cut 6 (07) “…to disrupt things.”

A bill making what’s known as stolen valor a crime in Louisiana cleared the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House. While stolen valor is a federal offense, there is currently no stolen valor law in Louisiana. And Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says bringing a federal complaint against someone misrepresenting military service can be a waste of time.

Cut 4 (07) “…types of cases.”

Depending on the severity, penalties range from small fines to five years in prison.

Tomorrow’s hearing in the U-L system’s lawsuit against Conference USA in Lincoln Parish is off. Andre Champagne reports on the latest in Louisiana Tech’s quest to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt for the 2026 football season.

Cut (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A recent increase in the use of vape products has led to an increase in police presence at one high school in central Louisiana. This is happening at Natchitoches Central High School, where the sheriff’s office is using K9 units to search the campus.

Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed tells lawmakers that many public universities and colleges are struggling financially. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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When it comes to the best states for doctors, Louisiana ranks surprisingly high. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Tomorrow’s hearing in the U-L system’s lawsuit against Conference USA in Lincoln Parish is off. Andre Champagne reports on the latest in Louisiana Tech’s quest to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt for the 2026 football season.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed tells lawmakers that state funding for universities and colleges is not where it needs to be, as regional institutions in particular are struggling. Reed is calling on legislators to provide at least an additional 119-million dollars in state funding for higher ed.

Cut 4 (11) “…that are challenged.”

Reed says higher ed is 869-million dollars short of being fully funded. And that’s despite the closure of hundreds of programs. She says there are several reasons why regional schools are struggling — inflation and enrollment dips can throw off their budgets.

Cut 5 (11) “…impact the institutions.”

Reed also points out that in 2009, 59-percent of higher education’s funding came from state funding. Now it’s down to 26-percent. Money from tuition makes up 60-percent of the funding for higher education; so when enrollment goes down, so do revenues.

Reed says institutions are also feeling the pressure because athletic expenses are increasing.

Cut 6 (11) “…of the institution.”

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The May 16th primary is about two months away, and Secretary of State Nancy Landry is urging voters to check their party affiliation on their voter registration. Landry says the May 16th primary is closed, which means only registered Republican voters or no-party voters can vote in the Republican primary, and only registered Democrats or no-party voters can vote in the Democratic primary.

Cut 7 (10) “…be affiliated with.”

Landry says no-party voters can declare on the day they vote if they want to vote in the Republican or the Democratic primary.

Cut 8 (09) “…no party ballot?”

The Senate Republican primary is expected to go into a run-off, which will be held on June 27th. Landry says if you vote in the Democratic primary in May, you can’t switch and vote in the Republican primary in June.

Cut 9 (12)  “…open general election.”

The deadline to register for the May 16th primary election is April 15th in person or by mail. April 25th is the deadline to do it at geauxvote-dot-com.

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Where does Louisiana rank for doctors to practice in? A new report by WalletHub has Louisiana at third overall in the country, behind only Montana and Indiana. WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo says one key reason is Louisiana’s relatively low cost of living, which makes it much more attractive for a young doctor saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans.

Cut 10 (12) “…Manhattan, New York.”

The states were ranked on 19 metrics, including average annual salaries, the number of hospitals per capita and the quality of public hospital systems. Another metric is projected supply of physicians by 2032, for which Lupo says Louisiana ranks third.

Cut 11 (10) “…in rural areas.”

Lupo says Louisiana is also doing a good job in retaining young doctors who had just completed their residencies, ranking 19th in the country.

Cut 12 (11) “…tend to stay.”

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Tomorrow’s hearing in Lincoln Parish in the U-L system’s lawsuit against Conference USA is cancelled. The U-L system filed the lawsuit on behalf of Louisiana Tech in its quest to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt for the 2026 football season. Matt Bellinson, a reporter with the Ruston Daily Leader, says Conference USA has filed a motion to move the case to federal court.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the federal level.”

All this comes as Conference USA and the Sun Belt each released schedules that include Louisiana Tech. Bellinson says he believes Conference USA is trying to extract as much money from Louisiana Tech as possible before its inevitable exit.

Cut 14 (06) “…in this league.”

Bellinson says even before it had issued its press release last week announcing that it plans on playing the Sun Belt schedule, Tech made it perfectly clear which direction it had planned on going.

Cut 15 (08) “…the Sun Belt.”

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Saints veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan made some notable comments regarding free agency on Terron Armstead’s “The Set” podcast on Monday. Jordan said that just because he loves the city of New Orleans doesn’t mean the city or the organization has to love him back. Matt Paras, who covers the Saints for The Baton Rouge Advocate, says Jordan sounds open to leaving the Saints.

Cut 16 (14) “…of it all.”

Recording another 10 to 13 sacks next season will be important for Jordan moving forward, and that production could influence where he plays next. Paras notes that his role in New Orleans may not be as extensive as it has been in previous years.

Cut 17 (13)  “…fourth pass rusher.”

Jordan currently ranks 19th on the all-time sack list with 132. While he could become one of the few defensive linemen to spend his entire career with one team, Paras believes Jordan’s priorities have shifted from where they were a couple of years ago.

Cut 18 (10)  “…a Super Bowl.”

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The Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team will participate in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament after missing out on the NCAA Tournament. Even though the Lady Techsters didn’t make the big dance, head coach Brooke Stoehr (“store”) doesn’t want her players to forget the special things they were able to do this season.

Cut 19 (20) “…what they’ve accomplished.”

The Lady Techsters will face Rice in the WBIT first round tomorrow at seven p.m. Stoehr says that while it’s not the NCAA Tournament, she still believes there is value in continuing to compete in the postseason and extending the season with her team.

Cut 20 (10) “…pursue a championship.”

Last season, Tech reached the Final Four of the women’s NIT.

Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed tells lawmakers that state funding for universities and colleges is not where it needs to be. Reed says regional institutions in particular are struggling. She’s calling on legislators to provide at least an additional 119-million dollars in state funding for higher ed…

Cut 4 (12) “…are challenged.”

Reed says higher ed is 869-million dollars short of being fully funded. And that’s despite the closure of hundreds of programs. She says there are several reasons why regional schools are struggling, inflation and enrollment dips can throw off their budgets.

Cut 5 (12) “…institutions.”

A bill that would have made it a crime to aggressively throw an object from a parade float to cause an injury has been withdrawn. LaPlace Representative Sylvia Taylor had filed the bill in the wake of several incidents in which people aboard floats aggressively threw beads and other objects at people along the route.

The May 16th primary is about two months away, and Secretary of State Nancy Landry is urging voters to check their party affiliation on their voter registrations. Only registered Republican voters or no-party voters can vote in the Republican primary, and only registered Democrats or no-party voters can vote in the Democratic Primary….

Cut 7 (10) “…affiliated with.”

Landry says no party voters can declare on the day they vote, if they want to vote in the Republican Primary or the Democratic Primary…

Cut 8 (08) “…and June.”

Thursday’s hearing in Lincoln Parish in the U-L system’s lawsuit against Conference USA is cancelled. The U-L system filed the lawsuit on behalf of Louisiana Tech in its quest to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt for the 2026 football season. Matt Bellinson, a reporter with the Ruston Daily Leader, says Conference USA has filed a motion to move the case to federal court.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the federal level.”

For the second year in a row, Southern University’s college of nursing is rated as the nation’s best by Nurse.org. Sandra Brown, the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, says nursing has been a part of Southern’s campus culture for more than 40 years. 

Cut 3 (09) “…everything we do.”

Southern produces the largest number of Black nurses in the state.

Julia Letlow’s Senate campaign publishes a poll showing her in the lead in the Republican Primary. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

If you’re having trouble accessing the official OMV website, the reason is you should update your bookmark. It’s still expresslane-dot-la, but the domain extension changed this week from dot-org to dot-gov. OMV says the change reinforces the agency’s official government status and strengthens cybersecurity protections.

It’s shaping up to be a record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day – and not the records that we would like to see broken. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Lake Charles set a new record this morning with a low of 33; and moving further north, a couple cities got to the freezing mark and below.

Cut 7 (12) “…previously in 1978.”

For the second year in a row, Southern University’s college of nursing is rated as the nation’s best by Nurse.org. Sandra Brown, the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, says one thing that’s been very beneficial to Southern’s nursing program has been the community partnerships.

Cut 4 (10) “…to train on.”

Julia Letlow’s Senate campaign publishes a poll showing her in the lead in the Senate Republican Primary. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A bill that would have made it a crime to aggressively throw an object from a parade float to cause an injury has been withdrawn. LaPlace Representative Sylvia Taylor had filed the bill in the wake of several incidents in which people aboard floats aggressively threw beads and other objects at people along the route.

The House Transportation Committee put the brakes on a bill that would have allowed law enforcement to fine pedestrians 25 dollars if they’re caught looking at their phones while walking in a crosswalk. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, few states do it better than Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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McNeese is in uncharted territory with its third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament berth. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports Governor Jeff Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR Program. The program provides low income families with state dollars that can be used to pay for private school tuition. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says McMahon’s endorsement is a big deal.

Cut 4 (07) “…this incredibly serious.”

The state is spending 44-million dollars on the program this school year, and the money is helping 56-hundred families. Landry has asked lawmakers to increase the funding to 88-million dollars, but Senate President Cameron Henry has expressed concern that the program could get too big to afford. Alford says L-A GATOR also has public backing.

Cut 5 (08) “…of the compromise.”

Landry believes families should pick a school that best fits their child’s needs, but Henry is concerned about how the state can pay for it if you add another 56-hundred families to the program. Alford says it’s a debate to watch during this legislative session.

Cut 6 (09) “…wait and see.”

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The Louisiana House Transportation Committee rejects a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group testified against the legislation.

Cut 7 (07) “…this state make.”

Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham authored the legislation. Bayham says he did not create the legislation as a way to generate revenue; instead, it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.

Cut 8 (12) “…expensive accidents happening.”

No one on the House Transportation Committee voted for the bill. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says the legislation is government overreach.

Cut 9 (06)  “…their own body.”

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When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, Louisiana sets the standard. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, the tax credit program director of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, says since 2021, Louisiana has rehabilitated more than 400 historic buildings, including several in New Orleans.

Cut 10 (07) “…couple years ago.”

Last year, Louisiana completed 94 projects using federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings. That’s the second most in the country, ranking only behind New York. McCarthy says in order to qualify for the tax incentive, the rehabilitated building must produce income, like a hotel, and it has to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cut 11 (06) “…Register Historic District.”

McCarthy says the money can be used for projects both small and large, as evidenced by a massive project happening in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood.

Cut 12 (11) “…of the country.”

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The McNeese Cowboys are preparing to play in their third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The South Region’s 12 seed takes on Vanderbilt Thursday afternoon in Oklahoma City. McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer says McNeese is setting the standard for programs of its stature.

Cut 13 (13)  “…in the country.”

Schroyer says McNeese’s success is forcing everyone else in the Southland Conference to play catch-up.

Cut 14 (10) “…men’s basketball program.”

Schroyer says with three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the men’s basketball team needs to keep it going, and it takes the support of the Lake Charles community to accomplish that.

Cut 15 (10) “…do it again.”

Last year, McNeese won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game when they upset Clemson in the First Round as a 12 seed.

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The U-L baseball team is ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2024. The Cajuns entered this week’s polls at number-25 in the D1Baseball rankings, number-22 in the Perfect Game rankings and number-25 in the National College Baseball Association rankings. Head Coach Matt Deggs says he’s happy for his players and the fans.

Cut 16 (19) “…to do more.”

The Cajuns will look to stay hot this week in Texas, beginning with a trip to Houston Wednesday before heading to Texas State for a weekend series.

Left-handed graduate student Andrew Hermann tossed his second complete game of the season in the Cajuns’ 4-3 win over South Alabama Saturday. Deggs says his unpredictability makes him extremely difficult for hitters.

Cut 17 (15)  “…his work ethic.”

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The ULM baseball team completed a series sweep of Texas State this past weekend to open conference play. The Warhawks scored 36 runs in the series, and head coach Ford Pemberton says he was proud of the way his team battled at the plate.

Cut 18 (14)  “…get caught once.”

ULM used only six pitchers against Texas State. Pemberton says the weekend was a step in the right direction for the pitching staff.

Cut 19 (08) “…improve even more.”

The Warhawks will host New Orleans tomorrow at 6 p-m.

Cut 25 (03) (fade and use as bed)

And when you’re walking to New Orleans, you can continue to stare at your phones while crossing crosswalks. That’s because the House Transportation Committee nixed a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for doing so. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham authored the legislation. He told the committee he did not create it as a way to generate revenue; instead, it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.

Cut 8 (12) “…accidents happening.” (2x) 

Bayham’s argument fell on deaf ears, though – no one on the committee voted for the bill. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says the legislation amounted to government overreach.

Cut 9 (06)  “…own body.”

U-S Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports Governor Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the LA GATOR program. The program provides low-income families with state dollars that can be used to pay for private school tuition. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says McMahon’s endorsement is a big deal.

Cut 4 (08) “…incredibly serious”

Democrats in the legislature say their agenda in this year’s session will focus on affordability. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Kyle Green says while that includes things like prices we pay at the grocery stores and at the gas pumps, what it will not include in this session is a possible reduction in sales taxes.

Cut 4 (11) “…a budget shortfall.”

Cut 25 (03) (Fade and use as bed)

Indeed, what a difference a day makes, as Mother Nature is giving Louisiana one last dose of winter in the final week of the season. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim:

Cut 9 (10)  “…temperatures.”

Whereas yesterday’s highs were in the 80s; today, the temperature only got up into the 50s throughout much of the state.

For Democrats in the legislature, there’s one issue that stands out over all others as the legislative session enters its second week.

Cut 3 (09) “…as a whole.”

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Kyle Green says while that includes things like prices we pay at the grocery stores and at the gas pumps, what it will not include in this session is a possible reduction in sales taxes. He says that’s because there’s talk about phasing out the income tax.

The state transportation department plans to pick a location for a new Mississippi River Bridge in the Baton Rouge area by the end of this year. Secretary Glenn Ledet says DOTD expects to present the final preferred location as part of an Environmental Assessment by December.

Cut 7 (12) “…environmental assessment.”

The McNeese Cowboys are preparing to play in their third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The South Region’s 12 seed takes on Vanderbilt Thursday afternoon in Oklahoma City. McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer says McNe

This is the final week of winter, and Old Man Winter has one more thing up his sleeve before he packs up and goes home for the year. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says while high temperatures were in the mid-80s yesterday, today they are in the 50s and upper 40s for north Louisiana.

Cut 10 (10) “…top of that.”

Keim says temperatures will get below freezing tomorrow morning for north and central Louisiana.

Democrats in the legislature say their agenda in this year’s session will focus on affordability. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Kyle Green says while that includes things like prices we pay at the grocery stores and at the gas pumps, what it will not include in this session is a possible reduction in sales taxes.

Cut 4 (11) “…a budget shortfall.”

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office says the deaths of three people, including a six-year-old boy, near Youngsville appears to be a double murder-suicide. They say 36-year-old Brett Richardson shot his 33-year-old wife, Kasie, and their son before turning the gun on himself.

The state department of transportation hopes to identify the location for the proposed Mississippi River Bridge south of Baton Rouge by the end of the year. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Cut 25 (03) (Fade and use as bed)

Indeed, what a difference a day makes, as Mother Nature is giving Louisiana one last dose of winter in the final week of the season. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim:s.

Cut 9 (10)  “…temperatures.”

Keim says high temperatures were in the mid-80s yesterday, today they are in the 50s and upper 40s for north Louisiana.

For Democrats in the legislature, there’s one issue that stands out over all others as the legislative session enters its second week.

Cut 3 (09) “…as a whole.”

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Kyle Green says while that includes things like prices we pay at the grocery stores and at the gas pumps, what it will not include in this session is a possible reduction in sales taxes. He says that’s because there’s talk about phasing out the income tax.

Tiger Rag Magazine explains its involvement in a lawsuit against LSU over whether the athletic department’s direct payments to student athletes should be public. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Speaking of LSU, the Lady Tigers are the two seed in the Sacramento Two Region, and they open play in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament Friday evening against Jacksonville at the P-MAC. If they win, they face the winner of Texas Tech-Villanova.